Its time to change the r-53's air filter.

Are any NAM members using the stock air-box with a K & N drop in replacement ?

Any draw backs to this type of filter over the stock Mini filter ???

 

I had put one in a couple weeks ago and loved it. So much so in fact that i went out and I bought a complete KN CAi. Looks and works great.

 

There's no downside to installing a K&N filter.

But if your looking for HP, save your money and get an intake.

 

I believe that the K&N does not filter as well as stock. Plus you run the risk of over-oiling it and contaminating the MAF sensor.

Plus the one I tried in my "other car" didn't fit correctly and was generally a pain in the butt.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with stock-type paper-element filters.

 

ITG air filters are good but kinda costly at $65.
Google 'em.

 

I bought a K&N drop in filter it fits well. When you clean the filter do not over oil the filter.

 

I just dropped a K&N lifetime filter in my R50 a few days ago. I find it does what it claims; allows the engine to breathe with less restriction. It has smoothed out the throttle response and given it a hair more power across the band methinks.

It also changes the exhaust note outside the car at idle interestingly enough. It now has a pleasant little gurgle.

I bought mine off Amazon for $36 shipped. A small price to test a curiosity IMO.

 

I put an Alta Foam air filter in my MINI, I like it. I have K&N filters in all my other vehicles, they all work real well.

As I understand it, the way the MINI MAF sensor is positioned, makes it unlikely to be contaminated with any oil that might come from an over oiled air filter.

I think that you would really have to hose the filter down with oil before there would be any chance any oil would be released downstream of it. Just follow the instructions on the filter clean and re-oil kit and you'll be OK. As they come out of the box, they are oiled just right.

Dave