I have a 2013 MCS and I am looking at air filters but not sure I really care about the cone intake systems so I am think just getting a panel filter. I wanted to get some feedback on some of the filter types out there.

1. Defenders of Speed - Dry (no oil) Panel Filter
2. Alta - Foam Panel Filter
3. K&N - Fabric Panel Filter

Any feedback would be great. Thanks

 

Had all 3 (plus a cone), go w/ the DoS (aFe Dry S) or K&N. I'd skip the foam, it caused wierd hesitation at high rpm.

 

Take your pick, it's all good as long as you can clean and reuse it. I have an alta foam and it works just fine on my 11. As you may know do not over oil any of the oil filters, as a matter of fact I blot with a clean cloth the oil out of my new filters. I have found they come over oiled. I have used the dry filers on other platforms over the years but have found that oiled filters last longer, other than that not much else to know.

 

K&n.

 

I would (did) personally go for the DoS CAI. That said, I was one of the ones who pushed Clint (owns DoS) to add dry filters. I know that he went through spent much time and some heartache insuring that he received quality. If you insist on replacing your OEM filter, I would go with DoS.

 

We sell both a Dry panel filter and K&N filter for your MINI. It really is a personal choice and what each person believes is better. If you look around for data each company has data proving their filter is better, and data showing the other is worse. I've found both work fine with no issues and wouldn't worry about either one of those.

FYI the 2011 add on JCW kit comes factory with a K&N filter in it.

 

That said.. can't go wrong with Way. I just know that Clint at DoS has spent much time and effort insuring that his parts are quality. Hell, I'm kinda responsible for putting him through some hell asking for it!

 

thanks for all the feedback. Is there really that much benefit in getting a full aftermarket intake kit? I had a WRX before and it did not do much at all for power. Is that the same for the MCS? If not then I think I might be going with the dry panel filter.

 

Nah,
Just sound. Powerwise I think there are a number of dynos but not worth it, IMHO anyway.

 

Agreed. I had a K&N Typhoon kit on my car and actually lost some low end punch. The sound was great but power was not improved. I went back to the factory set up and OEM filter. I ran a K&N panel filter for such a short period of time before landing the deal on the Typhoon kit. I don't recall any performance gain from the panel. I keep going back and forth on purchasing a high flow, reusable panel filter but just like the CAI research I keep reading mixed reviews. I'm not sure if I want to spend the money for no performance increase.

 

Bit the bullet and bought a DoS oil less panel filter.

 

Let us know how u like it when u get it.

 

I just received it today from DoS. I am in the dark by the time i get out of work so i won't have it installed until the weekend. I will keep you posted!

 

Let me know the results. I'd like to get something less restrictive for my 2013 R59 S.

 

I should have it installed tomorrow. I too am curious. I will post my thoughts.

 

I am using K&N panel. I can feel a little bit power grained cos' it use the OEM air box which keep the intake air cold enough for power. K&N says it needs to be re-oil after 50,000 miles. I don't worry over-oiled cos' I think 50,000 miles ....I will let it retired and just buy a new panel filter. Don't wanna damage the MAF due to over-oiled. The next filter will be Dry-Panel from DoS. Anyone using this dry-filter please give feedback here :-)

 

I have run K&N filters in all my past vehicles and have always been happy with them. I ran one in my mini for a short period of time before the CAI. Went back to the oem paper panel. Will report tomorrow after I test it out.

 

After you've tested the DoS panel filter, can you let me know if you can hear any turbo spool or blow off? I want to be able to hear those things, but I don't want to add a whole new CAI just to hear it!

 

I will let you all know. I loved the blow off sound from my CAI but actually felt a power loss. I hope to get at least a mild sound from this.

 

You'll get very little sound compared to open filters. You'll notice that with the stock air box and a K&N drop in...or even paper filter, the car will pull harder.

 

The exact reason I went back to the factory air box.

 

Well after a few put off days I finally dropped the dos panel filter in. I just took it out for a quick spin. I did notice the car pull a bit harder. I really didn't hear any intake noise. My quick spin was less than a mile so we will see what comes with a longer drive.

 

I felt with the panel filter my MINI pulled quicker but not a lot of power when I reach over 90mph. With my intake I don't have a lot of power or pull which ever you prefer til after 35mph. I feel the power expand when I reach higher speeds. Just my take I realized, anyone else check it?

 

Exactly what I felt, so I sold the open filter intake and went back to stock.

I like the lower end pull better.

The open intake made me feel like I was driving a Honda in a sense that I had to keep the rpms up much higher to achieve that same ooomph that the stock box has.

 

If you really want to know what filter/intake flows the best you would need to hook them up to a flow bench. If any of you kind people have one of those handy, please do us all a favor and hook up any intake you can get ahold of.