I am a firm believer in the notion that, to some extent, you get what you pay for.

Recently I did a service on my 07 Journey which included new spark plugs, air filters, oil, TB & MAF cleaning, etc...

When deciding on which products to purchase, it was pretty straight forward, except for the engine air filters.

I found a lot of them on eBay, including the K&N filters, and I eventually chose a $15 dollar pair "OEM style" and had em' shipped to me.

They looked and felt almost identical to the OEM air filters I pulled out, just not dirty, and not quite as much thickness on the sealant.

Well after a month or so of driving, I popped em out to take a peep and they looked weird.

Now while I don't know if this affects performance and efficacy of the air filters, it was enough to make me buy the actual OEM air filters at a loss of the original $15 I spent on these.

Included is a picture.

I will stick with OEM or better in the future.

Just wanted to throw this out there.



New OEM on left, old OEM in middle, New POS on the right.

 

Definitely wouldn't want that thing in my car. Its always a good idea never to skimp on air or oil filters.

 

I know right?!?!

The OEM set I bought were $35 dollars, so I thought saving $20 was a good idea, boy was I wrong.

I would assume there wasn't any damage to my car, but if they look that shitty after a month, imagine had I not checked it for a year or so!

 

Well, spending more doesn't always ensure you necessarily get more. Like most anything manufactured, there are good and bad examples; some made for a price, some for true performance. I highly doubt Infiniti makes their own air filters. Like most other car companies, they probably pay a manufacturer under contract to build a filter to their spec and put their brand name on them. They may even come from numerous manufacturers, but are consistent in spec. Now, that doesn't mean that the only way to get a good filter is to buy from the dealer. Sourcing a filter directly from one of those manufacturers that built the factory filter can result in your getting a filter that is inferior, equal to, or even superior to the factory part; IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE SPECS! If you don't know a good quality part or manufacturer fit to substitute from, then sure the factory air filter is dandy, but it's also really expensive! I recommend you try purchasing a WIX brand air filter (#49362). They are an excellent quality filter from an excellent quality company, easily equal or superior to the factory filter, and with a little shopping, they can be purchased for well under 10 bucks each.

.02

 

$35? Dang. Got mine for about $60

 

Just go with a K&N, you can clean it as often as you like. I've been pretty happy with mine.

 

I agree that Wix is a great filter and only $6.80 each at my online vendor. Been using them for years and they are great.

 

It really is true that in most cases, you get what you pay for. It especially applies to brakes and tires.

 

Would you use a billet reusable oil filter, say from Scott?