Over the weekend I had the hood popped and noted how dirty my KN filter was. On further inspection, the thing was freaking filthy. I'll be honest, I've never cleaned the thing other than shaking it out a couple times after buying it two years and 28K miles ago. I put in the OEM filter which still looks new and I decided to inspect the MAF sensor. It looked clean, but I decided to clean the sensor wire and plate element with a Q-tip and isopropyl alcohol. The Q-tip showed some slight residue/grim, but nothing alarming. I buttoned everything up and went for a spin. The car definitely felt more responsive, but I figured it was in my head even though I'm extremely critical of any changes I make to the car. The next day the car still felt really good. And even yesterday in much warmer temps, the car felt great. I must say I'm a bit shocked at the difference. It's probably because that KN filter was a bit clogged up (there was actually a layer of residue across the filter pleats). I think I'm done with the KN filters because I'm a bit worried about the cleaning kits and the MAF. These Japanese MAF sensors seem to be too tempermental therefore I might stick with stock or maybe an Amsoil filter.

 

try amsoil. no oil required.

 

Dave. I cleaned my maf back in the frenzy. Mine was clean and I didn't notice any difference. But I'll bet the reason why the car felt better is because the K&N was dirty. This panel filter seems to get dirty alot faster than the maxima (even though they are the same p/n). Must be because of the fresh air ducting directly into the box.

Clean the K&N and you'll notice the same improvement. IMHO, it should be cleaned every 10k.

 

I have the K&N panel filter too. I've been trying to decide whether or not to keep it. The issue I have is that it just doesn't filter as well as the OEM. Is it worth it?? Probably not.

 

You do realize you are supposed to clean it every 10k miles? And if you stick with the stock filter you do have to change it occasionally( not sure on the interval, but 10k miles would be a decent guess)

 

According to K&N, the standard service interval is 50K miles.

 

Hmm, I was just going by the K&N cone I had on my old car which recommend 10k cleanings....

 

Ok, from the K&N website (www.knfilters.com):

So, at 28k, you were about in the cleaning interval...

 

I'll put in another vote on this one, I've got two that I swap back and forth (because the stock air box is a pain) for my 06 x.

I believe they also say that it can be as low as 100 miles if you happen to live in a very dusty location...

 

Anybody else have some findings re: the Amsoil filter re: performance, lack of MAF problems, filtering efficiency? Thanks.

 

I have a K&N filter in the stock air box and noticed a performance improvement when I cleaned my MAF sensor. I sprayed mine with CRC MAF Sensor spray. I'm not sure I'd stick anything in near the wire.