K&N Air Filter Question

[JeffreyLF]

I own a 2001 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible
I am wanting to use a K&N Air Filter and my mechanic has advised me not to do so, because the Filter has oil on it.
I'm trying to use 33-2165 (https://www.knfilters.com/air-filter...ent-air-filter) and am wondering if it will cause any damage if I do.
Has anyone used one on theirs before, or know if it will cause any damage?

[rich1068]

I've not used one on this particular car but I have used them on Volvos, VWs, Skodas, Lexus, all sorts. They're one of those cheap mods that make you feel like you've done something when in fact you haven't really and the stock paper unit is probably better Apologies if you know this already and just want to go ahead anyway. As I said, I've used them loads of times!

But re: oil. Yes they are oiled but the chances of this causing problems are miniscule to non-existent. It's a bit of an internet forum thing that oiled filters coat your MAF in oil and all that. But it's just something that gets repeated because someone read it somewhere. It's like Chinese Whispers.

Upshot, fit it if you want.

[Dave T]

I have heard of oil from an air filter fouling up air mass meters in several different brands of cars. I have never used K&N for that reason.

[Polestar]

I use K&N in everything with positive results. The idea that an oiled air filter will foul the MAF is an "urban myth". No evidence to that effect has ever been demonstrated, even when the filter was over oiled. A myth started by car manufactures to keep one buying the OEM filter and try to default on warranty claims. K&N has tested MAFs after coating them on purpose with their filter oil. The MAF functions normally. However, the oil from the filter does not contaminate the MAF in any case. Read: https://www.knfilters.com/maf/massair.htm

[rich1068]

Not sure I'd go with the car manufacturer conspiracy bit but yeah, pretty much what I said.

[macfarl99]

I recently installed a K&N panel filter in my 9-3 on the advice of a car enthusiast neighbour. Some time later I noticed slight hesitation in the engine when under load. Over months this worsened to the point where the engine would misfire travelling up hills; the engine eventually threw a P0300 diagnostic code.

I stumbled across the "K&N filters stuff your MAF sensor" controversy in various forums and decided to clean the MAF sensor and put the original filter back in. The engine now runs like new. I'm about the dismantle the air box and wash it to remove any residual oil.

It could all be co-incidence. The MAF sensor might have been getting dirty for some other reason and installing the K&N filter was incidental - I'll guess I'll find out. I know I won't be installing a K&N panel filter again just for kicks.

This post in the benzworld forum gives food for thought:

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/do...8/post-1933194