BMW performance intake filter element replacement

[NorCalZman]

I see that BMW has discontinued the filter replacements for the performance intake. Napa Gold 6301 was identified as a good replacement but Im not finding that online either and they dont seem to have a “superseded by’ or other cross reference on the Napa website.

Does not appear anyone has found a good replacement in the last few years and shared it on the forums (all the threads Im finding are from 2015 or earlier).

Any other Performance Intake owners here? Found a new replacement filter recently?

“The Performance filter measures 10.5 X 6.625 inches”

[BADCLOWN]

I also wouldn’t mind knowing what is a good filter to use, mine probably needs replacing

[John in VA]

I bought the NAPA filter at their store several years ago but haven't installed the intake yet! Wish I'd purchase more than one.

https://www.airfilter-crossreference.com/convert/NAPA/6301

[t.er]

I replaced mine late last year, used the Fram CA7598 and it fit perfectly

[NorCalZman]

Thanks guys. That cross reference site is genius and looks like the Fram filter is on the list too.

How often do you guys change your filter?

[NorCalZman]

Full list
NAPA Gold 6301: Discontinued
AC Delco A1233C (is this GM’s manufacturer brand?)
Baldwin PA4079
CARQUEST 88301
Chevrolet 25099735
Donaldson P778833
Fram CA7598
Hastings AF190
K & N 33-2068
Luber Finer AF7873
PUROLATOR A24881
Specter HPR7598
WIX 46301 Discontinued
MAHLE LX2931 If we want to keep things German, this is an option. BUT Im having trouble finding it online.

I might suggest you guys buy a few filters of your choice as these seem to be mainly for OLD GM cars and they are being discontinued.

In my boredom while drinking my tea this morning I did some digging on testing and found an interesting YouTube video about engine air filters, in which he tested Fram, WIX, K&N, Purloator, and a few others.

https://youtu.be/sJ3L-E-ufYo?si=8qX27nLr0wbObU2-

Long story short, despite having some of the least filter pleats, the WIX filtered out particles the best while also showing some of the best 0-60 times in the test vehicle.

I think I am going to buy a few WIX 46301 filters for storage. Edit: Looks like WIX has stopped making the 46301 filter but there were a few new old stock on amazon so I bought them. Napa sells something under the Proformer name under part 26301 that has similar dimensions so I’ll order that and compare it to the WIX filters I found online and report back. Though, it is a lot cheaper than the WIX was so Im going to guess the quality is not as good.

[GeorgeH]

I'm using a Mahle LX2931 and it fits pretty well, not perfect, but it definitely seals.

[NorCalZman]

I'm using a Mahle LX2931 and it fits pretty well, not perfect, but it definitely seals.

Where do you buy it? I am unable to find it in stock.

[John in VA]

Where do you buy it? I am unable to find it in stock.
Eight affordable on eBay:
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2332490.m570.l1313&_nkw=mahle+lx2931&_sacat=0

Special order from Summit Racing: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mah-lx2931

[GeorgeH]

WorldPac which is a wholesale only parts seller. I can send you one, but it would be expensive.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/mahle+/+clevite,LX2931,air+filter,6192

[NorCalZman]

Ok I found a bunch of filters recently that supposedly fit the Performance Intake and here's the comparisons. I cant tell if the filters have date stamps or just random serial numbers so I cannot be sure what year they were made.Im not sure if more pleats equals better filtering but I counted them anyway.
1) NAPA ProSelect: 98 Pleats. Made in China. No metal reinforcement on the back so very flimsy. Rubber is super soft. Filter medium seemed shorter than the others. This was the cheapest filter I bought.
2) WIX (orange filter): 95 Pleats. Made in China. metal reinforcement on back. Rubber is super soft.
3) WIX (white filter): 83 Pleats. Made in USA. Metal reinforcement on back. Rubber is stiffer than WIX orange.
4) MAHLE: 93 Pleats. Made in China. Metal reinforcement on back. Rubber is equal stiffness to WIX white.
5) Purolater: 62 Pleats. Made in USA. Metal reinforcement on back. rubber is medium stiffness. I was surprised at this one. According to that YouTube video I linked above, the Purolater filtered better than most others, like the WIX. Has much less pleats than the others. Maybe that does not mean much for the performance.

Any questions just ask!


https://i.ibb.co/1zpx4tR/IMG-3876.jpg (https://ibb.co/z6LwtTP)

https://i.ibb.co/f44SHyf/IMG-3877.jpg (https://ibb.co/yWWRqZt)

https://i.ibb.co/zx0X6TN/IMG-3878.jpg (https://ibb.co/B3Syn5w)

[John in VA]

Does the metal reinforcement mesh prevent any filter from fitting into the performance airbox?

[NorCalZman]

Does the metal reinforcement mesh prevent any filter from fitting into the performance airbox?

I haven’t changed my filter yet but I would not think so. I was able to bend few of them into shape without much effort

[BADCLOWN]

What’s the recommendation based off all the ones you bought?

[NorCalZman]

What’s the recommendation based off all the ones you bought?

Im not a filter expert but.....
The WIX filters are no longer produced so you probably cannot find them, but everything I read about them says they are really high quality filters.
that Napa ProSelect filter I was not impressed with (size of pleats, cost of filter itself, etc) so I probably will not use that one.
the MAHLE filters I would use since they are a German OEM brand
The Purolator got good marks in that YouTube video above but it has the least amount of pleats so not sure.

[BADCLOWN]

Where did you get the mahle filter at, eBay?

[NorCalZman]

Where did you get the mahle filter at, eBay?

rock auto