K&N Performance Filter vs. OEM Audi Filter
 

Audi B6 A4 FWD 1.8T > Search > Performance Filter > ES#3898 Performance Engine Air Filter - 332209

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Audi B6 A4 FWD 1.8T > Search > Air Filter > ES#263881 Air Filter - 06C133843

Simple question, for the prices listed.. is the KN performance filter really two times better than the audi oem filter?

And if so, why? To me it's just two air filters that work the same.

If anything you'll be better off with the factory intake.

both filters work just fine. I run a K&N drop in panel filter exactly like the one you linked to. the K&N filter "advertises" less restrictive airflow and can be cleaned and re-used. The OEM filter will start to get clogged after time and must be replaced.

If you go with the K&N filter, be sure to clean any of the excess oil off of it before you use it. There are reports of the K&N filter oil causing MAF problems. I've never had a problem and K&N denies that it happens but there are enough "stories" out there that make it plausible.

hope that helps

How many OEM air filters can you buy for one K&N? As for the "lower restriction" argument, it's a red herring; the K&N won't do squat to improve the performance of the car.

The upside to the K&N is that it's the last filter you'll buy. Over time it can save you money.

After what, like 150,000 miles? Seriously, if one is trying to "save money" by buying a K&N filter, the he or she shouldn't be driving an Audi of any stripe or vintage.

Nope, my point about saving a couple bucks is because at $50ish for the K&N vs $15-20 for a paper filter, it does save a few bucks after a few filter changes. Am I insinuating that it's a make-or-break money savings that should figure in when deciding on whether a person can afford an Audi? Of course not. I don't cheap out on my cars, but it doesn't mean I don't like keeping a couple bucks that I don't have to spend, especially since I'm not cutting corners or putting the car at risk. It's all personal preference. Use one if you like them for any reason, don't if you don't. Neither opinion/choice is going to affect the car adversely.

I compared the AFE Power(Dry) and K&N Air Filters. IMO I prefer the AFE because, you can certainly hear the engine breath more and has helped me with a few extra miles per gallon!

is that so ^?? where did u buy yours?

Sorry, not physically possible; modern fuel injected cars will return virtually identical fuel economy with a heavily restricted (i.e. dirty) filter, a clean OEM filter, a "low restriction" filter, or no filter at all.