Which air filter for 2001 330CiC?

[desi330owner]

I need to replace the air filter in my 2001 330CiC. Which one is closest to the original factory installed filter?

Should i use K&N, FRAM, Mann or any other? How good are these? How frequently do you change the filter?

Thanks.

[bearing01]

I replaced my air filter around a month ago. I just bought it at a BMW dealer... around $35. I looked at Pepboys and Kragen (for a K&N, Fram) and could not find an after market one anywhere. You could order one online at some of the bmw parts suppliers or just go to your dealer.

I believe the inspection schedule indicates to replace the air filter during Inspection II ... which I think is crazy. It really depends on where you live / the air quality where you drive and how dirty your filter is. I recommend at least every 2 years. It's not expensive and it improves your gas milage / performance.

[desi330owner]

When i search various websites - autopartsauthority, bimmerzone, carparts4u for a filter for 2001 330CiC, they point me to a Mann filter for $15 on all websites. Will that not fit?

Was the dealer's filter any different from Mann? Why $35 vs $15?

Thanks.

[bearing01]

To correct my errors in my previous post. I was at work and provided you numbers from Memory.

These are the BMW OEM P/N's and price I paid in $USD at BMW of San Diego

13-72-1-744-869 Air Filter $21.74 + Tax
64-31-1-000-004 Microfilter $29.90 + Tax

You can go to Circle BMW and enter the above P/N's to determine the MSRP for these parts. If you do this you will find the Air Filter is $18 and the Microfilter is $26.

http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/price.htm

Order these parts from Circle BMW or Pacific BMW. You may get them cheaper but you will have shipping charges.

[desi330owner]

I went and got both from the dealer. The total price difference for microfilter and air filter compared to online retailers was $10. At least i got BMW branded stuff.
Thanks.

[FarhadBimmer]

I always bought the air filter from dealer since I didn't want to use Fram or motomaster ...

I just replaced my air filter with a K&N replacement element. So far I'm happy. in addition to giving me some more kicks in hp I can use it for 1000000 miles !!! so apparently saving is in it.