No additional performance – the ADAC has tested sports air filters!

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Many tuning enthusiasts dream of more power in their own vehicle Air Filter or Sport intake system grab. But the ADAC has now found in an extensive studythat hopes for a significant increase in performance usually remain unfulfilled. The test results suggest that the actual benefits of the products fall far short of expectations. The tests carried out with products from different manufacturers showed that even the most expensive Sports intake systems only led to a marginal increase in engine performance. This was so low that it couldn't even be measured on the dynamometer. In real acceleration measurements of 30 at 140 km / h The differences were only noticeable in tenths of a second.

ADAC test Air Filter

The product of Racingline R600 achieved with a “head StartThe best result of 5,57 meters compared to the original filter, which corresponds to a percentage increase of just 2,4 percent. However, the sports air filter led from Pipercross even to one Deterioration in performance, with a gap of -1,13 meters. And in addition to the sometimes disappointing increase in performance, the test revealed another weak point in the sports air filter: their filter performance.

With the exception of the cheap replacement filter from filters, which offered similar filter performance to the original, the tested sports filters let through significantly more particles. This could lead to increased engine wear as dust and dirt are ineffectively kept out. The finding is particularly alarming with regard to high-priced filter systems, some of which more than 900 EUR costs and therefore not only bring no measurable benefit, but also carry the risk of a shortened engine lifespan. If you still think about it, Sport intake system to install, you should be aware of the legal consequences.

Registration is often necessary

According to ADAC, registration is required for such systems. Failure to comply can result in: Expiry of the operating license lead. There is also a risk that the manufacturer's warranty and liability for material defects will be lost by installing a non-standard air filter, especially if the new air filter is used does not have approval from the manufacturer. The ADAC results suggest that sports air filters and sports intake systems represent more of a myth than an actual increase in performance. Tuners who aim to optimize the engine should therefore carefully consider whether investing in the products will really achieve the desired effect or whether the money and effort would be better invested in other tuning measures.

Warranty claims may be waived

• The installation of a sports air filter or sports intake system can result in warranty claims and/or liability for material defects being waived, especially if the product does not have a manufacturer approval or if there is no confirmation for the replacement filter in accordance with the EU Block Exemption Regulation.

Cleaning sports air filters: is it worth it?

• Sports air filters are more expensive to purchase than conventional filters, but can be cleaned and reused. However, the cleaning intervals are usually shorter than with original filters. According to calculations by the ADAC, cost savings through reusing sports air filters are only worthwhile after a mileage of 250.000 kilometers, which hardly justifies the expense of regular cleaning. Benefits so there is hardly any.

Tips for tuning fans

• During the guarantee and warranty period, give preference to original products or filters that have a block exemption regulation.
• Make sure that no dirt particles get into the air ducts when changing the filter.
• Before installing a new filter, carefully clean the inside of the filter housing without using brushes or compressed air.
• Please note the shortened maintenance intervals for sports air filters.

Air filter and TÜV

• Sports intake systems require registration and must be approved by the TÜV after installation and entered into the vehicle documents. This measure is necessary in order not to endanger the operating license of the vehicle. Normal sports air filters, on the other hand, are usually registration-free. Source: ADAC

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