F.A.Q.

BMC Air Filter is a prominent global player in the automotive sector, specializing in the production of air filters and intake systems for both road and racing applications. Here are the key highlights of BMC:

1. Aftermarket and OEM: BMC operates in two primary sectors. In the Aftermarket, they offer a comprehensive range of replacement air filters, catering to automotive enthusiasts and vehicle owners. In the OEM sector, BMC designs and develops entire filtration systems, including air-boxes, as a Tier1 supplier for major global car manufacturers.
2. Global Presence: The company is headquartered in Medicina, located in the heart of Motor Valley in Bologna, Italy. BMC has expanded its reach with branches in China and India. Additionally, BMC's products are distributed globally through a network of more than ninety authorized distributors.

BMC's commitment to innovation, performance, and quality has established it as a leader in the automotive air filtration industry. They serve a wide range of customers, from individual vehicle owners seeking aftermarket upgrades to major automakers relying on BMC's expertise for OEM filtration solutions.

BMC has an impressive track record of collaboration with prestigious international racing teams, contributing to numerous championship victories over the past two decades. These achievements include:

Formula 1:

• 14 Pilots titles
• 14 Constructors titles

World Rally Championship (WRC):

• 6 titles

DTM Championships (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters):

• 12 titles

Le Mans 24 Hours:

• 15 titles

World Superbike Championship (WSBK):

• 5 Riders titles

BMC's partnership with these elite racing teams underscores their commitment to delivering high-performance air filtration solutions that are trusted by some of the most successful teams in motorsport. This track record showcases BMC's expertise and the superior quality of their products in demanding racing environments.

BMC filters, regardless of their specific type, share the common feature of being washable and reusable. Here's how the maintenance process typically works:

1. Filter Material: BMC filters use a special type of cotton material that is soaked in low-viscosity oil. This combination ensures excellent air permeability while effectively retaining foreign particles.
2. Washing: When the filter becomes dirty or clogged with particles, it can be cleaned by washing it with water and a suitable detergent. This process removes the accumulated debris and restores the filter's functionality.
3. Re-Oiling: After washing, it's essential to reapply a thin coat of oil to the filter. This step is crucial to maintain the filter's filtration efficiency and airflow characteristics.

By following these steps, BMC filters can be rejuvenated, allowing for extended use and cost savings compared to disposable filters. It's important to adhere to proper maintenance practices to ensure that the filter continues to perform effectively and protect the engine.

Replacement filters are air filters designed to replace the original paper filters (OEM) that come pre-installed in the air-box of a vehicle, whether it's a car or a motorcycle. These replacement filters are characterized by several key features:

1. Reusability: Replacement filters are typically designed to be reusable, unlike disposable paper filters. This means that after they become dirty or clogged with particles, they can be cleaned and maintained for continued use.
2. High-Yield: These filters are engineered to offer high filtration efficiency and airflow rates. They often provide better intake air flow compared to traditional paper filters. The improved airflow can lead to benefits in terms of engine performance and efficiency.
3. Improved Combustion: With their ability to enhance the intake air flow rate, replacement filters can contribute to improved engine combustion. This can result in better fuel combustion, increased power, and improved overall engine performance.

In summary, replacement filters are a popular choice among automotive enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers. They offer the advantages of reusability, increased airflow, and improved engine combustion compared to traditional disposable paper filters.

BMC offers two types of air filters for certain engine models: Standard and Race. Here's a breakdown of each type:

STANDARD:

• These are standard replacement filters designed for various types of motorcycles.
• The filtering element consists of 4 layers of cotton soaked in low-viscosity oil.
• These filters are already high-performance compared to regular paper filters that come with most vehicles.
• They are suitable for everyday use and provide improved airflow and filtration over stock filters.

RACE:

• BMC Race filters take the concept of increased air flow to an extreme level.
• They achieve this by reducing the number of cotton layers from 4 to 3, which allows even more air to flow through.
• Race filters are recommended exclusively for sports use on the track, as the significantly increased air flow rate can potentially affect carburetion (causing more air to flow than necessary) or fuel injection (where the control unit may struggle to manage the altered air-to-fuel ratio).
• To address this issue, it may be necessary to reconfigure the vehicle's control unit to optimize performance.
• You can identify Race filters by the "race" caption at the bottom of the product code and a yellow line on the filtering element.

In summary, BMC Race filters are engineered for extreme air flow and are best suited for high-performance, track-focused applications. They may require adjustments to the vehicle's control unit to maximize their potential. Standard filters, on the other hand, offer improved performance without the extreme air flow characteristics of the Race filters and are suitable for everyday use.

BMC offers a range of CDAs (Carbon Dynamic Airboxes) and OTAs (Open Trumpet Airboxes) that are specifically designed for various automotive applications. These application-specific products are listed on BMC's official website at www.bmcairfilters.com.

For customers looking for a more universal fit, BMC also provides Universal versions of these airboxes. These Universal versions can be adapted to fit a wide range of vehicles by verifying the engine displacement and dimensions. The installation of these Universal versions may require the use of assembly accessories such as reducers, sleeves, or hangers.

BMC recommends reaching out to your own tuner or automotive expert to determine the specific accessories you will need and to receive guidance on how to properly assemble the kit for your particular vehicle. This ensures that the airbox is installed correctly and optimized for your car's performance.

BMC offers special versions of the CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airbox) and OTA (Open Trumpet Airbox) designed for specific individual vehicle models. These special versions are identified by the letters "SP" present in the part number. They are essentially plug-and-play versions, simplifying the installation process as they are specifically tailored for certain vehicles.

If your vehicle model has a corresponding "SP" version, you can assemble it with relative ease. However, for vehicles without a specific version, BMC provides Universal versions of the CDA and OTA. These Universal versions can still be assembled for your vehicle, but you may require additional assembly accessories to ensure a proper fit.

To determine the most suitable airbox for your specific vehicle, it's advisable to consult with an automotive expert or your tuner, who can guide you on the right choice and any additional accessories needed for installation. This ensures that the airbox is correctly assembled and optimized for your vehicle's performance.

The CDA, or Carbon Dynamic Airbox, is a classic direct intake system produced by BMC. Here are the key features and recommendations associated with the CDA:

CDA Features:

1. Universal and Specific Versions: The CDA is available in different versions. Universal versions are adaptable to various automobile types through the use of assembly accessories like sleeves, reducers, or other components. Additionally, there are specific versions designed for particular engines and vehicle models. These specific kits come with all the necessary accessories for installation.

Installation Recommendations:

1. Expert Tuner Installation: BMC recommends that the installation of the CDA be carried out by an experienced tuner. The proper assembly and positioning of the CDA can significantly impact its performance. Relying on an expert ensures the kit is installed correctly.
2. Control Unit Re-Mapping: After installing the CDA, BMC advises carrying out a re-mapping of the engine's control unit. This process is crucial for optimizing the air-to-fuel (petrol) ratio, ensuring the best performance from the new air intake system.

In summary, the BMC CDA is a versatile and high-performance direct intake system that offers both universal and specific versions. For the best results, it's important to have an experienced tuner handle the installation and perform the necessary control unit re-mapping to optimize the air/fuel ratio. This ensures the CDA functions at its peak performance.

The CRF, or Carbon Racing Filter, is a specialized carbon intake system designed for high-performance sports cars and superbikes. These intake systems are meticulously crafted to enhance fluid dynamics, improve combustion, and consequently, boost overall performance in the most exceptional and powerful vehicles available on the market. The CRF is engineered to meet the demands of enthusiasts and professionals seeking top-tier performance from their vehicles or motorcycles.

The Direct Intake Air System (DIA) serves as a junior version of the CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airbox), designed to enhance engine performance by employing similar principles. Here are some key points about the DIA:

1. Performance Improvement: The DIA, like the CDA, is engineered to accelerate the flow of air to the engine at a higher velocity than traditional filtration systems. This optimized air intake contributes to improved engine performance, making it a valuable upgrade for vehicle enthusiasts.
2. Construction: The DIA comprises a plastic air-box with an internal filter. This filter, like all BMC filters, is washable and regenerable. This reusability ensures long-lasting and cost-effective filtration without the need for frequent replacements.

In essence, the DIA offers a more affordable option compared to the CDA while still delivering enhanced engine performance through its advanced air intake design and reusable filter technology.

The primary distinction between the two filtration systems, the CDA and DIA, lies in the material used for their air-box construction:

1. CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airbox): The CDA air-box is entirely constructed from carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is chosen for its exceptional properties, including high resistance to temperature and low thermal conductivity. This material insulates the air filter inside the air-box against engine heat effectively. As a result, cool air from outside the vehicle can directly reach the engine with minimal heat transfer. The Flow Switch in the CDA ensures efficient air conveyance with minimal pressure drop.
2. DIA (Direct Intake Air System): In contrast, the DIA's structure is made of plastic material. While it employs the same air conveyance principle as the CDA, the difference is in the material used for the air-box construction. Plastic, though not as thermally insulating as carbon fiber, still facilitates improved airflow to the engine, enhancing performance.

So, the key distinction is that the CDA uses carbon fiber for its air-box, offering higher resistance to temperature and better insulation against engine heat, while the DIA employs plastic for its air-box construction. Both systems aim to optimize air intake for enhanced engine performance.

OTA is the acronym for Oval Trumpet Airbox.

This is the latest direct intake system made of carbon developed by BMC, an evolution of the well-known CDA.

BMC initially made its mark in the racing world, particularly in Formula1. However, over the past two decades, it has successfully expanded its product range to cater to the Aftermarket sector as well. The Aftermarket catalogue has become a significant part of BMC's offerings, and it continues to grow and evolve.

As of now, the Aftermarket catalogue encompasses a vast array of approximately 12,000 specific applications for automobiles and an additional 2,000 for motorbikes. This extensive range of applications allows BMC to provide high-performance air filters and intake systems to a broad spectrum of vehicle enthusiasts and owners, ensuring that they can benefit from BMC's racing-inspired technology and expertise in optimizing engine performance.

BMC occasionally produces filters made of synthetic materials, typically upon specific customer requests. The primary difference between BMC filters made of cotton soaked in oil and filters made of synthetic materials (like plastic sheets) lies in their impurity-stopping principles:

1. Synthetic Filters: Filters made of synthetic materials allow particles to pass through if their size matches the micro holes in the material. For example, a filter with 80-micron holes will allow the passage of all particles smaller than 80 microns, only stopping those particles that are larger than the micro hole. This means that very fine particles, smaller than the hole size, can pass through, including particles like sand, which has dimensions of about 50 microns.
2. Cotton Filters with Oil: BMC's cotton filters, on the other hand, have a larger weave that encourages a high airflow. However, they employ a combination of different layers of low-viscosity oil to effectively trap particles from 7 microns and larger. This means that even very fine particles are captured by the filter due to the oil-soaked cotton, resulting in a more efficient filtration process.

The use of cotton with oil in BMC filters is considered a superior solution, as it combines both effective filtration and enhanced performance, making it a popular choice among automotive enthusiasts and professionals looking for optimal engine protection and power.

Air filters made of cotton for standard air-boxes (replacement Aftermarket): they replace the original paper filter, are available in various shapes and sizes, specific for most automobiles and motorbikes on the market. Conical filters for direct intake: in both the automobile and motorbike version, they require disassembly of the original air-box.

These filters are available in the

TWIN AIR and SINGLE AIR version.

CDA: the classical and long-established BMC carbon intake system for automobiles, available in the Universal and Specific version for various car models.

OTA: BMC’s new carbon intake system for automobiles, the direct evolution of the CDA, available in the Universal and Specific version for various car models.

DIA: BMC’s junior intake system for automobiles, made of polyurethane instead of carbon.

CRF: BMC’s latest carbon intake system designed for supercars and sportier stock cars, as well as for superbikes.

This product is available for automobiles and motorbikes, in the Specific version only.

All BMC filters are made exclusively of pre-oiled cotton.

Absolutely, BMC's dynamic air intake system, such as the CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airbox), plays a critical role in optimizing engine performance:

1. Increased Air Speed: The dynamic air intake system ensures that cool air is conveyed to the air-box at a much higher velocity than what traditional filtration systems can achieve. This accelerated airflow is crucial for maximizing engine performance.
2. Carbon Fiber Flow Switch: The carbon fiber Flow Switch located within the air-box enhances the effectiveness of the dynamic air intake system. It helps streamline and control the airflow, optimizing the air supply to the engine.
3. Enhanced Combustive Oxygen: The result of a BMC intake system installation is a significant increase in the quantity of oxygen available in the combustion chamber during the combustion process. This surplus oxygen can lead to improved engine performance, resulting in increased power and torque.

In summary, BMC's dynamic air intake systems are engineered to deliver enhanced airflow and a higher quantity of oxygen to the engine, ultimately translating into notable improvements in engine power and torque. These systems are a popular choice among automotive enthusiasts seeking to maximize their vehicle's performance.

BMC air filters are meticulously crafted using a combination of materials and techniques to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here's an overview of the key features of BMC air filters:

1. Multi-Layered Cotton Fabric: BMC filters are made of a multi-layered cotton fabric that is soaked in low-viscosity oil. This design promotes high air permeability while effectively capturing impurities.
2. Aluminium Mesh Frames: These cotton layers are sandwiched between two aluminium mesh frames. The aluminium mesh is coated with epoxy resin, providing protection against oxidation caused by fuel vapours and atmospheric humidity.
3. Filtering Mechanism: Impurities are filtered through a sieving and retention process. The cotton fibres intercept and capture impurities, which are then retained by the oil. This filtration process occurs without obstructing the airflow, ensuring continuous filter performance over time.
4. Full Moulding Technique: BMC uses a "Full Moulding" technique to craft their filters. This method allows them to create the characteristic red filter from a single mould without any gluing in the corners. This design enhances filter durability and minimizes the risk of breakage.
5. Special Rubber: BMC's filtration systems use a special rubber that is highly resistant to deformation over time. This rubber provides excellent adhesion to various air-box shapes, ensuring a secure fit.

Benefits of BMC Air Filters:

• Improved Engine Power
• Optimal Performance
• Extended Engine Service Life
• Fuel Savings
• Financial Savings (BMC filters can be washed and regenerated for the entire service life of the vehicle)

It's important to note that while replacement filters like BMC can enhance air flow and engine performance, they do not guarantee an increase in horsepower (HP). Those seeking significant HP gains should consider BMC's OTA, CDA, and DIA intake systems.

BMC air filters are designed to provide several advantages over traditional OEM paper filters. Here's a summary of the key points:

1. Particle Filtration Efficiency: Vehicles, including automobiles and motorbikes, require effective particle filtration to a minimum dimension of 10 microns. This level of filtration helps prevent the passage of foreign particles that could potentially damage mechanical components downstream of the intake system. BMC filters are engineered to meet this filtration requirement.
2. Improved Air Flow: Unlike OEM air filters made of paper, BMC filters offer significantly better airflow. This enhanced air flow contributes to reduced air pressure drop and improved engine performance. The engine can breathe more easily, potentially leading to increased power and efficiency.
3. Reusability: One of the standout features of BMC filters is their reusability. While traditional paper filters typically need to be replaced during maintenance, BMC filters can be cleaned and regenerated, allowing them to last as long as the vehicle itself. This not only saves money but also reduces environmental waste.

In summary, BMC air filters provide not only the necessary filtration efficiency but also enhanced air flow, which can lead to improved engine performance. Their reusability further adds to their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness compared to disposable paper filters.

BMC provides installation instructions and the necessary accessories for assembly with all of their filters. However, it's important to note that Universal versions of OTA (Open Trumpet Airboxes) and CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airboxes) may require additional assembly accessories such as hoses, sleeves, reducers, and more to adapt them properly to your specific vehicle.

BMC strongly recommends having the installation carried out by an expert tuner. This is because the assembly and positioning of the air intake system can significantly affect its performance. Expert tuners are skilled at optimizing the placement of the intake for maximum effectiveness.

For instance, strategically placing an air intake in an ideal location can significantly increase the speed of the airflow through the air-box, ensuring a greater quantity of cool air is directed towards the engine. Proper assembly and tuning can make a substantial difference in achieving the desired performance improvements from BMC air intake systems.

No. BMC air filters are sold already coated with oil.

BMC replacement filters replace original paper filters.

Open the air-box and replace the OEM filter (the two filters have roughly the same shape; simply look at how the original filter is installed and position the BMC filter in the same way).

No. However, to avoid any risk whatsoever, you have to be very careful not to use too much oil during the filter regeneration phase (it must not be so much that it starts to drip).

BMC offers a range of top-quality accessories to complement their air filters and intake systems. Here's a list of these accessories:

1. Silicone Accessories: These include sleeves available in different sizes. Silicone sleeves are often used to connect various components in the intake system.
2. Flexible Aluminium Tubes: Available in different diameters, these flexible aluminium tubes are used to channel and direct airflow in the intake system.
3. Flexible Aluminium Tubes with Cardboard Core: Similar to the flexible aluminium tubes but with a cardboard core. These are also available in different diameters.
4. Nylon Reducers: Nylon reducers come in different diameters and are used to adapt and connect components with varying sizes in the intake system.
5. Drilled Support Hangers: These hangers are used to secure and support components in the intake system, ensuring proper placement and stability.
6. Stainless Steel Bands: Available in different diameters, stainless steel bands are used to secure and fasten various components together in the intake system.

These accessories play a crucial role in customizing and optimizing BMC's air filters and intake systems for specific vehicle applications, providing flexibility and versatility in their installation and performance enhancement.

In order to maximize the benefits of the new air/petrol stoichiometric ratio and improve performance as much as possible, BMC recommends reprogramming the control unit following the installation of an intake kit.

Since 2011, BMC air filters are sold in black-coloured boxes.

Should a dealer offer you a filter contained inside a white or red box, please report it by writing to the e-mail address info@bmcairfilters.com: these filters are no longer being sold as they are not covered by warranty.

It's essential to ensure the authenticity and origin of BMC products, such as DIA (Direct Intake Air System), CDA (Carbon Dynamic Airbox), and OTA (Open Trumpet Airboxes), especially when purchasing online. Here's a simple check procedure to help verify the product's legitimacy:

1. Check for "Patented System" Inside Carbon Cylinder: Inspect the interior of the carbon cylinder (the main body of the intake system) and look for the BMC brand. It should be printed directly within the carbon layers and accompanied by the caption "Patented System."
2. Inspect BMC Brand on Flanges: Examine the flanges on both the engine side and the air inlet side of the intake system. The BMC brand should be printed within the fibers of these flanges.
3. Verify Accessories in Plastic Bag: Ensure that the package includes a plastic bag containing the necessary accessories for installation, and that this bag also features the BMC brand.
4. Confirm Distinctive Elements: Verify that all the distinctive elements mentioned in steps 1, 2, and 3 above are present in the box, and that they bear the BMC brand.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that you are purchasing a genuine BMC product and receive the quality and performance you expect from their intake systems. This is particularly important when buying BMC products online, where counterfeit or substandard items may be available.

BMC performance air filters come with a warranty against any production defects, as recognized by BMC srl, for a duration of two years. This warranty period begins from the date of purchase by the final user, which must be made from an authorized BMC products dealer.

It's important for final users to be aware that BMC filters should not be sold by any dealer if more than 3 years have passed from the production date of the filter. Storing filters for a period longer than 3 years can potentially alter the filter's characteristics.

BMC will honor the warranty directly only if the final customer's purchase occurs within three years from the production date of the filter, as indicated on the Guarantee Certificate. This certificate will also include information about the production batch number.

In essence, to benefit from the BMC warranty, the filter must be purchased within three years from its production date, as specified on the Guarantee Certificate, and from an authorized BMC products dealer.

BMC replacement filters are designed to replace the original filters in your automobile or motorbike's air intake system. However, BMC recommends a few important considerations:

1. Consult with the Manufacturer: It's advisable to check with the manufacturer of your vehicle for any specific recommendations or guidelines regarding the use of replacement air filters. Some manufacturers may have guidelines or recommendations regarding aftermarket parts.
2. Verify Local Regulations: Additionally, it's essential to verify the regulations in force in your country or region regarding the use of replacement air filters. Certain regions may have specific emissions or performance regulations that need to be followed.
3. Ease of Removal: BMC replacement filters are designed to be easily removed, which is helpful for routine checks, maintenance, or revisions. This feature ensures that you can access the filter without significant hassle when necessary.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about using BMC replacement filters in your vehicle, ensuring they are compliant with manufacturer recommendations and local regulations while benefiting from their performance and reusability features.

We recommend using original BMC kits only, as other products may not be effective or may damage the filter permanently, thus invalidating the warranty.

The kit includes the special BMC detergent and an oil applicator (in the spray or dispenser version).

We recommend regenerating the filter (washing + oil application) every 20.000 – 25.000 km to ensure best performance and long service life.

This value is a rough estimate and can vary based on the climatic conditions and the ground on which the vehicle is used (sand, dirt roads, etc.).

The various steps to be carried out in order to regenerate the filtering element are indicated in the instructions contained in the regeneration kit