Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. CAN BMC FILTERS BE RE-USED?

Answer: All BMC filters are washable and reusable. The filtering material is a special type of cotton soaked in low-viscosity oil that guarantees high permeability to air but, at the same time, retains the foreign particles. The filter can be washed with water and suitable detergent. Once it is washed, a thick coat of oil must be re-applied.

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2. WHAT ARE REPLACEMENT FILTERS?

Answer: Replacement filters are air filters that replace the original ones (OEM) made of paper installed in the air-box of the vehicle (car or bike). These are reusable, high-yield filters that make it possible to improve the intake air flow rate compared to traditional paper filters, with clear benefits in terms of the quality of the engine combustion.

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3. DOES ENGINE PERFORMANCE IMPROVE BY INSTALLING A BMC INTAKE SYSTEM?

Answer: Yes, it does. Thanks to the dynamic air intake, cool air can be conveyed to the air-box at a much higher speed compared to the intake capacity of traditional filtration systems. The dynamic air intake is made even more effective by the carbon fiber Flow Switch located inside the air-box. The assembly of a BMC intake systems results in a significant increase in the quantity of combustive oxygen present in the combustion chamber compared to a regular air filter. These elements guarantee a considerable improvement in engine performance, in terms of power and torque.

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4. WHAT IS THE ADDED VALUE OF A BMC REPLACEMENT FILTER?

Answer: BMC air filters are made of a multi-layered cotton fabric soaked in low-viscosity oil, inserted between two aluminum mesh frames. The aluminum mesh is coated with epoxy resin in order to protect it against oxidation caused by fuel vapors and the humidity present in the air. Impurities are filtered by means of sieving and retention processes, in other words the interception of impurities by the cotton fibers, which are then retained by the oil. The procedure takes place without obstructing the air flow passage, thus guaranteeing continuity of the air filter performance over time. BMC air filters are made using a procedure called “Full Moulding” that makes it possible to obtain the characteristic red filter from a single mould, with no gluingin the corners so as to prevent any breaking. The special rubber used in BMC’s filtration system is practically non-deformable over time and provides excellent adhesion to any air-box shape. Improved power* Optimum performance Long engine service life Fuel savings Financial savings (BMC filters can be washed and regenerated for the entire service life of the vehicle).

*Although they guarantee a greater air flow and better engine performance, replacement filters do not guarantee an increase in HP to the car (those aiming to achieve this should consider the OTA, CDA and DIA intake systems).

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5. WHY ARE COTTON AIR FILTERS BETTER THAN OTHERS?

Answer: Generally speaking, vehicle such as automobiles or motorbikes require total particle filtration efficiency up to a minimum dimension of 10 micron, in order to avoid any risk of foreign bodies passing through large enough to damage the mechanical components downstream the intake system. OEM air filters are made of paper, and their main function is to protect the engine. These filters feature high resistance to the air flow which, consequently, reduces the pressure and the engine performance. BMC’s air filters allow the passage of a greater air flow. Moreover, compared to traditional paper filters which must be replaced when carrying out maintenance, BMC filters can be re-used so that they last as long as the vehicle itself.

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6. ARE THE BMC INTAKE KIT EASY TO INSTALL?

Answer: All BMC filters are sold with installation instructions and with the accessories needed for assembly. The Universal versions of OTA and CDA may require additional assembly accessories in order to properly adapt to your vehicle (hoses, sleeves, reducers, etc.). BMC recommends to have the installation be carried out by an expert tuner, since an improper assembly may not guarantee the desired performance. For example: by assembling an air intake in a particularly favorable spot, you can significantly increase the speed of the air that flows through the air-box, for a greater quantity of cool air towards the engine.

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7. DO BMC AIR FILTERS NEED TO BE OILED BEFORE USE?

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

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8. HOW TO INSTALL A BMC REPLACEMENT FILTER?

Answer: 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).

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9. IS THERE A RISK OF DAMAGING THE AIR FLOW SENSOR WHEN I INSTALL A BMC FILTER?

Answer: 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).

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10. SPECIFICALLY, WHAT WOULD I NEED IN ORDER TO INSTALL A BMC UNIVERSAL INTAKE SYSTEM?

Answer: BMC produces various top-quality accessories:

• Silicone accessories: sleeves available in different sizes.

• Flexible aluminium tubes: available in different diameters.

• Flexible aluminium tubes with cardboard core: available in different diameters.

• Nylon reducers: available in different diameters.

• Drilled support hangers.

• Stainless steel bands: available in different diameters.

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11. WHEN I ASSEMBLE AN INTAKE SYSTEM (CDA, OTA, DIA), DO I HAVE TO REPROGRAM THE CONTROL UNIT?

Answer: 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.

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12. HOW IS A BMC FILTER REGENERATED?

Answer: 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.

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13.ARE THE BMC FILTERS INSIDE WHITE OR RED BOXES STILL BEING SOLD?

Answer: 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.

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14.HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT THE PRODUCT I PURCHASED (DIA, CDA, OR OTA) IS AN ORIGINAL PRODUCT?

Answer: Before you purchase a DIA/CDA/OTA online, if you are not certain of the distributor’s veracity or of the origin of the product itself, you can carry out a simple check procedure:

1.  Make sure the BMC brand is visible inside the carbon cylinder, printed directly inside the carbon layers, with the caption m“Patented System”.

2.  Check that the BMC brand inside the flanges (engine side and air inlet side) is printed in the fibres .

3.  Check that the package contains the accessories, in a plastic bag, with the BMC brand.

4.  Make sure that all distinctive elements are present in the box with the BMC brand, as indicated in items 1, 2 and 3 above.

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15.HOW DOES THE WARRANTY ON BMC PRODUCTS WORK?

Answer: BMC performance air filters are guaranteed against any production defect acknowledged by BMC srl for a two years period starting from the date of the purchase by the final user at any BMC products dealer. Final users acknowledge that BMC filters can’t be commercialized by any dealer if more than 3 years have passed from the production date of the filter, since stocking filters for a period of time longer than 3 years might substantially alter the characteristics of the filter itself. BMC will therefore provide direct guarantee only if the purchase by the final customer occurs within three years from the production date of the filter specified on the Guarantee Certificate, where the production batch number is also stated.

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16.I AM THINKING OF BUYING ONE OF YOUR REPLACEMENT FILTERS AND WANT TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS.

Answer: The BMC replacement filters replace the original filters but it is recommended to check with the manufacturer of your automobile/motorbike as well as to verify the regulations in force in your country with regards to any limitations. Replacement filters can be easily removed for possible checks, service or revisions.