Installing HEPA on a RHD M3. LUFTT HEPA

[lks12500]

I finally installed the HEPA filter into my car. Prior to that, I had watched countless videos on how to replace the filter. I drive a RHD variant. So naturally I assumed, the opening of the filter will be on the left hand side. I took apart the left side and as it turns out the opening of the filter is on the right hand side. Yup, both LHD, and RHD, are located in the right hand side. After ramming my head a few times on the wall and feeling stupid, I proceeded to begin work on the right hand side. Sooooooo much harder; the brakes and accelerator made it very hard. I had to bend the filter a bit, before I could get it to the opening. I did use a reversible widget, which made it easier. Strongly recommend using one.

One thing I like to know, the yellow side one is the stock. My car is late Aug 2020, but why does the filter seem so dirty? Is it like that?

 

[lks12500]

My M3 SR+ is late Aug 2020. My filter is very new, but I was tempted by HEPA filters. In my neck of the woods I can order from T$%B*& for pretty cheap prices, but instead I went on Amazon USA and ordered it, hoping for better QC. Stock is made in Germany, and this one from Amazon, is PRC. Honestly, it lacks precision. The red ribbon is kinda flimsy and cheesy. Hardly as strong as the tab on the stock. The carbon is the odd part. It's beads and they are loose and there are huge gaps between them. It makes me wonder how it can absorb chemicals and smells. The white filter on the other side, by eye judgment actually seems fine. But, I did not go out to buy any type of meter to check the air quality, etc. The packaging that came with it, was just a box really, not much printed on, and no documentation proofing that it is indeed HEPA level or even what HEPA level. Built is poor. Filter is paper like, housed around by a plastic rectangle, which is very filmsy. I accidentally broke one when I was removing it from the box. In the end, I benched it.

I found a brand called LUFTT. When i got it, I was blown away by the quality (or by eye judgment), packaging is superb, detailed description printed on the box. Carbon is blended into a mesh rather than just a bunch of loose carbon bits. Tabs attached to the filter are built almost exactly like the stock version. If you go on the website (easily found), it provides on the documentation of testing/validation. It clearly states this is HEPA level 10. Clearly printed on the filter, it is made in Korea. Again, I did not conduct any testing, but overall, I believe it is indeed HEPA level filter. The other one, I am not sure if it is really HEPA, or at least, HEPA with respect to HEPA standard. There are other brands on Amazon, claiming to be HEPA or made by 3M, but I can not never find any proof. It's just a claim. In the end, I replaced the stock filter with the LUFTT. No regrets, All seems good.

 

[Mr.Slow]

After installing the HEPA filters, how much of the fan speed did you have to increase to get the same air flow rate compared to the stock filters?

 

[lks12500]

After installing the HEPA filters, how much of the fan speed did you have to increase to get the same air flow rate compared to the stock filters?[/QUOTE

I don't have any devices to measure the flow, but I did play around with it. I can not tell any difference. I did not need to increase the fan rate. In the end, I just kept everything on auto and I didn't notice any increase in fan setting. The aircond felt just as cool. There are a lot more ridges and folds with the Luftt than the stock version. In theory, the increased surface area may help to maintain flow. Mind you, Luftt says they are HEPA, but hepa have various level as well. Luftt, I believe says they are H10, medical HEPA is about H14. The other after market HEPA filters on Amazon, does not state the HEPA levels.

 

[lks12500]

Use the hepa filter for a week now. Again, no meters to test it. But, I do feel the air has less smell and seem crisp and clear. No real decrease in air cond flow. overall quite satisfied. I wouldn't recommend ripping out a new stock filter (but i did) and replacing it. but if u are due for a replacement, then consider it. It is NOT that hard with the right tools....for a left hand car. Right hand car, is a pain in the ass. But do able.