BMC Air Filter

1932 Views 11 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Ramp, Nov 15, 2007

jamesaronson

Discussion Starter · Nov 5, 2007

I just installed the air filter. I have an 2004 coupe with 9000 miles. I am not sure, but I feel that the car shifting in sport mode is smoother, but does not "pop" like it did with the stock filter. I was just wondering whether anyone else has had this feeling. The sport mode shifts now seem "longer" than before, but still shorter than the "normal mode", especially when I do not have the accelerator down on the floor. I was told that the shift timing has nothing to do with the air filter and the filter should make it feel that I have slighly more acceleration. Please lend me your opinions and comments.

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

GCalo

· #2 · Nov 5, 2007

The BMC can affect a noticeable change of intake air that's audible on the 360's and 430's but with the design of your intage your may not hear a difference.

They will also sometimes smooth out small hesitations in to 2,000-2,500 RPM ranges.

They are much less restrictive than OEM's but it takes the ECU a while to adjust to it.

Whether you can feel a difference of shifting I can't directly address but I doubt it unless there is a direct connection to smoother air intake.

Save

GrndLkNatv

· #3 · Nov 5, 2007 (Edited)

The computer....

Has a sensor that checks for air temperature, etc. The BMC filter allows for more cool air than the old filter and therefore it will affect the engine and it's shift points until the computer adjusts. Quickest way to get that adjustment is to power down the car at the battery switch for a few minutes then go out for an aggressive drive...

Save

jamesaronson

Discussion Starter · #4 · Nov 6, 2007

Thanks for the reply. Perhaps I should have changed the filter during the summer months when it was hot out. I have tried to be aggressive with the car, but was not able to do so just after installing the filter. I guess switching off the battery and then switching it back on might reset the timing to fell faster shifts with the increased air flow, but wouldn't that change other settings in the car? I have not had the battery disconnected since purchasing the car and did not want to mess with it fearing that a loss of power to the system would mess up my NAV or stereo or some other areas. I am really glad to hear that it is just the ECU getting used to the new air flow. I will be storing the car for the winter soon and it seems as thought I will be dealing with the shifting points next spring. If I do not switch the battery off will the shifting points automatically change to accomodate the new air flow and allow the car to feel as it did with the stock filter? How do you describe "aggressive driving"? Do you mean winding the car up and down and accelerating more than usual to shift more often? How long does it take the ECU to adjust and will it depend on the outside temperature? We are at 40% to 50% now - Northeast USA - Springfield, MA.

See less See more

Save

GrndLkNatv

· #5 · Nov 6, 2007

if you drive it a few days like normal

it will also adjust.. its just faster to do it by cutting the battery. the computer learns so it needs a few runs to get on track.. you are fine in all seasons dont worry about that part... dont let the car sit for more than two weeks this winter without being run or the battery will die as the computer is always on...

Save

GCalo

· #6 · Nov 6, 2007

Springfield I well know. My ex-BIL taught English and drama there. I grew up in the Worcester area.

The proper Ferrari procedure to reset the ECU after a power disconnect is to:

1) turn the key to the active but non-start position for about 15 seconds w/o touching anything
2) making sure all accessories are off, start the car and let it idle for 5-10 minutes

This should re-set the ECU, and after a bit of driving it will adjust to your style. Don't do anything fancy for 5-10 miles. Just drive as you would normally (within reason of course).

I would bet the procedure is the same for the Maserati.

Save

jamesaronson

Discussion Starter · #7 · Nov 6, 2007

Thanks for the reply. At least I know now that I did not screw up with a good thing. I will consider resetting the ECU soon or next spring and see how a couple of more drives go this fall. Perhaps when I purchased the new car the ECU was optimally sports set for the Maser stock filter. I may nto be as aggressive as the factory, so I might never get it back to the punch it had before, but we'll see. I have the car plugged in during the winter months so there is no problem with the battery.

Save

GCalo

· #8 · Nov 7, 2007

jamesaronson said:
--- I may not be as aggressive as the factory, so I might never get it back to the punch it had before, but we'll see.

The ECU's are not set at the factory. They collect info on your driving habits, octane ratings, etc. and change accordingly.

Try what I suggest and see the results.

Save

jamesaronson

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 7, 2007

One further thought -you mentioned that you "bet" that Maserati is the same as Ferrari and included an example of the reset sequence. Have you read in the forum where others have reset the Maserati ECU or should I check with the dealer? Thanks for the information about the ECU. I guess it is all up to me on how the car drives shifts.

Save

jamesaronson

Discussion Starter · #10 · Nov 7, 2007

I just checked in the Maserati book and found the following information:

1. Before disconnecting the battery lower the side windows by at least 1.5 - 2 inches in order to avoid damaging the strips when opening and clsing the doors.

2. Each time the battery is reconnected, wait at least 30 seconds with the ignition key in the "MAR" position before starting the engine so as to allow the ECU which operates the motor driven values to perform the self-learning process. During this time it is essential not to activate any device.

Save

GCalo

· #11 · Nov 7, 2007

jamesaronson said:
I just checked in the Maserati book and found the following information:

2. Each time the battery is reconnected, wait at least 30 seconds with the ignition key in the "MAR" position before starting the engine so as to allow the ECU which operates the motor driven values to perform the self-learning process. During this time it is essential not to activate any device.

Bingo! That's what I stated. So it's the same as Ferrari.

BTW, it was 76 degrees here today. It was 82 on Sunday .See why I left the East coast!

Save

Ramp

· #12 · Nov 15, 2007

I just don't get why people store the cars in the winter . I live on Long Island and find some of the best driving is in the winter. My cars love the cold air - the Porsche sucks it down like no tomorrow - much faster and better accerleration than warm, humid summers ! Any drives down near the beach or upstate have much less traffic.

As long as their is no snow on the ground, I DRIVVVVE. Temp has no factor - just let her warm p for a few minutes to t o get the oil going.

Save

1 - 12 of 12 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month