Is the aFe Pro-Dry S Air Filter (11-10121) a quality engine air filter?

[SouthernBoy]

When I replace my OEM factory installed engine air filter, I want to go with a high quality dry element, high flow filter. When looking around at comments and reviews on the aFe Pro-Dry S 11-10121 filter, I noticed that some on Amazon were not very positive. So my question is, what is the opinion of people on this site regarding this filter for the S4 (2016)? Last thing I would want is for it to come apart and for me to not know this has happened.

Some years ago I used an Apexi dry element filter on a car I had at the time and it was an amazing filter. The AFE seems to be made in much the same manner as the Apexi.

Comments and opinions are most welcome, please.

[jimrobbington]

ARE Pro Dry filter was very popular on the B7 A4. Plenty people using it and never saw any complaints.

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[Johnnycash]

i have 2 of them, swap out the dirty one at 5-10k intervals and replace with the clean one. I bought 2 because I didnt want any down time in between when you remove/clean just one, i soak mine in a bucket with soapy water overnight and then again in a bucket of fresh water after, they clean up very well.

I think some of the complaints on amazon iirc about the filter are the mounting hardware because its kinda wonky how the filter attaches? tbh I dont really remember because I just bring the clean filter in when i get my oil changes and they swap out the filter for me so i havent done it in a while...

I have an aftermarket intake now so my stock airbox and afe filters are sitting up on the shelf. my 2 pennies

[Loe]

the mount hardware is wonky, you need really small hands or small tools deep sockets (pliers) to tighten it down. I have the wet version though, but the filter holds up well.

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Don't listen to that idiot Han reviewer on there. Dumbass tightened the shit out of the filter bolts and wonders why they ripped out. You don't need to tighten them so much. Those are on there for retention purposes only and not to actually keep the filter from flying off... because the intake pulls air in, not blows it out, so the bolts aren't used to keep the filter from being forcefully blown off the intake pipe. Buy the filter, it's good. I'm the first one that reviewed it and corrected the Amazon fitment error that kept saying it doesn't fit the S4, when it actually does.

[EHesh14]

It's great and the first one I had the bolts ripped off since I tightened them too tight. I have had the second one for over a year and a half and its held up great.

[jordon]

I had AFE Pro Dry filters on my M5. Never had a problem.

[SouthernBoy]

Thanks so much gentlemen for your comments and help. I don't care for oil wetted filters for obvious reasons; much prefer a dry element unit. The AFE filter looks very much like Apexi dry element filters and appears to use the same type of filtering material... which worked really great in the Apexi filter I used. Looks like I'll be ordering the AFE dry element filters now.

Thanks again.

[MrFunk]

Been using one for years. No issues.

[audigsr]

I had a similar dry filter (Amsoil) on my Sti. Thinking about getting this for the b8.5. What's the recommend change/clean intervals for the S4? Did you guys notice any slight performance/mpg gains?

[cam0719]

According to AFE the dry version filters more dirt - but doesn't flow as well - as their oiled version. The real question is does the AFE paper flow better than stock paper. The stock filter has more pleat surface area so even if the AFE media flows better per sq inch, I am not convinced if it flows better as a whole.

[SouthernBoy]

According to AFE the dry version filters more dirt - but doesn't flow as well - as their oiled version. The real question is does the AFE paper flow better than stock paper. The stock filter has more pleat surface area so even if the AFE media flows better per sq inch, I am not convinced if it flows better as a whole.

I heard just the opposite. I also understand that the factory unit is flat in the bottom with no air flow (blocked?). Don't have a clue if this is correct since I have not seen one an have not removed my filter housing to inspect the filter.

Generally oil wetted air filters, such and K&N, flow better when new but fairly quickly lose those flow characteristics due to dirt and debris being captured and adhering to the filtering material due to the oil. Not only that but small amounts of oil do get into the intake stream and can cause sticking of the throttle valve on its seat and can contaminate the wire or screen used in MAF units, for those cars which utilize a MAF.

[MrFunk]

Yes - the OEM filter is flat bottomed and sealed. It's terrible.

[SouthernBoy]

Yes - the OEM filter is flat bottomed and sealed. It's terrible.

Okay, well that would seem to unnecessarily reduce flow. What is the stock filter made of? Is it paper or some other material? Is it pleated?

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Okay, well that would seem to unnecessarily reduce flow. What is the stock filter made of? Is it paper or some other material? Is it pleated?

It's just an OEM paper filter and yes, it's pleated. Open your damn intake box and take a look at your stuff before you speak man. ;) haha

Just buy the damn filter and put it in there already. lol

[SouthernBoy]

It's just an OEM paper filter and yes, it's pleated. Open your damn intake box and take a look at your stuff before you speak man. ;) haha

Just buy the damn filter and put it in there already. lol

I'm sure that I will be using the AFE filter. Just looking for opinions and to clear up a few negatives I encountered when checking this out. I rarely ever go with the factory unit. My last car's factory air filter was a tri-plex unit. Oil wetted in the inlet side, a center dry element, then another element on the lee side. Strange and rather restrictive.

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

I'm sure that I will be using the AFE filter. Just looking for opinions and to clear up a few negatives I encountered when checking this out. I rarely ever go with the factory unit. My last car's factory air filter was a tri-plex unit. Oil wetted in the inlet side, a center dry element, then another element on the lee side. Strange and rather restrictive.

AFE filters are good stuff. I combined it with an AWE silicone inlet tube and basically made my own intake for less than having to spend on an entire unit. In case you're wondering what it looks like exactly, it's the same filter that Eurocode uses for their intake system. I liked that filter but didn't like the intake hose. I liked the AWE hose but not their filter choice, so what I did was take the best of both and combined them outside the box. ;)

[oaybar007]

I figured I would bring this thread back just in case anyone is searching now years later.

I just installed the aFe Pro-Dry S 11-10121 filter on my 2016 S4 and it is definitely a worth-while change. The throttle response in the car is better- you can feel more air being taken in. Like a massive deep breath combined with a very faint hint of supercharger whine.

The mounting points and hardware can be a weak point like others said. If anyone is considering this item, don't over tighten them. Also just be careful while positioning the unit in and out for cleaning and so on. You'll also not re-use the OEM gasket as the grommet itself on the aFe filter creates a nice seal.

Amazon seems to sell these very well and I see stock availability for one-day often. My order arrived next day. I'd definitely recommend it for a simple improvement that goes right into the air box without issue and makes a difference. Personally I've always swapped filters in my cars to long-life ones like this to save money. This time it feels like a little performance gain as well. Not bad at all!

[seigneur_rayden]

I figured I would bring this thread back just in case anyone is searching now years later.

I just installed the aFe Pro-Dry S 11-10121 filter on my 2016 S4 and it is definitely a worth-while change. The throttle response in the car is better- you can feel more air being taken in. Like a massive deep breath combined with a very faint hint of supercharger whine.

The mounting points and hardware can be a weak point like others said. If anyone is considering this item, don't over tighten them. Also just be careful while positioning the unit in and out for cleaning and so on. You'll also not re-use the OEM gasket as the grommet itself on the aFe filter creates a nice seal.

Amazon seems to sell these very well and I see stock availability for one-day often. My order arrived next day. I'd definitely recommend it for a simple improvement that goes right into the air box without issue and makes a difference. Personally I've always swapped filters in my cars to long-life ones like this to save money. This time it feels like a little performance gain as well. Not bad at all!

aFe, ECS, Amazon and other sites say that this filter doesn't fit into the B8.5. It seems like it is a mistake if you were able to put on yours. Can you comment on that?

[oaybar007]

aFe, ECS, Amazon and other sites say that this filter doesn't fit into the B8.5. It seems like it is a mistake if you were able to put on yours. Can you comment on that?

If you search this forum, you'll find that it fits perfectly fine. No mistake. Just don't over tighten the two nuts while installing. They can snap if over tightened. I've been running mine since I posted that with no issues. In the stock location, stock air box with lid on properly. No issues whatsoever.

[seigneur_rayden]

If you search this forum, you'll find that it fits perfectly fine. No mistake. Just don't over tighten the two nuts while installing. They can snap if over tightened. I've been running mine since I posted that with no issues. In the stock location, stock air box with lid on properly. No issues whatsoever.

Thanks for the reply oaybar007. Yes, you are right. I found the thread below after posting.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...n-stock-airbox