OEM paper filters present an elevated resistance to the passage of air and consequently a reduction in engine performance. Compared to a paper filter the BMC air filter permits a notably higher air flow passage, producing less than half the Pressure Drop (difference between the air pressure before and after the filter element) over the paper filters. This doesn't compromise the filter's engine protection efficiency: thanks to the combination of the different oiled layers, containment of all impurities is guaranteed as far as 7 microns, while paper filters generally require total filtration of particles as small as 10 microns. So BMC air filters let more air into the engine while still protecting it better than paper ones.
In addition, a traditional paper filter must be replaced regularly during routine maintenance whilst the BMC air filter is reusable and has a general life-span equal to that of the vehicle.
The principal difference between BMC oiled cotton filters and synthetic material filters (for example, plastic material cloth) is seen in the ability to retain air impurities. Synthetic filters allow the passage to particles smaller than the size of the tiny holes in the filtration material- this means that a filter with 80 micron holes allows the passage of all elements of a size smaller than the hole, only guaranteeing containment of particles larger than the dimension of the hole (for example - sand has a dimension of around 50 microns). The cotton has a wider texture which favours a greater air-flow passage and through the combination of the different oiled layers, guarantees containment of all impurities from as small as 7 microns.
BMC's support frame structures are manufactured using a unique procedure called “Full Moulding” which enables the production of the characteristic red filter from a single mould without the need for gluing at the corners, often the cause of easy breakage.
BMC air filters have the smallest rubber infringement in the market (less than 6mm), thus allowing the maximum filtering surface.
The BMC air filter is composed of a metallic mesh covered by an oiled multilayer cotton filtration material. This guarantees a high level of filtering efficiency and a limited loss of air pressure. The oil used gives the material its “sticky” adhesive characteristic which aids in the retention of air impurities, without compromising or blocking air flow penetration. This also creates a continuous filtering process. The cotton filtrating element is contained within an external support frame which interfaces with the air box and allows it to be securely installed in the air-box. Every stage of the production process (from design to manufaturing) is carried out in Italy by italian engineers using the finest materials.
BMC operates in a number of areas: automotive, racing, aerospace, nautical and industrial, according to the specific regulations and requirements of each and every one of this sectors. Consequently, BMC tests are severe and thorough, thus ensuring the highest quality in respect to paper, foam and plastic materials. The technical solutions used by BMC are derived from the results of a continuous and intense programme of laboratory tests. BMC carries out filtration tests in reference to the international standards for filtering (ISO 5011). BMC Air Filters have a 98.5% filtering efficiency in respect to this standard.
BMC air filters are made of cotton, a natural material which can be reused several times after been washed with a special detergent and re-soaked in oil, thus saving the cost of changing it every time the vehicle is serviced and reducing wastes for the environment.
BMC Air Filters are by far the most successful filters in every sports category, since they equipped the champions of Formula 1 (9 titles), American Le Mans (10 titles), Le Mans 24Hours (11 titles), DTM (9 titles), Superbike (2 titles), AMA Superbike (1 Title), Suzuka 8Hours (1 title).
