2014 - onwards LC Air Filter Replacement

[Levisp]

Just bought HIFLO air filter for my 2014LC bike ready for its 24K service. Price £13.70 I cannot see any difference between the HIFLO filter and the OEM BMW one. HIFLO part is HFA 7915.

[B787MECH]

Looks identical and probably is. The only thing I wonder is that by using non-genuine parts it gives BM the perfect excuse to reject any warranty claims/possible goodwill payments. Down to the individual and age of the bike really.


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[Levisp]

Looks identical and probably is. The only thing I wonder is that by using non-genuine parts it gives BM the perfect excuse to reject any warranty claims/possible goodwill payments. Down to the individual and age of the bike really.


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I would only use BMW OEM parts while bike is under warranty, hence the 12K replacement was OEM part. My bike is now out of warranty.

[guest2360]

I would only use BMW OEM parts while bike is under warranty, hence the 12K replacement was OEM part. My bike is now out of warranty.

And your saving was how much against the OEM filter?  Or do you consider non-genuine bits better quality.

[Levisp]

And your saving was how much against the OEM filter?  Or do you consider non-genuine bits better quality.

BMW OEM filter is £20 + something. Cannot remember exact figure. I consider the HIFLO filter to match BMW OEM for quality. BMW do not make air filters, spark plugs, oil filters, engine oil, final drive oil, hydraulic fluid, brake pads or tyres. So you have a choice buy expensive OEM part or source a quality alternative. After all the bike doesn't care if the part came out off a BMW branded box or not. Having said that I would not buy any part that is non-branded, which I have always presumed to be cheap copies. Beware.

[David.]

I would only use BMW OEM parts while bike is under warranty.

The BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty Policy Handbook states,

"Care of your motorcycle - You must keep your motorcycle in an efficient and road worthy condition and regularly service it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and genuine parts, or parts of equivalent specification must be used."

[guest2360]

The BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty Policy Handbook states,

"Care of your motorcycle - You must keep your motorcycle in an efficient and road worthy condition and regularly service it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and genuine parts, or parts of equivalent specification must be used."

And who's to decide what's equivalent I wonder..  If you don't have a warranty it probably doesn't matter if you are sure you are protecting your investment

[B787MECH]

The BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty Policy Handbook states,

"Care of your motorcycle - You must keep your motorcycle in an efficient and road worthy condition and regularly service it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and genuine parts, or parts of equivalent specification must be used."

I think you would find it very difficult to persuade BMW that a non-genuine part is "of equivalent specification" to their own parts.


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[David.]

If you need any proof that Mahle make air filters for BMW, here it is. BMW & Mahle part nos. on the same filter.



I have a BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty and use Mahle air filters.

[B787MECH]

If you need any proof that Mahle make air filters for BMW, here it is. BMW & Mahle part nos. on the same filter.



I have a BMW Motorrad Insured Warranty and use Mahle air filters.

I know that and you know that, but would BMW admit that in a warranty claim? I suspect that they might find a way out. Anyone with direct experience of this?


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[guest2360]

I agree they look the same but nobody knows if the materials used are identical and I wouldn't expect BMW warranty to test them to make sure they are.  If that part had an effect on a claim you would be hard pushed to,overturn a refusal to fix.

[David.]

Has anyone had a warranty claim attributed to an air filter.

"MAHLE:  OE-compliant development
All MAHLE air filters fulfil the tough requirements of motorcycle manufacturers."

[David.]

Both these air filters have done similar mileages, circa 7,000.

BMW OEM (on the left in this photo).


HIFLO

[timminator]

Has anyone had a warranty claim attributed to an air filter.

That's exactly what I was going to ask, seems highly unlikely.  The impact of using a lesser quality air filter is not felt immediately, it's more of a long-term wear consideration that will take thousands of miles to reveal itself, if ever.  You will very likely be past the warranty period, when and if you have a problem.


You can always hang on the old OEM filter and pop it back in before filing your warranty claim.

[David.]

"HIFLO: OE Replacement Air Filters

Hiflofiltro air filters are manufactured to fit the factory air box and are a direct replacement for original equipment filters."