Foam On X3 Air Filter!?!?

[BigO1120]

I'm actually in the process of changing the air filter of my X3 with a K&N air filter. I took out the stock filter just to check it out and I noticed that there is a piece of foam stuck on the entire bottom part of the filter. I found this very strange. Wouldn't the foam piece cut off the flow of air into the engine? Why would this happen? I tried to peel the foam off the air filter but it looks like it's literally GLUED to the air filter. Is this something that BMW is doing or does is it something that I just discovered on my X3?

If you're an X3 owner check out the air filter if you haven't yet and please let me know! I wanna know if this is something that BMW installs on all X3s. Now I am definitely replacing the stock with a K&N filter.

 

[HornyHornet]

I think its on all stock filters cause my 325 had it and 530 has it too. I am not sure of its function but I see your point of it restricting airflow.

 

[BigO1120]

But why would BMW do this? I know there is a lot of German engineering that goes into constructing these vehicles but what is the deal with the foam? Are they afraid that something is going to get past the air filter? Isn't that what air filters are for?

I NEED TO KNOW!!!! [shake]