BMW Car Club of America Holds Tech Session at K&N Headquarters
- Jul 15, 2009
K&N's Ross Rettig explains how K&N tests air filters according to ISO 5011 test protocol.
BMW Car Club of America members listen to K&N's Bert Heck explain the design process for K&N air intake systems.
K&N's Joel Valles speaks to BMW owners about how mass airflow sensors are tested.
Seventy club members from as far as 200 miles away visited K&N's Riverside, California facility, despite it being a hot July morning. K&N employees Rich Dwyer, Joel Valles, Steve Gibson, Renard Howard, Bert Heck, and Ross Rettig welcomed the BMW group as they arrived. "The variety of vehicles was astounding," said Gibson. "There were cars from as far back as an early '70's 2002, all the way up to a brand new 135i." Once the tech session was underway, club members had the opportunity to learn how K&N products are designed, tested, and manufactured. The group also toured K&N's race and fabrication shop, where several K&N vehicles were on display.
"All in all, we saw and learned far more than we expected" said Chapter Vice President Ed Lovelace. "We saw how K&N products are made and we also got to see how filtration systems are developed, trouble- shot and tested."
Paul Pencikowski, a retired avionics systems designer, attended the K&N tour as a guest of a friend. Pencikowski was very impressed with the testing and research that takes place every day at K&N. "I am an expert in experimental design, and K&N amazes me" Pencikowski said. "Their testing procedures are effective, efficient, and conclusive."
The tech session ended with lunch and a raffle for BMW Car Club merchandise, as well as two K&N gift certificates, inside K&N's Training Center. "All in all, this was one of the most active groups I'd ever worked with" said Gibson. "From car control clinics, to driving schools and car shows, the Los Angeles Chapter of the BMW Car Club of America has an event almost every weekend."
