So this weekend I was changing the air filter in my dad's '02 and I thought I'd check the one on my '96, since it's been a while since I've changed it (both cars have stock air boxes). Mine was certainly due, but I didn't have an air filter on hand. Then I compared my dirty filter to the one that came out of the '02, and realized that they are the same size, the only difference being that the 5th gen filter has a rigid frame and the 4th gen is flexible. Since I had an extra new filter for the 5th gen, I tried it in the '96 and it seems to fit just fine, making a good seal around the edges. Since Nissan redesigned the air boxes for the 5th gen, it never occured to me that they would still be (almost) the same part. I doubt the reverse would hold true that the 5th gen could accpet 4th gen filters. I just thought I'd pass on this observation.

 

3rd-5th gens are the same


I'm not sure about 2nd and 6th

 

Didnt know that. Learn something new everyday.

 

the filter in my old 93 sentra fit my dads 4th gen

 

many nissan cars have the same filter. even some subarus have the same filter. http://www.knfilters.com/search/appl...Prod=33-2031-2 all the same filter

 

I noticed the same thing, and I use my 95 in my 02, and vice versa..

 

6th is the same too. It is also the same with my old '01 Pathfinder, '96 Altima, and also '93 Sentra, as mentioned above, that I know of.

 

That can be determined easilly by looking in the "Filter Applications" book at your local auto parts store/Wal-Mart, K-mart, etc. It doesn't make any difference in the brand of filter, just look up your car(s) and see if the numbers correspond.

 

how come almost every poster in this thread has 2 maximas?? just noticed that.....

Thanks MaxKlinger for the info!

 

Because we would be the ones that would know their compatability. PostWhore

 

Good call, but that doesn't work in every case. For example, there is a difference between the 4th Gen and 5th Gen filter that I pointed out earlier. The 4th gen one is flexible while the 5th gen filter is set in a metal frame. Because the overall dimensions are the same, the 5th gen filter fits in the 4th gen, but they aren't the exact same part number.

It's interesting how Maxima owners tend to have unusually high owner loyalty when compared to other Japenese cars or other four door sedans. There are guys on this forum who have 2, 3, or 4 Maximas in the driveway. I guess you don't just like a Maxima. You love a Maxima.

 

I have a panel filter that fit in my Maxima (VE30DE, before the cone filter), my 95 Pathfinder (VG30E), my 2000 QX4 (VG33E engine) and now my 2001 QX4 (VQ35DE). For some reason, it is a little tough to get into the VQ box, but it still fits. I think it is a little taller. I got rid of the Pathy and 2000 Q, but I just keep swapping in the K&N.

I also bought it off ebay and it was listed as being for a 95 240sx...

 

Is there any real (measurable) difference using the K & N?

 

Nope.

 

for the k&n, they are the same part number for 4th and 5th gen. you may be comparing the oem filters perhaps or even an 5th gen oem which is not flimsy compared to fram or purolator. the k&n filter part number is not rigid like the oem nissan air filter.

 

Sentra Spec V filter fit my old 4th gen Max.

 

Speaking of K@N would stock K@N air filter through the SES light

 

It's K&N

... and only if you're stupid enough to through too much oil on it when re-oiling ...