Over the years, we have had the pleasure of riding some of the most iconic motorcycles in the world. As xBhp moved along, we slowly branched out into giving cars some well-deserved respect as well. To that end, we have driven some amazing cars too. Along the same lines, we have owned some great motorcycles and branching out similarly, we found ourselves yearning for some great cars as well. 

Our criteria for one was a little expansive. Expansive enough to warrant at least two cars. The first one was a Mahindra Thar. The second one, well, this was tough. We were looking for a sports car that would not break the bank. With that, we also needed something with a lot of flare, punch, and…. recognition. Not a lot of cars can fit that particular bill. Not unless it is a MINI. We have had some great times with a fair few specimens of the clan. So after a lot of deliberation, we settled on the MINI Cooper S.

Our search led us to a meticulously maintained 2021 model and finally, the xBhp Garage welcomed its first sports car. As it turned out, it was everything we hoped for and then some. Among many other impressive aspects, the performance of the MINI Cooper S is nothing to be scoffed at. And that performance, among other things, comes courtesy of the BMC Car Air Filter. How? Let us find out. 

Now, there’s a lot to love when it comes to the MINI Cooper S. Despite years of evolution, it has stayed true to the classic MINI design. Despite the modern-ness, the lines still remind one of the older MINIs. Despite the LED approach, the round headlamps harken back to the older MINIs. Despite the modern amenities and new-age bodywork, the lines still call out to the older MINIs. In terms of looks, the MINI Cooper S stands out among cars but it is still instantly recognizable as a MINI. 

Another great aspect of the MINI Cooper S is its footprint. In terms of dimensions, it is very compact. In true hot-hatch fashion, it is slung low to emphasize its sporty intent but without requiring a lot of space on the road. A short-wheelbase negates the impact of a FWD setup and therefore, the MINI Cooper S still emanates that go-kart feeling we all love and adore. So, now you know what we meant when we said that there’s a lot to love when it comes to the MINI Cooper S. But there’s more. 

A sports car has to look the part; our MINI Cooper S does. A sports car has to be light; our MINI Cooper S is. A sports car has to be agile; our MINI Cooper S is. Most importantly though, a sports car must have a potent engine and we can gladly say that our MINI Cooper S does. A compact 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine powers our MINI Cooper S and grants us access to nearly 190 horses and 280 Nm of torque! That is enough to make sure that our MINI Cooper S can run circles around some bigger cars in the right setting.

Knowing that, we also know that there’s more to an engine than just fuel, cylinders, and boom boom. How an engine breathes is a very important aspect of an internal combustion engine. Straight-up air is not clean and foreign particles in an engine never result in a pretty outcome. That is why engines have air filters. But filtration, while seems simple, is a complex task. Too permeable and you’re letting your engine breathe dirty air. Too restrictive and you’re choking your engine. If you know your cars, then you know that in the world of car air filters, BMC seems to know what they’re doing. 

BMC has long been associated with precision and excellence when it comes to car air filters. It has been that way since the company’s inception in 1973. They have made their mark not only in the consumer space but in the high-stakes world of motorsports as well. Being our first sports car, we want nothing but the best when it comes to our MINI Cooper S. With the BMC air filter that it has, we have made sure that our MINI can realize its full potential. 

What makes BMC air filters so special though? A lot of things and the material used is one. Made of high-quality cotton and a wide filtering surface, BMC air filters capture more particles and impurities making sure that the engine has access to the cleanest possible air for every single stroke. Cleaner air means cleaner combustion which translates to smooth power production and, of course, longevity. 

In internal combustion engines, more air means more power. In this department as well, BMC air filters excel. Despite the meticulous filtration, BMC air filters also ensure maximum permeation so that the engine is never short on the supply of air, a crucial component for combustion. This ensures that our MINI Cooper S can deliver all of the 190 horses every time we floor it and go Mark Wahlberg. 

All the glory of performance aside, sustainability is also an important factor nowadays and it is something that BMC has addressed in true pioneering fashion. BMC air filters are washable and reusable. That is what we call eco-friendly performance… and pocket-friendly too. We believe this to be the most impressive aspect of BMC air filters because to enjoy the thrill of performance we love, we have to have a habitable planet; it is pretty much a given. 

And that, folks, is why we are thrilled to have BMC air filters as a companion for our MINI Cooper S! 

And some more photos from our time with the BMC’d MINI…