want to fit a K&N filter,has anyone experience with fitting to a panda engine,do you need to retune or even fit a sports exhaust,not looking for more power just better throttle response.

It's dead easy and in theory might make a difference and in truth I typically fit them to most of my cars, just because it may help and it can be cleaned and re-used. We do not live in the desert, so ultimate filtration capacity (as opposed to ability, note) is not as big a priority in the UK as it might be in Dubai for example. Never felt a car to be quicker with just a K&N alone, but it's for sure not any slower either!

I would suggest that throttle response is governed more by the engine's electronics than the air filter. Various sensors detect the rate of airflow and adjust the throttle (which itself is electronic) accordingly. But, a clean air filter may help, and a washable K&N will save you money on paper replacements over time.

I've just fitted a BMC filter to my TA. Only driven around the block so far, hard to tell what difference it has made so far.

Interestingly, the idle speed was at 1400rpm when I started the car; it has never been that high. When I got back from the short drive it has settled down to 800rpm or so.

It took me a little while to figure out how to get to the filter, but once I realised how the air filter box comes off it was quite easy.

many thanks for your responses.

I think this:
"Interestingly, the idle speed was at 1400rpm when I started the car; it has never been that high. When I got back from the short drive it has settled down to 800rpm or so."
probably tallies with this:
"Various sensors detect the rate of airflow and adjust the throttle (which itself is electronic) accordingly"
rather neatly...

I did this mod because it is relatively low-cost and I had great success with a Green Cotton panel filter in a Citroen C2 VTR I once had. It definitely improved throttle response and gave a slight induction noise which was nice.

I've had more of a drive now with the BMC in the Panda.

It still sits at 1400rpm on cold start, then settles after a short while to 800rpm.

Can't really say I notice any difference in performance or noise.

It does rev out more sweetly though; first gear up to redline was almost like the handbrake was put on as it hit the limiter at 5500rpm; it now revs to about 5800 rpm and feels smoother.

Low-rpm response might be better or maybe I'm imagining it.

I feel that the original air filter housing might be quite restrictive. Don't know really.