Had a K&N in my diesel ZTT’s air box for nearly 7 years now with no effect on the MAF whatsoever. It’s when people over oil them that causes issues.
Cleaning is easy, do mine once a year. It’s the first job I do when servicing, gives it chance to dry, just give it a blow with the compressor to make sure before I oil it.
So, over the 7 years I’d have used 7 genuine standard air filters at around £12 each......£84
The K&N cost me £39.99 and I’ve used half of my second cleaning kit at £10 each.......£15.
So, in seven years, it’s cost me £55 with the K&N opposed to £84 for gen standard filters
You also get a couple of cool stickers with them too