Carbon Fiber Intake/Exhaust

[urbanjunglist]

I've been looking for a specific type of Intake & Exhaust setup. I have a 2008 128i, everything is still stock including the ECU. I have seen before (and forgive me if it was here on this forum!) the intake I'd like to install... but can't seem to find any pics of it again. Basically, the downpipe was straight & short-shot from the manifold, and the dual cones are hanging/exposed right where my stock intake filter is now. I like this setup particularly because the carbon fiber downpipe looks beautiful in this position, but mainly because I can pop off the cones and clean/oil them every month or so with ease (I had a similar setup on my prelude s vtec years ago).

Basically, anyone know how I can find this type of setup? Also, I'd like to install a complimenting exhaust with carbon fiber tips at the same time. While I'm here... any suggestions on whether I really need any more than a new muffler, or cat-back/full exhaust?

I don't plan on an engine stage upgrade just yet, I only want to take her breathing up a notch for now

*I'm open to any advice/suggestions from those who have done these mods!

thanks yall

[Dafttt]

*dual cone*

Are you referring to the Afe Stage 2 intake for the N54?

You're gonna want to go with a closed intake box to avoid heat soak.

I'd recommend a euro box (charcoal delete) or Afe Si. Won't have the same look as the cone's exposed but the Afe box will give you the carbon fibre bits.

[urbanjunglist]

Originally Posted by Daft Auto

*dual cone*

Are you referring to the Afe Stage 2 intake for the N54?

You're gonna want to go with a closed intake box to avoid heat soak.

I'd recommend a euro box (charcoal delete) or Afe Si. Won't have the same look as the cone's exposed but the Afe box will give you the carbon fibre bits.

I do like the Afe, but I like this a lot better (I just now found it): Injen Dual-cone Intake.

If it's even available for the 128i... would I have the same heat soak concerns that you mentioned? Also - it seems the air diverter does only pull air from one of the two grill scoops... would this be a concern or do you think I'll get a sufficient amount of cold air coming in regardless?

[urbanjunglist]

*I realize the link i posted last does not have a carbon fiber option. However, I'm not married to the carbon fiber downpipe, I'd rather have exposed cones*

[mechavore884]

since it has a black wrinkle coat (hopefully its the thermal kind) that should help but Id assume heat soak would happen anyways....but with that being said I don't see too many people here who have had any dire issues regarding it (since Ive seen many running the injen SR)

[urbanjunglist]

Thanks guys. So, I've also found the AFE stage 2 cold air. Which of these would you suggest? I really like the look of the dual-cone, but wondering if the AFE is going to pull colder air. Something tells me it may not be that much different even with the heat shield. But, definitely looking for advice here on the best choice for my 6-speed 128....

AFE Stage 2 cold air *also, what's the difference/advantage between Pro 5R and the Pro Dry S?

>> OR? <<

Injen Dual Cone

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by urbanjunglist

Thanks guys. So, I've also found the AFE stage 2 cold air. Which of these would you suggest? I really like the look of the dual-cone, but wondering if the AFE is going to pull colder air. Something tells me it may not be that much different even with the heat shield. But, definitely looking for advice here on the best choice for my 6-speed 128....

AFE Stage 2 cold air *also, what's the difference/advantage between Pro 5R and the Pro Dry S?

>> OR? <<

Injen Dual Cone

Pro 5R is oiled(read breaks your MAF) and the Pro Dry S is a dry cone filter.

Do whatever looks better to you.

[Dafttt]

^ First option doesn't fit, it's for the N54.

Check this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=729933

Also, search the E90 N52 board for a lot more intake information here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35

Same engine, different car, a lot more testing and application.

I think you should look into a closed box intake with a dry filter. You need to maintain/clean the filter and MAF sensor more often with an oiled filter. Dry is completely fine and usually preferable.

[Dafttt]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Do whatever looks better to you.

Ok that got me.

[Greenkirby21]

dual cones is for 135i models.

Ours are single cone.

Open intakes are injen or afe.
afe also sells a closed box one that is more expensive.
if you want carbon fiber you can get the BMW performance once(expensive), or maybe even simota intake(very rare, no clue if it even exists anymore).

Personally I run the injen, because I liked the sound the most. Don't expect any gains really from intake. I feel better throttle response and MPG improved a bit.

for cheapest price on AFE or Injen, best bet is probably autoanything.com. That is where I got mine. I was able to find a 15% off coupon from google, so it wasn't too expensive.

Edit: car was really dirty when I installed it 2 years ago. i've cleaned it since then.

[mechavore884]

hey greenkirby did that hydrolock shield come with it? (I remember in the past those had to be purchased seperately)?

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Daft Auto

Ok that got me.

Sometimes I lose patience.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Pro 5R is oiled(read breaks your MAF) and the Pro Dry S is a dry cone filter.

Do whatever looks better to you.

N54 doesn't have MAF, has MAP

absolutely NOTHING to worry about with oil filter

plus, it's only a worry if it's over-oiled.

ED: ah we're talking N52, no idea why DCI came up

still, no worry running oiled filter as long as it's right.

[urbanjunglist]

Originally Posted by Daft Auto

^ First option doesn't fit, it's for the N54.

Check this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=729933

Also, search the E90 N52 board for a lot more intake information here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=35

Same engine, different car, a lot more testing and application.

I think you should look into a closed box intake with a dry filter. You need to maintain/clean the filter and MAF sensor more often with an oiled filter. Dry is completely fine and usually preferable.

Thanks. I'll be honest, I've been trying to figure out the exact model of my engine. I know that I'm driving a 2008 128i which is the E82 generation. 6-speed manual. So, my block is not the N54 but rather the N52? Forgive my ignorance!! Like I've mentioned... I was driving rice-burners until now, this is my first german-built car and still learning.

I really enjoyed the oiled cone filter on my honda prelude. And, I'm kind of a neat-freak type so I had no problem with (and actually enjoyed the ritual of) pulling the filter every month to rinse/let dry and oil it up. Also, while i appreciate your closed box/sealed suggestion... I am also a sucker for acoustic enhancement, so the maintenance on an exposed filter is definitely worth the sound I'll get from it (ooh nothing like that jet-engine suction sound pulling air in direct...). Aside from the minimal maintenance... is there any other particular reason you would suggest the closed box type?

Regarding the MAF sensor... can you tell me more on that too? Would I be utilizing the stock sensor with a new intake, or always installing a new one? Also... is there a gauge you would recommend installing as well (just curious if that's a good/feasible idea)?

thanks again

[631twentyeighteye]

I'd recommend the Injen intake. Has a dry filter, but you can still clean it routinely if you'd like with an air compressor. Just no oiling process.

[urbanjunglist]

Although I love the look of an exposed filter... I do like what I am hearing about 54-81012-B.

A couple questions... has anyone heard any more about the check engine light issue with this intake? Also, are there custom options for the top cover? Just curious as I could see carbon fiber being really nice as a cover.

After what I've read/videos I've watched etc... it seems people favor this intake because of it's clean/tight installation, and seems to deliver the best performance jumps. I hope the sound would be what I'm looking for too. Although an exposed filter looks badass, I will opt for better sound / air flow above anything.

Definitely concerned about that check engine light... i would hate to install this thing properly then be rolling around with a warning light on

[urbanjunglist]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

I'd recommend the Injen intake. Has a dry filter, but you can still clean it routinely if you'd like with an air compressor. Just no oiling process.

Thanks man! Since I was told the dual cone I posted above is not for my engine... can you hit me with a link to the specific Injen you're referring to?

[631twentyeighteye]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INJEN-SP1121...e3e8f9&vxp=mtr

This is a picture of mine installed. Sounds great and is an easy clean install.

[urbanjunglist]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INJEN-SP1121...e3e8f9&vxp=mtr

This is a picture of mine installed. Sounds great and is an easy clean install.

Awesome. So - yours has a black downpipe, and the heatshield installed beneath, correct? How about performance? Any overall gains, or just a quicker throttle response?

I would be very grateful if you had a shot close up... from above

[631twentyeighteye]

here's one from another member http://www.1addicts.com/forums/attac...1&d=1326335126

Not much of a difference in power, more responsive however. I have the black pipe and heatshield, correct.

[urbanjunglist]

Originally Posted by 631twentyeighteye

here's one from another member http://www.1addicts.com/forums/attac...1&d=1326335126

Not much of a difference in power, more responsive however. I have the black pipe and heatshield, correct.

Yeah I am really just looking for better response... no point in looking for more power right now since my ECU is stock (is this called stage 1, or is it really "no stage" if i haven't been re-programmed?) and I've buried the needle at 135mph a few times now. I would like some advice on a new muffler if you guys are willing to share!

I really appreciate this info, really!

[631twentyeighteye]

I personally had a BMW performance exhaust and it was amazing. The tone and pitch are perfect and its quite loud enough for most, but i wanted louder. So i have an active autowerke 135i axleback bolted to my mids which were cut and had a flange welded on behind the resonator so it would all fit. It's loud and obnoxious but sounds amazing.

I'd also suggest the magnaflow cat back exhaust system.