2010 BMW 128i Intake Question

[JE128i]

I recently bought a 128i (automatic). I'm looking to buy a cold air intake, would like some feedback on what kind I should get based off of your experiences. Leave links or any opinions. Thanks!

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by JE128i

I recently bought a 128i (automatic). I'm looking to buy a cold air intake, would like some feedback on what kind I should get based off of your experiences. Leave links or any opinions. Thanks!

Apparently the AFE SI actually makes some power. The rest are a complete waste of money. All are frankly a waste of money compared to other more impactful mods.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by JE128i

I recently bought a 128i (automatic). I'm looking to buy a cold air intake, would like some feedback on what kind I should get based off of your experiences. Leave links or any opinions. Thanks!

AFE are usually the best choice for intakes

[tuphdc]

I installed the injen on my 128i 6MT about a month ago and I am enjoying it. It was an open box item so I got it for less than MSRP.

The injen intake is noticeably lighter than the stock airbox & tubing, and the engine throttle response has noticeably improved - its simply less restrictive. I also like that the injen comes with 2 pieces of weather stripping seal both sides of the top of the intake duct - so that combined with the heat shield should be adequate at keeping hot air out when on the move.

As for noise, the intake is maybe 15% louder than stock with regular driving. However, at around 4k RPM this things makes a very loud "WHOOM" sound which you may or may not like - it's audible inside and outside of the car.

I would buy it again, but I would prefer to have the BMW PI if it wasn't so costly.

As for MPG - mine has decreased because I am making a lot of "WHOOM" sounds

[Kizzu]

Originally Posted by tuphdc

I installed the injen on my 128i 6MT about a month ago and I am enjoying it. It was an open box item so I got it for less than MSRP.

The injen intake is noticeably lighter than the stock airbox & tubing, and the engine throttle response has noticeably improved - its simply less restrictive. I also like that the injen comes with 2 pieces of weather stripping seal both sides of the top of the intake duct - so that combined with the heat shield should be adequate at keeping hot air out when on the move.

As for noise, the intake is maybe 15% louder than stock with regular driving. However, at around 4k RPM this things makes a very loud "WHOOM" sound which you may or may not like - it's audible inside and outside of the car.

I would buy it again, but I would prefer to have the BMW PI if it wasn't so costly.

As for MPG - mine has decreased because I am making a lot of "WHOOM" sounds

happened to me as well, it's resonance coming from the intake as it is an open system though I like it. that sound between 3.5-4k rpm is really addicting but my mpg figures after weren't anyways been 9 months now with the injen intake and the throttle response has slightly improved and also sound. the only drawback is that heat shield. it just isn't good enough. Maybe some heat reflective tape and some ''extensions'' to the heat shield will do the job

[Kontra]

Originally Posted by tuphdc

I also like that the injen comes with 2 pieces of weather stripping seal both sides of the top of the intake duct - so that combined with the heat shield should be adequate at keeping hot air out when on the move.

sounds

Those two rubber pieces melted FLUSH off for me, one day I popped my hood and the tubing was completely full (won't pinch the top of the heat shield). Don't get me wrong, I love the intake, sound above 4k RPM compared to stock is night and day... but the heat shield definitely needs some work.

[631twentyeighteye]

100X agreed that the injen heatshield is garbage. Mine's rusting out too. I'll probably just remove it since i can't imagine it does much. I dig the open intake sound too much to go back to a closed box. I think the difference between an open and closed is negligible at speed thanks to the kidneys feeding fresh air directly to the intake.

[Chandon]

The injen heatshield is rubbish, probably conducts more heat than prevents it.
I was toying with the idea of wrapping the pipe and shield in heat reflective tape, then custom fabricating a cover for the intake.

[jclaib7]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Apparently the AFE SI actually makes some power. The rest are a complete waste of money. All are frankly a waste of money compared to other more impactful mods.

So should I sell my ridiculously overpriced BMW Performance Intake, buy and install the AFE SI, and pocket some cash?

I do like the fact that the BMW PI is under warranty.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Apparently the AFE SI actually makes some power. The rest are a complete waste of money. All are frankly a waste of money compared to other more impactful mods.

I lol'd reading this.


But he's right - I'm still waiting to test out the Dinan and the Gruppe M intakes (anyone want to donate a Gruppe M?) but ultimately, they are minor gains (and higher cost) to other parts like intake manifolds, tunes and headers.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by jclaib7

So should I sell my ridiculously overpriced BMW Performance Intake, buy and install the AFE SI, and pocket some cash?

I do like the fact that the BMW PI is under warranty.

I personally wouldn't as the AFE fails other criteria for me, but if spec sheet HP gains are your sole focus, yes. Just keep in mind it won't be a noticeable difference.

[andrey_gta]

To be honest I am really enjoying my RevMotoring Silicone boot on my Eurobox- this item is part of the design on the AFE closed and open intakes and the Injen.

I think its the missing peace for throttle response and added urgency feeling.
So Charcoal delete + AFE grey dry filter, + RevMotoring pipe = great little USA spec airbox

[jclaib7]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

I personally wouldn't as the AFE fails other criteria for me, but if spec sheet HP gains are your sole focus, yes. Just keep in mind it won't be a noticeable difference.

I think i'll keep the BMW PI for the sexy looking carbon fiber alone.

[Tibo]

I have installed the Injen and i also have notice a better throttle response.
Also i have a question : does air scoops (Cyba or whatever) will help to increase my intake efficency ?

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by Tibo

I have installed the Injen and i also have notice a better throttle response.
Also i have a question : does air scoops (Cyba or whatever) will help to increase my intake efficency ?

I just put a set on a week ago. They do nothing but look cool(imo).

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by Tibo

I have installed the Injen and i also have notice a better throttle response.
Also i have a question : does air scoops (Cyba or whatever) will help to increase my intake efficency ?

At speed above 70kmh only its possible

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

At speed above 70kmh only its possible

1. The stock system is already getting air from a high pressure region ahead of the radiator.
2. At 100 mph we're talking ~.176 psi or a 1.2% hp increase (230 vs. 232.76 hp).
3. What's the difference between the "high pressure region" and the theoretical max pressure? IDK, but I'm trying to figure a way to have someone else pay for the sensor... I'm guessing not much, though.
4. You will never be able to objectively tell the difference.
5. Scoops look kind of cool...

[RoundelM3]

Removing the charcoal filter in the stock airbox helps diminish restriction, and using an AFE or K&N filter insert will reduce it a little more. As Stig says, an intake is not going to make much of a difference without other modifications. I had two E46 330i cars (one was a ZHP), and I installed a larger throttle body from Dinan along with an exhaust, power pulley set, and some upgraded software (also from Dinan). The combination made quite a difference, but I'm not sure whether the same type of modifications are available for the N52 engine. From what I've heard, the DISA intake manifold from a 2006 330i (or similar engine) and some software can add up to 30 hp when used with an aftermarket exhaust, but tuning an NA engine without getting into camshaft upgrades, headers, and other similar modifications isn't going to get any really significant results. A supercharger kit would make a huge difference, but there are other related mods that will need to go with it and it'll be pricey.

[Taskmaster]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Apparently the AFE SI actually makes some power. The rest are a complete waste of money. All are frankly a waste of money compared to other more impactful mods.

This.

[mahlerbeatdown]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

This.

Very true! Have the AFE on my 128i and was an instant improvement both by pedal feel and sound. Definitely a little more get up too.