Opinions and experience on cold air intakes

[One-emm]

Hey there,

I'm looking for some input wheither I should get a CAI or not. Currently running a flash upgrade and eisenmann race, thought it could be a nice complement.
What setup are you running? Whats the verdict?

BR

/H

[Amnizu]

Tons of info on this in the engine forum both here and e90 post. There is quite a bit of spirited debate around CAI on the N54 motor.

The two sides are, if you get tuned specifically for one you can see gains as long as you ensure it is a model that isn't just sucking in hot engine bay air.

Or, the other side that says just get a drop in filter, keep it clean and call it a day.

Personally, I wont be putting one on this car.

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by Amnizu

Tons of info on this in the engine forum both here and e90 post. There is quite a bit of spirited debate around CAI on the N54 motor.

The two sides are, if you get tuned specifically for one you can see gains as long as you ensure it is a model that isn't just sucking in hot engine bay air.

Or, the other side that says just get a drop in filter, keep it clean and call it a day.

Personally, I wont be putting one on this car.

I can't agree with that assessment as there is testing that suggests that the additional heat from the engine compartment is more than offset by the easier breathing.

And, of course, the temperature delta between ambient and the engine compartment pales in comparison to the heat contributed by the turbos.

Neil

[Amnizu]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

I can't agree with that assessment as there is testing that suggests that the additional heat from the engine compartment is more than offset by the easier breathing.

And, of course, the temperature delta between ambient and the engine compartment pales in comparison to the heat contributed by the turbos.

Neil

I was trying to softly suggest that perhaps OP should head over to the motor forum for his research .

There are also dyno graphs that show a drop in HP and TQ after installation of CAI options. I agree with you that there are options that show gains, in general the answer to his question is "it depends". Those dependencies are very well explained and n54 motor forums both on 1 addicts and e90 post.

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by Amnizu

I was trying to softly suggest that perhaps OP should head over to the motor forum for his research .

There are also dyno graphs that show a drop in HP and TQ after installation of CAI options. I agree with you that there are options that show gains, in general the answer to his question is "it depends". Those dependencies are very well explained and n54 motor forums both on 1 addicts and e90 post.

Fair enough.

Neil

[One-emm]

I know there are a few posts, none of them really sum up the facts.

How many different types are there?
Which will fit?
Which one is the best?
Is it really worth it?
Dirty air into the engine?
In case of the aFe kits, should you go with the CAI box or dual-cone?
And so forth....

BR

/H

[IZAGLO]

if you like to hear the turbo spool more and sucking noises from the intake than by all means get a CAI,,Personnally i had 3 different CAI's on my last ride and got VERY tired of all the noise,,,at first it was cool but for the 135i i bought a bMS drop in and am going with the more refined sound..My exhaust is more of what i want to here rather than my car sounding more like a vacuum cleaner LOL..But the bottom line is if you want the sounds and enjoy them than get a CAI...power wise it may add a touch of power and looks nice but on this car it's more for the sound.

[GaryS]

This guy measured a pretty good gain with Dinan CAI.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...89#post6763989

[BrokenVert]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

And, of course, the temperature delta between ambient and the engine compartment pales in comparison to the heat contributed by the turbos.

Neil

Theres a difference between sucking in hot engine air versus the secondary heat transfer caused by contact with the turbos

[1'M Blue]

I have an AFE Stage II dual cone open style CAI. fits perfectley.

[One-emm]

Originally Posted by 1'M Blue

I have an AFE Stage II dual cone open style CAI. fits perfectley.

Nice, however I don't doubt the fit is good. How does it run? Performance wise? Sounds?

Had a bit of contact with the Harold at HP Autowerks, he recommended the sealed CAI for my car. What do you guys say?

[Pig Farmer]

Originally Posted by GaryS

This guy measured a pretty good gain with Dinan CAI.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...89#post6763989

I don't believe the Dinan CAI will work on a 1M or 135i with the Stage 2 PPK. The hoses running to the auxiliary radiator on these cars fill the space that Dinan uses to run the piping to the air filter in the front duct. I've spent many hours under the hood trying to find an alternative path to the front ducts with no luck. It's amazing how tightly pack BMW made the front of the engine bay. My goal was/still is trying to figure out a way to fabricate something similar to a "Mr. 5" air intake fed with cold air from the front duct. The search continues.

[1'M Blue]

Originally Posted by One-emm

Nice, however I don't doubt the fit is good. How does it run? Performance wise? Sounds?

Had a bit of contact with the Harold at HP Autowerks, he recommended the sealed CAI for my car. What do you guys say?

Harold might be right . I have mine with other mods like an IC and akra exhaust .

[BJ1M]

here is my CAI system. Without suck the heat from the engine bay. satisfied. downside is a bit pricy. i also installed ER charge pipe and tialQ valve later. total fit without any against each other.

[ezeedee]

what is that plastic line that runs across the intake?

[BJ1M]

that's Original line from the car. i guess it might be sort of sensor line. You can see that GurppeM provide a soft foam tape to hold line to avoid the dumping damage.

[ezeedee]

Originally Posted by BJ1M

that's Original line from the car. i guess it might be sort of sensor line. You can see that GurppeM provide a soft foam tape to hold line to avoid the dumping damage.

Yeah, ive seen it on my car too. Ive thought about replacing it with a softer line, and routing it under the intakes for a cleaner look, but i dont know how much pressure/vacuum runs through it, and i dont want the line to collapse.

[BJ1M]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

Yeah, ive seen it on my car too. Ive thought about replacing it with a softer line, and routing it under the intakes for a cleaner look, but i dont know how much pressure/vacuum runs through it, and i dont want the line to collapse.

you cannot run under the airbox. You can see the source of the connection is same height as the airbox. It remains no space for a turn go under....

[BrokenVert]

How is the grouppe m intake bette than OEM though? I see the same diameter pipe and the airbox is of basically the same design - just in carbon fibre.

Am I missing something from the pics?

[Tuned1M]

^ Bigger and better flowing air filter and a larger snorkel tunnel to the box. Great looking intake but still not worth the price IMO.

[One-emm]

Originally Posted by Tuned1M

^ Bigger and better flowing air filter and a larger snorkel tunnel to the box. Great looking intake but still not worth the price IMO.

Agreed, 2K+ for an intake is a bit too much., even if it looks good and is carbon made... On 200K+ car sure, but not on a 1-series...

I think i'll go for the single cone sealed intake from aFe.

[Pig Farmer]

Originally Posted by Tuned1M

^ Bigger and better flowing air filter and a larger snorkel tunnel to the box. Great looking intake but still not worth the price IMO.

Do they do anything about the size of the opening where the snorkel meets the scoops in the front of the engine bay? I have to imagine this is where the air flow is restricted. The two openings are about 1"x3", and the air needs to make a 90* turn before it enters the snorkel. Would love to know if they found a solution. Thanks.