Performance Intake for 128 Only

[Helgeson]

Hello 1addicts!
(My first post here, ever)
I had the Performance intake system installed in my 130i about a week ago in Germany. Payed 720 Euro (with about 10% discount) including installation and tax. The response is now even better... not to mention the sound... On 3/4-full throttle it is plain awesome once you pass 3000 rpm!!! :thumbup: Next week I will have the performance exhaust and the short-shift kit installed as well (got 13,5% discount on these).

[wa128]

What new power ratings can we expect?

[Helgeson]

Not very much, I'm afraid... doubt it'll be more than some 6 hp from the two combined if we speak about max power. However, as the torque increases a bit (don't know how much, though), the responsiveness and power at a given rpm increases as least so much it becomes noticeable. And then - again -we have the sound..:-)

[jkp1187]

It would be interesting to see a dyno test on the car with and without the new intake, if you will/can!

[Helgeson]

My plan is to do a dyno on Aug 2nd or 3rd, that is, with the exhaust mounted as well. Unfortunately, I don't have any test without the stuff, so it won't say very much in that respect.

[bigmicj]

Aw man! I was hoping to be the first one with this installed. Thanks for posting though. I'm curious as to how long it took to install? Was it an hour of labor time?

[Helgeson]

Sorry!:biggrin:

I'm not very handy, so I had to let BMW do it - took them just over 30 min.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by Helgeson

My plan is to do a dyno on Aug 2nd or 3rd, that is, with the exhaust mounted as well. Unfortunately, I don't have any test without the stuff, so it won't say very much in that respect.

Was it a pretty involved installation? In other words -- could you just tear off the performance intake and replace with stock for the first run or two, then put the performance intake back on?

EDIT: Sorry, just saw your reply. Intakes usually aren't that involved, probably a simple bolt-on job.

[Helgeson]

I guess you could. But doing the same with the exhaust would involve more effort... Also, I'm interested in the combined effect of the two. I think/hope they go well together.

[bigmicj]

Thanks for the response. 30 mins is perfect. I plan to have one installed as well.

It's probably worth having the dealer install it, as the part will be covered under the 4 year BMW waranty. If you install it yourself, it will only carry a 2 year part waranty

[jbenington86]

Wow cool 30min install so roughly 50 euro for the install...hahaha

[BJDrew]

I was always cautious about spending too much on 128i accesories - otherwise, I should have bought a 135i. the intake looks cost effective.

what will the exhaust cost installed?

[Helgeson]

I see your point BJDrew, but I think there is more to it than that; it's a cultural question - turbo or not! Personally, I don't think turbo is BMWs thing, really (not since the 2002 Turbo, at least).
I prefer the 130i over 135i: just classic BMW 3-liter I6. Absolutely no lag and better sound, I dare say. Not that much slower, either. With Shell V-Power fuel and the BMW performance intake and exhaust, I guess it packs a solid 275 hp (at least)!

With discount, the exhaust will be just below 800 Euro installed (in Germany). Not cheap, but less than in Sweden and I think it will go nicely with the intake. Pretty sure the sound will be awsome!

[BJDrew]

I already am getting a quote for the intake. I think I'm doing it! Maybe we can get some 128i posts with traction. I still haven't seen any good track times for 0-60mph, 1/4mi, nothing on the 128i

[Helgeson]

That's the spirit!

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by Helgeson

I see your point BJDrew, but I think there is more to it than that; it's a cultural question - turbo or not! Personally, I don't think turbo is BMWs thing, really (not since the 2002 Turbo, at least).
I prefer the 130i over 135i: just classic BMW 3-liter I6. Absolutely no lag and better sound, I dare say. Not that much slower, either. With Shell V-Power fuel and the BMW performance intake and exhaust, I guess it packs a solid 275 hp (at least)!

With discount, the exhaust will be just below 800 Euro installed (in Germany). Not cheap, but less than in Sweden and I think it will go nicely with the intake. Pretty sure the sound will be awsome!

275HP! you think the combo adds that much? When are you doing a dyno? Not that I dont believe you but if you are right those are the next 2 things im buying :biggrin:

ahhh wait you got a 130i....more hp stock than 128i

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by BJDrew

I was always cautious about spending too much on 128i accesories - otherwise, I should have bought a 135i. the intake looks cost effective.

You think? $790 seems a bit outrageous to me, unless there is a major power benefit to having the filter box made of carbon fiber.

And what does the filter itself look like? Is it a cone?

Definitely want to see some dynos and 1/4-mile times for the 128i. Although I just don't see the filter + exhaust alone are generating anywhere near +45 additional HP. I think it'll be more like +10hp, maybe +15 if you're lucky. Bimmers aren't Hondas -- they aren't likely to leave that much power on the table due to a restrictive intake/exhaust in the first place.

EDIT: Sorry, I forgot you were driving the 130i hatchback. So your engine starts out rated at 261hp/195kW versus the 230hp/170kW of the US-spec 128i. So your prediction of 275hp at the crank might be true.

Hmm. Wonder what the differences between the 130i engine and the 128i engine. According to Wikipedia, they're the same engine, just rated differently. I sense some modding possibilities there!

[Helgeson]

With the exchange rates of today, I'm afraid everything must sound expensive in dollars. But sure, BMW has always known how to charge people...
Yes, it is a 130i, so I know it is slightly off-topic given the thread header. Sorry about that. However as you say jkp1187, the difference compared to 128i is just rating.

Haven't actually seen the filter, but the original is cylinder shaped.

To be precise, 195 kW yields 265 hp (195/0.736), which also is the official figure, at least in Sweden/Germany. Dyno tests have shown that this engine responds well to Shell's V-Power fuel; some 7 hp plus!
Therefore, I think 275 even is somewhat conservative. Some 6-7 hp from the intake and exhaust combined is quite realistic. Yet again, the major gain is sound and responsiveness.

[Helgeson]

Hmm... didn't realize that a factor of 0.98632 separates the horsepower unit as defined on the respective sides of the Atlantic ;-)

Also, the engine in 130i and 128i is indeed the same (N52B30), but for all I know, there could be small mechanical differences as well (not sure, and not very easy to find out either).

Sorry for the confusion!

[jbenington86]

its the same difference between the 330 and 328 ~ 20hp i cant recall the exact specifics...if there was a BMW tech in here he would know the answer

[crex]

Originally Posted by jbenington86

its the same difference between the 330 and 328 ~ 20hp i cant recall the exact specifics...if there was a BMW tech in here he would know the answer

The only difference is a 3 stage intake manifold and ecu. WE have the same engine in the z4 3.0si.. similar thing with the 325/330 engines..

[jbenington86]

Originally Posted by DocHoliday

The only difference is a 3 stage intake manifold and ecu. WE have the same engine in the z4 3.0si.. similar thing with the 325/330 engines..

I knew it was something small