[TY12]

Anyone care to share what CAI brand they own and personal experiences? I am looking to purchase one but unsure of which to buy. Would like a safer option but really don't want to pay $600+ unless absolutely worth it. Any responses are appreciated! Thanks.

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by TY12

Anyone care to share what CAI brand they own and personal experiences? I am looking to purchase one but unsure of which to buy. Would like a safer option but really don't want to pay $600+ unless absolutely worth it. Any responses are appreciated! Thanks.

Intake being higher flow doesn't mean your engine is able to take advantage of it. Just like you wont be gaining anything with too big diameter exhaust pipe.

Stock intake is not restrictive at all until you approach 450whp mark. Before that, all aftermarket system does is makes noise, throw code and LOSE low-to-mid end power (if heat soaked with open system, top end as well), or normally a combination of them all.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

Intake being higher flow doesn't mean your engine is able to take advantage of it. Just like you wont be gaining anything with too big diameter exhaust pipe.

Stock intake is not restrictive at all until you approach 450whp mark. Before that, all aftermarket system does is makes noise, throw code and LOSE low-to-mid end power (if heat soaked with open system, top end as well), or normally a combination of them all.

This. I dont understand how hot air getting sucked in from inside the engine bay would be better than fresh air flowing through the grille and into the stock intake system?

[SeanWRT]

Originally Posted by E90 LCI

This. I dont understand how hot air getting sucked in from inside the engine bay would be better than fresh air flowing through the grille and into the stock intake system?

OP is asking CAI which I assume should be a closed system or at least half closed like MPPK. Though still, money can be spent much better elsewhere.

[Chicken_Joe]

Best option if you have a hardon for an intake upgrade would be anything sealed. Dinan, AFE and maybe eventuri or That AWE S-Flow

[1QuikWS6]

I use the Dinan CF closed intake - bought it off forum member 'Used' in excellent shape at discount (Dinan $617 price is of course high)

Don't notice any power improvement, turbo sounds better thru this intake - but I just like to mess around with my cars & spend $$

No codes thrown & no hot underhood air with the Dinan setup

[enjoythemusic]

Also have Dinan in sealed 435i, no codes and like 1QuikWS6 said the air comes from the front and not within the hot engine bay.

[zcspec]

Great topic to discuss and makes me realize that I should go to a completely closed system. A while back, I bought a used AFE Momentum Pro 5R and the prior owner had two different filter boxes. One setup, he cut the bottom of the box to unfilter intake sounds. The other box, he left alone and is as close as you can get to a closed system. Since purchase, I've ran the "open" box but given the engine bay temps, I'm sure it's sucking in hot air. Time for a change...

[yoandry]

If you going to spend the money, get a closed one. Most people here run BMS open one and I bought one to try and sold it next day. They tend to start with rough idle, too much hot air and maf sensor start throwing cel code.

So I got the sealed AFE Momentum Pro and looks good and work like a champ.

[cosmicdebris48059]

I'm a Carbon Fiber Freak, so I went with the Dinan Intake. Looks great under the hood, no codes or issues. Just expensive!?.....

[mike@x-ph.com]

If you are looking for a loud intake, get Injen or BMS (i recommend a JB4 with these 2 options).

If you are looking for a carbon fiber intake, i would go with Dinan (no tunes needed).

[FSociety]

AFE Pro Dry Drop-in Filter does the job and cheaper!
after seeing all Open ones are shit, plenty of threads with BMS causing idle/MAF issues too.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by yoandry

If you going to spend the money, get a closed one. Most people here run BMS open one and I bought one to try and sold it next day. They tend to start with rough idle, too much hot air and maf sensor start throwing cel code.

So I got the sealed AFE Momentum Pro and looks good and work like a champ.

Any hp/tq gains?

[yoandry]

Originally Posted by E90 LCI

Any hp/tq gains?

Yeah, like 80whp and torque. Dont know if it is sarcastic question so you find out my answer if it is or not.

[1QuikWS6]

According to Dinan:

+ More Power: +10 HP & +15 lb-ft of torque without additional modifications
+ Even more power can be achieved when combined with the DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner and exhaust. Consult the applicable DINANTRONICS product page for details.
+ Sportier Sound
+ Larger volume air box that completely seals
+ Optimized carbon fiber intake tube
+ Larger cylindrical air filter
+ Larger MAF
+ Quick and easy installation

I agree with everything cept the power claims, I didn't really notice any difference (but 10hp is very small) so IDK...

The turbo does sound better thru the Dinan though & the CF tube across the front of the car is beautiful

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by yoandry

Yeah, like 80whp and torque. Dont know if it is sarcastic question so you find out my answer if it is or not.

How is it a sarcastic question if I am asking if your car gained any power after spending money on an intake system which is meant for performance?

[1QuikWS6]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here & say that NO intake system is gonna add power you can feel...

In my case I just like messin with the car & it looks prettier - hell I even installed one of those AFE inlet scoops for F32 to the inlet behind the grill so it would suck more bugs in

[dr.roro]

Bottom line - intakes are not worth it for the F3x platform. Performance upgrade is little to none. MAF error codes or CEL chances are high. Just do a quick search of this sub-forum.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by dr.roro

Bottom line - intakes are not worth it for the F3x platform. Performance upgrade is little to none. MAF error codes or CEL chances are high. Just do a quick search of this sub-forum.

Closed intakes do not throw a CEL
Open intake add a very nice sound + there is a work around the CEL code.

Intakes are one of the most popular mods for the F chassis. It just depends on what user is looking for. If he is after performance, there are better mods available

[TR-8R]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Closed intakes do not throw a CEL
Open intake add a very nice sound + there is a work around the CEL code.

Intakes are one of the most popular mods for the F chassis. It just depends on what user is looking for. If he is after performance, there are better mods available

Weird. I've had my CTS Turbo Intake (open with heat shield) for over a year and a half running smooth with no codes or idle issues , I'm not tuned yet either.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by TR-8R

Weird. I've had my CTS Turbo Intake (open with heat shield) for over a year and a half running smooth with no codes or idle issues , I'm not tuned yet either.

Most dont get codes with open intakes ... few unlucky ones do (Jb4 supresses the code).

[TY12]

Thanks everyone for the input. Personally just want something that gives better sound from under the hood. I understand performance gains would be minimal. I don't like idea of CEL so maybe I'll just pony up for the Dinan. Thought about going FBO with JB4 but considering I won't be racing or anything, I've pretty much ditched that idea. All responses will help making my decision. Thanks again!