CTS Turbo Cold Air Intake installation DIY

BMW DIY Guy · 11-16-2017, 08:50 AM

Hey guys!

I wanted to share my latest DIY video, this one for the CTS Turbo cold air intake system.

****Full Disclosure**** I worked with Mike of Extreme Powerhouse directly on this project, and XPH is a fantastic resource!

As with most CAI systems, all in all, a very quick and easy install. The video is about 12min with commentary, and the install total is easily under 30min including putting the few tools away.

Anyone can do this install, you just need a screwdriver, T20torx, and a 10mm and 8mm socket.

What really stands out in the 20min or so I have of driving in the car thus far.. is SOUND. The intake WOOOOOOOOOSH is significantly louder especially revving past 2k rpm, louder than any CAI I have ever had in any car. I am going to be really interested to see how this system runs over the next weeks and months post install, but thus far I am really intrigued!

The really interesting thing is actually inside the filter itself. Semi-typical barrel or conical style filter, but has a finned piece on the inside! I have never seen that before in any conical style filter before this one. Making some assumptions.. first that it helps guide the air uniformly into the MAF assembly, not just in through the filter and possibly uneven airflow. Second, I am willing to bet that effects the sound as well, as the fins might contribute to the sound. Really interesting addition and a differential item in a crowded CAI market for sure.

Great product, solid design and going to be watching results closely!

Any questions give me a shout!

Seba77W · 11-16-2017, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raichean

Hey guys!

I wanted to share my latest DIY video, this one for the CTS Turbo cold air intake system.

What really stands out in the 20min or so I have of driving in the car thus far.. is SOUND. The intake WOOOOOOOOOSH is significantly louder especially revving past 2k rpm, louder than any CAI I have ever had in any car. I am going to be really interested to see how this system runs over the next weeks and months post install, but thus far I am really intrigued!

The really interesting thing is actually inside the filter itself. Semi-typical barrel or conical style filter, but has a finned piece on the inside! I have never seen that before in any conical style filter before this one. Making some assumptions.. first that it helps guide the air uniformly into the MAF assembly, not just in through the filter and possibly uneven airflow. Second, I am willing to bet that effects the sound as well, as the fins might contribute to the sound. Really interesting addition and a differential item in a crowded CAI market for sure.

Great product, solid design and going to be watching results closely!

Any questions give me a shout!

I have the exact same intake! I love the sound!!

Dinan_Rated · 11-16-2017, 08:18 PM

No carbon fiber

but looks cool. Open filter always helps with sound but bad for heat from my experience. Enjoy! I also have a nice tune to take advantage of the Cai

Bestodabest · 11-17-2017, 09:32 AM

Sound clip!!!

BMW DIY Guy · 11-17-2017, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestodabest

Sound clip!!!

absolutely.. so I am going to shoot some video for both the new exhaust and new intake this weekend, to try to capture the new sounds. That said, I hope my camera does it justice.. honestly concerned about mic quality on this.

JaredG_F30 · 11-18-2017, 06:06 PM

Hey guys this is a DYI video I made of the CTS Turbo installation. It's shot from a different angle and I include sound clips and a review at the end. I hope you like!

BMW DIY Guy · 11-18-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestodabest

Sound clip!!!

Here you go!

RoundelM240 · 11-21-2017, 07:04 AM

The larger-diameter plumbing and the oiled-cotton filter are the biggest benefits in this design. My experience with non-enclosed oiled-cotton filters has been that they tend to get dirty and dry out quicker than the enclosed ones. Other than that, it looks like a well-designed item.

torkles · 11-21-2017, 12:52 PM

did the butt dyno register any increases?

BMW DIY Guy · 11-21-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torkles

did the butt dyno register any increases?

yes.. my formally bone stock 435i is a whole different animal these days. Accidentally spun my wheels coming out from a stop sign just a few days ago.. accidentally honest! *laugh*

mike@x-ph.com · 11-23-2017, 12:30 AM

Thank you for another DIY OP, great job!

BMW DIY Guy · 04-11-2018, 05:49 PM

So I am going to say this very carefully as I dont want to say something that isn't true, or expose myself to repercussions.

I have heard there are complaints about **SOME OF** their BMW designs being too similar to some of their competitors and I take the comments seriously.

*IF* that is the case, then I retract my endorsement of them and dont even really want their product in my car. I will remove their info from my signature and am considering taking down the DIY video I did.

The product has worked GREAT in my car and sounds amazing, but as I just heard this info, I need to decide for myself if I want anything to do with them.

Again, *IF* what I have heard is true.

**edited**

JaredG_F30 · 04-12-2018, 07:05 AM

BMW DIY Guy · 04-13-2018, 08:51 AM

To be completely clear, I think their CAI is awesome and really great hardware, and I have nothing personal with CTS. I am actually only a few hours south of them and was even talking about coming and visiting their shop.

I hope things are not true, and just be clear on my motivations.

terryd5150 · 04-14-2018, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

So I am going to say this very carefully as I dont want to say something that isn't true, or expose myself to repercussions.

I have heard there are complaints about **SOME OF** their BMW designs being too similar to some of their competitors and I take the comments seriously.

*IF* that is the case, then I retract my endorsement of them and dont even really want their product in my car. I will remove their info from my signature and am considering taking down the DIY video I did.

The product has worked GREAT in my car and sounds amazing, but as I just heard this info, I need to decide for myself if I want anything to do with them.

Again, *IF* what I have heard is true.

**edited**

I can understand where you're coming from; but, if you're referring to intercoolers, CTS' version is not the one that's impinging on the ATM design.

That would be CSF - a completely different entity.

BMW DIY Guy · 04-14-2018, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terryd5150

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

So I am going to say this very carefully as I dont want to say something that isn't true, or expose myself to repercussions.

I have heard there are complaints about **SOME OF** their BMW designs being too similar to some of their competitors and I take the comments seriously.

*IF* that is the case, then I retract my endorsement of them and dont even really want their product in my car. I will remove their info from my signature and am considering taking down the DIY video I did.

The product has worked GREAT in my car and sounds amazing, but as I just heard this info, I need to decide for myself if I want anything to do with them.

Again, *IF* what I have heard is true.

**edited**

I can understand where you're coming from; but, if you're referring to intercoolers, CTS' version is not the one that's impinging on the ATM design.

That would be CSF - a completely different entity.

I appreciate that info thank you.

11-16-2017, 08:50 AM	#1
BMW DIY Guy Brigadier General 4202 Rep 3,590 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Maple Valley WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 X3 M40 [0.00] 2024 BMW M2 [9.80] 2017 BMW X1 [10.00]	CTS Turbo Cold Air Intake installation DIY Hey guys! I wanted to share my latest DIY video, this one for the CTS Turbo cold air intake system. **Full Disclosure I worked with Mike of Extreme Powerhouse directly on this project, and XPH is a fantastic resource! As with most CAI systems, all in all, a very quick and easy install. The video is about 12min with commentary, and the install total is easily under 30min including putting the few tools away. Anyone can do this install, you just need a screwdriver, T20torx, and a 10mm and 8mm socket. What really stands out in the 20min or so I have of driving in the car thus far.. is SOUND. The intake WOOOOOOOOOSH is significantly louder especially revving past 2k rpm, louder than any CAI I have ever had in any car. I am going to be really interested to see how this system runs over the next weeks and months post install, but thus far I am really intrigued! The really interesting thing is actually inside the filter itself. Semi-typical barrel or conical style filter, but has a finned piece on the inside! I have never seen that before in any conical style filter before this one. Making some assumptions.. first that it helps guide the air uniformly into the MAF assembly, not just in through the filter and possibly uneven airflow. Second, I am willing to bet that effects the sound as well, as the fins might contribute to the sound. Really interesting addition and a differential item in a crowded CAI market for sure. Great product, solid design and going to be watching results closely! Any questions give me a shout! __________________ Check out my BMW DIY Channel on YouTube! E, F and G series projects from Active Autowerke, Bimmertech, Kies Motorsports, AvinUSA, Karbonius Composites and more! YouTube BMW DIY Guy ** 'Nimona' G87 M2 Build Thread 'Lillith' F87 M2 Competition Build Thread
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11-16-2017, 08:18 PM	#3
Dinan_Rated DINAN SELLER 243 Rep 657 Posts Drives: BMW X3MC X3M40i, DINAN M5 V10 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	No carbon fiberbut looks cool. Open filter always helps with sound but bad for heat from my experience. Enjoy! I also have a nice tune to take advantage of the Cai
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11-17-2017, 09:32 AM	#4
Bestodabest Private First Class 39 Rep 122 Posts Drives: 2014 435i Xdrive Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Sound clip!!!
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11-18-2017, 06:06 PM	#6
JaredG_F30 Lieutenant Colonel 1126 Rep 1,498 Posts Drives: 2014 335i, M-Sport, Manual Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	Hey guys this is a DYI video I made of the CTS Turbo installation. It's shot from a different angle and I include sound clips and a review at the end. I hope you like! __________________ 2014 F30 335i, M-Sport, 6MT, V804s, custom exhaust, CTS Turbo Intake & IC, FTP CP, VRSF DP, TMS Strut Brace, BM3 Stg 2, AEM WMI, H&R Sport Springs (381 whp, 429 wtq on Cali 91oct before WMI). SPI Films Blog/DIY Vids
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11-21-2017, 07:04 AM	#8
RoundelM240 Major General 2027 Rep 7,144 Posts Drives: 23 G42 M240, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2023 BMW M240i [0.00] 2022 BMW X3 [9.87]	The larger-diameter plumbing and the oiled-cotton filter are the biggest benefits in this design. My experience with non-enclosed oiled-cotton filters has been that they tend to get dirty and dry out quicker than the enclosed ones. Other than that, it looks like a well-designed item. __________________ 2023 G42 ///M240i Coupe 8AT Portimao Blue, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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11-21-2017, 12:52 PM	#9
torkles First Lieutenant 200 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2013 335i MSport 6mt Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	did the butt dyno register any increases? __________________ 2013 335i M-Sport 6MT, MPE, VRSF CP and IC, BM3 Stage 1 2006 330i 6MT, Sport Package - sold
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11-23-2017, 12:30 AM	#11
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 32631 Rep 205,894 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Thank you for another DIY OP, great job! __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 725-221-5267
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04-11-2018, 05:49 PM	#12
BMW DIY Guy Brigadier General 4202 Rep 3,590 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Maple Valley WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 X3 M40 [0.00] 2024 BMW M2 [9.80] 2017 BMW X1 [10.00]	So I am going to say this very carefully as I dont want to say something that isn't true, or expose myself to repercussions. I have heard there are complaints about SOME OF their BMW designs being too similar to some of their competitors and I take the comments seriously. IF that is the case, then I retract my endorsement of them and dont even really want their product in my car. I will remove their info from my signature and am considering taking down the DIY video I did. The product has worked GREAT in my car and sounds amazing, but as I just heard this info, I need to decide for myself if I want anything to do with them. Again, IF what I have heard is true. edited __________________ Check out my BMW DIY Channel on YouTube! E, F and G series projects from Active Autowerke, Bimmertech, Kies Motorsports, AvinUSA, Karbonius Composites and more! YouTube BMW DIY Guy 'Nimona' G87 M2 Build Thread 'Lillith' F87 M2 Competition Build Thread Last edited by BMW DIY Guy; 04-11-2018 at 05:56 PM..
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04-12-2018, 07:05 AM	#13
JaredG_F30 Lieutenant Colonel 1126 Rep 1,498 Posts Drives: 2014 335i, M-Sport, Manual Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (0)	__________________ 2014 F30 335i, M-Sport, 6MT, V804s, custom exhaust, CTS Turbo Intake & IC, FTP CP, VRSF DP, TMS Strut Brace, BM3 Stg 2, AEM WMI, H&R Sport Springs (381 whp, 429 wtq on Cali 91oct before WMI). SPI Films Blog/DIY Vids
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04-13-2018, 08:51 AM	#14
BMW DIY Guy Brigadier General 4202 Rep 3,590 Posts Drives: 2024 M2 Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Maple Valley WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 X3 M40 [0.00] 2024 BMW M2 [9.80] 2017 BMW X1 [10.00]	To be completely clear, I think their CAI is awesome and really great hardware, and I have nothing personal with CTS. I am actually only a few hours south of them and was even talking about coming and visiting their shop. I hope things are not true, and just be clear on my motivations. __________________ Check out my BMW DIY Channel on YouTube! E, F and G series projects from Active Autowerke, Bimmertech, Kies Motorsports, AvinUSA, Karbonius Composites and more! YouTube BMW DIY Guy 'Nimona' G87 M2 Build Thread 'Lillith' F87 M2 Competition Build Thread
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