Cold air intake for BMW?

Question

Ok, so I'm thinking of a cold air intake for my baby in the spring. Is there a marked improvement on torque and HP? How "mean" does it sound? I can't afford a K&N at the moment, but what brands are best after that?

Answer 1

Cold air intakes most definitely make additional power, but the question of how much depends on the car itself and what other modifications the car has done to it. A car's engine is basically a massive air pump -- remove the restrictions on the intake and exhaust, and it will make more power. In many cases it will also help fuel economy at the same time!

That said, the computers on many new cars will fight many of these modifications. Any attempt to make more power on a modern BMW should be done with this in mind, and many vendors offer good "packages" with intake/exhaust parts and upgraded engine software.

On their own, most intake modifications will only give an additional 5-10hp. That really isn't anything at all when you're looking at a 250-300hp motor. If you do an intake, cat-back exhaust, and the correct software you can expect to see those numbers climb up to 20-30hp, an increase of 10% on many motors. That's real power.

When looking for an intake, make sure you are looking at cold air intakes specifically. These are open-element intakes that either place the filter behind the front bumper (away from engine heat) or completely shield the filter from engine bay heat and turbulence (similar to the factory airbox). If the intake is not a true cold-air design, it will lose power instead of make additional power.

There are a number of vendors who make cold air intakes for BMW's. K&N makes full cold air intakes, as do smaller vendors such as Dinan, Conforti/Eurosport, BMP Design, and AFE. The Dinan and Conforti intakes make proven power, and you will find them on many amateur and semi-pro racing BMWs. They also have the correct software for these parts so that you get the most out of the changes to the car.

If you live in California, you'll need to find a vendor who is CARB approved. Your only choice here is Dinan, who also happens to match the BMW factory warranty with their parts. Dinan is sold at your local BMW dealer. The quality is quite good and the warranty is unique to any BMW tuner, but the cost is also considerably higher than you would expect to pay to an independent.

For more information, check out the following vendors:

http://www.bimmerworld.com/
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/
http://www.bavarianautosport.com/
http://www.bmp-design.com/
http://www.dinanbmw.com

Answer 2

You didn't mention what year/model BMW you have and any answers without that info are suspect. Assuming you have a fairly late model 3 or 5 series, the biggest bang for your buck might be an engine management software upgrade, at least in terms of torque and hp. I would recommend the PowerChip software, but there are several other reputable sources as well.

I hate to keep assuming you have a fairly late 3 or 5 but it is what it is: Also keep in mind that K & N often utilizes an oil air filter which catches finer particulate matter. The problem with this is that the oil often contaminates the mass air flow sensor which is another can of worms.

Finally, modifications for your car aren't going to be cheap. But the exhaust system is a good place to start...after the engine management software.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Answer 3

i assumed the folk on the information superhighway have found out by ability of now that "chilly air" intake structures are a humorous tale. undeniable and straightforward. some vehicles usually very old vehicles can earnings from a clean sort of intake yet thoes automobile which could are few and lots between. "chilly air" structures only advantages are evidently cooler to a pair human beings and because they are so flimsy you are able to hear a air dashing noise via the partitions of the cheap tubes. The ok&N filters and comparable are actually not sturdy for this automobile. The oil thats in the filter out at last makes it way up the tube into the MAS and gunk it up would reason all styles of force-ability and run-ability matters.

Answer 4

I used a C&L cold air intake on my 06 Mustang GT and the hp went up 25hp at the wheels. I also had to "re-flash" the computer so the air-fuel mixture wa correct.

Answer 5

if your talking a whole intake system im not sure k&n makes the tube.
i would suggest just getting the k&n filter and dropping that into your air box.
if you want a cold air intake system then i would recomend injen,although i dont know if there are ones for bmws, but id look for that first
im me if you want to no more. halpinator36@yahoo

Answer 6

You can try www.superchargedperformance.com/air/bmw. They have 3 series there. Secret Weapon (or Weapon R) intake. I think they are better than K&N. Cheaper too!

Answer 7

Check out Dinan products. BMW approved.