[taylor99ss]

I know its the subject everyone is tired of reading about but it gets a lot of attention, and for a noob, I have to ask some summarized questions to help me sleep at night.

So there's a lot of chatter about the free flow cone intakes like AFE.

Can someone explain the technical/mechanical different between an intake like the AFE and lets say the Dinan Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake which is boxed?

I know these on two opposite ends of the price spectrum.

thank you

[MusclezMarinara]

i did just filters works well for me not worth 400 bucks for a plastic tray

[enrita]

how much boost are you planning to run?

[ModBargains.com]

An aFe Cold Air Intake System for your 335 is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to increase your car's performance. The cold air intake replaces your restrictive factory air box which allows for an increased air flow meaning more horsepower. Another feature of the intake is the 16 gauge powder coated steel heat shield. A heat shield makes sure that the intake doesn't use the hot air around your engine and only allows the intake to receive cooler air, which adds more power. Not only does power increase, but many have observed an increase in MPG.

If you're worried about the heat being sucked in by the exposed cones, aFe does have a sealed intake as well. The aFe Elite Stage 2 Si Intake features two uniquely shaped specially molded intake ducts, replacing your stock single intake tract for volumetric efficiency and maximum performance. Complementing the dual intake tracts are two dynamic air scoops, that when at speed further increases performance by channeling air into the aFe Intake.

I'll shoot you over a PM with more details!

- Alan

[Bakeme521]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...fe+intake+dyno

^^this thread shows you what happens when you just put an open intake under the hood on a stock car. Intake is good if you have a tune and are running higher boost but if you re just looking to put an intake on your car and increase performance get something that pulls in cold air. With intakes like AFE DCI and BMS DCI, you are sucking hot air from under the hood into your engine hurting power, although you do get a mean sound with open intakes when you put your foot on the floor.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by maxnix

Two things to consider when changing filtering and intake path:

1.) How much filter medium is there and what is the minimum particulate size it will filter?

2.) How to locate cold air (ambient temperature) intake in a high pressure area and still protect against water ingestion?

BMW probably spends a couple million on each model determining these and additional factors like harmonics.

How much do you think aftermarket vendors spend?

BMW's intake is good for stock applications.... with the use of a K&N filter its even better, mated with scoops is even more beneficial.

HOWEVER, when your pushing upwards of 14+ PSI (really 16+), there are limitation of the flow. You can see this when datalogging WG Duty Cycles that the open air filters require less duty cycle, and inturn work the turbo's less with open air filters VS stock Filter box.

Something to think about.... and No Vendors dont need much R & D investment to figure that out, a simple datalog is all it took to realize the benefit.

[taylor99ss]

I do plan on tuning the car, thus the reason for the discussion.

the question is to box w/Forced air (Dinan) or not (aFE).

[HTRules]

Originally Posted by taylor99ss

I know its the subject everyone is tired of reading about but it gets a lot of attention, and for a noob, I have to ask some summarized questions to help me sleep at night.

So there's a lot of chatter about the free flow cone intakes like AFE.

Can someone explain the technical/mechanical different between an intake like the AFE and lets say the Dinan Carbon Fiber Cold Air Intake which is boxed?

I know these on two opposite ends of the price spectrum.

thank you

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=345676

Lots of bucks, but also lots of bang.

Rick

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by taylor99ss

I do plan on tuning the car, thus the reason for the discussion.

the question is to box w/Forced air (Dinan) or not (aFE).

I think both are over-priced and over-rated. Just get some DCI's.

If you want to spend money to waste money, I would get a Cold air Intake Style Intake.

[creaminz]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430265

Boxed Of Course!! don't listen to me though to be honest, I don't feel any difference running DCI to aFe to GRuppe M they all same chit.

[cstavaru]

Someone just posted a thread with 11.8s 1/4 miles runs using a K&N drop-in. Dinan or Mr. 5-style if possible, drop-in if not possible. No way DCI !

[Brey335i]

I would like to point out that so far I believe the Dinan intake is the one that has shown the most gain... made even more impressive by the fact that their tune is so conservative compared to those usually used in these intake tests... that being said... the Dinan also costs more than most tunes

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by Brey335i

I would like to point out that so far I believe the Dinan intake is the one that has shown the most gain... made even more impressive by the fact that their tune is so conservative compared to those usually used in these intake tests... that being said... the Dinan also costs more than most tunes

I think no one besides Dinan realized until this day that there is a need for a high quality intake. All the other intakes are flawed in one way or another. The bad thing was that a lot of extra boost which could be handled by the N54 fixed the need for a really good intake.

[mave198]

Instead of starting a new thread I guess my question could be answered here.

If I NOT running a tune, is it even worth it to get a upgraded IC, AI and exhaust?

[EastCoast335i]

Originally Posted by mave198

Instead of starting a new thread I guess my question could be answered here.

If I NOT running a tune, is it even worth it to get a upgraded IC, AI and exhaust?

A better question for you would be why would you consider getting those other mods and not a tune?

Tune is hands down the best hp/$ out there and its typically cheaper then those mods you listed... unless youre talking about a flash...

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by mave198

Instead of starting a new thread I guess my question could be answered here.

If I NOT running a tune, is it even worth it to get a upgraded IC, AI and exhaust?

How much will you spend on those parts ? Because for $1600 you can get the BMW Performance Power Kit which brings about 20-25whp guaranteed (at least on my dynos).

Of course, you will also have similar gains with intake, intercooler and exhaust but without downpipes the gains won't be as "consistent" as with the Power Kit (at all RPMs from low to high, etc.)