[Tallest]

I've noticed quite a few guys installing air scoops (i.e. Cyba air scoops). What's the point exactly and why is it needed? The theory as I gather from reading is that it forces more air to factory air filter box? So what, does it give performance gain or better feel or something else?

but what about the engine cooling - you're covering a bit of radiator - don't we cover it up with air scoops somewhat?

[AddictedToBavarian]

Yea, you have it right. It's for more air into the intake. More air= cooler better performing engine. However, I wouldn't spend $5 on those things.

[benzo23]

They help suck in rain water from the front grille to help soak your filter. These aren't forced induction cars so a little extra air wont do anything on these cars.

[jfisher160]

Yes your right they are made to help push more air into the air box. You won't really notice the scoops until your driving down the road/freeway because then the scoops are bringing the air into the airbox at that point. It's really not a big performance gain, but if you think logically and how they are set up to bring the air into the air box it makes sense.

As for the radiator. I have been running the scoops for well over a year and have no had any problems. You are only really stopping alittle bit of air not going to the radiator. If my radiator went out due to the scoops then we have a problem and my radiator sucks. If you decide to get scoops you will understand how you still have a lot of air hitting the radiator. With the scoops you might be taking away 5% of the air flow to the radiator due to the scoops.

For $45 bucks it's worth it in my option.

[Dr.GumbyM.D.]

Originally Posted by benzo23

They help suck in rain water from the front grille to help soak your filter. These aren't forced induction cars so a little extra air wont do anything on these cars.

Rain, bugs, stones, etc.

There are apparently cutouts along the sides of the scoops for that stuff to blow out there, but whatever direction you're blowing air is the direction where most of that stuff in the air is going to be going. Some have mentioned their air filters being dirtier after adding scoops. Some people also have added mesh screens above the scoops to prevent the larger/more dangerous stones and whatnot from going into the air system.

For $20 or whatever from Cyba, I don't think you can go wrong, but I wouldn't expect a big performance gain (it was mentioned that they really only make a big difference at above-highway speeds anyway). I thoroughly believe that many people here buy them because they look cool more than because of their function. Unfortunately that's ultimately what most bolt-on mods for the N52 do, very little if any power gains from any bolt-on mods (other than a supercharger, which I don't know if it's classified as a "bolt-on" since it's a bit more involved than just "bolting it on"). The tune is the biggest thing, and until someone shows dynos with headers, it'll stay that way in my mind.

[Simon.bmw]

I did it just for the look.. lol...

[JDane07]

I'll probably get them for "looks" eventually too. If it adds any power going 60+ then awesome. But it's just 40 bucks...I've made an innumerable amount of not-so-intelligent purchases for a lot more money.

[mlifxs]

I have them and agree with other posters that you'll struggle to notice their effect. Only paid $30 for mine (CIBA), so don't have a lot of feelings about them and have let them be. My advice is if you want to try them out, don't pay a lot for them (you will see them for $100+)

I live in Florida, a bug wonderland; constantly cleaning love-bugs off the front bumper and windshield, yet have not found any bugs or unusual dirt levels in the air filter.

[cdgatti]

I also have them. Was concerned about the rain issue, but have opened up the airbox after several torrential down pours and the filter was always dry as a bone and I have never seen any other debris in the air box. So hasn't been a problem or anything I worry about any more.

I have them feeding the euro air box with a stock euro paper filter. My impression is that at highway speeds 70-80 mph, I have improved throttle response. My little 328 goes plenty fast for me, the only thing that would make it better is if I was a better driver. I am sure these cars even in stock form are alot more capable than the drivers driving them!

[Tallest]

Yup, like i thought.

N52 needs PE and P intake and lighter rims. Probably more is just for looks.

[Dr.GumbyM.D.]

Originally Posted by research

Yup, like i thought.

N52 needs PE and P intake and lighter rims. Probably more is just for looks.

Well, the P intake is the same as the stock intake with just some carbon fiber covering (the North America one is the same filter, similar housing, and the Euro one is same deal, just with the conical filters and higher flow box that you already have. For us in NA, it makes more sense to switch to a stock euro intake box than it does to go to a NA performance intake). and the performance exhaust doesn't really add any (much) power, just sounds really sweet. But yea, just for looks/sounds, which by no measure are those things that one should not strive for. Looks/sound are just as admirable as performance, it just depends on the audience.

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by Dr.GumbyM.D.

Well, the P intake is the same as the stock intake with just some carbon fiber covering (the North America one is the same filter, similar housing, and the Euro one is same deal, just with the conical filters and higher flow box that you already have. For us in NA, it makes more sense to switch to a stock euro intake box than it does to go to a NA performance intake). and the performance exhaust doesn't really add any (much) power, just sounds really sweet. But yea, just for looks/sounds, which by no measure are those things that one should not strive for. Looks/sound are just as admirable as performance, it just depends on the audience.

I have to say as I drive with music recently I'm questioning the whole fascination with the 6 cyl engine and would rather prefer a quieter car. I need a 5 series it seems.

[Lou2]

You really think the euro intake is better than the PI? The PI not only adds the carbon fiber but also adds an area near the windshield to draw in cold air as well as from the front gills.

Seems like BMW really did some research when designing this intake to optimize the intake of cold air.

Anyone?

[3002 tii]

If it's free or near free, get em. If not don't bother.

[rich123321]

I got them mostly for looks but im sure there is at most 1/.5 hp increase

[mlifxs]

they are my car's chia pets