[sleepysnake]

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience with cold air intakes or air filter replacements on their N52/N53 engine?

Whilst the stock intake sound is enjoyable, I would prefer more volume to the intake sound in the low and mid range.

I came from an S2000 with 3" wide metal tube running from the wheel arch to the engine, this made a glorious growl or roar depending on where in the rev range you were. Similar in some ways to what the M3 CSL induction sounds like.

I imagine it will be difficult to get close to either of above, though a little more excitement when driving in the mid range with the windows closed (I have the Performance Exhaust) would be great.

Cheers

[ben-e92]

They do a Bmw performance induction kit, but it is the best part of 700 quid. Looks good though

[Dann]

If you want induction noise an Open cone filter is the way to go.
Ditch the cowling under the bonnet and replace the big pollen filters with the BMS ones and fit a big open cone.

My E36 had a K&N open cone and it sounded incredible

[richk84]

I think the Performance intake is aimed at the US market. Many guys with N52/N53 engines in the states fit our(Euro) intake as an alternative

[hazkirby]

Originally Posted by Dann

If you want induction noise an Open cone filter is the way to go.
Ditch the cowling under the bonnet and replace the big pollen filters with the BMS ones and fit a big open cone.

My E36 had a K&N open cone and it sounded incredible

Will lose quite a big chunk of power though

[Dann]

Originally Posted by hazkirby

Will lose quite a big chunk of power though

Says who?

There is no proof anywhere that says an open cone loses power.
It was shielded and had a cold air feed too.

[hazkirby]

Originally Posted by Dann

Says who?

There is no proof anywhere that says an open cone loses power.
It was shielded and had a cold air feed too.

Its science. I'm sure you know but colder air is denser.

A fully non restrictive cold air enclosed intake will provide cooler air then an open intake.

The N52 euro spec intake is one of the best around, which is why the US guys chose to upgrade to it over aftermarket offerings.

Trust me I've had induction kits on all my petrol cars. The N52 330i is the first car I've come across where there is no recommended intake upgrade other than the BMW performance offering. The is an Injen induction kit which is what you described, but its not rated highly at all.

Shame as I have the same issue as the OP, its too quiet!

[sleepysnake]

That's a shame. So the only options to improve the sound will likely reduce the power?

In that case, I'll probably have to leave it alone and focus on the exhaust. The BMW Performance Exhaust is good when the windows are open but can't really be heard when they're shut. Next step is to get the resonator cut out...

[hazkirby]

Yeah I did a good amount of research on it. I was going to buy the injen kit from the US but when I consulted these forums it wasn't recommended.

If you find anything let me know. They say if you wedge open the air box only slightly (dirty air side ) it makes a decent amount of noise with little or no loss in power. I haven't done it, may try it

[richk84]

I think most people just put a K&N filter in and leave it there.

[Phil325i]

Originally Posted by richk84

I think most people just put a K&N filter in and leave it there.

+1

BMW supply a K&N with their Performance Intake upgrade...

[sleepysnake]

Looks like that will be the best option. Does it make much difference to the sound?

Having just been out for a spirited drive, with the heat in the engine bay, opening the air box even slightly doesn't sound like a brilliant idea for power. I may have to try though.

Have any of you with the performance exhaust had the resonator taken out as well? I've read that when the yanks take out their secondary cats in combination with their resonator delete and perf exhaust combo, they can hear the exhaust even with the windows closed.

[Dann]

I didn't lose any power on my E36, and tbh if you did it would only be 1-2bhp (which you won't notice) Its not gonna be like 20.

[DJ_e91]

I have a k&n fitted to mine.
Ran it with the lid off to simulate an open cone filter kit, the loss of power forced me to pop the lid back on the next day!
It did sound sweet though!
Ive got the standard exhaust system and wondered whether cutting the secondary cat out would make it grumble without loss of power?

[sleepysnake]

Would the below be the best place to wedge the airbox open?

With regards to removing the secondary cat to make more noise. I believe it is a resonator and not a cat, and from what I've read on US forums it is unlikely to make a difference due to the restrictions in the standard back box.

[DJ_e91]

Yes, i believe thats where they put it. If i were you i would just get a K&N replacement filter, there is a little more noise and if you take the lid off completely its mental.
Oh and how much was that beautiful strut brace? That is a thing of beauty!