Best sound option

Dutchwonder19 · 07-22-2010, 11:01 AM

Hi all,

So I want to get better sound from my 330xi w/o touching the exhaust. I researched and also was told an AFE won't fit on the xi (AFE also has this posted on their site).

So, whats the next best thing to give me a little better sound? Just a drop-in filter? Or is there something else out there?

Thanks!

jfisher160 · 07-22-2010, 11:13 AM

I would do a drop in AFE Filter or k&N and cut the grey carbon filter out and it will sound loud.

I have the BMW Performance Intake with k&n filter, grey carbon cut out and scoops. It's pretty load. I like it

csupernova · 07-22-2010, 12:10 PM

Does cutting the grey carbon filter out on a stock intake will increase the sound? I searched but get different responses.

shragon · 07-22-2010, 12:54 PM

i have it cut out on my 325i and dropped in a k&n replacement filter (33-2332). the sound went up just small amount. not very noticeable imho.

no complaints though. cutting out the charcoal filter costs nothing and you can get a k&n filter from amazon for $50 shipped. if you want, you can even continue using the stock paper filter.

if you want sound, you definitely have to step up to an aftermarket intake system.

IB6UB9ok · 07-22-2010, 01:43 PM

The AFE Stage 2 does fit in an xi. I have installed a few already. Sound is amazing! You also gain 6.5hp and 7tq at 4900 rpm.

I have one and love it. Works perfect in conjunction with the PBX and PE.

Dutchwonder19 · 07-22-2010, 03:12 PM

IB6,

Have you installed them on the '06 330xi? Or a later 335 or earlier 330?

mattsten · 07-22-2010, 03:30 PM

You will not get any noticeable sound gain from a charcoal delete or K&N drop in. I have a brand new K&N I will sell you for cheap if you want. I decided the minimal to no gain was not worth the worse filtration. Bottom line, get the exhaust or an AFE dry flo intake if it will fit. Just my opinion of course.

c_jeong89 · 07-22-2010, 03:38 PM

if u want sound go for the AFE intake, it will be the cheapest option for sound. I would say muffler delete but u said u didn't want to touch the exhaust.

IB6UB9ok · 07-23-2010, 02:48 AM

Hi,

Yes I have. My E90 330i is an '06 model with a production date of 03/05 (Mar. '05) apparently one of the very first batches of 330i's to North America (Canada).

The AFE for the 335i is totally different than the AFE for our N52 motor. The 335's AFE uses 2 smaller long oval filters and sits above the motor as opposed to the N52's setup which is up front and the the right (drivers side).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutchwonder19

IB6,

Have you installed them on the '06 330xi? Or a later 335 or earlier 330?

Wlew · 07-23-2010, 12:17 PM

AFE for sure. gives you small gains and the sound is amazing. it really pulls hard. You must touch the exhaust though. Its a great addition to the afe intake. You dont have to spend an arm and a leg either... go with the top speed muffler or an RE Ikon and youll be set. Make sure to delete the res with both of those.

07-22-2010, 11:01 AM	#1
Dutchwonder19 New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (0)	Best sound option Hi all, So I want to get better sound from my 330xi w/o touching the exhaust. I researched and also was told an AFE won't fit on the xi (AFE also has this posted on their site). So, whats the next best thing to give me a little better sound? Just a drop-in filter? Or is there something else out there? Thanks!
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07-22-2010, 11:13 AM	#2
jfisher160 First Lieutenant 21 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 2012 335is Coupe Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA iTrader: (3)	I would do a drop in AFE Filter or k&N and cut the grey carbon filter out and it will sound loud. I have the BMW Performance Intake with k&n filter, grey carbon cut out and scoops. It's pretty load. I like it __________________ New - 2013 - 320i - 15% Tint - Future Mods ( BMS Tune, Suspension, Wheels, Exhaust) Sold - 2007 328i (3-Stage Manifold - BMW Perf Intake w/Scoops - Powerbox - Magnaflow Exhaust - MMW Headers - KW Street Comfort - VMR 701s 19' w/M3 offset - BMW Strut Brace - 330I Brake Conversation - 5% Tint All Around - 8K HID Fog Lights -Angel Eyes)
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07-22-2010, 12:10 PM	#3
csupernova Captain 34 Rep 606 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (7)	Does cutting the grey carbon filter out on a stock intake will increase the sound? I searched but get different responses.
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07-22-2010, 12:54 PM	#4
shragon Moderator 516 Rep 27,440 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	i have it cut out on my 325i and dropped in a k&n replacement filter (33-2332). the sound went up just small amount. not very noticeable imho. no complaints though. cutting out the charcoal filter costs nothing and you can get a k&n filter from amazon for $50 shipped. if you want, you can even continue using the stock paper filter. if you want sound, you definitely have to step up to an aftermarket intake system. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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07-22-2010, 01:43 PM	#5
IB6UB9ok Lieutenant 52 Rep 530 Posts Drives: 2017 M240i xDrive Estoril Blue Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW E90 330i [8.80]	The AFE Stage 2 does fit in an xi. I have installed a few already. Sound is amazing! You also gain 6.5hp and 7tq at 4900 rpm. I have one and love it. Works perfect in conjunction with the PBX and PE. __________________ BMS PBX/full OEM M-Tech/Perf SSK/Perf strut bar/Perf exhaust/Perf steering wheel/Perf CF trunk spoiler/Perf Handbrake lever/AFe Stage 2 intake/Powerstop drilled and slotted rotors all around/Powerstop Carbon Ceramic pads/M3 front Control Arms/SS brake lines/Koni Yellows/H&R sport springs/Pilot Super Sports all around/PIAA angel eyes/matte black grills/CF splitters/20% tints all-around
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07-22-2010, 03:12 PM	#6
Dutchwonder19 New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2006 330xi Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, MI iTrader: (0)	IB6, Have you installed them on the '06 330xi? Or a later 335 or earlier 330?
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07-22-2010, 03:30 PM	#7
mattsten Private First Class 5 Rep 195 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: TN iTrader: (3)	You will not get any noticeable sound gain from a charcoal delete or K&N drop in. I have a brand new K&N I will sell you for cheap if you want. I decided the minimal to no gain was not worth the worse filtration. Bottom line, get the exhaust or an AFE dry flo intake if it will fit. Just my opinion of course.
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07-22-2010, 03:38 PM	#8
c_jeong89 Banned 93 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: E90 TiAg Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Irvine/Bay Area iTrader: (16)	if u want sound go for the AFE intake, it will be the cheapest option for sound. I would say muffler delete but u said u didn't want to touch the exhaust.
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07-23-2010, 12:17 PM	#10
Wlew Major 82 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington, DC iTrader: (12)	AFE for sure. gives you small gains and the sound is amazing. it really pulls hard. You must touch the exhaust though. Its a great addition to the afe intake. You dont have to spend an arm and a leg either... go with the top speed muffler or an RE Ikon and youll be set. Make sure to delete the res with both of those. __________________ 2011 335i Sports Package \| VRSF FMIC \| Cobb AP3 \| Dinan Exhaust \| BMS Intake \| VRSF CP \| Lux H8 Angel Eyes \| Mtec LED Fogs \|
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