Air Scoops

WOT Bimmer · 02-02-2013, 03:07 PM

I know this question will probably get laughed right off the forums, but I think it's worth asking...

With how much talk or air scoops goes on I am wondering if it is simply a cosmetic/mental thing, or if it truly does boost engine performance by funneling more air into the intake. I'm not looking for oodles of gain, but is there any functional benefit to scoops, or is it simply cosmetic?

Thanks!

Phil325i · 02-02-2013, 03:15 PM

At speeds only legal on the Autobahn - possibly. In 'normal driving' - unlikely.

WOT Bimmer · 02-02-2013, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

At speeds only legal on the Autobahn - possibly. In 'normal driving' - unlikely.

lol... Probably not worth my $40 then.

SDemetris · 02-02-2013, 05:21 PM

I figure that i like the way they look and any power increase is just a bonus

FlowState · 02-02-2013, 05:27 PM

Functional above 70 mph for sure. Better throttle response mainly.

I wouldn't go so far as to say it has like 20 more hp. maybe +2 hp above 80.

Cosmetic in that people realize it probably isn't a stock BMW anymore.

rorkor · 02-02-2013, 06:31 PM

I don't think that scoops produce any more power than your car can already make. It does help fresher, ambient temperature air make its way to the intake. I have them primarily for traffic where otherwise, hot air from my radiator gets sucked up instead of fresh air which is cooler as well.

DC_Oldboy · 02-03-2013, 01:56 AM

I'll start by LOL! There's a huge thread about it if I remember.. But seriously I have them installed too lol.. For $30/$40 used/new why not right? It's just another mod to add to the list. =)

CombatNinja · 02-03-2013, 08:17 AM

I would argue that air scoops are neither functional nor cosmetic.

Mavus · 02-03-2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kd8ksn

I know this question will probably get laughed right off the forums, but I think it's worth asking...

With how much talk or air scoops goes on I am wondering if it is simply a cosmetic/mental thing, or if it truly does boost engine performance by funneling more air into the intake. I'm not looking for oodles of gain, but is there any functional benefit to scoops, or is it simply cosmetic?

Thanks!

air scoops = bug eaters

Lagger1 · 02-03-2013, 10:50 PM

M3 guys gained 2-3hp at 80mph+. That's the only dyno I've seen...this was back in the day

I've got'em. Only downside I see is driving in the rain

Phil325i · 02-04-2013, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagger1

Only downside I see is driving in the rain

At least the Cyba scoops have slots in to redirect the rainwater away from the airstream...

benzo23 · 02-04-2013, 09:38 AM

I wouldn't bother with them, esp with all the rain and bug we have down here.

fravel · 02-04-2013, 02:55 PM

I noticed a +1 mpg increase after I installed mine.

monkey_wrench · 02-04-2013, 04:00 PM

I saw a MPG increase after installing them.

Blindside_137 · 02-04-2013, 04:47 PM

They look gross IMO. Not to mention probably nothing in overall performance. They should be shaped more elegantly than some fat looking rectangles. No thanks...

samchoi604 · 10-03-2013, 11:22 AM

Do you need little air scoops underneath your nostrils to help you breath?

Intake air scoops do not add anything to performance, because engine air intake is negative pressure under load, like a vacuum. Engine will suck the air it needs. Force feeding it into the engine will not help. You are only feeding dirt, bugs, and water into the intake.

If these cheap pieces of plastic actually helped with anything, BMW would have installed them on the car at the factory. Don't be idiots, remove these things off your car.

Dylanize · 10-03-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samchoi604

Do you need little air scoops underneath your nostrils to help you breath?

Intake air scoops do not add anything to performance, because engine air intake is negative pressure under load, like a vacuum. Engine will suck the air it needs. Force feeding it into the engine will not help. You are only feeding dirt, bugs, and water into the intake.

If these cheap pieces of plastic actually helped with anything, BMW would have installed them on the car at the factory. Don't be idiots, remove these things off your car.

8 month old thread brought back to life because you seem quite upset about this?

Eagle1oh7 · 10-03-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

air scoops = bug eaters

Bull shit! I had more bugs in my stock airbox before I did scoops and had 1 bee in my aFe CAI. And I live next to cattle and horse ranches FYI where my commute takes me through the grazing fields.

Eagle1oh7 · 10-03-2013, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benzo23

I wouldn't bother with them, esp with all the rain and bug we have down here.

Nothing happened in the rain with the aFe scoops I have.

Phil325i · 10-03-2013, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samchoi604

Engine will suck the air it needs. Force feeding it into the engine will not help. You are only feeding dirt, bugs, and water into the intake.

Hmmm...so why did normally aspirated Formula 1 cars have huge air scoops then?

Eagle1oh7 · 10-03-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Hmmm...so why did normally aspirated Formula 1 cars have huge air scoops then?

Because RACE CAR!

Mavus · 10-03-2013, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

air scoops = bug eaters

Bull shit! I had more bugs in my stock airbox before I did scoops and had 1 bee in my aFe CAI. And I live next to cattle and horse ranches FYI where my commute takes me through the grazing fields.

I love cows but they produce methane. The bugs are flying away from it and your engine is exposed to additional heat.

02-02-2013, 03:07 PM	#1
WOT Bimmer Major 1261 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Columbus Ohio iTrader: (3)	Air Scoops - Functional or Cosmetic? I know this question will probably get laughed right off the forums, but I think it's worth asking... With how much talk or air scoops goes on I am wondering if it is simply a cosmetic/mental thing, or if it truly does boost engine performance by funneling more air into the intake. I'm not looking for oodles of gain, but is there any functional benefit to scoops, or is it simply cosmetic? Thanks!
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-02-2013, 03:15 PM	#2
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,215 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	At speeds only legal on the Autobahn - possibly. In 'normal driving' - unlikely. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2013, 05:21 PM	#4
SDemetris FSAE Dude 62 Rep 759 Posts Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (0)	I figure that i like the way they look and any power increase is just a bonus __________________ 2007 TiAg 328xi: AA Tune, AFE intake, Full exhaust, 335xi Brakes, H&R RSB, UUC FSB, H&R Sports, Billy Sports...BBS SR 17x8 1985 Gazelle Beige 325e: Poly everything, e24 3.25 LSD, 225 lb weight reduction, Corbeau FX1, Shifter machined by me, roll bar, harness, all the other goodies. My "Racecar"...15x7 BBS RA
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2013, 05:27 PM	#5
FlowState ///M Driver 90 Rep 1,954 Posts Drives: 07 JB E90 335, 20 TRM F97 X3M Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (4)	Functional above 70 mph for sure. Better throttle response mainly. I wouldn't go so far as to say it has like 20 more hp. maybe +2 hp above 80. Cosmetic in that people realize it probably isn't a stock BMW anymore.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2013, 06:31 PM	#6
rorkor Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 277 Posts Drives: '11 E90 N52 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: here iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E70 X5 35d [10.00] 2011 E90 328i [10.00]	I don't think that scoops produce any more power than your car can already make. It does help fresher, ambient temperature air make its way to the intake. I have them primarily for traffic where otherwise, hot air from my radiator gets sucked up instead of fresh air which is cooler as well. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2013, 01:56 AM	#7
DC_Oldboy Q(.)-D Q-(^.~Q) 224 Rep 5,378 Posts Drives: like an old person. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (39) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.48]	I'll start by LOL! There's a huge thread about it if I remember.. But seriously I have them installed too lol.. For $30/$40 used/new why not right? It's just another mod to add to the list. =) __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2013, 08:17 AM	#8
CombatNinja Banned 50 Rep 1,556 Posts Drives: e91 328i, e90 328i, e90 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I would argue that air scoops are neither functional nor cosmetic.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-03-2013, 10:50 PM	#10
Lagger1 Private First Class 11 Rep 140 Posts Drives: valvetronic engaged Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Costa Mesa, CA iTrader: (0)	M3 guys gained 2-3hp at 80mph+. That's the only dyno I've seen...this was back in the day I've got'em. Only downside I see is driving in the rain __________________ 2006 330i \| AW \| 6MT \| ZSP \| LOGIC \| ADAPTIVE \| PBX
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2013, 09:38 AM	#12
benzo23 Colonel 74 Rep 2,848 Posts Drives: 14 F30 AW MSport Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: FL iTrader: (1)	I wouldn't bother with them, esp with all the rain and bug we have down here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2013, 02:55 PM	#13
fravel Colonel 1648 Rep 2,494 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: The Nasti 'Nati iTrader: (1)	I noticed a +1 mpg increase after I installed mine. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2013, 04:00 PM	#14
monkey_wrench Caught the Bimmer-Bug 50 Rep 639 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (10) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I saw a MPG increase after installing them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2013, 04:47 PM	#15
Blindside_137 Lieutenant General 7033 Rep 10,685 Posts Drives: 2011.75 SSII E90 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (2)	They look gross IMO. Not to mention probably nothing in overall performance. They should be shaped more elegantly than some fat looking rectangles. No thanks...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-03-2013, 11:22 AM	#16
samchoi604 Colonel 64 Rep 2,334 Posts Drives: black on black Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Burnaby, BC iTrader: (3)	Do you need little air scoops underneath your nostrils to help you breath? Intake air scoops do not add anything to performance, because engine air intake is negative pressure under load, like a vacuum. Engine will suck the air it needs. Force feeding it into the engine will not help. You are only feeding dirt, bugs, and water into the intake. If these cheap pieces of plastic actually helped with anything, BMW would have installed them on the car at the factory. Don't be idiots, remove these things off your car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote