[Socket]

Having read heaps of threads on this topic, I gotta say I am still confused
Apart from the extra noise from intakes, is with worth replacing the stock airbox or is it only important when running 20+ boost??

[Coupes33]

Originally Posted by Socket

Having read heaps of threads on this topic, I gotta say I am still confused
Apart from the extra noise from intakes, is with worth replacing the stock airbox or is it only important when running 20+ boost??

When I replaced the OEM air filter housing with an AFE twin cone filter intake, the difference was quite noticeable. It was like trying to breathe with your hand over your mouth and nose and then taking it away. The engine response improved as did the power. I already had AR downpipes and a HPF intercooler installed so the effect of the less restrictive intake was more noticeable. Noise levels from the AFE intake are no different to the OEM intake. At the time, I was running A Vishnu Procede V4 with 15 psi boost.

[woosh]

I know Edwin will see this post sooner or later...
How's the latest mr.5 intake going mate? Pics needed!

[BMJ]

Originally Posted by Socket

Having read heaps of threads on this topic, I gotta say I am still confused
Apart from the extra noise from intakes, is with worth replacing the stock airbox or is it only important when running 20+ boost??

TBH i felt that the afe filter made my car feel a little less TOQ off the mark. but it might just be me.

I'm IC + COBB happy with the stock airbox

[Testercles]

I was just planning a drop in panel filter. For legality sake having an exposed CAI isn't something I want to have to deal with.

[Socket]

So 2 : 1 in favor of stock air box, Is that enough for a definitive ruling on this??

[fo55il]

Socks, go buy 2 pods from repco or supercheapand get 2 pipes from bunnings. See how u like it.

[Scotty89]

I just refitted my stock airbox after about a month with DCI's and I think the stock box is better.

It felt like the DCI power delivery was smoother, but the stock air box feels like it pulls harder at lower RPM. Maybe it's all in my head, but I think I like the stock airbox better.

The 'sound' of cone filters doesn't do much for me, and the fact that as soon as you lift the bonnet the authorities and can point at it and know it's illegal... I think I'll keep my stock air box now.

Edit: I forgot to mention that I'm not running any upgraded intercooler - maybe with an intercooler the limiting component might be the stock air box, but I don't know.

[335i-boy]

If you are running higher boost an upgraded intake is an absolute must. At stock levels not worth it.

When you look at the path the air has to take you will understand why. The air box itself is not the problem, it's the lid! Air comes from the duct at the front of the car into the air box then up through the filter, it then hits the lid then gets squeezed through a gap that is 15mm high, then it opens up and flows down to the front and rear turbo inlet tubes.

DCI's get rid of that 15mm restriction. Mr.5 bypasses the restriction all together by opening up the area after the panel filter, post the 15mm gap. If you want to use the stock air box without modifying it, AT ALL, look for the Alpina lid that goes on top of the stock air box. It has a raised design that greatly increases the area the air has to flow through after the panel filter and down into the turbo inlet piping. Good luck getting one though. You need to show proof you have a car bought from Alpina and that you need to get a spare air box lid for it. Very hard to get.

An upgraded air intake was actually the last mod I did to my car. Tune first, then DP's, FMIC then DCI. The difference it made by doing nothing else but putting the DCI on was like putting the tune on for the first time. Huge. That's how I know for sure how important an upgraded intake is when running boost levels higher than about 14 psi. You are just choking the engine otherwise.

[fo55il]

is this what you are referring to ?

[waterbottle1]

There is alot of +/- on this ... some say the open DCI will suck in too much hot engine bay air and make the car sluggish/reduce torque/power etc!. Some forum members even made custom heat protective boxes to cover it .

Some say its better because it allows free air to flow through to the engine bay straight to the dci's . instead of having the restrictive box .

and from my past experience:
performance wise... maybe there was a difference , maybe there wasnt...(i never dynoed the difference so i cant really say)
but for me...i couldn't exactly "feel" any change from going DCI from stock box tbh

Only difference was the sound. as you would already know that.

[335i-boy]

Originally Posted by fo55il

is this what you are referring to ?

That is the one alright.

[fo55il]

http://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/3...ar-mods-video/

let the professionals talk

[totti84]

if only this wasn't so expensive!







http://www.armaspeed.com/eng/goods.php?act=cat&no=144

[Socket]

Hey Totti
How much is the ARMA intake??

[M-Four]

Man that Arma kit sure looks pretty. It's USD1,450 from X-ph. Still less than the GruppeM one.

[Socket]

The Alipna lids are rare as hens teeth the BMW performance intake might be the answer, I understand both have larger pipes for air flow etc

Found this on ebay... whatta ya think???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-BMW-...-/271347130713

[M-Four]

Doesn't look like it fits the 335.

Originally Posted by Socket

The Alipna lids are rare as hens teeth the BMW performance intake might be the answer, I understand both have larger pipes for air flow etc

Found this on ebay... whatta ya think???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-BMW-...-/271347130713

[Socket]

Originally Posted by 335ive

Doesn't look like it fits the 335.

I was wondering that myself, is listed to fit E90s but the airbox looks to close to the scoops

[335i-boy]

Unfortunately BMW Performance doesn't or hasn't made an intake for a 335i N54 or N55.

The one picture is for a 325i or 330i.

Dinan makes a very nice intake. It's made of CF. It follows the same principal as the Mr.5 intake. The Dinan looks the business. It's also one of if not the most expensive intake made.

[_ink]

A valve in the intake is very gimmicky to me, but it sure looks the goods!!

[fo55il]

Group buy! Send china. Get copies made! Easy fix mayne