aFe Pro-Dry S Intake Review

ericsmc83 · 08-27-2008, 09:51 PM

Update - 9/6/2008
Dyno Results:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169169

I installed the aFe Pro-Dry S intake into my '08 E92 335i a few days ago, and I thought I'd share my experiences.

About my car:
My car is a 4/08 build and is victim of the notorous "turbo lag" issue, however, I don't know for sure whether or not I have MSD81 (I assume I do). Until the install of the intake, my car was completely stock performance-wise. It currently has 2400 miles on the clock.

Purchase:
I ordered the intake during the group buy care of Harold at HP Autowerks. The entire ordering process went without a hitch. HP Autowerks gave consistent status updates for the group and always remained professional. I highly recommend this vendor.
Vendor: 10/10

Installation:
The installation was simple, and the instructions that come with the kit are very easy to follow and include pictures. I didn't rate the difficulty as 1/10 because I did have some trouble with removing the stock intake, namely the rear intake hose/clamp. But overall it's one of the easiest installs you could ever do. It also looks fantastic in the engine bay!
Difficulty: 2/10
Time: 20-30 minutes

Use/Operation:
Start Up:
After the install the car started up fine without error. I still had the hood open at this point, so the first I noticed right off the bat was the difference in sound. It definitely sounds like the car is breathing better!
Performance:
After letting the car warm up I decided to do some spirited driving around Bellevue. Again, right off the bat, I noticed the throttle response has improved substantially. The "turbo lag" that I had been experiencing isn't quite as annoying as it used to be (but it is still there)! With some heavier pulls and WOT's, I can feel a definite kick in added torque. I haven't smiled this much driving my car since I first brought my baby home!
Sound:
Revving the car you can really hear the intake go to work, with an aggressive yet subtle hissing as the throttle opens. Driving the car on the street, the sound is muted. Even with the windows down I could really only hear the intake when driving between tall buildings or through tunnels. But when it's audible, it's sounds great!
Smile Factor: 7/10

Bottom Line:
Although it's one of the higher priced intakes available, the performance and aesthetics make up for it.
Value: 6/10
Quality: 9/10

Overall: 8/10

Pictures:

BoostedBMW · 08-27-2008, 09:55 PM

Nice review... thanks for taking the time to write that up.

ala012 · 08-27-2008, 09:56 PM

Nice review Eric!

I received mine today.

I will install mine this weekend.

BTW The sound of intake will be louder and louder !

ericsmc83 · 08-27-2008, 10:05 PM

Sounds like there's gonna be a few of us NW'ers rolling with aFe. I've read some things about the sound and performance improving with adaptation. Looking forward to it!

mJ335 · 08-27-2008, 10:44 PM

Can anyone upload a vid of the intake noise?? I'm thinking about changing from BMS to Afe but want to still hear some of the turbo spooling sound

superlubricity · 08-27-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericsmc83

Sounds like there's gonna be a few of us NW'ers rolling with aFe.

shiggy · 08-28-2008, 02:09 AM

thx for the write up....makes me feel confident with my purchase...cant wait till it arrives!!!!!

rubber_ducky · 08-28-2008, 07:23 AM

nice write-up. enjoy the intake.

BMW_TT · 08-28-2008, 07:48 AM

so many people with this intake with or without piggybacks now. we need dynos!!

ericsmc83 · 08-28-2008, 07:27 PM

Sorry for the lack of dyno, guys. I am going to have my car dyno'd next Saturday (6th), but that doesn't really help anyone without a baseline.

I'll post the graphs up anyway if anyone's interested.

ericsmc83 · 08-29-2008, 02:47 PM

With all the posts asking about dynos, I'm going to try my best to get a good stock airbox vs. aFe on the 6th. I'll just bring my stock parts with me.

Does anyone have input on what I would need to do for proper adaptation when I swap back to the stock setup?

stimpy · 08-29-2008, 03:32 PM

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1686

JB3 + AFE Dyno = pewpie results.

Looking forward to seeing if your dyno differs.

larkie · 08-29-2008, 03:37 PM

My car is a leased car. Should I be doing this ? Do i have to take the intake out everytime my car go back to dealership for service ? If so, is it hard to restore to factory intake ?

stimpy · 08-29-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larkie

My car is a leased car. Should I be doing this ? Do i have to take the intake out everytime my car go back to dealership for service ? If so, is it hard to restore to factory intake ?

You Can.

For a leased car - you should.

No, not really.

ericsmc83 · 08-29-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1686

JB3 + AFE Dyno = pewpie results.

Looking forward to seeing if your dyno differs.

I am too.

Funny thing I was planning all along to do a comparison dyno, but when the intake came in I couldn't stand to wait until the 6th to install it!

We'll see what I can work out with the dyno operator and see if he'll let me do separate runs.

rapturem3 · 09-03-2008, 10:41 AM

what's the difference between the pro dry S and the pro 5 R? anyone?

thanks..

http://www.afefilters.com/productrev...72/5411472.htm

sflgator · 09-03-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rapturem3

what's the difference between the pro dry S and the pro 5 R? anyone?

thanks..

http://www.afefilters.com/productrev...72/5411472.htm

Dry and oiled air filters (slightly more airflow with slightly larger holes, but relies on the oil to catch dust and debris).

BuLoOoSki · 09-03-2008, 11:21 AM

great review! I've had mine for quiet some time now but still havent gotten to install it yet. I think I might have it installed tomorrow with the RR catch can. My car is right now in a shop having the exhaust, intercooler, and oil cooler installed! cant wait

rooster3.0 · 09-03-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericsmc83

Sounds like there's gonna be a few of us NW'ers rolling with aFe. I've read some things about the sound and performance improving with adaptation. Looking forward to it!

It sounds better after a couple weeks. At least mine did. It's nice and quiet when your cruising too.

shiggy · 09-03-2008, 08:54 PM

i walked in the door about an hour ago and found my AFE dual cone intake!!!...woohooo!
will be installing tonight...post pics later!

shiggy · 09-03-2008, 11:15 PM

SWEET.....just took it out for a quick boot around the block.....guess its really tough to gauge if there was in fact power gain.....
but it sure feels like it....and damn....love the new sound!!
A big thank you to Joseph at Trinity Auto sports!!!.....awesome service!

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mJ335 · 09-03-2008, 11:48 PM

I told you there's a difference in "butt dyno"!!!

Trust me, after a couple of days, you'll feel more pulls..

08-27-2008, 09:51 PM	#1
ericsmc83 Captain 65 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (9)	aFe Pro-Dry S Intake Review Update - 9/6/2008 Dyno Results: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169169 I installed the aFe Pro-Dry S intake into my '08 E92 335i a few days ago, and I thought I'd share my experiences. About my car: My car is a 4/08 build and is victim of the notorous "turbo lag" issue, however, I don't know for sure whether or not I have MSD81 (I assume I do). Until the install of the intake, my car was completely stock performance-wise. It currently has 2400 miles on the clock. Purchase: I ordered the intake during the group buy care of Harold at HP Autowerks. The entire ordering process went without a hitch. HP Autowerks gave consistent status updates for the group and always remained professional. I highly recommend this vendor. Vendor: 10/10 Installation: The installation was simple, and the instructions that come with the kit are very easy to follow and include pictures. I didn't rate the difficulty as 1/10 because I did have some trouble with removing the stock intake, namely the rear intake hose/clamp. But overall it's one of the easiest installs you could ever do. It also looks fantastic in the engine bay! Difficulty: 2/10 Time: 20-30 minutes Use/Operation: Start Up: After the install the car started up fine without error. I still had the hood open at this point, so the first I noticed right off the bat was the difference in sound. It definitely sounds like the car is breathing better! Performance: After letting the car warm up I decided to do some spirited driving around Bellevue. Again, right off the bat, I noticed the throttle response has improved substantially. The "turbo lag" that I had been experiencing isn't quite as annoying as it used to be (but it is still there)! With some heavier pulls and WOT's, I can feel a definite kick in added torque. I haven't smiled this much driving my car since I first brought my baby home! Sound: Revving the car you can really hear the intake go to work, with an aggressive yet subtle hissing as the throttle opens. Driving the car on the street, the sound is muted. Even with the windows down I could really only hear the intake when driving between tall buildings or through tunnels. But when it's audible, it's sounds great! Smile Factor: 7/10 Bottom Line: Although it's one of the higher priced intakes available, the performance and aesthetics make up for it. Value: 6/10 Quality: 9/10 Overall: 8/10 Pictures: __________________ 2008 E92 MT \| VTT Stage 2+ 20T \| VTT Inlets \| JB4 MHD E85 \| Fuel-It Stage 3 LPFP w/FPR and Return \| BMS PI \| AR DP \| AE Quad Exhaust \| Helix FMIC \| ER CP \| Tial BOV \| DCI \| AR OCC \| Spec Stage 3+ \| SMFW Last edited by ericsmc83; 09-06-2008 at 04:53 PM..
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08-27-2008, 09:55 PM	#2
BoostedBMW Moderator 132 Rep 6,775 Posts Drives: TiAg E92 335 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC iTrader: (14) Garage List 2003 S2000 [0.00]	Nice review... thanks for taking the time to write that up. __________________ -Michael. Berlina Black S2000 CR is now in the garage l 19" Rial Daytona Race l KW V2 l Eisenhaus Race Exhaust l
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08-27-2008, 09:56 PM	#3
ala012 Koala012 20 Rep 637 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Dakar Yellow Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ, Seoul S.Korea iTrader: (12) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	Nice review Eric! I received mine today. I will install mine this weekend. BTW The sound of intake will be louder and louder ! __________________ E92 M3 Dakar Yellow DCT \| CF Trim Akrapovic EVO Exhaust \| RECARO RS-F SK2 Seat \| KW Clubsports \| H&R Sway Bar \| DCT Cooler \| iTG Air Filter \| Volk TE37 SL + RS3 Tire
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08-27-2008, 10:05 PM	#4
ericsmc83 Captain 65 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (9)	Sounds like there's gonna be a few of us NW'ers rolling with aFe. I've read some things about the sound and performance improving with adaptation. Looking forward to it! __________________ 2008 E92 MT \| VTT Stage 2+ 20T \| VTT Inlets \| JB4 MHD E85 \| Fuel-It Stage 3 LPFP w/FPR and Return \| BMS PI \| AR DP \| AE Quad Exhaust \| Helix FMIC \| ER CP \| Tial BOV \| DCI \| AR OCC \| Spec Stage 3+ \| SMFW
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08-27-2008, 10:44 PM	#5
mJ335 Amateur Post Whore 114 Rep 3,036 Posts Drives: 07 E90 SparkLiN G. 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SocaL iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [0.00]	Can anyone upload a vid of the intake noise?? I'm thinking about changing from BMS to Afe but want to still hear some of the turbo spooling sound __________________ Go WiTh ThE FLoW. \|BL\|RS\|PIAA\|CFE\|CFMC\|SSM\|CFG\|CFDP\|ABG\|M6\|AFE\|MTECH \|RPI\|JB+\|CSLT\|KWSC\|
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08-28-2008, 02:09 AM	#7
shiggy Major 58 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vancouver iTrader: (2)	thx for the write up....makes me feel confident with my purchase...cant wait till it arrives!!!!! __________________ 2009 Jet Black E92 M3, DCT, Nav, Novillo Leather, PDC, EDC, BBS CHR's 20", Yokohama Advan Sports Tires, Eiback Pro-Kit Springs, Dinan Pullies and Dinan Stage1 software, black grills, black side gills, alcantara shift and ebrake boot.
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08-28-2008, 07:23 AM	#8
rubber_ducky Colonel 386 Rep 2,988 Posts Drives: roach coach Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: boston-ish iTrader: (21)	nice write-up. enjoy the intake.
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08-28-2008, 07:48 AM	#9
BMW_TT Colonel 224 Rep 2,548 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	so many people with this intake with or without piggybacks now. we need dynos!!
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08-28-2008, 07:27 PM	#10
ericsmc83 Captain 65 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (9)	Sorry for the lack of dyno, guys. I am going to have my car dyno'd next Saturday (6th), but that doesn't really help anyone without a baseline. I'll post the graphs up anyway if anyone's interested. __________________ 2008 E92 MT \| VTT Stage 2+ 20T \| VTT Inlets \| JB4 MHD E85 \| Fuel-It Stage 3 LPFP w/FPR and Return \| BMS PI \| AR DP \| AE Quad Exhaust \| Helix FMIC \| ER CP \| Tial BOV \| DCI \| AR OCC \| Spec Stage 3+ \| SMFW
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08-29-2008, 02:47 PM	#11
ericsmc83 Captain 65 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (9)	With all the posts asking about dynos, I'm going to try my best to get a good stock airbox vs. aFe on the 6th. I'll just bring my stock parts with me. Does anyone have input on what I would need to do for proper adaptation when I swap back to the stock setup? __________________ 2008 E92 MT \| VTT Stage 2+ 20T \| VTT Inlets \| JB4 MHD E85 \| Fuel-It Stage 3 LPFP w/FPR and Return \| BMS PI \| AR DP \| AE Quad Exhaust \| Helix FMIC \| ER CP \| Tial BOV \| DCI \| AR OCC \| Spec Stage 3+ \| SMFW
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08-29-2008, 03:32 PM	#12
stimpy Colonel 167 Rep 2,210 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ iTrader: (7)	http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1686 JB3 + AFE Dyno = pewpie results. Looking forward to seeing if your dyno differs.
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08-29-2008, 03:37 PM	#13
larkie Enlisted Member 1 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 335i-E90 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	My car is a leased car. Should I be doing this ? Do i have to take the intake out everytime my car go back to dealership for service ? If so, is it hard to restore to factory intake ?
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09-03-2008, 10:41 AM	#16
rapturem3 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: e46 m3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: sg iTrader: (0)	what's the difference between the pro dry S and the pro 5 R? anyone? thanks.. http://www.afefilters.com/productrev...72/5411472.htm
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09-03-2008, 11:21 AM	#18
BuLoOoSki Colonel 749 Rep 2,108 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kuwait iTrader: (9)	great review! I've had mine for quiet some time now but still havent gotten to install it yet. I think I might have it installed tomorrow with the RR catch can. My car is right now in a shop having the exhaust, intercooler, and oil cooler installed! cant wait
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09-03-2008, 08:54 PM	#20
shiggy Major 58 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vancouver iTrader: (2)	i walked in the door about an hour ago and found my AFE dual cone intake!!!...woohooo! will be installing tonight...post pics later! __________________ 2009 Jet Black E92 M3, DCT, Nav, Novillo Leather, PDC, EDC, BBS CHR's 20", Yokohama Advan Sports Tires, Eiback Pro-Kit Springs, Dinan Pullies and Dinan Stage1 software, black grills, black side gills, alcantara shift and ebrake boot.
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09-03-2008, 11:15 PM	#21
shiggy Major 58 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: BMW 2009 M3 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vancouver iTrader: (2)	SWEET.....just took it out for a quick boot around the block.....guess its really tough to gauge if there was in fact power gain..... but it sure feels like it....and damn....love the new sound!! A big thank you to Joseph at Trinity Auto sports!!!.....awesome service! __________________ 2009 Jet Black E92 M3, DCT, Nav, Novillo Leather, PDC, EDC, BBS CHR's 20", Yokohama Advan Sports Tires, Eiback Pro-Kit Springs, Dinan Pullies and Dinan Stage1 software, black grills, black side gills, alcantara shift and ebrake boot.
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09-03-2008, 11:48 PM	#22
mJ335 Amateur Post Whore 114 Rep 3,036 Posts Drives: 07 E90 SparkLiN G. 335i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SocaL iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [0.00]	I told you there's a difference in "butt dyno"!!! Trust me, after a couple of days, you'll feel more pulls.. __________________ Go WiTh ThE FLoW. \|BL\|RS\|PIAA\|CFE\|CFMC\|SSM\|CFG\|CFDP\|ABG\|M6\|AFE\|MTECH \|RPI\|JB+\|CSLT\|KWSC\|
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