aFe power hesitation at higher rpms

zakyzozo · 01-15-2011, 12:43 AM

Sorry if this is a repeated thread, but I was looking for some insight. I just installed an aFe CAI on my e90 325i. I noticed that around 3500+ rpms it repeatedly hesitates like it wants more fuel or air or whatever. Was not sure if the car will automatically adjust itself to the change in air flow, or if I needed to have it tuned or had to add or do something, etc. Any info is appreciated.

mikekilpatrick · 01-15-2011, 03:18 AM

I have had that same intermittent problem since I installed the BMW Performance intake myself. I did notice the factory seals have failed on the unit and there may be air flow tornadoes going on causing the stalling issue (attempting to get that fixed under warranty now). Now the question is: Does the computer have to learn new air flow (or can it)? ; or does an improper intake seal cause air flow issues into the engine intake and thus causing stalling issue...

arctic330i · 01-15-2011, 09:09 AM

Mine definitely has a very LOUD sound and jerking sensation at 4k rpms, then it goes away until 7k...

zakyzozo · 01-15-2011, 08:55 PM

A mechanic thinks that some of the hose connections could be loose, so I tightened all of them, they were loose but I don't know if loose enough to make a difference. Anyway, I will test drive tomorrow and let the forum know

zakyzozo · 01-15-2011, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikekilpatrick

I have had that same intermittent problem since I installed the BMW Performance intake myself. I did notice the factory seals have failed on the unit and there may be air flow tornadoes going on causing the stalling issue (attempting to get that fixed under warranty now). Now the question is: Does the computer have to learn new air flow (or can it)? ; or does an improper intake seal cause air flow issues into the engine intake and thus causing stalling issue...

What seals are u referring too.

mikekilpatrick · 01-18-2011, 01:55 AM

There is a rubber seal between the Carbon Fiber piece and the main air intake. Then there are foam gasket seals that butt up against the strut mount and connect to the rear snorkel air intake. I had to call up BMW corporate and initiate a case as I told the dealer about this issue six weeks ago and they have been trying to get a replacement since then. BMW does not just sell the seals (which is also the case for OEM Xenon Ballasts, 450.00+ part if you just need a 3.00 gasket), so in order to fix a 10.00 dollar gasket problem on the intake, corporate has to replace the entire 800.00 intake system.

Thats ok, I have also been waiting almost a YEAR for a replacement VIN sticker on the drivers side door. It was ripped in half when I bought the car and I have been waiting ever since for a replacement.

mikekilpatrick · 01-30-2011, 10:05 AM

Well, after a call to BMW customer service, they are finally replacing the performance intake system. Kind of stupid that they need to spend 800.00 on a part that only requires 10.00 of gaskets, but oh well... Also found out that the sticker was never freaking ordered by the dealer! WTF!

I still get a loud ticking from the engine, even though the head has been replaced. Told by mechanic that is a normal injector sound, but it is so loud you can hear it from 20 feet away. Also get a "choking" or stalling condition in the car sometimes under heavy acceleration. Of course dealer cannot reproduce.

AlpineSwift · 01-30-2011, 01:53 PM

I had substantial power surging and low end torque loss with the afe unit installed. Maybe I had it installed wrong but I kind of doubt it. The fact that I lost MPG's city and highway because I had to bury my foot to the floor to get the car to move was enough for me to take it out.

Search the board for my thread on it. I had some colorful thoughts during and after.

know1isgod · 01-31-2011, 10:01 AM

Also had the surging after new AFE install. Went back to stock box and it went away. Now have the Dinan Ram Air.

AllydNYC · 01-31-2011, 10:34 AM

I will just chime in here too. When the engine is cold I'm getting a huge power surge from roughly 2,700 -3,300 RPMS. Like I have the pedal in the same spot and it will quickly gain power from that range, you can feel the car pull hard during that range. Doesn't feel right. I think I'm going to remove it.

01-15-2011, 12:43 AM	#1
zakyzozo Captain 34 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 MSport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Florida iTrader: (12)	aFe power hesitation at higher rpms Sorry if this is a repeated thread, but I was looking for some insight. I just installed an aFe CAI on my e90 325i. I noticed that around 3500+ rpms it repeatedly hesitates like it wants more fuel or air or whatever. Was not sure if the car will automatically adjust itself to the change in air flow, or if I needed to have it tuned or had to add or do something, etc. Any info is appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-15-2011, 03:18 AM	#2
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	I have had that same intermittent problem since I installed the BMW Performance intake myself. I did notice the factory seals have failed on the unit and there may be air flow tornadoes going on causing the stalling issue (attempting to get that fixed under warranty now). Now the question is: Does the computer have to learn new air flow (or can it)? ; or does an improper intake seal cause air flow issues into the engine intake and thus causing stalling issue...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-15-2011, 09:09 AM	#3
arctic330i Lieutenant Colonel 126 Rep 1,984 Posts Drives: F15 35i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Gainesville, Fl iTrader: (8) Garage List 2014 BMW X5 [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i E90 [8.08] 2013 BMW 335is [10.00]	Mine definitely has a very LOUD sound and jerking sensation at 4k rpms, then it goes away until 7k... __________________ See my full mod list in my garage
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-15-2011, 08:55 PM	#4
zakyzozo Captain 34 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 MSport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: South Florida iTrader: (12)	A mechanic thinks that some of the hose connections could be loose, so I tightened all of them, they were loose but I don't know if loose enough to make a difference. Anyway, I will test drive tomorrow and let the forum know
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-18-2011, 01:55 AM	#6
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	There is a rubber seal between the Carbon Fiber piece and the main air intake. Then there are foam gasket seals that butt up against the strut mount and connect to the rear snorkel air intake. I had to call up BMW corporate and initiate a case as I told the dealer about this issue six weeks ago and they have been trying to get a replacement since then. BMW does not just sell the seals (which is also the case for OEM Xenon Ballasts, 450.00+ part if you just need a 3.00 gasket), so in order to fix a 10.00 dollar gasket problem on the intake, corporate has to replace the entire 800.00 intake system. Thats ok, I have also been waiting almost a YEAR for a replacement VIN sticker on the drivers side door. It was ripped in half when I bought the car and I have been waiting ever since for a replacement.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2011, 10:05 AM	#7
mikekilpatrick Major 229 Rep 1,085 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW F10 550 Xdrive Msport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Philadelphia (South-NJ) iTrader: (20)	Well, after a call to BMW customer service, they are finally replacing the performance intake system. Kind of stupid that they need to spend 800.00 on a part that only requires 10.00 of gaskets, but oh well... Also found out that the sticker was never freaking ordered by the dealer! WTF! I still get a loud ticking from the engine, even though the head has been replaced. Told by mechanic that is a normal injector sound, but it is so loud you can hear it from 20 feet away. Also get a "choking" or stalling condition in the car sometimes under heavy acceleration. Of course dealer cannot reproduce.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2011, 01:53 PM	#8
AlpineSwift Colonel 77 Rep 2,114 Posts Drives: 2008 335Xi Coupé Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Castle Rock, CO iTrader: (3)	I had substantial power surging and low end torque loss with the afe unit installed. Maybe I had it installed wrong but I kind of doubt it. The fact that I lost MPG's city and highway because I had to bury my foot to the floor to get the car to move was enough for me to take it out. Search the board for my thread on it. I had some colorful thoughts during and after. __________________ E92 '08 335Xi 6AT - Cobb AP3 Tuned by MAC Autosport, Original Prototype Xi DOCRace 6266 Single Turbo Swap, VRSF CP w/Synapse BOV, VRSF 7" FMIC, BMS Cowl, H&R Coilovers, Renn Motorsport RS-51's, Stoptech Stage 2 Slotted, xHP Stage 3, Earl's Racing Oil Cooler, Turner Boost Gauge, M3 Lip Spoiler. Standing Mile Record Holder for Xi over a mile high: 168.2MPH @ 5512'; The Colorado Mile hosted by The US Mile.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2011, 10:01 AM	#9
know1isgod Private 3 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 06 325i Jet Black Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Also had the surging after new AFE install. Went back to stock box and it went away. Now have the Dinan Ram Air.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2011, 10:34 AM	#10
AllydNYC Loading... 341 Rep 2,187 Posts Drives: 91' E30 318is Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Location iTrader: (15) Garage List 1991 BMW 318is [0.00]	I will just chime in here too. When the engine is cold I'm getting a huge power surge from roughly 2,700 -3,300 RPMS. Like I have the pedal in the same spot and it will quickly gain power from that range, you can feel the car pull hard during that range. Doesn't feel right. I think I'm going to remove it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote