Another 330i intake comparison.....

I have headers, no cats, and plan on getting a tune once I get a new CAI for my 330i.

After countless Google searches most of the ones I found were with the M3s. But I'm torn between the BMW Performance intake (13720429613) or the AFE Stage 1 (54-10451).

I saw BMW claimed 3hp crank increase and someone actually dynoed 6whp more.

Has anyone ever compared these two intakes to each other then to the stocker on a dyno in a 330i?

The BMW is a well engineered unit and looks stock the AFE looks good too with the cover. So from an aesthetic stand point they both look good.

The main difference I see is the air filter. One is washable and one is a throwaway every year.

Price wise they are exactly the same so that is not an issue.

BMW:
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330...ntake/ES35341/

AFE:
http://www.amazon.com/aFe-54-10451-S.../dp/B000CFO7N4

For me it all comes down to what makes the most power. Not just peak hp/tq but through the whole rev range.

Maybe someone has done this comparo before if so I could not find it....so pardon my ignorance if I didn't search right.

Also, I realize the hp/tq difference is negligible but if one makes 6whp over the stocker throughout the rev range that's still power in my book.

Thanks,
Nick

Yeah buddy you didn't search hard enough .. I did a simple search and it came up with over a page of results for each

Not true. Nothing conclusive has been discussed. I'm hoping Secono(? maybe incorrect spelling), Rob, PEI330, Aggie or Iceman can chime in here. I'm weighing BMWs engineering prowess vs. the apparent benefits of smoother airflow due to the velocity stack (AFE). I'm also really looking for a box not a tube. C'mon guys, drop some knowledge on us!

Originally Posted by zhp43867

Not true. Nothing conclusive has been discussed. I'm hoping Secono(? maybe incorrect spelling), Rob, PEI330, Aggie or Iceman can chime in here. I'm weighing BMWs engineering prowess vs. the apparent benefits of smoother airflow due to the velocity stack (AFE). I'm also really looking for a box not a tube. C'mon guys, drop some knowledge on us!

thanks zhp for not making me look stupid. i'm leaning more towards the BMW one because well it's a BMW.

Neither.

Originally Posted by Iceman00

Neither.

Not exactly a comprehensive answer, but I'd certainly listen to his advice.



Good luck.

Which is the lesser of the two evils? Nothing scares me more than Hydrolock (Eh ehm, original Dinan).

Just get an ECIS or similar intake. I like the BMW performance intake, but the lack of a readily available filter just kills it for me.

See I think its unreasonable to expect anyone other than a diehard/vendor to test between intakes on an M54, book in dyno/power run time and go through the effort of buying each intake etc etc. It's pretty much established that common off-the-shelf intakes do very little. For what its worth I have the BMW Performance intake and pretty much felt no difference...

I've been running a fender-well intake for months, without any hydro-locking problems.

I also ran the same thing on my last car for years without any hydro-locking problems.

Both setups have K&N filters and the 'pre-filters' over them. I drive plenty in the rain, but don't drive through 3' of water.

Originally Posted by Iceman00

Just get an ECIS or similar intake. I like the BMW performance intake, but the lack of a readily available filter just kills it for me.

I have ECIS on mine (I think... it came with the car when I bought it). I'd like to somehow rig up a velocity stack and a way to feed more outside air to it, though.