[Fishayyy]

I know this subject has been beaten to death, but I wanted to know if there are some threads or charts some where that have actual comparisons between these intakes because as far as I've read any of these intakes are better than a DCI from BMS or Injen.

Edit: Eliminated a few intakes and added new ones, due to some feedback and more research.

[Welterweight]

I did this same search and ended up going the DCI route from vrsf. Car sounds better and noticed some increased throttle response. Imo the stock set up is pretty solid so dci for sound like cbe. Dp's for power!

[335NJ]

It really depends how much you care about looks IMO. If you're willing to spend that kind of money on an intake than that's fine, but they all show the same numbers performance wise, including the DCI. Maybe slight IAT differences that's about it.

[CHECKERED]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

I know this subject has been beaten to death, but I wanted to know if there are some threads or charts some where that have actual comparisons between these intakes because as far as I've read any of these intakes are better than a DCI from BMS or Injen.

BMW does not make a peformance intake for the N54...

as far as intakes in general why do you need one?

I theory the reason high flow filter are “high flow” is because they trade off some fine particle filiation which could be ok on a NA car but with turbos spinning at some outrageous speed the leading edge of the compressor can erode from the fine particles.

[The Convert]

ALL intake will perform the same for the most part. You will not notice gains from one over another. It all boils down to how you want it to look. Intakes are honestly a waste of money on this platform.

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

It really depends how much you care about looks IMO. If you're willing to spend that kind of money on an intake than that's fine, but they all show the same numbers performance wise, including the DCI. Maybe slight IAT differences that's about it.

I know that's the general consensus on this matter, but I did also see this thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262528 from former_boosted_is that lead me to believe there may be some minor differences between the intake types. I was just curious to see if there was even a comparison between the Dinan CAI vs the stock box because personally I think the Dinan CAI and the Mr. 5 mod have the potential to produce the best results (even if they are minimal.) Worst case scenario you bought a really good looking box for your engine.

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by CHECKERED

BMW does not make a peformance intake for the N54...

as far as intakes in general why do you need one?

I theory the reason high flow filter are “high flow” is because they trade off some fine particle filiation which could be ok on a NA car but with turbos spinning at some outrageous speed the leading edge of the compressor can erode from the fine particles.

I've read everything from "the stock box will suffocate your turbos" to "the stock box is actually the best option as long as you use a drop in filter"

I'm just sick of seeing "BMS DCI FTW" and not seeing any dyno charts or statistics to prove that one is a better option than the other.

Also BMW Performance does make an intake...
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...akeSystem.aspx

[CHECKERED]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

Also BMW Performance does make an intake...
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...akeSystem.aspx

its for N52

BMW does not make a performance intake for the N54

you should check yourself before trying to correct others...

[The Convert]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

I know that's the general consensus on this matter, but I did also see this thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262528 from former_boosted_is that lead me to believe there may be some minor differences between the intake types. I was just curious to see if there was even a comparison between the Dinan CAI vs the stock box because personally I think the Dinan CAI and the Mr. 5 mod have the potential to produce the best results (even if they are minimal.) Worst case scenario you bought a really good looking box for your engine.

Former boosted is was a marketing guy. He got huge discounts on everything or got it for free to write a good review on the products. He pretty much NEVER didn't recommend a product he reviewed.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

The consensus was the AFE Stage 2 Si Intake performed the best in real world conditions on the track and also on the dyno, according to BuraQ's reviews. (which at the time he was not a vendor, nor does he sell the product even today). I would say he is the most unbiased as he did his own testing on his dime for the greater good of his own car and to help others.

[Lotus99]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

The consensus was the AFE Stage 2 Si Intake performed the best in real world conditions on the track and also on the dyno, according to BuraQ's reviews. (which at the time he was not a vendor, nor does he sell the product even today). I would say he is the most unbiased as he did his own testing on his dime for the greater good of his own car and to help others.

So to confirm, that's the regular SI intake, and not the Elite one?

[Blaster400]

I am very happy with my Dinan CAI. It is designed to supplement the stock air source with a second air source by the front vendor. I would be worried about potential hydro lock with the Stett design. Granted the Dinan is very expensive but it is the best CAI IMO. I never liked the idea of DCI's sucking in hot air.

I agree that the performance gains from any intake upgrade are very modest on this platform.

[Ingeniator]

Best intake is single turbo and new BMS silicone filter.

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by The Convert

Former boosted is was a marketing guy. He got huge discounts on everything or got it for free to write a good review on the products. He pretty much NEVER didn't recommend a product he reviewed.

Well that's a little bit unnerving, considering now I don't know how many of his reviews are genuine.

I was also pretty interested in the clutchmasters flywheel he reviewed, but now I'm a little skeptical...

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by Ingeniator

Best intake is single turbo and new BMS silicone filter.

Do you have proof?

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

The consensus was the AFE Stage 2 Si Intake performed the best in real world conditions on the track and also on the dyno, according to BuraQ's reviews. (which at the time he was not a vendor, nor does he sell the product even today). I would say he is the most unbiased as he did his own testing on his dime for the greater good of his own car and to help others.

I'll make sure to look at some of his reviews then, because I wasn't even considering the AFE intake at all.

[Ingeniator]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

Do you have proof?

Gains of 400-500whp is pretty good I would say it is the best. Search around lots of dyno's posted.

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by CHECKERED

its for N52

BMW does not make a performance intake for the N54

you should check yourself before trying to correct others...

Terribly sorry then, I found it under a filter for my specific make and model so I would have figured it would work for the N54.

[The Convert]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

Well that's a little bit unnerving, considering now I don't know how many of his reviews are genuine.

I was also pretty interested in the clutchmasters flywheel he reviewed, but now I'm a little skeptical...

Yep. I would also stay away from the clutch masters stuff for this platform. As for the single turbo and silicone intake...it really is the only worthwhile modding anymore. The tuning side of going single on the N54 is no longer an issue and the car is just so much more enjoyable and easy to drive. The powerband is wayyyyyy more exciting too.

[Fishayyy]

Originally Posted by The Convert

Yep. I would also stay away from the clutch masters stuff for this platform. As for the single turbo and silicone intake...it really is the only worthwhile modding anymore. The tuning side of going single on the N54 is no longer an issue and the car is just so much more enjoyable and easy to drive. The powerband is wayyyyyy more exciting too.

Unfortunately I live in California so if I switch over to single turbo I think my car will fail emissions, but it is something I've been looking at a lot haha

As for clutch masters, is there anything wrong with the fX850 (the one that former_boosted_IS got)? Because I haven't seen many other people get it aside from him.

[The Convert]

Originally Posted by Fishayyy

Unfortunately I live in California so if I switch over to single turbo I think my car will fail emissions, but it is something I've been looking at a lot haha

As for clutch masters, is there anything wrong with the fX850 (the one that former_boosted_IS got)? Because I haven't seen many other people get it aside from him.

ummm...it's like 3 grand after shipping and comes with an aluminum flywheel. So, it will be extremely loud compared to the oem clutch. Honestly, I think the Motiv/PTF/Spec twin plate is the money clutch at the moment for higher n54 power...followed by spec 3+.

[BQTuning]

Best CAI for the N54 platform is the aFe Stage 2 Elite SI . I have tested up to 23 PSI and it supplies efficient air for the turbos. I am currently running 460+ whp and 554 wtq 21-19 PSI tappered and wgdc on an average stays below 70%

Here is my review on the intake broken down into chapters as I upgraded it

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...00&postcount=1


I went a bit further spend $15 more and sealed it for more testing. The cover does not need to be "perm" sealed just needs gasket to be made.

My proof has been posted on another thread, I trapped 121-122 mph in the 1/4 mile FULL WEIGHT + me 260 lbs + half tank of gas, and I dont even have catless downpipes, only highflow catted downpipes. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...00&postcount=1