Which intake to get?

[poke08]

Last week I took my car into Vista BMW for an oil change & an inspection (since I forgot to get a ppi lol) and everything came back great.

A few days ago when I was driving and my SES light came on and it hasn't gone off. I took the car back to the dealer and had a friend run a diagnostic test and he told me that it was running lean. His guess was the k&n oiled air filter that's in.

So now I'm looking to replace it with something else or just wash and re-oil the k&n filter. Any suggestions?

[ELCID86]

afe dry is a good cheap-ish alternative.

[kayger12]

Anything dry. Oiled filters tend to contaminate the MAF, hence the code.

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[ryankokesh]

You can just clean the maf, right?


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[kayger12]

You can just clean the maf, right?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, but it will keep happening.

It also interferes with the MAF function.

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[poke08]

Any other brands besides afe?

[kayger12]

BMW Perf :biggrin

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[danewilson77]

Dry AFE or BMW Performance. GruppeM will do as well.

Stock dry is better than K&N oiled imho.

[ELCID86]

I think I have a stock dry filter if you want to pay to ship it. LMK

[Pip]

Is it just the filter? So k&n drop in?

Just replace filter. If you're looking to replace the housing and filter then all suggestions so far are spot on - afe, bmw perf, and/or gruppe m.

[poke08]

I think I have a stock dry filter if you want to pay to ship it. LMK

Yeah I'll let you know when I decide what to do



Is it just the filter? So k&n drop in?

Just replace filter. If you're looking to replace the housing and filter then all suggestions so far are spot on - afe, bmw perf, and/or gruppe m.

Yeah I just have the drop in k&n oiled filter. I just figured I might as well upgrade if it was worth it

[BCS_ZHP]

We have all 3, here's my assessment:

- BMW Perf - a little more tone than stock, your mind makes you think you feel a little more power, MPGs increased (my guess is optimum air flow to stock fuel mapping)
- AFE CAI - a lot more noise than stock, sounds like a Hoover vacuum when you push it above 4K rpms, MPGs went down (my guess is maybe too much air so dumping more fuel in there to try to catch up)
- GruppeM - if possible, more noise than the AFE but more guttural than a vacuum noise, sounds mean, MPGs stayed the same

[ELCID86]

Bruce is your afe a stock replacement or the other model?


Shawn in VA.
Via thumbs and Tapatalk.

[BCS_ZHP]

AFE is a new airbox with the dry filter, at Anythingauto.com for about $410 but catch their first time buyer special and take 20% off with free shipping. By coincidence it worked out to $330, is that telling us something?!?!

[danewilson77]

May be able to snag it off Amazon as well. They are can affiliate. Shop around.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[Tnhl1989]

That's interesting in regards to the mpg. I think I may swap over to the BMW performance one just for the mpg :)

[BCS_ZHP]

The conv has the BMW perf, it's 300 lbs heavier than a coupe yet it will deliver over 30-31 mpg on the highway and neither coupe will go above 29 mpg.

[billyjack]

:thumbnail The BMW Perf sounds great

[QC_ZHP]

I'm thinking about picking up the AFE stg 2 dry filter, I found one for $293. Any good links to the GruppeM?

[poke08]

We have all 3, here's my assessment:

- BMW Perf - a little more tone than stock, your mind makes you think you feel a little more power, MPGs increased (my guess is optimum air flow to stock fuel mapping)
- AFE CAI - a lot more noise than stock, sounds like a Hoover vacuum when you push it above 4K rpms, MPGs went down (my guess is maybe too much air so dumping more fuel in there to try to catch up)
- GruppeM - if possible, more noise than the AFE but more guttural than a vacuum noise, sounds mean, MPGs stayed the same

do you have any sound clips for the afe cai? and how much did your mpg go down?



I'm thinking about picking up the AFE stg 2 dry filter, I found one for $293. Any good links to the GruppeM?

i think i might do the same

[derbo]

GruppeM intakes are expensive.. :X

[BCS_ZHP]

MPG change was only +/- 10-15%, after the break-in period for all f them. And break-in period doesn't mean the actual hardware, it means you. All sound so good you can't keep your foot out of the throttle for the first few tankfuls, you keep wanting to hear it. Eventually you'll get used to it and go back to your normal driving pattern.

Sounds like a good price on the AFE, the BmW Perf & GruppeM you'll have to find on the used market, found each of ours within $50 of the price you noted.

[UdubBadger]

AFe stage 1 was what I ran. Loved it, felt more power over GruppeM that came with my car when I purchased it... though that could be tune related.

[poke08]

Any experience with dinan cai's?

[QC_ZHP]

AFE stg2 it is then, for me at least. Do you guys recommend getting the pre-filter along with it?

[derbo]

AFe stage 1 was what I ran. Loved it, felt more power over GruppeM that came with my car when I purchased it... though that could be tune related.

I kinda want a stage 1 now.. Alot of changes I want to do to the 330i :X

[JupiterBMW]

Any experience with dinan cai's?

Damn, not a single one of you guys mentioned the Dinan!? No love for Dinan eh?? :rofl

Jon, I have the Dinan on my car. Honestly, its extremely well built, and looks great (looks OEM-ish). It is pricey, and honestly, I didn't feel much performance gain with it alone. Paired with the exhaust and software, the car does feel better.

I'm typically a party of 1, but I love the Dinan parts. Very happy with my purchases so far.

[ELCID86]

Paired with the exhaust and software, the car does feel better.

Sounds and feels better... and helped us win the Reunion Scavenger Hunt!!! :cheers

[UdubBadger]

I swear by enclosed intakes so it was either stage 1 or the stock box and k&n drop in.


- Going HAM mobile

[UdubBadger]

No need for pre filter in my opinion


- Going HAM mobile

[danewilson77]

AFE stg2 it is then, for me at least. Do you guys recommend getting the pre-filter along with it?

I like the prefilter. Seems to do its job.

Pics of Pre-filter (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?5441-E46-BMW-330i-ZHP-AFE-Oil-filter-to-Dry-conversion)

[Hermes]

I have access to a brand new one :)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/null-20.jpg

[Tnhl1989]

I just cried!

[Stigissimo]

Hermes i'll give you $10 for that!

[HokieZHP]

I've had the aFe and gruppe. I liked the gruppe a lot more and finally passed mine onto Bruce since I'm selling my car. I got at least 30-31mpg highway with the gruppe at 80ish. It does sound mean too. It took me a while to find one though and paid the premium cause I wanted it.

[Hermes]

Hermes i'll give you $10 for that!

hahaha

[Pip]

do you have any sound clips for the afe cai?

http://youtu.be/BW8I6v4yxbg

http://youtu.be/5QZueFahm_Q

[johnrando]

Sounds and feels better... and helped us win the Reunion Scavenger Hunt!!! :cheers

cough cough (driving like a mad man) cough

[UdubBadger]

I've had the aFe and gruppe. I liked the gruppe a lot more and finally passed mine onto Bruce since I'm selling my car. I got at least 30-31mpg highway with the gruppe at 80ish. It does sound mean too. It took me a while to find one though and paid the premium cause I wanted it.

My dynos actually went up after selling the gruppe.


- Going HAM mobile

[QC_ZHP]

Wait, so aFe stg 1 is higher performance than stg 2? Weird.

[ryankokesh]

My dynos actually went up after selling the gruppe.


- Going HAM mobile

What ever happened to your frankentake?

[Pip]

Wait, so aFe stg 1 is higher performance than stg 2? Weird.

Open intake vs enclosed and looks like possibly a different filter size. :dunno

[E_Rak]

Not sure about performance but the gruppe M (or replica) intakes seem to sound absolutely glorious....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrK16MNWLU

[LivesNearCostco]

I wondered about this a lot before finally buying the Stage 1 with oiled (blue) filter based on BimmerWorld's recommendation. My theory is the Stage 2 is much less expensive to produce and sells at a lower price point, making it easier to compete against the K&N and other intake models. Why is it cheaper to make?

No billet aluminum velocity stack, instead uses plastic decreasing diameter tube
No aluminum cover, instead uses rubber gasket to seal against trunk
One size fits, 330, 325, and 328 via a MAF adapter. The Stage 1 has two different filters and two different velocity stacks.
Stage 1 side enclosure is metal; I think Stage 2 side enclosure is plastic.


Doesn't mean Stage 1 makes more or less power than Stage 2, but I'll bet the Stage 2 is much cheaper and faster to manufacture. For an E46 330, it's possible having a larger filter and velocity stack does deliver more power.


Wait, so aFe stg 1 is higher performance than stg 2? Weird.

[ELCID86]

Sent you pics of the stock filter Poke.


Shawn in VA.
Via thumbs and Tapatalk.

[ryankokesh]

Not sure about performance but the gruppe M (or replica) intakes seem to sound absolutely glorious....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkrK16MNWLU

Yeah, I notice very little (possibly no) performance increase with it. Sounds sick though.

[UdubBadger]

What ever happened to your frankentake?

um... sold the car.

[poke08]

So I decided to pull the trigger on the AFE Stage 2 Pro Dry S. I narrowed my options down to that one and the Dinan high flow intake but I didnt find to much about that one and wasn't sure if i NEEDED the stage 2 software it recommended. It says it should be here next tuesday so i'll update you guys after I install it

[danewilson77]

So I decided to pull the trigger on the AFE Stage 2 Pro Dry S. I narrowed my options down to that one and the Dinan high flow intake but I didnt find to much about that one and wasn't sure if i NEEDED the stage 2 software it recommended. It says it should be here next tuesday so i'll update you guys after I install it

Nice choice.

[Tnhl1989]

Installed the BMW performance one with the napa filter. Notice the car is running better than the oil afe filter.

[poke08]

Nice choice.

Thanks Dane


Installed the BMW performance one with the napa filter. Notice the car is running better than the oil afe filter.

Hopefully this one is better than my oiled k&n filter

[QC_ZHP]

What made you opt for the Stage 2? Just curious.

[cakM3]

The oiled filters can work but depends on how much oil you put on the filter after cleaning them. I run oiled filters on both my ZHP and M3 and haven't had any issues using them.

[ryankokesh]

Haven't had any issues with the oiled gruppe (k&n) filter. I applied the oil with their spray kit and it worked great.

I'm sure now that I say that I'll get my maf all oily.


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[poke08]

What made you opt for the Stage 2? Just curious.

I didn't find much of a significance difference to get the stage 1 and a lot of people run the stage 2 with no problem so I figured I'd just save the extra cash. I actually just found it on autoanything.com w/ 20% off so if you decide to get one too, you can grab it there.



Haven't had any issues with the oiled gruppe (k&n) filter. I applied the oil with their spray kit and it worked great.

I'm sure now that I say that I'll get my maf all oily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


I actually bought the cleaning kit to re-oil the filter but I didn't want to run the risk of messing up my maf

[rguti153]

I have the gruppe m and the the afe intake , but the gruppe m sounds amazing ... U cant even compare the sound , the gruppe m is so much louder

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[Avetiso]

I have the gruppe m and the the afe intake , but the gruppe m sounds amazing ... U cant even compare the sound , the gruppe m is so much louder

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
How would you compare the butt dyno? Also, what did you pay for your Gruppe?

[derbo]

I never thought my gruppe M intake made any more power. It just sounds so cool :drool

I think I'll buy an AFE to replace.

[Avetiso]

Derek, I'm after the sound. Shoot me a PM when you need to sell it; hopefully I'll be in my next ZHP by then and I'll take it off your hands.

[derbo]

Derek, I'm after the sound. Shoot me a PM when you need to sell it; hopefully I'll be in my next ZHP by then and I'll take it off your hands.

http://youtu.be/IDwc-benMqo

I love the sound. I wonder the difference in sound between the two.

[TomTomTuning]

Installed the BMW performance one with the napa filter. Notice the car is running better than the oil afe filter.

I really want the BMW performance Intake but they retail for so much now. Where did you get yours Tnhl1989?

ECSTuning is almost $876.00
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/13720429613/ES35341/

[Hermes]

The one I posted in #32 sold for $500, but there might be another one coming.

[TomTomTuning]

Did BMW stop making or stocking them, why did thru to up in price so much. :(


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[MiniD]

My first ZHP had an ECIS Tuning Intake w/ head shield. It sounded great. Comparable to the AFE Stage 1 which I have experienced in a friend's ZHP.

The ZHP I just recently sold had the Dinan air box and it was HORRIBLE! I do not recommend whatsoever. No butt dyno gains and no improved sound..

My new ZHP which I pick up Sunday has the BMW Performance intake. I can't wait to hear it!

[Tnhl1989]

BMW performance intake was discontinued and the filter is discontinued. That's why I got the napa one. I picked up a 325 performance intake and cash on top. Was on e46f and someone in Cali was trying to fit a 330 performance on a 325. We exchange some pm's and made the three part swap to make things work for the both of us. :) win win

[johnrando]

BMW Performance Intakes were listed at somewhere near $1K. Then they went on fire sales for around $300. Those were mostly cleaned out, and then the price started rising on any that were left. Now you can expect to pay $600 or around there EDIT: (if you can find one).

[TomTomTuning]

That sucks.. Guess I'll just keep an eye out for when a used one gets posted for sale... I'm not spending that much for an intake. :(

[Avetiso]

I'd just go with AFE. It's a quality alternative. Sure, OEM is nice, but you might be waiting a while.

[TomTomTuning]

I'd just go with AFE. It's a quality alternative. Sure, OEM is nice, but you might be waiting a while.
Yea, at first I really wanted a OEM looking intake but I'll definitely consider AFE as an option.

[danewilson77]

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/AFEPrefilter.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/AFEPrefilter.jpg.html)

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/KWupperstrutmount-1.png (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/KWupperstrutmount-1.png.html)

HTC DNA, Williamsburg, VA

[BCS_ZHP]

Have or have had stock, Dinan, BMW Performance, AFE,and GruppeM. I rate them in that same order order from quietest to loudest. Butt dyno-wise same order but AFE & GruppeM are a virtual tie with additional noise being the difference.

[BimmerWill]

What's that afe setup run Dane?

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[UdubBadger]

That's stage 1 so appx $500

[BimmerWill]

Oh yikes...I was hoping for around $300 :(

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[danewilson77]

That's stage 1 so appx $500

Yep. Bought the Pro5R then converted to DryS.

http://afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=54-10451&filter&menu=gas&engine=3.0L&searchtype=vehicle&make=BMW&model=330i&year=2004&engine=3.0L&&brandID=52

$429 @ AFE

I think you can find it for <$400.00 though.

[BCS_ZHP]

AFE Stage 1 is on several websites for just over $400. We found it on autoanything.com for about $410 with a 20% off deal & free shipping, so the delivered price was $330. Coincidence?!

[BimmerWill]

Haha that's destiny right there not coincidence ;)

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[QC_ZHP]

Currently in the process of finding a stage 1 for <$400. Please post if you find a deal, and I will do the same.

[TomTomTuning]

Currently in the process of finding a stage 1 for <$400. Please post if you find a deal, and I will do the same.
$354.89 & Free shipping, plus it's from the ZHPMafia Amazon site. http://astore.amazon.com/zhpcom-20/detail/B003TTB0W6

[zhp43867]

Currently in the process of finding a stage 1 for <$400. Please post if you find a deal, and I will do the same.

http://www.amazon.com/aFe-51-10451-Stage-Intake-System/dp/B001ABJPK4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1373577422&sr=8-4&keywords=afe+e46+stage

[danewilson77]

Use the below links if you guys pull the trigger. Thanks

DRY (NO OIL) - aFe Stage 1 Air Intake System 01-06 BMW 330i (E46) 3.0L L6 (ttp://www.amazon.com/aFe-51-10451-Stage-Intake-System/dp/B001ABJPK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373579799&sr=8-2&keywords=aFe+Stage+1+Air+Intake+System+01-06+BMW+330i+%28E46%29+3.0L+L6)

OILED - aFe Stage 1 Air Intake System 01-06 BMW 330i (E46) 3.0L L6 (http://www.amazon.com/aFe-Stage-Intake-System-01-06/dp/B003TTB0W6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373579895&sr=8-1&keywords=aFe+Stage+1+Air+Intake+System+01-06+BMW+330i+%28E46%29+3.0L+L6)

[UdubBadger]

Check used, I got mine for $150 off E46f.c

[rguti153]

Really can compare the difference in sound from the gruppe m and the afe . My brother in law is hearing impaired and he heard the difference right away. Paid 350 on e46fanatics .but when I had the afe I was getting 2mpg more

[derbo]

Use the below links if you guys pull the trigger. Thanks

DRY (NO OIL) - aFe Stage 1 Air Intake System 01-06 BMW 330i (E46) 3.0L L6 (ttp://www.amazon.com/aFe-51-10451-Stage-Intake-System/dp/B001ABJPK4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1373579799&sr=8-2&keywords=aFe+Stage+1+Air+Intake+System+01-06+BMW+330i+%28E46%29+3.0L+L6)

OILED - aFe Stage 1 Air Intake System 01-06 BMW 330i (E46) 3.0L L6 (http://www.amazon.com/aFe-Stage-Intake-System-01-06/dp/B003TTB0W6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373579895&sr=8-1&keywords=aFe+Stage+1+Air+Intake+System+01-06+BMW+330i+%28E46%29+3.0L+L6)

The link didn't go through for me Dane. (dry one) :(


I'm more curious how the differences in the noise is, with an UUC TSE3 in the back. Would it even matter? :)

[derbo]

https://img.skitch.com/20120314-e4gj97qds9q4qbt9qj5bsxrgm8.png

Though a black AFE would be nice in there. :drool

[UdubBadger]

Really can compare the difference in sound from the gruppe m and the afe . My brother in law is hearing impaired and he heard the difference right away. Paid 350 on e46fanatics .but when I had the afe I was getting 2mpg more

Yep very true but for $500 or so I'd rather have performance over sound. Sound is better through exhaust anyway IMO.

[UdubBadger]

https://img.skitch.com/20120314-e4gj97qds9q4qbt9qj5bsxrgm8.png

Though a black AFE would be nice in there. :drool

I plastidipped my cover black and it looked nice and stealth

[TomTomTuning]

I plastidipped my cover black and it looked nice and stealth

That's a great idea. I would definitely do the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[QC_ZHP]

Thoughts on the Simota intake? Where can these be purchased?


Though a black AFE would be nice in there. :drool


Oh yeah. Then you'll have no need for the Gruppe, which I'll be glad to take off your hands.

[QC_ZHP]

Quick question, I can get a 328i Gruppe M for real cheap. Is there anyway this could fit a 330? Say if I got some flexible hose to connect the MAF? The CF cones look different between the kits, what's the reason behind that? Or it could be the angle and I'm an idiot.

328i
http://gruppem.mybigcommerce.com/products/GruppeM-Intake%3A-BMW-325-%28E46%2C-2001%252d2005%29.html

330i
http://gruppem.mybigcommerce.com/gruppem-intake-bmw-330-e46-2001-2005/

[TomTomTuning]

Quick question, I can get a 328i Gruppe M for real cheap. Is there anyway this could fit a 330? Say if I got some flexible hose to connect the MAF? The CF cones look different between the kits, what's the reason behind that? Or it could be the angle and I'm an idiot.

328i
http://gruppem.mybigcommerce.com/products/GruppeM-Intake%3A-BMW-325-%28E46%2C-2001%252d2005%29.html

330i
http://gruppem.mybigcommerce.com/gruppem-intake-bmw-330-e46-2001-2005/
I'm guessing the only difference is the MAF size. I'm sure you can buy a coupler that has two different sizes (reducer coupler)
Find out the dimensions and check out sites like Submit racing or Jegs,

Shit, I bet even a PVC rubber reducer coupler from Home Depot would work as well. It's not under positive pressure (boost) so It should work just fine.

[QC_ZHP]

Thats what I was thinking, but just needed some reassurance. For the price, I think I have to pick up and regardless. I'll make it work once I get it.

[TomTomTuning]

Thats what I was thinking, but just needed some reassurance. For the price, I think I have to pick up and regardless. I'll make it work once I get it.
Congrats. I think it'll work!

[derbo]

Out of curiosity I saw this on E46F.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpost.php?p=12150391&postcount=94


Name: Msphynx (bimmerforums)
Car/Engine: E46 M54B30
Mods: Stock ZHP vs Gruppe M intake
Peak numbers: 195whp/192wtq
Dyno type: Dynojet
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=94627&d=1106957235



I might just go back stock at this rate haha.

[derbo]

Last week I took my car into Vista BMW for an oil change & an inspection (since I forgot to get a ppi lol) and everything came back great.

A few days ago when I was driving and my SES light came on and it hasn't gone off. I took the car back to the dealer and had a friend run a diagnostic test and he told me that it was running lean. His guess was the k&n oiled air filter that's in.

So now I'm looking to replace it with something else or just wash and re-oil the k&n filter. Any suggestions?


You know whats funny, I didnt even pay attention to the first post and just replied via the responses and the title... I had an SES light for the same reason and it was because the intake boot was torn and it was pulling in air from the cracked boot. I highly doubt its your air filter as I never had problems with my stock intake with it.

[poke08]

You know whats funny, I didnt even pay attention to the first post and just replied via the responses and the title... I had an SES light for the same reason and it was because the intake boot was torn and it was pulling in air from the cracked boot. I highly doubt its your air filter as I never had problems with my stock intake with it.

Lol yeah, I had my bmw guy check it out and he said everything was good. He cleared the SES light and it hasn't come back on since then.

[derbo]

sidenote:

anyone notice the Dinan Intake is now $249.00?

http://www.dinancars.com/shop/D760-0002-High-Flow-Intake-System.aspx#page=1

[poke08]

Yeah, I noticed that a little while ago. I questioned getting a dinan intake but didnt get any responses on it really. I remember joop recommending dinan though

[johnrando]

There's been some discussion on intakes. You might want to look for it beyond this thread too, as I am multitasking and won't be able to easily find it. I don't think there is a lot of experience w/Dinan intakes on here, but Joop does like his.