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JKO_ZHP
10-25-2013, 01:12 AM
There's a master list of exhausts for the E46 here on ZHPMafia but not one for intakes, on this forum or any other so far. I'm hoping to not create one but rather, compile the info from all the separate, individual thread topics on other forums into one relevant thread for comparison. All credits go to the original creators of those individual threads for posting their experiences and dyno charts. I do not own any of the pictures used herein.

Stock airbox
http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/cps004.jpg
It's already a well-designed CAI since it directs air from the front of the grilles into the box.
Replacement filters include (but are not limited to) the genuine BMW-branded replacement filter, K&N's oiled, washable filter, and the MANN filter.
*K&N's oiled filter has been known to cause problems with the MAF. Washing it and using little to no oil usually solves it.
(Filter in pic is of the K&N drop-in)

BMW Performance
http://www.bavauto.com/assets/imglib500/13720432306_IMG01.jpg
It uses a filter similar to the one in the factory intake but bent in a semi-circular fashion.
Replacement filters include the genuine BMW-branded replacement filter. BMW has ceased production of this. Now, the main direct replacement has been the 6301 Napa Gold filter.* Average prices paid have been between $8-$15 each.
6301 Napa Gold: http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-air-filters/46301.html
Dyno: http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=507315
*The wire will not affect the intake but if you don't like it there, you can snip it off with wire cutters - just be sure not to leave any loose pieces that may get lodged in the intake.

aFe Pro Dry S & Pro 5 R
http://afepower.com/catalog/54-10461/54-10461_400.jpg
http://afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=54-10461
aFe's own dyno: http://afepower.com/catalog/54-10461/graphs/54-10461DYNO1600.jpg
User review: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=642879
Another user review: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?779659-aFe-intake-review

Gruppe M (non-M E46)
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/data/3102/9565GruppeM1.jpg
User review (dyno included): http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=653046

Gruppe M (E46 M3)
http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Gruppe%20M/Gruppe03_zps61c8884b.jpg
Product page: http://www.europeanautosource.com/product/gruppe-m-ram-air-intake-e46-m3
*Regarding Gruppe M intakes, many people, previous owners and non-owners alike, have attested that dynos have showed that they've actually reduced peak HP, however slight it may be. (Specifically in the E46 M3, not E9X)
You can Google this info but a couple of the forums that have said this are the M3Forum and Bimmerfest.

Dinan
http://truestreetcars.com/forums/attachments/projects-builds/3967d1271216528-bmw-330ci-2002-e46-dinan-intake.jpg
Product page: http://www.dinancars.com/products/3-Series/D760-0002-High-Flow-Intake-System.aspx
No dyno charts available, but their product page does give you their estimate of the power gains.

injen - NOT for the 330
http://www.modbargains.com/zoom_img/_1312549307.jpg
Product page: http://www.modbargains.com/injen-intake-system-bmw-e46-323i-325i-328i.htm
injen's own dyno: http://www.injen.com/galleries/products/SP1115_Dyno.jpg

K&N (system, not just filter)
http://www.modbargains.com/zoom_img/KN_Intake_E46_1179960880.JPG
Product page: http://www.modbargains.com/kn-57-63-series-intake-bmw-e46-3series-m3.htm
K&N's own dyno: http://www.knfilters.com/dynocharts/57-1001_dyno.pdf

Jim Conforti intake
http://guildhouse.net/BMW330Ci/JC_Cai_MAFwrong.JPG
User review (dyno included): http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=91237

Cosmos Racing intake
http://www.cosmosracing.com/images/cosmos_intake_installed.jpeg
Product page: http://www.cosmosracing.com/products1.html
*Note there is another intake of a similar name - Cosmo Racing, without the "s"

Custom/DIY - power gains may vary.
For the non-M/ZHP E46: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1591314-DIY-Custom-Cold-Air-Intake-%28CAI%29
For the ZHP: Search pending. (Routing a pipe from the driver's side fog light duct to the airbox)
For the ZHP & M3: http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=228700
*Hydrolocking has been mentioned when discussing certain custom-made intakes. Modify at your own risk!
Most custom intakes aim at accomplishing one or both of the following key goals:
1) To increase the amount of air flowing to the intake (ex: utilizing an air scoop or route air from the M-TECH II & M3's fog ducts to the intake)
2) To create a heat shield (ex: buying an aFe or even DIY wrapping the stock airbox with thermal wrap)

ACCESSORIES
aFe Air Scoop
Product page: http://afepower.com/shop/details_new.php?partno=54-10468&
http://afepower.com/catalog/54-10468/54-10468_400.jpg
Installs behind the grilles to direct air flow.

Please let me know if there are any mistakes regarding the above; updated information that can be added; or any other suggestions.
danewilson77
10-25-2013, 04:34 AM
Nice. Try to get all the dyno data. Maybe add the DIY downtube as well.

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH
Johal E32
10-25-2013, 06:09 AM
Cosmos racing -- not for 330i size MAF's

http://www.cosmosracing.com/products1.html

basically a dinan long tube replica intake
WOLFN8TR
10-25-2013, 07:05 AM
Awesome Info! Thanks...
Hornung418
10-25-2013, 10:27 AM
Thumb of approval for the COSMOS.

Sent from my GS3.
derbo
10-25-2013, 10:43 AM
Great list!
JKO_ZHP
10-25-2013, 01:39 PM
Cosmos Racing intake added. Not Cosmo without the "s" because I looked it up anyway and people have had nothing good to say about it.

@Dane: Will add, but since it IS custom, there will be X variations, all with slight tweaks and changes in parts, location, etc...but I will add a non-M one and a ZHP option. (Plus a lot of people have been yelling about hydrolocking)
danewilson77
10-25-2013, 03:36 PM
Cosmos Racing intake added. Not Cosmo without the "s" because I looked it up anyway and people have had nothing good to say about it.

@Dane: Will add, but since it IS custom, there will be X variations, all with slight tweaks and changes in parts, location, etc...but I will add a non-M one and a ZHP option. (Plus a lot of people have been yelling about hydrolocking)

Understood. I think the option is worth mentioning though.

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH
JKO_ZHP
10-25-2013, 04:16 PM
Understood. I think the option is worth mentioning though.

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

Added.
Found an additional link as well to one for the E46 M3 - so it probably works for ZHPs also, since they both have the same sized fog ducts.

UPDATE: K&N and injen dynos added, although they are the manufacturer's own results. I have yet to find a consumer's dyno chart for either one.
johnrando
10-25-2013, 04:24 PM
Awesome Jonathan. Good to see you around.
JKO_ZHP
10-26-2013, 02:26 AM
Awesome Jonathan. Good to see you around.

Thanks John, glad to be back. Been a rough year but the ZHP's been doing alright.
QC_ZHP
10-30-2013, 12:45 PM
Gruppe M:drool

Great write-up, should be very helpful to those on the search.
quikryptonite
10-30-2013, 02:41 PM
I test drove an E46 M3 with the Gruppe M intake installed, man that thing purred. It was so nice to listen to.
cakM3
11-04-2013, 09:45 AM
Since there are a few members getting E46 ///Ms here...I thought I would add the Gruppe M CAI for ///M to this list :)

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Gruppe%20M/Gruppe03_zps61c8884b.jpg
This one mounted on my ///M

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Gruppe%20M/Gruppe06_zps2d4f8501.jpg

http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp37/macdctr/Gruppe%20M/Gruppe11_zps46a7c841.jpg

Like the Gruppe M intakes for non-///Ms these come in two flavors as well. Kevlar (pictured above) and carbon fiber. From what I have seen the Kevlar version costs significantly more than the carbon fiber versions. Brand new the carbon fiber versions run $2,200 and the Kevlar (don't quote me on this) run somewhere in the $3,000 range.
JKO_ZHP
11-04-2013, 10:51 AM
E46 M3 Gruppe M intake added - thanks for the pic Charlie. Though, I can't seem to find any dynos for it; I've only come across a couple for the E9X M3s.
cakM3
11-04-2013, 11:23 AM
No problem Jonathan :thumbsup
kakashi169
11-05-2013, 11:01 AM
How often do you guys change the air filter for the OEM BMW Perf CAI?? I think I am due for a new filter but I am not sure where to get them.
danewilson77
11-05-2013, 11:03 AM
I wouldn't go longer than 15k.

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH
ELCID86
11-05-2013, 11:31 AM
I think I am due for a new filter but I am not sure where to get them.

Info here: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?11264-Replacement-Air-Filters-for-BMW-Performance-Intake-Where-to-buy&p=304632#post304632
kakashi169
11-05-2013, 11:58 AM
Hm... I can't find the napa 6301. I see the 6253 one tho.
tomjonesrocks
11-17-2013, 12:24 PM
Adding to this thread...6253 will absolutely NOT fit the BMW Performance intake.
trancenation
11-17-2013, 12:45 PM
For the NAPA Gold 6301, search for local NAPA retailers on their website and I'm sure there may be some hits.
ELCID86
11-17-2013, 05:29 PM
Hm... I can't find the napa 6301. I see the 6253 one tho.

This might help. See post #17. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=15111976

Mann MA1039
Fram CA7598
Purolator A24881
JKO_ZHP
11-23-2013, 12:47 AM
Adding to this thread...6253 will absolutely NOT fit the BMW Performance intake.

It does.

http://31.media.tumblr.com/dffad68cbd79b95e291602469a4f1cc6/tumblr_meot8lCJmb1r2z3guo2_1280.jpg

I can't believe I just noticed this though. My first non-OEM replacement filter for my BMW Performance intake was the 6301, and it WAS white, with red rubber edges. This second one I bought was yellow/orange with red/orange rubber. I did notice the big difference when I swapped them out but had no idea I had actually ordered a different intake. I thought maybe it was just a different batch or something, since I heard Napa had been bought out by Wix, or vice versa.

Both fit. Both have the mesh wiring that can be cut off with wire cutters if you think it will make a difference. I do it because I like thinking that it will increase surface area by just a little.

6301 is white: http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-air-filters/46301.html
6253 is orange: http://www.fleetfilter.com/filter/wix-air-filters/46253.html
ELCID86
11-23-2013, 07:42 AM
Thanks for the clarification. Always good to have options.
Secono330ci
12-19-2013, 11:56 PM
Anyone find a "high performance" filter replacement? Something like an AFE filter instead of the paper?
Hermes
12-20-2013, 12:12 AM
You can have AFE make you a custom one, you just need to provide dimensions. I will be doing that when I need a filter as my current one is maybe 10k miles old
Avetiso
01-30-2014, 10:15 PM
Anyone got an OEM or Mann air filter they want to sell? New?
JKO_ZHP
01-31-2014, 01:13 AM
Anyone got an OEM or Mann air filter they want to sell? New?

http://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-25-114-Air-Filter/dp/B00252928M

If you have Amazon Prime, you get free two-day shipping. If you've never signed up for it yet, you can get Prime free for an entire 365 days if you provide a college email (xxxxx@____.edu)
Avetiso
02-01-2014, 01:57 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-25-114-Air-Filter/dp/B00252928M

If you have Amazon Prime, you get free two-day shipping. If you've never signed up for it yet, you can get Prime free for an entire 365 days if you provide a college email (xxxxx@____.edu)

Thanks! Couldn't find this one for some reason.

I do have prime.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
Avetiso
02-01-2014, 04:39 PM
http://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-25-114-Air-Filter/dp/B00252928M

If you have Amazon Prime, you get free two-day shipping. If you've never signed up for it yet, you can get Prime free for an entire 365 days if you provide a college email (xxxxx@____.edu)
Interesting that Amazon says it doesn't fit. Ordered it.
ELCID86
02-02-2014, 01:24 PM
Anyone got an OEM or Mann air filter they want to sell? New?

Sorry I missed this. Maybe should have been in another thread (pay it forward, etc.). I do have an OEM I would have given you.
Avetiso
02-02-2014, 01:26 PM
Sorry I missed this. Maybe should have been in another thread (pay it forward, etc.). I do have an OEM I would have given you.

That's my mistake. It's alright, thanks either way. :)

Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
bjbstewart
02-04-2014, 09:56 AM
I just purchased a 2006 330ci, and want to change to a K&N intake. But, the K&N site STOPS at 2005! There is no option available for a 2006.

see: http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=57-1001

I'm trying to figure out is there is a reason for that - will this kit fit my 2006 e46? I put one on my 2001 without any problem. Has anyone done that mod? Also, i assume there are no issues doing this to a ZHP...

Thanks for any advice...
johnrando
02-04-2014, 10:56 AM
Many sites mistakenly list '05 as the last E46 year. In reality, it's '06 (coupes and verts still produced). Sedans stopped in '05. As well, the E90s started in '06 adding to the confusion that E46s stopped in '05. There's really not much (if any) different from '05 to '06 E46. Therefore, it will fit. BTW, to make your parts searches safe, always just put in '05 in the year so their parts system is not confused.
bjbstewart
02-04-2014, 11:22 AM
Many sites mistakenly list '05 as the last E46 year. In reality, it's '06 (coupes and verts still produced). Sedans stopped in '05. As well, the E90s started in '06 adding to the confusion that E46s stopped in '05. There's really not much (if any) different from '05 to '06 E46. Therefore, it will fit. BTW, to make your parts searches safe, always just put in '05 in the year so their parts system is not confused.

HUGE help, thanks! I suppose that will also affect CARB (ca air resource board). Since K&N do not recognize 2006 as valid, they likely didn't register the numbers with CARB, so the intake may then not actually be CA legal?

Anyone gone down this path with smog?
johnrando
02-04-2014, 11:26 AM
Not sure on that one. You may have to contact them.
JKO_ZHP
02-04-2014, 09:24 PM
Interesting that Amazon says it doesn't fit. Ordered it.

Amazon's not very accurate. I remember something else showing up as being an incorrect fit (maybe the MANN air filter?) but I bought it anyway and it fit.


HUGE help, thanks! I suppose that will also affect CARB (ca air resource board). Since K&N do not recognize 2006 as valid, they likely didn't register the numbers with CARB, so the intake may then not actually be CA legal?

Anyone gone down this path with smog?

The product page says it's legal in all 50 states. Being K&N, I wouldn't worry about it if they said it was, as it would a high-liability claim for them if it wasn't true.
ELCID86
02-06-2014, 08:51 AM
Cross post: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?12053-Possible-BMW-Performance-Intake-filter-replacement-by-AFE
WOLFN8TR
07-25-2014, 04:20 PM
Bump...
CarbonZHP
07-30-2014, 10:01 AM
Thumbs up for KN system. Intake Air temps look great though the Ultra Gauge. Cant beat that sound
Smilez
07-30-2014, 10:15 AM
MY custom CAI

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/smilez23/1217537466.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/smilez23/1217537470.jpg
CarbonZHP
07-30-2014, 10:16 AM
MY custom CAI

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/smilez23/1217537466.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f198/smilez23/1217537470.jpg

Ooo. Like
Smilez
07-30-2014, 10:18 AM
My tube was chrome. Had to paint it black. No chrome in my car thank you very much.
CarbonZHP
07-30-2014, 10:19 AM
Yeah seriously. I do like that though. Looks like i could even run it thorugh my KN head shield and just add a tube between the filter and the MAF
Smilez
07-30-2014, 10:25 AM
Yeah seriously. I do like that though. Looks like i could even run it thorugh my KN head shield and just add a tube between the filter and the MAF

YEAH you can do that. I thought about putting a heat shield, but don't think it would do much since its pulling air straight from outside.
CarbonZHP
07-30-2014, 10:29 AM
Seems like it would be cheap. Where'd you get the tube?
Hornung418
07-30-2014, 10:32 AM
Just putting this out there, as a word to the wise, K&N filters are oiled and bad for our Hot Film MAF sensors. The oil will foul the sensor and limit HP/TQ.

Strongly advise against their use. The PO of my car had one installed and I eventually had to replace the unit at $400. Look for dry filters or just stick with OEM paper. Not really worth the cost of a new MAF.

Sent from my GS3.
CarbonZHP
07-30-2014, 10:34 AM
Just putting this out there, as a word to the wise, K&N filters are oiled and bad for our Hot Film MAF sensors. The oil will foul the sensor and limit HP/TQ.

Strongly advise against their use. The PO of my car had one installed and I eventually had to replace the unit at $400. Look for dry filters or just stick with OEM paper. Not really worth the cost of a new MAF.

Sent from my GS3.

I dont see where people get this thinking. Ive found no real proof. Ive had my MAF off and cleaned down with MAF cleaner. Intake has been on now for 7 months and power is better than ever
Smilez
07-30-2014, 10:35 AM
seems like it would be cheap. Where'd you get the tube?

vatozone (autozone)
Hornung418
07-30-2014, 10:40 AM
I dont see where people get this thinking. Ive found no real proof. Ive had my MAF off and cleaned down with MAF cleaner. Intake has been on now for 7 months and power is better than ever

I get "this thinking" from being $400 lighter in the wallet and having to diagnose the issue over two days.

When I bought my car, I had to clear several codes regarding the MAF. When I removed the cover, I found a Krap & Nasty filter in there. Much to my distaste.

Talk to any dealer about cleaning the MAF and they will tell you the same thing, it can't be done. Try it and you will ruin it.

Sent from my GS3.
danewilson77
07-30-2014, 11:12 AM
Gruppe ///M is oiled.

I think improperly oiling (too much) is the issue with oiled filters. Not their design.

The friendliest forum on the planet!
midlandtech
07-30-2014, 11:39 AM
Gruppe ///M is oiled.

I think improperly oiling (too much) is the issue with oiled filters. Not their design.

The friendliest forum on the planet!
I agree. I've been using a k&n drop in that I made sure was very lightly oiled before inserting and have had no issues. To contrast u had one in that was heavily oiled and had maf issues. I cleaned the maf sensor (didnt known it was nit recomended) and have not had an issue since
ryankokesh
07-30-2014, 12:37 PM
Gruppe ///M is oiled.

I think improperly oiling (too much) is the issue with oiled filters. Not their design.

The friendliest forum on the planet!

That.


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