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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N55 (M235i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning Best intakes ??

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      09-18-2014, 05:36 AM   #1
sdm235
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Best intakes ??

Yes I have been reading blogs on here about them but was just curious if there was any company or setup that maybe I missed..I'm personally only into performance my self I don't care if it's bright pink or looks funny as long as it works good for dd and track... but still would like to hear different feedback of all types for those who would like to share.. I know there's gruppe m, afe (also isn't there few different types from afe that will work?) dinan is coming out with one soon, bms, k&n drop in or simular, agency power, sgear, and yeah lol that's about all I can think of at this time .. anyone made any custom version yet ? Or am I way over thinking this lol I know kinda like exhaust power gains are prob going to be only few hp/tq difference but still just curious so hopefully this thread will get some life... ok cool thanks also if there already is a thread with this question then sorry for the repeat
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      09-18-2014, 06:23 AM   #2
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Intakes on turbo cars work better than those on normally aspirated cars. They only function better when the other components along the emissions path is upgraded as well. You want to get an intake that will work best with your other modifications, i.e. turbo upgrade or performance tune, downpipe, performance muffler, etc. The only formula you need to look for is the volume of air flow that can be drawn with least amount of heat. Sound effect is a by product of the non-baffled intake piping; OEM intakes are built to reduce excess noise with baffle chambers. One of the reasons why OEM is not as effective as aftermarket.

Look for an intake that will source it's air intake away for the engine as much as possible and has a large filter for air flow. The most expensive intakes on the market will use exotic materials such as real carbon fiber in trying to keep the heat soak at a minimum. Be careful on where the air inlet is position to avoid direct contact with water at the point of entry as these will cause engine problems and even hydrolock if enough water is drawn into the unit.

Late model BMW cars have the intake position up high in the engine bay with an air inlet channel directed from the front the front of the car for it's air flow. Due to this design you will not be getting the coolest air possible. A good alternative is to add a larger intercooler and/or methanol injection to BMW intake that will give the most dense (oxygen condensed) air for combustion.

Last edited by Delnari; 09-22-2014 at 11:01 AM..
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      09-18-2014, 07:45 AM   #3
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High performance drop in for the stock air box if you are under about 420whp.
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      09-18-2014, 12:51 PM   #4
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In terms of performance, Intake will work best if car is tuned.
So if you do not have a JB4 please start with that.
Then get an open air intake that gets you the most power, BMS one is a really good option.
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      09-19-2014, 12:18 AM   #5
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Wouldn't a turbo setup benefit more from a tune with the intake installed before the flash? The ECU can be calibrated with the increase in airflow. Dropping in a filter after a tune would require a reflash to properly utilize it.
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      09-19-2014, 12:22 AM   #6
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Piggybacks are the common theme. I'm pretty sure that the JB comes with maps applicable to your mods.

But I agree with you 100%... that's how I'm used to tuning. In the past I've bolted my stuff on and gone to a dyno tuner.

Quote:
Originally Posted by atomsapple View Post
Wouldn't a turbo setup benefit more from a tune with the intake installed before the flash? The ECU can be calibrated with the increase in airflow. Dropping in a filter after a tune would require a reflash to properly utilize it.
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      09-19-2014, 02:14 AM   #7
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It will also suck up the most hot air once heat soak kicks in .... which IMO isn't ideal on a turbo or any car for that matter !
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com View Post
In terms of performance, Intake will work best if car is tuned.
So if you do not have a JB4 please start with that.
Then get an open air intake that gets you the most power, BMS one is a really good option.
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      09-19-2014, 02:36 AM   #8
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for intake i did some research and settled on the AFE stage 2 and am so happy with this even though I have no other mods or a tune. Very simple to install myself and i love hearing the turbo and blow off sounds now!!!

Intake | Catless DP | Cat Back Exhaust | Tune

I might be doing it wrong but I'm leaning towards getting the tune last. then re-evaluating from there if I need/should get an FMIC or other supporting mods. but im also looking for gradual power. install 1 mod, get used to it, then do the next. feels more constructive and makes it more fun getting mods when I can appreciate each one by itself.

but thats just me and im known backwards to do things.
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      09-19-2014, 02:53 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chaddy74 View Post
It will also suck up the most hot air once heat soak kicks in .... which IMO isn't ideal on a turbo or any car for that matter !
Lots of people hate on these intakes but 2 facts you cannot ignore
1- No scientific data has been showed to prove that closed intakes are better than open intake
2- The most powerful N54 and N55 out there ALL have open air intake
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      09-19-2014, 03:29 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory View Post
High performance drop in for the stock air box if you are under about 420whp.
Air flow is air flow. It benefits you regardless of power level, but of course there is an increased benefit at higher levels. There is no performance drawback to an aftermarket intake if you are under 420 RWHP, so I can't see why you would recommend a "High performance drop in for the stock air box." All the dynos show at least 8-10 RWHP gains in peak figures and even more than that throughout the rev-band. Shit...that's half the gain Dinan's piggyback.

I hear people say similar things about exhaust systems, and the thought process on that is beyond me...
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      09-19-2014, 03:47 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com View Post
Lots of people hate on these intakes but 2 facts you cannot ignore
1- No scientific data has been showed to prove that closed intakes are better than open intake
2- The most powerful N54 and N55 out there ALL have open air intake
LOL. It's only armchair engineers who think the sky is falling everytime they hear about open intakes...or companies who sell aftermarket air boxes, catering to armchair engineers who don't know any better.

You'll never see a properly modded turbocharged car with an air box.
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      09-19-2014, 07:38 PM   #12
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I just ordered the AFE Stage 2 and I am very much looking forward to getting it installed.
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      09-22-2014, 03:28 AM   #13
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Good choice !
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmm235i View Post
I just ordered the AFE Stage 2 and I am very much looking forward to getting it installed.
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      09-22-2014, 01:08 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmm235i View Post
I just ordered the AFE Stage 2 and I am very much looking forward to getting it installed.
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      09-22-2014, 10:51 PM   #15
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Can I just drop in an intake without making other changes like mapping or anything else???
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      09-23-2014, 02:33 AM   #16
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That is my plan for now. I know the effects of the tune is amplified with an intake and vise versa, but as far as I know there is no problem just running an intake.
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      09-23-2014, 05:24 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Two11 View Post
Can I just drop in an intake without making other changes like mapping or anything else???
Yes, drop-in won't cause any problem but gains will be zero without a tune. Any benefits of drop-in with a tune are limited.

I have afe ram air scoop, their dry dropin filter in MPPK airbox and with JB4, throttle response is v good as is the slight increase in intake roar at WOT.
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      09-23-2014, 09:39 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmmmm235i View Post
That is my plan for now. I know the effects of the tune is amplified with an intake and vise versa, but as far as I know there is no problem just running an intake.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pave Dew View Post
Yes, drop-in won't cause any problem but gains will be zero without a tune. Any benefits of drop-in with a tune are limited.

I have afe ram air scoop, their dry dropin filter in MPPK airbox and with JB4, throttle response is v good as is the slight increase in intake roar at WOT.
Thank you!
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