[BimmerNugget]

Alright so I've had my 2011 328i N51 for 3 months now. Driven it for 3,000 miles. And I'm looking for some more power. Not necessarily trying to turn this 328i into a 335i (if that's even economically feasible), but maybe turn this 328i into 330i power.

My budget is pretty tight, preferably $500-$600 max. So I've narrowed it down to two options.

AFE CAI (Magnum Force Stage 2) $502

http://afepower.com/afe-power-54-810...-intake-system

or


Active Autowerke Tune $459
https://store.activeautowerke.com/pr...-tune-software


AFE claims 12hp & 16 tq gains, AA claims 15hp & 12 tq gains. So they are pretty much the same in terms of on paper gains.

Of course if I had the money I would get both, but I don't. So which one should I get? Or more particularly which one actually adds power?

Does anyone have real dynos with the AFE CAI?

I'm leaning more towards the AFE CAI because I can always drive in DS mode to simulate the throttle response that the AA tune provides. What do you guys think?

[Biginboca]

Look for a used 3 stage intake manifold for around $300 complete and then get the AA tune you mentioned for added power and to activate the manifold.

That's the cheapest power you will feel, like 30ish HP. It's the only thing near your budget that will really make a noticeable difference. The mods you are choosing between will not make you happy, especially if you have an automatic.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Look for a used 3 stage intake manifold for around $300 complete and then get the AA tune you mentioned for added power and to activate the manifold.

That's the cheapest power you will feel, like 30ish HP. It's the only thing near your budget that will make a noticeable difference. The mods you are choosing between will not make you happy.

I have N51...already have 3 stage manifold.

[Biginboca]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

I have N51...already have 3 stage manifold.

Then I would do the tune for sure. And with remaining money you can add a silicone intake tube, k&n drop in, and charcoal delete and get most of the power from the AFE intake for less than $100. Best way to spend your $500ish budget IMO.

[rick100]

Tune would be better. Bpc seems to be a little bit better but aa is a little cheaper.

K and n filter would do tue samething as per afe cai in terms of power.

[BimmerNugget]

Anyone have AFE intake Dynos?

[rick100]

Do google search . There are some flowing around. As a matter of fact i believe there was loss of power after doing the afe intake

[Cchristianh20]

im also thinking about buying a CAI any advice I know there's not much hp increase but I want the car to breathe better.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Cchristianh20

im also thinking about buying a CAI any advice I know there's not much hp increase but I want the car to breathe better.

Lave it as is and save your money. If you like wasting cash at least get a euro intake box. Get a performance exhaust if you want a slight boost in power.

[The_E92_Fan]

Inlets are cheaper than most CAI kits, and support WAY more power. 2 hour install.

[Cchristianh20]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Lave it as is and save your money. If you like wasting cash at least get a euro intake box. Get a performance exhaust if you want a slight boost in power.

Thanks do you know of any mods to get a lot of hp

[rick100]

Originally Posted by Cchristianh20

Thanks do you know of any mods to get a lot of hp

3 stage intake
Aa headers
Aa or bpc tune

30-40whp increase at the most.

Go to na section.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by Cchristianh20

Thanks do you know of any mods to get a lot of hp

On which motor N51/52 or N54/55?

[Cchristianh20]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

On which motor N51/52 or N54/55?

I have the n55

[Cchristianh20]

Originally Posted by rick100

3 stage intake
Aa headers
Aa or bpc tune

30-40whp increase at the most.

Go to na section.

Thanks

[feuer]

Originally Posted by The_E90_Fan

Inlets are cheaper than most CAI kits, and support WAY more power. 2 hour install.

Whaaaaat? Please re read post # 1.

[The_E92_Fan]

hurr durr thats what i get for skimming during class

[arhoads335i]

I had an afe on my 328i at one point, it was the more open element on. I actually did feel a little difference down low maybe it was more throttle response. But I never had a tune so I can not compare. Intake noise was nice though. look for some used parts!

[hassmaschine]

There's a huge dyno thread in the N/A section, I suggest you look there.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Tune is the better option in this case