Afe sealed elite stage 2 intake?

Stucks · 09-08-2011, 05:51 PM

Read lots of threads about this, but most are vendors trying to pitch the product or people commenting without any experiance with this intake. These threads end up going nowhere with no evidence/dynos. Who has/had this intake, and what do you have to say about it? I've got a DCI w/ scoops and factory snorkel bent over towards the filters right now, but am thinking about this. It looks like this:

[IMG]http://www.**********s.com/images/Products/AFE%20Intake/50-81472_installed.jpg[/IMG]

mikeith · 09-08-2011, 06:00 PM

i am interested in this aswell. of all the ones i've looked at it looks to be the most functional but i would like to see real world results both with and without other bolt-ons

BQTuning · 09-08-2011, 06:23 PM

I have been considering this CAI system for my 355is since Dinan has not come out with a new CAI for the 335is

However I do not think this CAI is the actual key for higher performance gain. I think the Air Scoops and the cone filter are the actual key here.

The airbox may hold more volume of air than the factory box. However though I think since the airbox is so big the CFM air suction will be greater at the filter than at the air scoops.

My idea is to keep the factory CAI, but swap out the factory filter for a K&N direct replacement filter and add the aFe air scoops.

Being that the factory box is not oversized the CFM suction at the box will be closer to the same CFM at the air scoops having a "stronger" pull on outside air at lower speeds. At higher speeds the air CFMs, with the air scoops, will literally be forcing down the factory CAI in which I see of having less air traps as oposed to the bigger aFe airbox.

PlutoniumTans · 09-08-2011, 07:43 PM

way overpriced,

Syndicategt · 09-08-2011, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlutoniumTans

way overpriced,

And too restrictive! I want to see some 3rd party dyno's.

PlutoniumTans · 09-08-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

And too restrictive! I want to see some 3rd party dyno's.

yea that's what I thought not much volume inside that box, and that 2nd snorkle gets way too thin towards the end

PlutoniumTans · 09-08-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuraQ

I have been considering this CAI system for my 355is since Dinan has not come out with a new CAI for the 335is

However I do not think this CAI is the actual key for higher performance gain. I think the Air Scoops and the cone filter are the actual key here.

The airbox may hold more volume of air than the factory box. However though I think since the airbox is so big the CFM air suction will be greater at the filter than at the air scoops.

My idea is to keep the factory CAI, but swap out the factory filter for a K&N direct replacement filter and add the aFe air scoops.

Being that the factory box is not oversized the CFM suction at the box will be closer to the same CFM at the air scoops having a "stronger" pull on outside air at lower speeds. At higher speeds the air CFMs, with the air scoops, will literally be forcing down the factory CAI in which I see of having less air traps as oposed to the bigger aFe airbox.

why wouldn't dinan cai wouldn't fit 335is I don't get it ? it's a different shaped box ?

scooby9 · 09-09-2011, 12:38 AM

A very bizarre looking intake for sure...

tibra1 · 09-09-2011, 03:11 AM

Had a vendor on here who told me they tested it..and it flows the same rate as no filter at all..hes a vendor I have worked with for yrs so Im not doubting him...it would be great to get some independent data tho..n it is way overpriced IMO

TurboBimmer · 09-09-2011, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PlutoniumTans

why wouldn't dinan cai wouldn't fit 335is I don't get it ? it's a different shaped box ?

Because the 335is has the additional water radiator from the performance power pack. That's located right where the Dinan CAI snorkel would go.

To me the AFE sealed intake looks like the best solution currently out there. Would be great to get some independant dynos.

Skydive · 09-09-2011, 10:48 AM

Yes... this intake is extraordinarily expensive, but would appear to be a good option for folks who have 335is, PPK, Vishnu PWM kit, or other obstruction where a Mr5 style induction hose would go.

FYI, I shopped around a bit, and it would appear that Amazon has one left at $703.00, which is a few bucks less than the closest competitor. (I happen to be in CA where that competitor is, so I save tax, and shipping because I have Amazon Prime.) Anyway, I *think* we can make a nice alternative product out of Fiberglass or CF, like the one that was done for the B5 S4, so I've ordered this AFE 335 one for R&D. It so happens that I have an otherwise stock car, and a nearby dyno, so I can produce some data if anyone is particularly interested. I should have the AFE unit to test on Tuesday.

sumyungguy · 09-09-2011, 11:07 AM

Ive been looking at these as well. When searching their site they list 2 versions of the Stage 2 Si.

$520 - Direct from aFe

$940 - Direct from aFe

The sealed box looks to be identical (they even claim identical hp/tq increase), its basically $420 for the intake ducts and air scoops.

Looks like a really well made product, it takes a lot of work and investment to have stuff molded out of plastic.

Syndicategt · 09-09-2011, 12:30 PM

^ Other than a cone filter, it appears to be no less restrictive than the stock box. It's just dividing the one snorkle into 2 seperate (smaller) snorkles.

BQTuning · 09-09-2011, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

^ Other than a cone filter, it appears to be no less restrictive than the stock box. It's just dividing the one snorkle into 2 seperate (smaller) snorkles.

Exactly my thoughts........the only thing I see beneficial are the air scoops and the huge filter in the air box.

The stock box gives more air room in the box between the filter and the lid.

So for me I think I would settle for the air scoop and a K&N filter inorder to retain the stock box.

What I would like to see is LARGER snorkle air ducts for the stock box

CSL335i · 09-10-2011, 12:59 PM

I did have aFE Stage II box (version 920usd) in the past and had bad experiences, so i change my setup to a custom made DCI after a few weeks, which now has far-far better result (in gains of air flow). Quality was not as expected, there were some fitment issues as well...

The cheaper one, which is a latest production is a big question.
I can imagine, that aFE realized his poor product in gains of flow and fitment and maybe recalibrated the product.

nitehawk · 09-10-2011, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skydive

Yes... this intake is extraordinarily expensive, but would appear to be a good option for folks who have 335is, PPK, Vishnu PWM kit, or other obstruction where a Mr5 style induction hose would go.

+1. Otherwise, you are better off getting a Stett CAI for ~$380 shipped. I have one and am very pleased with it.

BMWsky · 09-10-2011, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitehawk

+1. Otherwise, you are better off getting a Stett CAI for ~$380 shipped. I have one and am very pleased with it.

+1. I couldn't be happier with mine.

09-08-2011, 05:51 PM	#1
Stucks Lieutenant Colonel 172 Rep 1,909 Posts Drives: 2017 F30 340i Xdrive Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Montgomery County, MD iTrader: (12)	Afe sealed elite stage 2 intake? Read lots of threads about this, but most are vendors trying to pitch the product or people commenting without any experiance with this intake. These threads end up going nowhere with no evidence/dynos. Who has/had this intake, and what do you have to say about it? I've got a DCI w/ scoops and factory snorkel bent over towards the filters right now, but am thinking about this. It looks like this: [IMG]http://www.********s.com/images/Products/AFE%20Intake/50-81472_installed.jpg[/IMG] __________________ Current:** 2017 F30 340i xdrive Previous: 2008 e92 335i coupe: RB turbos, mach 116 race fuel, methanol, alot of boost. Previous: 2003 Honda Accord V6 coupe: AEM V2, zex 75 wet shot (sold) Last edited by Stucks; 09-08-2011 at 05:59 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-08-2011, 06:00 PM	#2
mikeith Lieutenant 35 Rep 450 Posts Drives: 07 E90 335i. TiAG Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lubbock, tx iTrader: (0)	i am interested in this aswell. of all the ones i've looked at it looks to be the most functional but i would like to see real world results both with and without other bolt-ons
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-08-2011, 06:23 PM	#3
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	I have been considering this CAI system for my 355is since Dinan has not come out with a new CAI for the 335is However I do not think this CAI is the actual key for higher performance gain. I think the Air Scoops and the cone filter are the actual key here. The airbox may hold more volume of air than the factory box. However though I think since the airbox is so big the CFM air suction will be greater at the filter than at the air scoops. My idea is to keep the factory CAI, but swap out the factory filter for a K&N direct replacement filter and add the aFe air scoops. Being that the factory box is not oversized the CFM suction at the box will be closer to the same CFM at the air scoops having a "stronger" pull on outside air at lower speeds. At higher speeds the air CFMs, with the air scoops, will literally be forcing down the factory CAI in which I see of having less air traps as oposed to the bigger aFe airbox.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-08-2011, 07:43 PM	#4
PlutoniumTans Lieutenant 22 Rep 575 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn,NY iTrader: (2)	way overpriced,
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2011, 12:38 AM	#8
scooby9 Major 61 Rep 1,120 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 BMW 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada iTrader: (6)	A very bizarre looking intake for sure... __________________ *2007 BMW 335xi 6MT TiAg*
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2011, 03:11 AM	#9
tibra1 Banned 127 Rep 6,773 Posts Drives: 2011 ZCP M3 - 2007 335i crashd Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	Had a vendor on here who told me they tested it..and it flows the same rate as no filter at all..hes a vendor I have worked with for yrs so Im not doubting him...it would be great to get some independent data tho..n it is way overpriced IMO
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2011, 10:48 AM	#11
Skydive First Lieutenant 5 Rep 300 Posts Drives: '07 E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Yes... this intake is extraordinarily expensive, but would appear to be a good option for folks who have 335is, PPK, Vishnu PWM kit, or other obstruction where a Mr5 style induction hose would go. FYI, I shopped around a bit, and it would appear that Amazon has one left at $703.00, which is a few bucks less than the closest competitor. (I happen to be in CA where that competitor is, so I save tax, and shipping because I have Amazon Prime.) Anyway, I think we can make a nice alternative product out of Fiberglass or CF, like the one that was done for the B5 S4, so I've ordered this AFE 335 one for R&D. It so happens that I have an otherwise stock car, and a nearby dyno, so I can produce some data if anyone is particularly interested. I should have the AFE unit to test on Tuesday. __________________ DD: 2007 BMW 335i Sedan Weekends: 2004 Porsche 911 C4S Last edited by Skydive; 09-09-2011 at 11:05 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2011, 11:07 AM	#12
sumyungguy Private 8 Rep 70 Posts Drives: 08 335i 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Far East Bay CA iTrader: (0)	Ive been looking at these as well. When searching their site they list 2 versions of the Stage 2 Si. $520 - Direct from aFe $940 - Direct from aFe The sealed box looks to be identical (they even claim identical hp/tq increase), its basically $420 for the intake ducts and air scoops. Looks like a really well made product, it takes a lot of work and investment to have stuff molded out of plastic. __________________ bradthephotog.com Last edited by sumyungguy; 09-09-2011 at 11:15 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-09-2011, 12:30 PM	#13
Syndicategt Brigadier General 153 Rep 3,730 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (11)	^ Other than a cone filter, it appears to be no less restrictive than the stock box. It's just dividing the one snorkle into 2 seperate (smaller) snorkles. __________________ 2008 BMW 335i e90 - Sold - Rob Beck Turbos / PROcede V5 / Aquamist HFS-4 / AR Downpipes / AE Exhaust / ER Comp FMIC / ER CP / TiAL BOV / Custom Intake / RPI Scoops / Quaife LSD / Swift-Koni Coilovers / DSS HS / Morr VS8.2 Sig Black / Michelin PSS / P3 Boost Guage / M3 body / M3 steering wheel / Adam's Rotors / Hawk HPS / SS lines /
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-10-2011, 12:59 PM	#15
CSL335i Lieutenant 207 Rep 422 Posts Drives: M2 and... Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Budapest/Hungary/Europe iTrader: (0)	I did have aFE Stage II box (version 920usd) in the past and had bad experiences, so i change my setup to a custom made DCI after a few weeks, which now has far-far better result (in gains of air flow). Quality was not as expected, there were some fitment issues as well... The cheaper one, which is a latest production is a big question. I can imagine, that aFE realized his poor product in gains of flow and fitment and maybe recalibrated the product.
	Appreciate 0 Quote