CAI Decision - Dinan or AFE Stage 2

[rastaFarai]

So i'm thinking about getting a CAI. OK - not thinking. Most likely my next mod.

My question is should I get the AFE CAI S2 or the Dinan? Based on not really being concerned about the 10 Pts Dinan and getting badged. And also wanting the Dinan Stage 3 software.

AFE Stage 2 = $500
Dinan CAI = $739 (+15% off promo)

So if i don't necessarily plan on getting the 10 points, how do I justify getting the CAI? Get my point?

Also - is the Stage 3 software useless if i have AFE CAI? Should I get Stage 2, or is that useless without the Dinan? I doubt it but i'm asking all these questions because i don't know. I've done hte searching but not sure if my question has been answered specifically.

I was thinking the Stage 3 because I MAY get the throttle body, i at least want the option.

So help me make my decision on next mods. I was really thinking to go DINAN - just because if i do end up getting things and end up with 7 points, it would suck - cuz the Dinan CAI is 3 points - so i'd have my 10. Even though it's not the goal..

maybe i just answered my own question but still need to justify the $200 difference when i've heard they do the same thing. What are the chances of getting a used Dinan CAI? LOL.

[NyMench]

Well its a good.....no great question for me as well. I have a your same car.....with the Dinan CIA. No software and am looking to get the throttle body + stage 2 software....as well........decisions?

I have a dealer friend that offered to get be 10% off but could ask if he would do better for a "2 for one sale?"

We get the numbers up and maybe i can do better?

Fletch

[mrbmwx5]

Just get it, no question ask . LOL
You will fill the different. It's just like day and night.

[jsears]

I know Rich can comment on having the AFE CAI and I can comment on having the Dinan CAI.

Dinan typically groups their software with what other performance mods you are putting on the X5.

Stage 1 software the dyno numbers are typically ran on a stock X5. Dinan will usually replace the air filter with a standard K&N air filter and run the tests. They recommend running Stage 2 software with the CAI and then Stage 3 with the CAI and TB.

If you are only going to add the CAI, I would save your money and do Stage 2 software, the only difference Stage 3 is going to give you is the additional software programing for the X5 to handle the TB.

Dinan will not do an automatic upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3 if you decide to add the TB later on. So, you have to plan out your modding.

The gains between the AFE and the Dinan CAI are very similar. I know Rich is running the AFE with Dinan software, so you can do the two and save yourself some money.

Personally, I like having the Stage 3 software, CAI and TB. Plus I think the Dinan CAI looks better than the AFE. In regards to points, the software, CAI, and TB will get you to 7. Add the front strut tower brace and racing pedals to hit the 10 point mark.

[NyMench]

"Dinan will not do an automatic upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3 if you decide to add the TB later on. So, you have to plan out your modding."

That is WEAK! So much for customer loyalty!

[jsears]

Originally Posted by NyMench

"Dinan will not do an automatic upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3 if you decide to add the TB later on. So, you have to plan out your modding."

That is WEAK! So much for customer loyalty!

That is what I was told. I have always done everything at one time, so software, CAI and TB. So YMMV, I would imagine that you could maybe work out something to just pay the difference and the labor between the Stage 2 and Stage 3.

[rastaFarai]

Originally Posted by jsears

In regards to points, the software, CAI, and TB will get you to 7. Add the front strut tower brace and racing pedals to hit the 10 point mark.

This is basically what I was thinking. I just got a nice set of CF pedals though.

So if I go AFE - I might as well do Dinan STAGE 2? and then just be happy. Or just do STAGE 3 and if i want to do TB later on I have the room to do it.

NYMench - let me know if you can get the deal... I'd do it with 10% off for sure. Isn't Dinan offering 15% off now?

Tom - just do which one? lol the Dinan ALL IN!??!!

[jsears]

Yep, here are basically your options:

Stage 1 Software
Stage 2 Software, Dinan CAI
Stage 2 Software, AFE CAI
Stage 3 Software, Dinan CAI, Dinan TB
Stage 3 Software, AFE CAI, Dinan TB

Obviously, going with the AFE CAI is the cheaper route. I like the Dinan Pedals, I think they look good.



I agree with Tom, you might as well do all of them. I am planning on doing the Dinan Exhaust later on.

[jsears]

Also it is worth noting for you mod junkies is that the software install is the only one that has to be done by the dealer.

If you do the install yourself Dinan provides full pictorial instructions.

[RichiRich]

Farai.....Go Dinan all the way! Jeff pretty much sumed it up!!

I pieced mine together.....I knew I specifically wanted the supersprint exhaust...I did the xpipe mod.......and the CAI....(AFE).....I have Since kept the AFE housing, but dropped in a K&N filter....Tom's suggestion since that is what Dinan 3rd parties out.....SO in essence I have the AFE housing with what Dinan actually utilizes.....except I saved 400 bucks...LOL!!

The software as Tom, Jeff, Neil (LIX5), will attest to is simply night and day! I have seen some write that it is no big deal.....yeah...it was a very big deal....

here is the key - all the mods done in conjunction make it all work great....so make sure your goal is to do the whole Jammi!

Rich