Is CAI (cold air intake) really worth it?

[x5pdx]

So i've been reading threads for the past 2 weeks about CAI. My car is running fine now, but I thought maybe I can get better performance with a simple mod. I'd be happy with just an extra 1 mi/gal.

Just one simple question... is it worth it? I mean the $300 for an aFe, or $600 for a DINAN CAI?

[auxoura]

+1

I would like to know also

[mrbmwx5]

If you have some engine and exhuast mods then you need the free flow CAI.If not it's not worth to do.( Just add some little extra noise sound)
The extra 1mi/gal is the BS advertisement.
No aftermarket CAI is less problem with the stock air mass sensor. ( the stock air intake is the best.)

[gitchies]

i'm curious too!!!! For my previous bmw, had just a k&n filter with some scoops, that seemed to work better then any CAI....i've got a k&n filter on the way for my x5....but not sure, i've had mixed thoughts about using it with this engine...

[RichiRich]

.....I've stated this before....

The sum of all performance mods makes the difference.

I have a 3.0i.........with dinan engine and tranny soft. AFE CAI, supersprint exhaust, res delete (xpipe)...........and after running that for a few years....i am pulling the trigger on the turner ms underdrive pulley kit.

Many of these mods here would not make much of a difference done alone.....but combined....make my girl one mean bitch....dont take my word for it...ask around the forum as many have seen her at the meets.... she is not the 4.6is or the 4.8is....nor was I shooting for that...instead..my goal was to get the most out of the m54 eng.

GOAL ATTAINED!

I hope this helps and puts this frequently asked question in perspective.

Rich

[X5 Meister]

Save your money for tires.

[1stE53]

I would also be careful with the K&N air filter also. The air sensor (I forget the name of it) could get dirty faster due to the oil on the filter. From what I read, it's not a cheap part. I was about to purchase one as well, but decided to change it with every oil change with BMW filters after reading these posts.

[gitchies]

MAF? i'm undecided if i want to use the k&n filter panel now.....i've always used one on all my cars, seemed to work fine with all of them, just a little bit quicker throttle response....anyone using these?

[hayaku]

so for all the cai believers.. have they measured the tempurature of the air at the maf?

just so you know, the obd2 reports maf temp... besides the high flow air (provided by the better air filter) is there any "true" difference? perhaps sound but that could be from less insulation/material of the new cai system...

[m5james]

An intake is only 1 part of 4....intake, intake manifold (I did a pre-VANOS intake swap for $50), exhaust, and last but not least....software. Mods are useless if you don't get software to best optimize the performance increases. Would you put on a turbo and not get tuning done? Just about any mod that isn't stock requires software...period.