DIY Cold Air Intake

[ECS Tuning]

Tymatk which model X do you have?

On the 4.4 and 4.8 X5 we've received a lot of positive feed back on the aFe systems found HERE, owners say they really bring the SAV to life. On the 3.0s the aFe intakes we have HERE are noted to give a nice induction sound.



ECS Tuning

[thunderX]

Originally Posted by Tymatk

So you have the replacement flat pannel filter only.

Yes. More of a convenience and cost saver than a performance boost. I really couldn't tell stock vs. K&N with my butt DYNO.

[thunderX]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

mrbmwx5, you have a HAI there.

lol... but he moved it to the front to make it a CAI, so all's good.

[Turbo_Bimmer]

Originally Posted by ECS Tuning

Tymatk which model X do you have?

On the 4.4 and 4.8 X5 we've received a lot of positive feed back on the aFe systems found HERE, owners say they really bring the SAV to life. On the 3.0s the aFe intakes we have HERE are noted to give a nice induction sound.



ECS Tuning

ECS, the website says:

This air intake system features a cone filter for an increase in airflow of 98% over the stock airbox.

if air flow is almost doubled, eiher the engine runs lean, or the power is doubled!
Seriously, what that statement means?

[ECS Tuning]

Originally Posted by Turbo_Bimmer

ECS, the website says:

This air intake system features a cone filter for an increase in airflow of 98% over the stock airbox.

if air flow is almost doubled, eiher the engine runs lean, or the power is doubled!
Seriously, what that statement means?

That is information from aFe. Simply put the filter itself is capable of flowing a good bit more air than the stock air filter.

Will your X5s air intake nearly double as a result of installing an aftermarket system over a properly functioning stock air intake system? No, the intake track will only flow as much air as the motor needs, you will not be forcing air into the motor after installation of an aftermarket intake.

Will the X5 run lean as a result of a properly installed aftermarket air intake system? No, the air will still be properly metered by the vehicle allowing for a proper air to fuel ratio.

Will the X5s power be double? I wish, you'll noticed a blissful induction sound from the intake, the motor will be more responsive as it can breath better, and you'll pick up a little extra power thanks to the design of most quality aftermarket systems.

[bcredliner]

I have all Dinan Stage 4 engine and transmission upgrades installed on a 2002 X5 4.6 that I purchased new. Upgrades were done over time starting at 10,000 miles. Made a huge difference. If you intend to make modifications step by step rather than all at once I would recommend free flow exhaust as the first step---for performance and a Great sound. Cold air intake will help some but without upgrading to a high flow air flow meter and high flow throttle body and engine software you can expect little more than it sounds better when pedal is on the metal.

[sockethead]

I did the Dinan CAI, throttle body and stage III software on my e46 330i ZHP and barely noticed any difference for my $2k + purchase. Nice to hear that it makes a difference on something

[bcredliner]

Did you also upgrade to a low restriction exhaust system?

I checked HP and torque on Dyno before and after and found the Dinan stated gains in HP and torque to be conservative. Also did before and after 0-60 runs that verified it was worth the expense.

Did you contact Dinan to see if they could help? They usually respond the same day.

[sockethead]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Did you also upgrade to a low restriction exhaust system?

I checked HP and torque on Dyno before and after and found the Dinan stated gains in HP and torque to be conservative. Also did before and after 0-60 runs that verified it was worth the expense.

Did you contact Dinan to see if they could help? They usually respond the same day.

The Dinan dealer that installed it said that the ZHP didn't need a different exhaust system. I'll probably mention somethinmg to Dinan at Bimmerfest East this year but the 3.0 doesn't really respond well to anything short of forced induction...When I dyno'd the car last summer it pulled a dissapointing 191HP at the rear wheels..
But I digress this is the e53 forum...

[bcredliner]

First mod I always do when looking for more performance is to upgrade to a low restriction exhaust, especially if you intend to add other performance mods to the engine and it always sounds much better. All Dinan performance gain claims I have looked at always mention it is based on Dinan exhaust in place. Let more air in need to be able to get more air out. I would disconnect the exhaust and see if the Dyno agrees.