cold air intake

[justdrive]

Howdy
I am ten days away from actually taking ownership of my 2003 steel blue 330i sport, bi-xenon, moonroof, 6speed (not performance package)....and I am already thinking of future modifications

from what I have read Dinan offers a cold intake system but they say you need a new computer chip which I think is not true...the way they explain it seems as if because of the way the cold air vibrates into the car....that you need a new chip to take advantage of this.

has anyone used the dinan cold intake without the new computer chip???

my problem with getting the computer chip too...is that I am hesitant to mess with my soon to be new car too much.

also....I have read alot about the discussion on the HK audio system which comes standard on the 330i and 330Ci....I trust the people discussing the audio stats are smart people but I would like ideally to read an independant review of the HK system...does anyone know a site????


until then......JUSTDRIVE....

 

[frolf]

hey, welcome to the board.

that sounds like a sweet car you are getting, you should post pics once you receive it.

how performance mods go (in terms of the basics) is that each piece compliments the other pieces. so truthfully you do not need an upgraded chip to have a cold air intake. but in reality, it would be wise. because the chip will compliment the intake, and vice versa.

why dinan may be pressing you to get the chip too, could be because their dyno stats and other statistics for cold air intake, have always included a chip

now unless i'm incredibly mistaken, you can get the intake without the chip, but it would be way more fun with the chip.

btw, the chip can be installed, and uninstalled because it is just software. and if you want the convenience of doing that yourself, get the shark injector with the jim conforti software.


happy motoring.

 

[Akakubi]

For the 330 Dinan does absolutely didly squat. It is useless, especially for $400 Dinan wants for it. All it does is raise your RPMs by 250 and remove the top speed limiter - big deal. It offers exactly 0 HP. [fake]

I wouldn't get their intake either, honestly. It goes down too low and tends to collect a lot of dirt. Performance wise, all intakes are about the same, so there is no real reason to risk extra dirt or sucking up water when you can get a "safer" intake system, like RD Sport, ECIS, Conforti or Gruppe M. Dinan even offers a "sock" to cover the filter to prevent extra dirt... guess whaty that does to the airflow.

my $0.02

 

[justdrive]

thanx for the info guys.

I probably will hold off on a new computerchip...atleast for awhile.

I mean I drive a 94 honda civic hatchback right now, so I am sure my 330i will seem like a rocket no matter what.

I hear there are certain things the dealer will program for your car when you first pick it up...as far as lights staying on for 30secs after you park and which doors lock and unlock

what combination of programs would you guys recommend.
such as what is available...and what has been the hot setup from your experience

when I pick-up my car I definetly download some pics

justdrive....

 

[Akakubi]

The list is pretty long. Here's what I went for:

DRL's (day running lights) off, unless required by law.

Doors automatically lock at 5MPH.

One key click opens the driver's door, two open the rest.

No beep for alarm lock/unlock.

I can't remember the rest.

 

[PuShAkOv]

Wouldn't engine's heat turn COLD Air Into HOT ?

It shuold b called Hot Air Intake.

 

[Akakubi]

The shield provides protection. The air coming in is ambient temperature, not engine heat. A properly designed shield protects against heat very well. I measured myself with a temp gun. The difference was amazing.

 

[MrElussive]

Wouldn't engine's heat turn COLD Air Into HOT ?

It shuold b called Hot Air Intake.

pushakov, you misunderstand. Cold air is good for engine combustion and therefore increases horsepower.

 

[epj3]

Well pushakov is correct in a sense, that under the hood everything gets warm, but the fan on the engine and the air going through the radiator and grill, there is constantly cool (outside) air.

 

[Special K]

I'm in the same position as "justdrive" except I'm further out from delivery (15 October). First bimmer/divorce present to myself, as some of you may be able to relate. Somehow slipping behind the wheel just fixes things and the thought of alimony and child support are foreign words for a while. 330Ci coupe, titanium silver, manual, black leather, bun warmers, sports and premium packages, moonroof, 18" rims, navi-system, minus the headlight washers and ski bag. Looking for the cold air intake and chip upgrades that are proven and an exhaust that doesn't dissapoint. "Throaty" is a must have. Any words of wisdom regarding Remus? Exhaust recommendations? Most dyno reports I've read are relatively similar, but who puts out the real quality components for those of us whom lack Sparco or ACS as a sponsor? It's an incredible fever to deal with. Cosmetic upgrades in the mail with no car to put them on. Sound similar? Pros and cons of an oil coated filter versus one that isn't? Thanks for the time.

 

[Akakubi]

Yeah, I could relate to your collection of goodies before seeing the car. I've been waiting for 6 months for my car - long story.

Remus is a great exhaust. They just came out with a new design I believe. Check with The HACK on the www.bimmerfest.com for more details. He's got connections with Remus. This system is supposedly not as loud as most of them, while being great built quality.

Intake: RD Sport, ECIS, Gruppe M or Conforti - all are shielded and do not dip too low to the ground. Oil coated is the filter that most manufacturers use. It is easy to find the filter that would fit and are proven to work in a certain way. Polyester, metal mesh, etc filters are unique in a way that they were specifically designed and tested. The benefit is that you do not need to re-oil them thus avoiding the risk of clogging the MAF. Performance is very close among all of them, so that is not really a determining factor. Sound, looks and built quality is what you should look for, just as in the exhaust systems.

 

[Special K]

Thanks for the speedy reply. Tough to get any answer quick here in Japan. I'm getting my car through military overseas auto sales program whom have been truly reliable with their delivery dates so I'm confident while crossing my fingers. From the first time I hit the gas pedal it becomes a partial cross-country event.
Cost-wise what am I looking at for a decent intake? $300-$400? I'll show my ignorance here . . . what's a "MAF" and what effect do the two have on eachother? No guesses my end. I'm just looking to make some initial improvements to up the horsepower and torque. I figure intake, exhaust, and chip to keep me content for a long time. No attempts at equalling the M3 or competing in SCCA or any other car club. Superchargers are out for me. Had the experience before and met up with problems that I don't care to contend with in the future. I'll be happy with simplicity.

 

[Akakubi]

Any time!

Don't expect too much HP from the intake/exhaust/chip though. A better throttle response, slightly harder pull, plus sound - that's it. You will most gain 15hp out all three. No biggie, it will still put smiles on your face.

Yep, intakes will run you $300-400 depending on the model and up to $600 for the most expensive one.

Exhaust should not be more than $800-900 unless it is a full catback system. You can find them even cheaper.

MAF is a Mass Air Flow sensor that sits right after the intake (a black box with a connector). It sends airflow info to the ECU which then decides what mixture of air+fule to send into the combustion chamber. If MAF gets clogged/damaged, you will have problems down the "pipe".

I would strongly recommend attending a Track Driving School or an Autocross some day. The events are fairly inexpensive (track days run anywhere between $100 to $200, AutoX is usually $25) You will not be dissapointed, I guarantee it. It will make you a much more confident driver and you will appreciate your car in a whole different level.

 

[Special K]

A little more HP is better than what I started with anyway, who knows what the fiuture will bring. That will put a little more zip on the Acura and G35 owners. I used to race a single-seater lotus and a Datsun 240Z in SCCA when I was a kid at Mid-Ohio (sadly no more) and was also a sucker for National Trails Raceway and the smell of high-octane and sticky rubber. You have a convincing argument for play time though. I'm ready for the spoils of a performance car again. I drive a 4-banger Nissan "Sunny" here in Japan. The local old lady on abike can beat me to the next corner. Maybe and Auto X one of these days. I'll be a stones throw from the BMW driving school in S.C. in few short months and may just have to head down there to get myself and my son a little time behind the wheel on a track. With their cars how can you miss? Thanks for the info and I appreciate the schooling on the MAF.

 

[Special K]

. . . so in the long run, which is the preferred intake? Oil, or oil free?

 

[Akakubi]

Oil-free would be the best choice, if it filters the same way/better than the oiled one. The less stuff you put on the filter the better.

 

[Special K]

Who puts one out an oil-free that is decent w/ a heat shield? The other issue is the upgraded chip. When I take that step, does the manufacturer of said chip have a marked impact on how the engine performs with a particular intake maker? In other words, do they need to mated with one another to perform efficiently or could I put a Dinan chip with a hoodigator intake? If not, I'm on-line and charging one to the "retirement" account to await install. Thanks.

 

[Akakubi]

Well, so far RD Sport is the only one, at least for the Bimmers, that has a "dry" filter. Conforti uses a foam ITG cone, but it is still oiled. All others are "wet" K&N's in various forms.

The next shipment of the RD Sport intakes arrives in September. I'll be getting them in stock as soon as they are in. The very first two systems I have already sold, even before seeing them in person. But I will post pictures of them in a day or two. The customer will post the driving impressions.

Any software will work with any intake. The intakes are all roughly the same in terms of perofrmance, plus or minus 2-3hp - no difference. So the software cannot be specifically tuned to a particular intake, or exhaust for that reason. Under various conditions the airflow, temperature, density will be changing, so the ECU will be adjusting accordingly. Dinan just forces you to buy their Intake to get Stage II software, which in fact only prevents the "Check Engine" light from tripping. But in fact, it almost never trips even with the factory software (only sometimes in the cold weather when the air is rich and the gas can be so-so, the light may blink at you once or twice). The ECU will learn and adapt to the intake over time and the light will never trip. I've been using an ECIS (will replace with the RD Sport once my model arrives) intake for three years already with no problems...

 

[Special K]

I appreciate the tech assist. From reviewing the install directions on the ECIS web-site it doesn't look like it has to be professionally installed. Not that I'm completely inept when it comes to the installation of goods, I just appreciate simplicity where I can get it.
You mentioned that you would be getting the RD kits in stock. Can I ask what your business is or would you prefer an e-mail side bar? I didn't see these mentioned on the RD site, but have seen pictures of the system in black carbon fiber with an irregularly formed intake horn. Same same? Thanks again.

 

[Akakubi]

Check your PM.