Air Intake for '04 330CI - BMW Forum

alexfridman · 08-08-2007, 07:01 PM

Hi everyone,
I have an '04 330CI I recently bought. I was thinking of a cold air intake system, something like K&N.

First off, the car has NO mods at this time and I am not planning on going hogwild with it. So on a stock car, is it worth getting an air intake? How much power should I expect to gain? Are there other companies other than K&N that you recommend and why?

Thanks for any input.

BMWERKEN · 08-10-2007, 01:50 PM

I'd recommend you check out our Simota CF Ram Style intake. It's a nice upgrade over stock that improves power, throttle response and sound under heavy throttle.

alexfridman · 08-10-2007, 04:53 PM

How is this better than a K&N and why? What's the difference?

BMWERKEN · 08-11-2007, 07:16 PM

The K&N intake is just a bolt on filter, it is not completely surrounded by a heatshield like our CF Simota intake uses. As a result, the intake suffers from heat soak overtime and will decrease performance because it is sucking in hot air rather than benefitting from being shielded from the engine's heat.

alexfridman · 08-12-2007, 03:04 PM

How much HP increase should I expect from the Simota setup?

jllphan · 08-12-2007, 09:28 PM

regardless of the advertised gains, realistically you can't expect any more than 5-10hp and about the same tq. This is a noticeable but VERY subtle difference. the biggest change will be sound.

however, if you combine this mod along w/ upgrading software and a free-flow exhaust....these three mods will complement each other well and truly give you difference you can feel. these are simple bolt on mods that are easily reversed and depending on brand will actually increase the net worth of the car.

WALSRU · 08-13-2007, 09:27 AM

+1

Not to mention we've had plenty of discussion on temp vs hp. Only about a 1 hp difference per 10 degrees from what I remember. So yes, you do want a fairly well sealed unit, but it's not a huge gain.

BMWERKEN · 08-28-2007, 11:17 AM

Definitely, NA upgrades are tough to squeeze power out of but coupled with one of our exhausts and software upgrades, it can make for a nice change.

alexfridman · 08-29-2007, 09:38 AM

What about fuel efficiency? I get about 30mpg right now. Would an air intake squeeze a few more miles out?

BMWJNKY · 08-29-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWERKEN

The K&N intake is just a bolt on filter, it is not completely surrounded by a heatshield like our CF Simota intake uses. As a result, the intake suffers from heat soak overtime and will decrease performance because it is sucking in hot air rather than benefitting from being shielded from the engine's heat.

Actually the new K&N FIPK's for the E36 and E46 have heat shield that makes a nice box around the filter area and blocks the filter from engine heat. Its a nice and complete kit and is smog legal here in CA so you won't have to remove it when a smog is due.

E46 330i kit

BMWERKEN · 09-21-2007, 10:00 PM

Right, but notice the heatshield only covers the side of the intake. Air can still get in from the top, even with the hood closed.

BMWJNKY · 10-02-2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWERKEN

Right, but notice the heatshield only covers the side of the intake. Air can still get in from the top, even with the hood closed.

How? It seals aginst the hood when the hood is closed. I've seen the wear/rub marks from the rubber gasket on the top edge of the heat shield in an E46 and E36 myself. If someone has removed the hood liner then yes, hot air can get to it but it will be a small amount and probably only in stop and go traffic.