Hi all I have a 2003 2.5 z4 thinking of upgrading the air filter to a induction kit have read the sales pitch on both just wondered what people thought as the AFE is far more expensive and was wondering what difference in sound and performance was has anybody used these two induction kits and what do they think and which one to hold for cheers guys
AFE induction air filter kit verses K and n kit
- Thread starter Piggy
- Start date
pokeybritches
Member
I didn't realize K&N had a Z4-specific kit.
Aftermarket intakes don't provide much performance benefit, but they do make nice sounds, which is critical to enjoying a sports car IMHO. They are no more a waste of money than a backbox delete. They DO NOT lose any noticeable power, and may actually gain a minimal amount. I've been through over $70k in mods on my Z4's, and it's annoying to hear the same recycled garbage about aftermarket intakes losing power (so let's stamp it out before it shows up here). However, an aftermarket intake is a poor investment if your goal is ultimate horsepower, because there are better things you can do with the money.
I had a "CAI" on my 3.0i that consisted of a heat shield and K&N filter. No performance change either way. I took it off after about a year because I had a whistle at part throttle that was amplified with the new intake. That whistle ended up being an unrelated vacuum leak, but I never felt the urge to reinstall it. The M54 is tame in stock form, and while an intake makes it sound louder and meaner, it's still a mild engine. I moved to a Dinan intake (no change in sound, but a slight bump up in performance), and then eventually had to take it off for my VF supercharger. If I had gone with an ESS twin screw, I would have kept the Dinan intake. An aFe will sound better, but a Dinan intake will provide slightly more power. By slightly more, I mean 3-5 more hp.
Before my Z4M roadster's supercharger install, I had an aFe intake installed. That thing was worth every penny. I did notice a slight improvement in power (less than 5 hp)... BUT THAT GROWL!!! You're really missing out if you have an M and muffle that CSL-like growl. The aFe is a tad louder and less refined than a Gruppe M intake, but the majority of owners will love the sound.
The aFe was easy to resell. The company's owner is a huge BMW fan, so they get my vote.
Aftermarket intakes don't provide much performance benefit, but they do make nice sounds, which is critical to enjoying a sports car IMHO. They are no more a waste of money than a backbox delete. They DO NOT lose any noticeable power, and may actually gain a minimal amount. I've been through over $70k in mods on my Z4's, and it's annoying to hear the same recycled garbage about aftermarket intakes losing power (so let's stamp it out before it shows up here). However, an aftermarket intake is a poor investment if your goal is ultimate horsepower, because there are better things you can do with the money.
I had a "CAI" on my 3.0i that consisted of a heat shield and K&N filter. No performance change either way. I took it off after about a year because I had a whistle at part throttle that was amplified with the new intake. That whistle ended up being an unrelated vacuum leak, but I never felt the urge to reinstall it. The M54 is tame in stock form, and while an intake makes it sound louder and meaner, it's still a mild engine. I moved to a Dinan intake (no change in sound, but a slight bump up in performance), and then eventually had to take it off for my VF supercharger. If I had gone with an ESS twin screw, I would have kept the Dinan intake. An aFe will sound better, but a Dinan intake will provide slightly more power. By slightly more, I mean 3-5 more hp.
Before my Z4M roadster's supercharger install, I had an aFe intake installed. That thing was worth every penny. I did notice a slight improvement in power (less than 5 hp)... BUT THAT GROWL!!! You're really missing out if you have an M and muffle that CSL-like growl. The aFe is a tad louder and less refined than a Gruppe M intake, but the majority of owners will love the sound.
The aFe was easy to resell. The company's owner is a huge BMW fan, so they get my vote.
I have an RPI scoop and BMC filter on my car fitted by the previous owner. When I swap back to the OEM filter to clean the BMC there's definitely a slight decrease in induction noise, but it is a PITA to clean and re-oil it every 15k miles. Also worries me that oil might get on the MAF and bugger it up. Money permitting, having heard them in another car on runs, I'd swap to a Gruppe M or probably an Eventuri intake kit. The noise is awesome, they both look gorgeous in CF, and (I believe) they are dry filters.
If you are after more sound then a proper induction kit is well worth it, It was the main reason for buying mine. I got mine off here so I made a saving instead of buying new 
Wouldn't mind getting a RPI scoop now
I've tried to record it but it never seems so capture the sound that good but I assume it will give you some sort of idea.
[youtube]/s_pLvTFeC1g[/youtube]
Definitely made it much more entertaining to
Wouldn't mind getting a RPI scoop now
I've tried to record it but it never seems so capture the sound that good but I assume it will give you some sort of idea.
[youtube]/s_pLvTFeC1g[/youtube]
Definitely made it much more entertaining to
Twin Turbo
Active member
sorry error
Errrr.. RandomTwin Turbo said:
