Ultimate Intake: Choices of Intakes or don't touch it thread?

s4play · 03-07-2013, 06:42 PM

Did a few searches and came up with nothing, can't believe no one has started a thread on this simple subject?

Do most people just keep the stock intake? I would think a N/A car would love a nice aftermarket intake system from GruppeM or Dinan.

Looking to increase my MPG so thinking of trying those RPI scoops and a proven intake system that won't trigger any CEL.

What is everyone using?

ms372 · 03-07-2013, 06:44 PM

none... just a drop in filter will do

tom @ eas · 03-07-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s4play

Did a few searches and came up with nothing, can't believe no one has started a thread on this simple subject?

Do most people just keep the stock intake? I would think a N/A car would love a nice aftermarket intake system from GruppeM or Dinan.

Looking to increase my MPG so thinking of trying those RPI scoops and a proven intake system that won't trigger any CEL.

What is everyone using?

We did a post on this a while back, this should help:

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

As it is with most M3 enthusiasts, we are always on a search for more power. Finding this additional power can be tricky on the S65 engine, but if you search hard enough - it's there and can be utilized:

Pictured above are two 2011 M3s, similarly-equipped with bolt-on modifications.

Vehicle Info:
Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White, left)
Transmission: DCT
Modifications: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit w/ Intake Scoops, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System
Software: Stock
Fuel: 91 Octane

Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White, right)
Transmission: DCT
Modifications: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit w/ Intake Scoops, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System
Software: Stock
Fuel: 91 Octane

Parts being installed:

2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White)
Dynorun 21: Baseline
Dynorun 30: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 33: Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, OEM Intake, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 36: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 52: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System

Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White)
Dynorun 2: Baseline
Dynorun 7: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Stock Exhaust
Dynorun 16: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System

Vehicle: 2011 BMW M3 (Alpine White) vs. 2011 BMW M3 (Mineral White)
Dynorun 21: Baseline - 2011 Alpine White M3
Dynorun 52: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Challenge Race+ X-Pipe (Catless), Akrapovic Slip-On Titanium Exhaust System - 2011 Alpine White M3
Dynorun 2: Baseline - 2011 Mineral White M3
Dynorun 16: Macht Schnell Stage 2 Intake Charge Kit, Macht Schnell S65 Performance Underdrive Pulleys, Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust System - 2011 Mineral White M3

While its easy to look at peak gains, its important to see the area under the curve, which shows where the power is truly gained. In this example, we see that removing the catalytic converters (replacing with Race+ X-pipe/Akra Slip-On exhaust combo) resulted in a 10hp/10ft lb loss in midrange (4K-5K) while still reaching equivalent numbers as the full Akrapovic Evolution-equipped M3 in top end.

Overview:
- Approximate 40 peak hp gain 20ft-lb TQ from simple bolt-on mods
- Power numbers are easily replicated between different vehicles
- Increased acceleration, throttle response
- Aggressive intake & exhaust note
- OEM+ look & appearance
- Easy DIY
- Approximately 2-3 hours install time

This shows that the stock ECU does a very good job at adapting to bolt-on modifications and the power numbers can be replicated on different platforms. We have equipped a handful of M3s with the same equipment, all giving similar results and making the M3 an absolutely blast to drive. Choosing the correct mods to work together as a system will give you the best overall driving experience.

The quest for more power continues, software should be the key to easily allow one to approach the 400hp club.

Vic311 · 03-07-2013, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms372

none... just a drop in filter will do

+1

mkPOTO · 03-07-2013, 08:00 PM

yeah drop in and stock is fine, plenty of dyno numbers are posted and very effective

S65V8 · 03-07-2013, 08:38 PM

I second, drop-in filter is fine. Maybe some intake scoops for cheap, if you can find 2nd hand ones.

The fancy intake systems might get you a few additional hp above a drop-in (maybe), but is it worth $500+ or more to attain, probably not.

bsiciliano · 03-07-2013, 09:14 PM

I had the Macht Schnell Stage I and I currently have Gruppe M. As far a performance goes, I cannot really tell the difference. Both performed well and gave the engine a little extra growl. The Gruppe M, however, is really beautiful . I was going to go with a Dinan set up, but I bought the Gruppe M off this forum used and it came out to slighlty more than Dinan so it was no brainer for me. If you can find a used one in nice condition for a fair price then do it. If not, just drop in a filter.

BMRLVR · 03-07-2013, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by s4play

Looking to increase my MPG so thinking of trying those RPI scoops and a proven intake system that won't trigger any CEL.

If you are looking to increase MPG you won't get a measurable gain from an intake.

With regards to the E9X M3 you will be hard pressed to improve on the stock intake much beyond the OEM design.

sycd · 03-07-2013, 11:15 PM

Not touching mine, not worth the gain IMHO.

THE TECH · 03-08-2013, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ms372

none... just a drop in filter will do

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkPOTO

yeah drop in and stock is fine, plenty of dyno numbers are posted and very effective

Quote:

Originally Posted by SROC5

I second, drop-in filter is fine. Maybe some intake scoops for cheap, if you can find 2nd hand ones.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMRLVR

If you are looking to increase MPG you won't get a measurable gain from an intake.

With regards to the E9X M3 you will be hard pressed to improve on the stock intake much beyond the OEM design.

+1

s4play · 03-08-2013, 04:08 PM

^thanks guys for chiming in, really appreciate the input, guess I can spend my money elsewhere. Probably just get a drop in filter

Is there any reputable companies make CF accent parts for the engine covers?

Dkhan23 · 03-08-2013, 06:01 PM

LOL you got the wrong car if you're worried about fuel economy.

PhillyNate · 03-10-2013, 09:28 AM

Everybody argues how fast our cars are, how fuel efficient, place in history, can it beat a C63, sunroof vs no sunroof etcetera. One thing never debated is the intake design on the M3 may be one of the best of all time. Drop in a different filter and be done. I haven't felt the urgency to even do that.

Rk-d · 03-10-2013, 09:33 AM

Can't see where there is a significant compromise in design with OEM. Drop in filter might be nice for the noise - I've thought about doing that myself.

M0J0 · 03-10-2013, 10:13 AM

No filter or any mod will increase mpg in any car. That goes for gas types too. Premium gas does not get better mpg. It does cost more though. If you care about mpg buy a Prius.

M3takesNYC · 03-10-2013, 12:32 PM

This is just plain false. If a car is meant for premium and you use 87 like our cars, than in order to prevent knock the timing is pulled which makes the power from each burn cycle less efficient as less power is made from the fuel mixture. Also the car adds more fuel and richens the mixture to also prevent knock. Rich mixtures lead to less mpg.

Also a dirty air filter can cause lower mpg so while a brand new paper vs oiled there is no difference but paper filters clog quickly and if not changed
often than it will decrease mpg so in that respect a new filter will improve things

M0J0 · 03-10-2013, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3takesNYC

This is just plain false. If a car is meant for premium and you use 87 like our cars, than in order to prevent knock the timing is pulled which makes the power from each burn cycle less efficient as less power is made from the fuel mixture. Also the car adds more fuel and richens the mixture to also prevent knock. Rich mixtures lead to less mpg.

Also a dirty air filter can cause lower mpg so while a brand new paper vs oiled there is no difference but paper filters clog quickly and if not changed
often than it will decrease mpg so in that respect a new filter will improve things

It is plain true. I did not say that you should use a lower octane than your car was tuned to run on. Cars that are tuned for 87 and put 93 in it won't get better mpg. Cars from the factory are optimized for mpg. From aerodynamics to engine efficiency. It is like people who take off their tailgate in their pickup for better mpg. It actually drops your mpg.

1MOREMOD · 03-10-2013, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0J0

Cars from the factory are optimized for mpg.

not really. they are based on all sets of parameters they hope to achieve and mpg is low on the list for many cars still. saftey, handling, technology, acceleration, marketability, 0-60 times, lap times, asthetics, and on and on. manufacturers are preaching mpg right now and probably will for a long time to come but what they seek is money and favorable perception like any business.

M0J0 · 03-10-2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

not really. they are based on all sets of parameters they hope to achieve and mpg is low on the list for many cars still. saftey, handling, technology, acceleration, marketability, 0-60 times, lap times, asthetics, and on and on. manufacturers are preaching mpg right now and probably will for a long time to come but what they seek is money and favorable perception like any business.

You are talking about the engineering of the car though. Whether it is a Prius or a M3 you can't really get better mpg than the way it is from the factory. Even if you tune the car you are not going to see much of an improvement.

M3takesNYC · 03-10-2013, 08:30 PM

Actually you did. YOu said "premium" does not burn faster or get better mpg than 87. So you actually did say what I pointed out.

And a dirty air filter will drain mpg so again yes an air filter will change mpg

M3Denver · 03-11-2013, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M0J0

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

not really. they are based on all sets of parameters they hope to achieve and mpg is low on the list for many cars still. saftey, handling, technology, acceleration, marketability, 0-60 times, lap times, asthetics, and on and on. manufacturers are preaching mpg right now and probably will for a long time to come but what they seek is money and favorable perception like any business.

You are talking about the engineering of the car though. Whether it is a Prius or a M3 you can't really get better mpg than the way it is from the factory. Even if you tune the car you are not going to see much of an improvement.

So there are posts on this forum of SC guys experiencing considerably better gas mileage in mid 20s after SC.

Leonardo629 · 03-11-2013, 02:39 AM

I can tell you right now you won't gain much now a days with a clean air filter because your ECU will simply make all the necessary changes, and you'll still get the same MPG. You'll notice a less powerful car when you merge on the freeway, but your MPG will stay relatively the same whether your air filter has 0 miles or 20,000 miles on it. Auto Zone likes to tell all the driver to change a dirty air filter for better MPG because they make big bucks on those things.

Of course I'm not saying your should run a dirty air filter, but for most folks out there, changing out an air filter frequently really makes no difference in MPG.

03-07-2013, 06:42 PM	#1
s4play Car Tuning Geek 581 Rep 1,475 Posts Drives: too many rides.... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	Ultimate Intake: Choices of Intakes or don't touch it thread? Did a few searches and came up with nothing, can't believe no one has started a thread on this simple subject? Do most people just keep the stock intake? I would think a N/A car would love a nice aftermarket intake system from GruppeM or Dinan. Looking to increase my MPG so thinking of trying those RPI scoops and a proven intake system that won't trigger any CEL. What is everyone using? __________________ 04 GPW/Onyx NSX 08 Rio Yellow s2000 CR 16 F80 Dakar M3 15 Ferrari 458 Spider
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03-07-2013, 06:44 PM	#2
ms372 White Shark 88 Rep 919 Posts Drives: AW E92 m3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	none... just a drop in filter will do __________________ ESS \| Challenge x-pipe \| Akrapovic \| Stoptech BBK (380/355) \|Ohlins R&T \| Dinan \| Vorsteiner \| Downforce USA \| Varis Diffuser \| Gintani \| UUC \| BMW Performance \| Macht Schnell \| Forgestar F14's SDC 19x9.5F 19x11R \| 255.35 295.30
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03-07-2013, 08:00 PM	#5
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello 636 Rep 16,662 Posts Drives: BMW M3 \| X5 xdrive 35i MSport Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (25) Garage List 2002 Lexus GS300 [0.00] 2008 BMW E92 M3 [5.58]	yeah drop in and stock is fine, plenty of dyno numbers are posted and very effective
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03-07-2013, 08:38 PM	#6
S65V8 _ 808 Rep 3,160 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (10)	I second, drop-in filter is fine. Maybe some intake scoops for cheap, if you can find 2nd hand ones. The fancy intake systems might get you a few additional hp above a drop-in (maybe), but is it worth $500+ or more to attain, probably not.
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03-07-2013, 09:14 PM	#7
bsiciliano Captain 51 Rep 698 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Convertible Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (4)	I had the Macht Schnell Stage I and I currently have Gruppe M. As far a performance goes, I cannot really tell the difference. Both performed well and gave the engine a little extra growl. The Gruppe M, however, is really beautiful . I was going to go with a Dinan set up, but I bought the Gruppe M off this forum used and it came out to slighlty more than Dinan so it was no brainer for me. If you can find a used one in nice condition for a fair price then do it. If not, just drop in a filter. __________________ 2011 E93 - Space Gray - 6MT/Silver Novillo/ OE Tuning/Gruppe M Intake/ACS Springs/Vorsteiner CF Type I Rear Diffuser/Textured Matte Black Custom Powdercoated OEM 359s/Painted Reflectors/Matte Grille, Hood Vents and Side Markers/Arqray Race Exhaust/MS Pulley
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03-07-2013, 11:15 PM	#9
sycd Captain 247 Rep 640 Posts Drives: G87 M2 [MT] Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M2 [MT] [0.00] 2020 BMW X3M [0.00]	Not touching mine, not worth the gain IMHO.
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03-08-2013, 04:08 PM	#11
s4play Car Tuning Geek 581 Rep 1,475 Posts Drives: too many rides.... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	^thanks guys for chiming in, really appreciate the input, guess I can spend my money elsewhere. Probably just get a drop in filter Is there any reputable companies make CF accent parts for the engine covers? __________________ 04 GPW/Onyx NSX 08 Rio Yellow s2000 CR 16 F80 Dakar M3 15 Ferrari 458 Spider
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03-08-2013, 06:01 PM	#12
Dkhan23 Banned 70 Rep 359 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Canada/USA iTrader: (0)	LOL you got the wrong car if you're worried about fuel economy.
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03-10-2013, 09:28 AM	#13
PhillyNate ENTHUSIAST 135 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 Porsche Cayman [0.00]	Everybody argues how fast our cars are, how fuel efficient, place in history, can it beat a C63, sunroof vs no sunroof etcetera. One thing never debated is the intake design on the M3 may be one of the best of all time. Drop in a different filter and be done. I haven't felt the urgency to even do that. __________________ "what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson 2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt 2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15) 2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14) 2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11)
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03-10-2013, 09:33 AM	#14
Rk-d Lieutenant 599 Rep 556 Posts Drives: GT3 Touring, 993 C4S, M2C Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: SE iTrader: (1)	Can't see where there is a significant compromise in design with OEM. Drop in filter might be nice for the noise - I've thought about doing that myself.
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03-10-2013, 10:13 AM	#15
M0J0 Lieutenant 191 Rep 415 Posts Drives: XM3C '22 JKUR '13 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Houston,TX iTrader: (0)	No filter or any mod will increase mpg in any car. That goes for gas types too. Premium gas does not get better mpg. It does cost more though. If you care about mpg buy a Prius.
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03-10-2013, 12:32 PM	#16
M3takesNYC Banned 19 Rep 426 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	This is just plain false. If a car is meant for premium and you use 87 like our cars, than in order to prevent knock the timing is pulled which makes the power from each burn cycle less efficient as less power is made from the fuel mixture. Also the car adds more fuel and richens the mixture to also prevent knock. Rich mixtures lead to less mpg. Also a dirty air filter can cause lower mpg so while a brand new paper vs oiled there is no difference but paper filters clog quickly and if not changed often than it will decrease mpg so in that respect a new filter will improve things
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03-10-2013, 08:30 PM	#20
M3takesNYC Banned 19 Rep 426 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Actually you did. YOu said "premium" does not burn faster or get better mpg than 87. So you actually did say what I pointed out. And a dirty air filter will drain mpg so again yes an air filter will change mpg
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03-11-2013, 02:39 AM	#22
Leonardo629 Lieutenant Colonel 168 Rep 1,792 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Taiwan iTrader: (10)	I can tell you right now you won't gain much now a days with a clean air filter because your ECU will simply make all the necessary changes, and you'll still get the same MPG. You'll notice a less powerful car when you merge on the freeway, but your MPG will stay relatively the same whether your air filter has 0 miles or 20,000 miles on it. Auto Zone likes to tell all the driver to change a dirty air filter for better MPG because they make big bucks on those things. Of course I'm not saying your should run a dirty air filter, but for most folks out there, changing out an air filter frequently really makes no difference in MPG.
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