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      02-07-2020, 12:58 AM   #1
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Best inexpensive intake for good sound?

I've owned my M3 for 3.5yrs and am just looking for a little more intake sound to spice up the commute a bit. Not looking to spend a lot, but want decent quality - any supposed power gains are just a bonus.

Seems like AFE is a popular choice, but there are so many versions and I'm confused. Plastic tube vs. carbon? Oiled vs. dry? See have an airbox and some reuse the stock one? They're all roughly the same price too. Which is the best option for great sound and low maintenance?

Any other intakes to recommend?
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      02-07-2020, 03:19 AM   #2
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i had the afe carbon with the oiled filter. the carbon is nice, but they really need an aluminum collar for the filter to clamp on to. the part that the filter clamped onto on mine started to collapse after a few years.
still a great intake, but i would go with the plastic oiled (the one that looks like the carbon one).
all of their other offerings are kinda gimmicky.
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      02-07-2020, 06:23 AM   #3
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Not sure there is such a thing as "inexpensive" when it comes to our cars...haha
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      02-07-2020, 09:16 AM   #4
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I have a Macht Schnell Stage 2 kit that I just removed from my car, only about 5k miles on it. Added a really nice induction noise, PM me if you’re interested!
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      02-07-2020, 10:03 AM   #5
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The dinan elbow has a little sound to it. If you can find a used one in good condition, I'd go that route
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      02-07-2020, 11:01 AM   #6
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Ive had the carbon and plastic afe elbows one. Go with the plastic if cost is a concern, if not, I'm happier with the carbon one. At some point, I want to pick up the Eventuri carbon plenum and this will complement it.

Like Roast said, the other options that replace the box seem like a gimmick and look like crap.

I went with a dry filter because I have a tendency to over oil with past cars.
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      02-07-2020, 12:11 PM   #7
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I have installed 3 different intakes on the E9X M3 - DINAN, aFe carbon fiber, Macht Schnell Stage 2.

The DINAN and aFe intakes fit like a glove. Obviously the DINAN is double the cost. So I would not call that "budget friendly".
The Macht Schnell has bad fitment in my opinion - to the point where I couldnt get the OEM airbox lid back on. I would steer clear from that one.

Just my .02 cents...
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      02-07-2020, 01:00 PM   #8
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Would a drop in filter only like BMC or K&N, etc be relatively similar as far as induction noise gain (compared to the MS, Dinan, AFE elbows)?

I am dreaming of the Eventuri plenum one day but in the meantime am thinking of just going the BMC route.
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      02-10-2020, 07:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by For3 View Post
Would a drop in filter only like BMC or K&N, etc be relatively similar as far as induction noise gain (compared to the MS, Dinan, AFE elbows)?

I am dreaming of the Eventuri plenum one day but in the meantime am thinking of just going the BMC route.
Honestly, I dont even notice my intake noise very much. But that could also be because my exhaust setup is so loud

I had an aFe drop-in filter on my previous e92 M3, and I did not notice any noise difference from stock.

Intakes really dont do anything for these cars since the OEM one is already perfect.
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      02-10-2020, 08:08 AM   #10
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I can't say which is "best," but an old-fashioned oiled K&N drop-in works for me. I think I paid $80. Very nice aggressive noise on hard acceleration. I wash it every 20k miles, as I've done on other cars for years. Never had an oil-clogged MAF. I'm skeptical that a pricey carbon-fiber intake would squeeze out much more power than a K&N or basic dry filter. But bling is zero, if that's important to you.
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      02-11-2020, 09:05 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by For3 View Post
Would a drop in filter only like BMC or K&N, etc be relatively similar as far as induction noise gain (compared to the MS, Dinan, AFE elbows)?

I am dreaming of the Eventuri plenum one day but in the meantime am thinking of just going the BMC route.
I have just replaced my AA green filter with afe carbon intake and the difference in sound is obvious. You can hear the intake definitely better, but it's still a bit subtle so if you have a really loud exhaust don't expect anything.
For reference I have a HFC ESS xpipe and Billy Boat rear section and I can hear the intake very well
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      02-12-2020, 02:46 PM   #12
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I bought the aFe carbon intake around Christmas time while it was on black friday sale for $320. Couldn't be happier. It looks incredible and makes a great induction/air sucking noise when throttle is mashed ~3,500rpm. After around 4,200rpm the induction noise of the motor takes over.


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      02-13-2020, 11:05 AM   #13
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Macht Schnell. ~$250 used. Fits perfectly. Not sure what problem others are having. I've taken mine on and off at least 10 times and it always fits perfectly.
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      02-13-2020, 12:23 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Megabrode View Post
I can't say which is "best," but an old-fashioned oiled K&N drop-in works for me. I think I paid $80. Very nice aggressive noise on hard acceleration. I wash it every 20k miles, as I've done on other cars for years. Never had an oil-clogged MAF. I'm skeptical that a pricey carbon-fiber intake would squeeze out much more power than a K&N or basic dry filter. But bling is zero, if that's important to you.
the main advantage of the CF one is sound. Even just the elbow sounds significantly better
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      02-14-2020, 03:57 PM   #15
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Your most economical way is to find someone that has the Dinan air intake kit--that only uses the carbon fiber elbow--and buy the Dinan air filter and plastic connecting piece from them. I may know a guy!
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      02-16-2020, 05:26 AM   #16
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I have AFE filter in original cover....NO sound diferrent.
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      02-19-2020, 07:06 PM   #17
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+1 for fitment issues with the MS Elbow. I use the stock elbow with the MS filter + connector because the MS elbow doesn't have enough flexibility engineered into it. It worked well for a few thousand miles of brand new motor mounts, but once they start to go (rather quickly), the engine rocking caused mine to come loose.
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      02-19-2020, 07:28 PM   #18
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How about best sounding CAI, money no object?!? Are they all the same?!?
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      02-21-2020, 11:52 AM   #19
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Just a K&N drop in was enough of a bump in induction sound for me
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      02-21-2020, 12:15 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TedA View Post
How about best sounding CAI, money no object?!? Are they all the same?!?
Evolve plenum
Dinan Elbow
Gruppe M intake

100% Carbon Fiber
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      02-21-2020, 07:21 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nycplumber View Post
Evolve plenum
Dinan Elbow
Gruppe M intake

100% Carbon Fiber
Did you mean this setup?
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      02-21-2020, 09:29 PM   #22
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Man that's awesome and I bet sounds great. It's a tough pill to swallow however seeing all the CF in that pic can easily equate to a supercharger cost-wise.
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