Aftermarket Airbox for 128i?

[Sarracino89]

Hey guys, after reading all (most of anyways) the threads on the aFe and injen intakes that have been installed, I really can't justify buying one for $350, when I know how hot the engine gets, and the intake would just be sucking it all up.

I was just curious as to if there was a airbox styled intake made for the 128i? I have heard rumors about some, but nothing confirmed other than the Gruppe M that makes one for the 135i I believe? and it costs wayyy too much lol.

Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated! Also, if there is something I could do with the stock air box i.e. drop in filter (aFe/K&N) or any other mod to it that someone has done to their 128i, let me know.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

Hey guys, after reading all (most of anyways) the threads on the aFe and injen intakes that have been installed, I really can't justify buying one for $350, when I know how hot the engine gets, and the intake would just be sucking it all up.

I was just curious as to if there was a airbox styled intake made for the 128i? I have heard rumors about some, but nothing confirmed other than the Gruppe M that makes one for the 135i I believe? and it costs wayyy too much lol.

Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated! Also, if there is something I could do with the stock air box i.e. drop in filter (aFe/K&N) or any other mod to it that someone has done to their 128i, let me know.

This is from use Craven from the 3 series forums. He knows a lot about his stuff.

"Recent I posted in a thread that I have gone back to the k&n drop in + scoops and carbon filter delete, and a secondary inlet. I, like yourself felt underwhelmed with it. The sound is amazing, but unless your up at 5500rpm all the time, it doesn't serve its purpose."

What I think could help,

I am not sure about AFE, but I know the Injen intake comes with a heat shield. Also, air scoops greatly help. I have an Injen intake and live in texas where it is really hot. I feel the heat about for the first 4 mins of driving, and after that it goes away. I plan on getting air scoops to see how it helps : ).

I would try the secondary air inlet, but I am more worried about hydrolocking my engine : <

[Dackelone]

What about the sweet carbon fiber piece that BMW Performance makes for the 125/128/130i ?

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

What about the sweet carbon fiber piece that BMW Performance makes for the 125/128/130i ?

That sweet BMW Piece costs BIG $$$$ lol but I should have stated that is why I haven't gone for the BMWPI

[Choclove23]

How about the Simota?
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472433

[zkeeper]

Well each to his own of course, but, BMW is as stated rather expensive for something that when I have heard both, did not impress me with any great performance for the cost and brag rights. Besides you either have to TELL someone about what you have, or raise the bonnet and try to impress people with it. Thats like having a Rolex and sitting at a banquet asking the person sitting next to you to tell you the time, as you left your glasses in the car. I also do not like ANY extra heat getting into the intake....living in St.Louis area is enough heat in traffic, and the extra hot air is NOT what you want.

I weighed it all out...and felt the engineers had a fine enclosed system, that would do fine in that department, throw no codes, and keep the heat out. For the money I saved, I have put it into other smaller mods which are just fine. One other thing I have done in my Z4, [and have not done in the 128 MSport, which I just got, is to take out the carbon filter in the intake box. It is not in the Euro version, and when removed, allows a bit more air flow--just one less barrier...and its in there only to trap emissions when shutting the motor off.
Just some thots..good luck on the decision.

[Sarracino89]

Thanks Zkeeper, I feel the same way about the airbox vs the afe, injen, and even the bmwpi. Probably going to cut out the carbon filter and drop in a drop in filter.

[Raine]

Originally Posted by zkeeper

Well each to his own of course, but, BMW is as stated rather expensive for something that when I have heard both, did not impress me with any great performance for the cost and brag rights. Besides you either have to TELL someone about what you have, or raise the bonnet and try to impress people with it. Thats like having a Rolex and sitting at a banquet asking the person sitting next to you to tell you the time, as you left your glasses in the car. I also do not like ANY extra heat getting into the intake....living in St.Louis area is enough heat in traffic, and the extra hot air is NOT what you want.

I weighed it all out...and felt the engineers had a fine enclosed system, that would do fine in that department, throw no codes, and keep the heat out. For the money I saved, I have put it into other smaller mods which are just fine. One other thing I have done in my Z4, [and have not done in the 128 MSport, which I just got, is to take out the carbon filter in the intake box. It is not in the Euro version, and when removed, allows a bit more air flow--just one less barrier...and its in there only to trap emissions when shutting the motor off.
Just some thots..good luck on the decision.

I feel the same way. I recently had my charcoal filter removed and I feel the car breathes much better now. The throttle is more sensitive and there is more punch at the lower end, which is what our car needs really, our top end is already great. I think what our engine need more than anything is air.

I'm currently running BMS Powerbox + K&N drop-in filter + charcoal filter delete. I'm very happy with the setup and I'm planning on adding Cyba's air scoops which I think will complete the package.

[bigmicj]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

What about the sweet carbon fiber piece that BMW Performance makes for the 125/128/130i ?

I have the BMW performance air box and the difference isn't mind blowing, but definitely noticeable. I do a little autocrossing from time to time and it does serve it's purpose when you're running through a course in 2nd or 3rd. The power and torque are consistant. -- save up

[bozola]

I too was contemplating the BMW PI. Met up with a fellow 1er who had one. One test drive and I saved myself the bucks.

[FlashBimmer9er]

I'm getting the injen intake with heat shield and hydroshield. What can the air scoops do for me and the charcoal delete? I'm just thinking of options. I'm not 100% sure where the scoops would go, but if Anyone could pm me and help me out, it's greatly appreciated.

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by flashprats128i

I'm getting the injen intake with heat shield and hydroshield. What can the air scoops do for me and the charcoal delete? I'm just thinking of options. I'm not 100% sure where the scoops would go, but if Anyone could pm me and help me out, it's greatly appreciated.

I ended up ordering the filter, its on its way. I have the scoops already, and plan on removing the charcoal filter. The scoops go right behind the kidney grills. Specifically right below where the front of the "intake funnel" is. Not really sure what its called, but I can post a picture of where they go tomorrow.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by flashprats128i

I'm getting the injen intake with heat shield and hydroshield. What can the air scoops do for me and the charcoal delete? I'm just thinking of options. I'm not 100% sure where the scoops would go, but if Anyone could pm me and help me out, it's greatly appreciated.

Tell me if I am wrong, but I don't think u can do charcoal delete when you get a intake.

P.S you will love the injen! Its a blast : D

[Sarracino89]

You are not wrong, if you have/get the injen(or aFe for that matter) intake, you remove the stock intake, thus you will no longer have the stock filters lol. surprised I missed that before.

[FlashBimmer9er]

I'll have the injen next week! how much would the scoops cost and the charcoal delete? (if applicable) I'm pairing it with the aa tune and hopefully an exhaust later on <3 haha.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by flashprats128i

I'll have the injen next week! how much would the scoops cost and the charcoal delete? (if applicable) I'm pairing it with the aa tune and hopefully an exhaust later on <3 haha.

scoops are 49 bucks from cyba(see vendor section)

[Sarracino89]

let me know how the aa tune is! I really want to get that done after I get the exhaust, but am still looking for a vendor here in Southern California.

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

let me know how the aa tune is! I really want to get that done after I get the exhaust, but am still looking for a vendor here in Southern California.

I think there's one in LA and one in Oceanside (north San Diego County). Check the AA site.

[Zeros and ones]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

let me know how the aa tune is! I really want to get that done after I get the exhaust, but am still looking for a vendor here in Southern California.

Auto Talent 1884 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by Zeros and ones

Auto Talent 1884 S Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90025

Hey Zeros and ones, always poping up in my threads haha. Did you get a AAtune there? If so, would you say it makes a very noticeable difference? Not sure if you have aftermarket intake or exhaust on your 128, but my concern is if its similar to the bms powerbox that is a decent tune, but once you change the exhaust and intake, doesn't make much of a difference.

[Zeros and ones]

Originally Posted by Sarracino89

Hey Zeros and ones, always poping up in my threads haha. Did you get a AAtune there? If so, would you say it makes a very noticeable difference? Not sure if you have aftermarket intake or exhaust on your 128, but my concern is if its similar to the bms powerbox that is a decent tune, but once you change the exhaust and intake, doesn't make much of a difference.

Always around and always watching. LOL!!!!!!

I did not get my AA tune there... yet. Still haven't gotten my 128i either. Still on the freaking boat.

But that is where I will be getting the tune done. It is the closest one to me and from the Active Autowerke website, they not only carry it but will tune the car for you there.

But I do question its validity on adding an extra 15hp. Still iffy on that. But before I pull the trigger on the tune, I will be getting the BMW PI and the BMW PE first.

[Sarracino89]

Originally Posted by Zeros and ones

Always around and always watching. LOL!!!!!!

I did not get my AA tune there... yet. Still haven't gotten my 128i either. Still on the freaking boat.

But that is where I will be getting the tune done. It is the closest one to me and from the Active Autowerke website, they not only carry it but will tune the car for you there.

But I do question its validity on adding an extra 15hp. Still iffy on that. But before I pull the trigger on the tune, I will be getting the BMW PI and the BMW PE first.

Haha as long as you continue to provide me with good information/advice, I don't mind. (I ended up ditching the focals and talking with Ken @ musicarNW for my audio setup, the focals were nice, but as you mentioned, Jay's approach was a bit steep for my wallet)

You will definitely enjoy the 128i when you get it, lots of fun. Alot of 135ers talk it down, but you should never compare it to another bmw, only the others. Coming from my 98 corolla, you can only imagine how much more fun this is! haha.

I would find someone with the performance intake and see how it is first before you buy it, as those who I have talked to said its not worth the extra $$$. But let me know if and when you get the tune done, I am interested to see the difference.