X5 50i (F15) - Stock to K&N - Cold Air Intake

[Twin Peaks]

Decided to get the K&N Cold Air Intake on my X5. No error codes, make sure that there is no loose rubber on the intake, do not force the filter clips on the K&N, my filters required some trimming where the plastic screws in. No error codes, its reusable, and adds a nice woosh sound. Install was basic (plug and play, don't over tighten), anyone can do.

I wish there were more options for the F15 50i's!

[Chigger]

Do you feel any difference?

[pits200]

Originally Posted by Chigger

Do you feel any difference?

There won't be any difference. The flow of the stock ones are fine when running stock boost I imagine. If you decide to tune you may get a few hp but nothing you would be able to quantify.

[Twin Peaks]

Originally Posted by pits200

There won't be any difference. The flow of the stock ones are fine when running stock boost I imagine. If you decide to tune you may get a few hp but nothing you would be able to quantify.

Exactly what he said, I got it to "reuse" primarily.

[SoxFan]

It may not help with air flow, but sounds throatier if thats a word.......hows does it sound from inside the car?

[DuSh]

OnfireX already did all the testing using flow bench - stock design is as good as it gets. It's essentially a straight piping - you can't do it any better than that. Now air filters can have some impact, but easiest way is to put a X5M air filters and call it a day. They fit without any modification. That's what I've done and couple other forum members have done.
If you find a thread that OnfireX (I may spelled his name wrong) tested them - you can see that difference between X5M flow and NO filter at all (max achievable) is very small. Hence there is no point in inventing a bicycle.

F10 is another story - their stock design sucks. Aftermarket intake can benefit them.

For us f15/f85 - biggest gains are in flashing tuner maps and downpipes. Beyond that in upgraded turbos and forged pistons/rods (way to expensive tho). Just my opinion

[BobBeau]

K&N filters are full of oil. Not so sure they're good for the intake.

[CeeTeeX5]

Change in sound is barely perceptible.

[Maverik259]

M filters FTW!!!! Put em on last month after my oil change. Larger inlet than All the after market options minus Dinan and they cost you an arm and a leg for again little to no gain.

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

M filters FTW!!!! Put em on last month after my oil change. Larger inlet than All the after market options minus Dinan and they cost you an arm and a leg for again little to no gain.

Yeah I think I’m going that route too plus their a little cheaper then the other options which is a plus for a change.

[iconoclast]

install the oem ///M air filters... larger media and more air flow cheaper price.

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

install the oem ///M air filters... larger media and more air flow cheaper price.

I’m definitely going with those.

[Twin Peaks]

Originally Posted by CT335xi

I'm definitely going with those.

Can you guys share a link, teach me!?

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by Twin Peaks

Can you guys share a link, teach me!?

My thread where I put them in (post #19): http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...8#post22668748


Thread where OnfireX5 flow bench tested X5M vs X5 air filters: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1430312

[iconoclast]

the other option is the RK intake or the Dinan intake but without a tune i think it is overkill:

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

the other option is the RK intake or the Dinan intake but without a tune i think it is overkill:

That’s a nice looking intake ! What does that RK one cost? I know the Dinan costs a fortune.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by CT335xi

That's a nice looking intake ! What does that RK one cost? I know the Dinan costs a fortune.

It's even more expensive. I believe near $1500-2000

[iconoclast]

as i said before without a tune or hardware to support it's overkill. in terms of value and best bang for the buck the ///M OEM filters get the job done for the best price.

[Twin Peaks]

Originally Posted by SoxFan

It may not help with air flow, but sounds throatier if thats a word.......hows does it sound from inside the car?

Originally Posted by BobBeau

K&N filters are full of oil. Not so sure they're good for the intake.

Originally Posted by iconoclast

as i said before without a tune or hardware to support it's overkill. in terms of value and best bang for the buck the ///M OEM filters get the job done for the best price.

SoxFan I barely notice a difference to be honest, maybe a little more "wooshing" when I press the pedal to the floor.

BobBeau or iconoclast Is there really a difference in performance between the M OEM vs the K&N drop in filters I picked up other than the oil on the K&N (It can be bad for the MAF, if you overspray. Fortunately I read instructions and on my other cars have never had any issues.)? I primarily purchased it so I wouldn't have to keep buying new filters. But if there is a difference in performance or the car could be running better, I may switch back to disposables. I did not notice a difference but I really wasn't sure how to measure up. My HP/Torque in the dash are hitting max like they did before.

Thank you guys in advance.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

as i said before without a tune or hardware to support it's overkill. in terms of value and best bang for the buck the ///M OEM filters get the job done for the best price.

What is the price for the M filters and where can they be purchased? This may be a good idea since I have the bm3 tune.

[BobBeau]

Originally Posted by Twin Peaks

SoxFan I barely notice a difference to be honest, maybe a little more "wooshing" when I press the pedal to the floor.

BobBeau or iconoclast Is there really a difference in performance between the M OEM vs the K&N drop in filters I picked up other than the oil on the K&N [SIZE="1"](It can be bad for the MAF, if you overspray. Fortunately I read instructions and on my other cars have never had any issues.)[/SIZE]? I primarily purchased it so I wouldn't have to keep buying new filters. But if there is a difference in performance or the car could be running better, I may switch back to disposables. I did not notice a difference but I really wasn't sure how to measure up. My HP/Torque in the dash are hitting max like they did before.

Thank you guys in advance.

I don't think I know enough on the subject to offer any sort of advice. I know the K&N filters are soaked with oil as I've used them on several other cars. I believe someone did a flow test comparison on the M filter vs. no filter at all and the results were minimal. That tells me that the M filter has very little restriction. One can also argue that the MAF will adjust itself accordingly. But wtf do I know

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by BobBeau

What is the price for the M filters and where can they be purchased? This may be a good idea since I have the bm3 tune.

Around $100 taxed for a pair.