E39 Cold Air Intake

Dado 540 · 04-13-2009, 04:11 AM

Well just snapped to me today, and i feel like making my own CAI. Spice it upa bit you know haha.

I really prefer the dinan set-up (without the heat shield), but i would really like some of your inputs in regards to this project.

Has anyone made their own?
Will i need to do any software programing after putting in CAI?

Comments/Inputs/Suggestions are welcome.

Trouble65 · 04-13-2009, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado 540

Well just snapped to me today, and i feel like making my own CAI. Spice it upa bit you know haha.

I really prefer the dinan set-up (without the heat shield), but i would really like some of your inputs in regards to this project.

Has anyone made their own?
Will i need to do any software programing after putting in CAI?

Comments/Inputs/Suggestions are welcome.

I never made my own. I can't find big enough pipe bender.
When you install the CAI you do not have to program your computer. Having said that, to get the best out of your CAI I would recommend new software. The best person to deal with software would be MarkD member on this site.

Dado 540 · 04-13-2009, 11:57 AM

if i don't do new software will it cause problems?

Trouble65 · 04-13-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado 540

if i don't do new software will it cause problems?

It should not cause a problem. CAI improves the flow and provides colder air into the engine. Your computer should be able to adjust.

Dado 540 · 04-13-2009, 09:04 PM

Oh come on, no one did their own intake system?

jmack · 04-13-2009, 10:40 PM

Nah. I need to see before/after dyno sheets to convince me it's worth the trouble over the stock setup.

I'm interested to learn more about them though. If it gave 15hp over stock that would be nice, but I think that is really pushing it.

Pair that to a new exhaust system.. watch out

Why do I always buy cars that don't gain 50hp from basic bolt ons???

MLue1 · 04-15-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado 540

Oh come on, no one did their own intake system?

No thanks... but here is a link to a write up that illustrates what is involved.
http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/t.../dinan_cai.htm

Dado 540 · 04-15-2009, 02:40 PM

OK well did a bit more research, and there is absolutely no significant gain of power. So this has discouraged me from this task.

TheMadChigga · 04-25-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dado 540

OK well did a bit more research, and there is absolutely no significant gain of power. So this has discouraged me from this task.

factory is already CAI, just mold the box and make the pipe that goes outside better and bigger.

commodore64 · 04-26-2009, 01:32 PM

Your best bet is to replace the factory restrictive piping for the intake, with a larger diameter piping ... The actual air gets sucked in by a very small plastic piece located just below your front bumper (drivers side) ...

I ripped all the piping out and installed a much more flowing system and sat it slightly under the front bumper (that way sucking in as much air as possible) ... I did this on a hoist made life a lot easier

all these intake systems (after-market) have there pros / cons .... if you want to really utilize the system you need to order it with the appropriate chip ....

spend your money on a better investment eg ... chip (tranny / engine mgt)

Good luck ...