aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-11472 BMW 335i (E90/92/93) Performance Intake System (Dry, 3-Layer Filter)

What is the best intake solution for the twin turbo N54? Well, many would argue the point, and it's a learning curve, for sure, trying to answer that question, since opinions range from saying the stock airbox is the best you'll ever do, to claims that a drop in filter beats out any DCI (dual cone intake) set-up, to views that, to some, only a DCI is the way to go, while, to others, it is a total waste of cash.While I agree that no DCI is a magic bullet for instantly huge gains, I'm also of the school that "every ounce counts" when it comes to horsepower, and I'm always amazed by those who don't get that, and thus will spend a bunch on a meth kit, for example, but ignore something as basic as having a full catback exhaust, or replacing weak stock diverter valves prone to boost leak. So, true enough, no intake system is like swapping in a V10, but improving the intake system over stock is rarely, if ever, a waste of time or money. Gains WILL be had.Learning the N54 from scratch, a lot had to be researched and answered, before even debating which intake to choose, but the same method applied as on any other build, which is more flow in, more flow out, and better management in between. So that meant full catback (went with aFe for that, as well, and VERY HAPPY with their Mach Power exhaust), upgraded FMIC, upgraded diverter valves, new charge pipe, and then an intake solution, of course, along with the "better management in between" bit being solved by COBB's masterful AccessPort -- probably the best "instant tune" device ever created, and an AMAZING product worth every penny of the asking price.Starting early on with just a high flow drop in filter did yield gains, but then with Cobb tuning next, more was needed. Despite getting no answers from COBB on any recommendation, enough other owners spoke highly enough of this DCI set up here from aFe, that it definitely seemed worth it. I have seen just the "cones" stuck on the end of the intake inlets (and used that for about a week actually), and that just doesn't look so great, plus it got in the way of the aftermarket diverter valves. Overall then, this kit from aFe seemed a really well thought out solution.It's really terrific when form and function can go together, and aFe has definitely done their homework here. Removal of the stock airbox, and use of the stock rubber grommets from the stock airbox results in this set up fitting securely beneath the hood, no rattles, no clearance issues, and, because of how they have set up the piping into the intake tubes, there are no issues with an aftermarket charge pipe, or diverter valves. So, a beautiful kit that looks great and fits snug -- as solid as the stock set up in terms of fitment.Performance wise, well, it's hard to gauge just one part of any build, since parts working in harmony is what brings gains, but suffice to say the Cobb Stage 2 Sport tune is very happy and the gains over stock are obviously night and day, but, as I say, it's impossible to parcel out just the role of the aFe intake system, without un-installation, dyno testing and re-installation, which is more the realm of any "proof" aFe would want to provide, or someone wanting to really isolate just the gains of this one mod.Most would not really need that information, since most of the time this is not the only mod anyone is doing, but then again there is always the question, even as part of a modding package, to ask what intake option gives the "most" gains among all options available. To answer that, looking at what's out there for the N54, there's a drop in high flow filter (in the stock airbox), higher flow filters just added to the intake inlets themselves (or variants thereof) and then this setup, from aFe. It might be splitting hairs to say which has more horsepower potential to offer, but, set up wise, this one from aFe rules.Clearly, any and all of those just mentioned will provide improved flow of some degree, but, from what I have seen available for the N54, this is the ONLY set up that comes as a fully integrated kit, making use of the main stock air flow diversion set up (which is retained after removing the stock airbox), diverting that flow toward these cones, keeping the cones up and out of the way of things, providing a degree of shielding with the intake "box" that is provided (in which the filters sit, as shown in the product photo) and accomplishing all of that with a great look. Plus, for those modifying their diverter valves, this is the only set up I could find that has sweep down piping to allow more room for something more bulky in DV replacement, like the excellent DV's provided by Forge, which don't work with either the stock airbox or just cones under the hood.So, in some ways this is not just the best, but, the only option that does the job, depending on what mods you are doing.While power gains, as I say, can't be isolated except to say these this system works GREAT as part of a modding packing or modding path, the sound gains from this kit can be addressed on its own merits, and in that respect this DCI kit from aFe is definitely superior to either the drop in filter, or just the cones. Having had all three, this set up is the clear winner in an aggressive yet "interior cabin friendly" sound gain.At high rpm there is actually an outright demonic whine which causes those defeated (as you fly by them) to claim you're hiding an added supercharger in there somewhere, but I think that is actually due to the Forge DV's, although perhaps in concert with this intake system -- certainly it contributes to some degree and the resultant rage of aggressive noise is impressive beyond measure. As for hearing the turbos more, well, again the upgraded DV's accomplish that -- providing a subtle but very pleasing near-to-BOV sound "whoosh" which is very noticeable especially if DSC is fully off -- so it's hard to say what role the DCI kit here might play, but it certainly opens things up more, so you'll hear everything more, of whatever you've got going on under the hood in your particular build/mods situation.Bottom line, there are cheaper intake solutions that may gain about as much as this kit, or near to it, and it's not uncommon for various companies to make claims that might seem difficult to pin down so, dollar for horsepower, this may seem overpriced, considering you can stick some cones under there, or drop in a higher flow filter, for well under a hundred bucks. If that does it for you, then you'll likely consider it money well spent, especially if funds are limited and other parts have a higher priority. Understandable. After all, just because one can own a used Bimmer doesn't mean there are piles of cash laying around to throw at higher priced parts -- and this system is not cheap, compared to other options, given that its near to four hundred bucks. Then again, this is an investment worth making.So, yes, cheaper is cheaper, but better is better, and, if you can spring for this kit, you'll be glad you did. The build quality is outstanding, from the overall design and build of the box, to terrific details like vibration-canceling trim pieces and a complimentary kit for cleaning and oiling the provided filters. They even include a full sheet of decals for you to let the world know you love your aFe products, if you're of a mind to do so. The performance, while not necessarily "proven' to be superior to other options, is augmented by an amazing fit and finish, so even if it only does as well as other kits, or even only slightly better, it looks far better doing it, which puts it at the top of the heap just in that regard. And, based on the build and design of it, even though I'm no engineer or physicist, it certainly looks like it would outshine other, lesser, setups, in terms of the gains -- in other words, given how much thought went into it, and how well it is put together, I would tend to believe aFe's claims.My summary then is that, for the N54, particularly in concert with other modifications, this easily stands out as being at the top of the list, if not being the number one option, for an upgraded intake system. While it may seem a pricey modification over other intakes, I think the price is more than justified for what aFe provides here. Perfect fitment, solid performance and even looks great under the hood. To me, that's money very well spent, and aFe has certainly made a believer out of me.I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

Great product! I was replacing a pair of K&N filters, so my OEM air filter/box was already out. It took only about 15 minutes to remove the existing filters and install this intake system. Everything went in easily with the exception of one of the OEM grommets; the other two twisted in without much effort. I took the liberty of cleaning my engine bay prior to installing the intake system, so most everything looks fresh.On the performance side, I don't know about the HP increase or sounds that others have said. What I can say, however, is that my intake air temperature dropped significantly. A while back, I installed a multifunction P3 Vent Gauge, primarily to measure turbo boost. The gauge also measures intake air temperature. Prior to this intake system, I noticed that the intake air temperature was well over 120 degrees F (most of the intake air was coming from the engine bay. After the intake installation, I noticed that the intake air temperature was about 12-15 degree higher than the outside ambient temperature. So at 60 degree outside last night, the intake air temp was about 72-75 degrees F. Will this help performance, I don't know. All-in-all... great! I would recommend this product!

I debated on getting this for my 2009 Z4 35i for a while. I read and reread the reviews and eventually bought it. It's not overly difficult to install and took less than 30 minutes. The throttle response seems to be slightly better but it's too early to tell if the gas mileage will improve. Also, I was a bit disappointed to NOT hear a difference whatsoever, (most people said in reviews that there's a noticeable difference in the sound of the car).

I installation was easy and quick. The intake sounds great and subtle when I’m running my stock map. When I switch my JB4 to a higher boost map you can hear that distinctive intake sound combined with the diverter valve that I love hearing on turbo cars.I seriously doubt the 27hp claim though. Likely about 10. I really did it for the looks and sound of the intake and happy with my purchase.

Very well built, excellent fit. The heat shield and air intake are the best for this application. We gained actual HP on the dyno.

Super easy install, DCI works great, good performance improvement. I’m running a stage 2 +intercooler on a N54 with Cobb tuner and Megan racing strut bar

What a pain to install (actually to take the old air box out, the install of this one was very easy). My throttle response it definitely better, not sure of gas mileage yet. I am happy with my purchase.

This unit fits like a glove in my Z4 35is. It took less time than described and has a great induction sound without being obnoxious.

Throttle response is better, turbos sound better, installation was not as easy as the manual makes it out to be, and uses the stock air ducting which is arguably the best