For those of you who have aft-mounted cold air intakes that draw through the cowls at the base of the windshield, have you ever had problems taking in water from this area?

I have a K&N CAI, but I feel like it takes in a lot of hot air from the engine bay, and was thinking I'd modify the weather shielding ahead of the firewall to take some air from the base of the windshield. I just don't want to take in any water... Do the foam-like filters you see on this type of CAI do something to prevent drawing moisture - i.e., in a way that my K&N would not? Thanks!

 

I have had the JCW intake since the car was delivered new and have never had an issue. I also run a K&N filter, and if it matters much the moving flap has been in for the majority of the time. Lots of wet driving here in OR - I would guess that sucking in a large enough amount of water to damage the internals would be pretty slim.

 

I have the Dinan CAI and although I've heard of there being issues with taking in water; I've never had an issue. Obviously there's a risk of taking in water because of the intake positioning but the CAI duct is sort of staggered.. so water won't fall directly in the intake.

Just avoid monsoons and large puddles.. you'll be fine.

 

The dinan (reuses stock box bottom with a new top) and the JCW both have drains in the bottom of the filter box...the filter itself is well protected...in a box, unlile mank filters that sit unprotected in the bay, sometimes with the rear panel removed/sliced up.
can't speak of the others, but most cars that water locked their motors were early cars, 02-03'...have not heard of many lately...most of those drove through deep water....and sucked in a bunch through the filter....

 

I have had the DoS CAI since about a month after I bought my MINI and have had no problems, even here in rainy Savannah.