This morning I went out to warm up my MCS and after it reached operating temperature the yellow engine light disappeared. When I was driving last night with the yellow check engine lit up it seemed as if when accelerating that I lost that low-end torque. I also noticed before my drive that I was unable to get the engine to woosh when stepping on the gas aggressively (to 3000rpm) at idle, did the yellow check engine light put my Mini into a decreased performance mode?

Much appreciated!

Regards,
Systemlord.

 

do you have a code reader? if not, go to autozone, pepboys...ect and have then read the code. The light might not be related to the intake.

 

maf sensor connected? I forgot this at one point when I was reinstalling the intake system when I did my thermostat housing. ensure the intake cone itself is connected? make sure lower air ram tube is secured into bottom port of the housing.

 

I would bet, that as mentioned, some was left disconnected
(electrical or a hose) you have a leak or electrical issue.

 

I installed this earlier this week. Same thing happened to me last night, the yellow CEL came on. This morning I popped the hood and the air filter had popped off the MAF. I replaced and retightened it. I'll check periodically to see if it happens again. I wonder if its a design flaw in the inlet sizing. The band seemed/seems on snug.

 

Hasn't been an issue for me and I've had it for 7 months now.

 

Like @ra2fanatic, I haven't had any trouble. Given how carefully the kit and instructions are (just amazing attention to detail!), I would be surprised by a design flaw as simple as this.

It might be as simple as forgetting to do final tightening after getting the rest of the air hoses and pipe fitted. (Been there, done that!) Might be worth checking the rest of the hose clamps and screws. Would just take a minute or two to be sure.

 

To add, I did another AEM intake install on a Clubman S 2 weeks ago in 40 mins and he hasn't had any issues.

 

For sure. I completely recognize that I could've made a mistake somewhere.

The only reason I mentioned that is because another guy in a different thread posted a picture with the same problem. Didn't even realize his filter had popped off. So didn't know if we were the only two.

Also, another random question for everyone with this intake. Did you guys do anything to the inside of the hood scoop to make it less unsightly after removing the grill insert? Mine has black carbon marks all over it if you get down to level and look at it. Pretty ugly. I was thinking of painting black or something. But I think that would require disassembly of the underside of the hood. Anyone else know what I'm talking about?

 

Yes I do know what you're talking about. You're talking about the scoop track where air enters into the scoop. Mine has a trail of dried water or something. I haven't done it, but will soon, I suggest plasti-dipping that bit inside. Doesn't have to be thick to peel since you'll have no reason to really peel it, so just cover up the outside of the scoop area and spray a bit of black in there and it'll be less unsightly.

 

Yup. I used some inexpensive metal gutter mesh from Home Depot to fashion a quick and dirty intake screen:

http://flic.kr/p/f7Ek2M

At some point I'll go back and paint the inside of the intake black, but this took the edge off:

http://flic.kr/p/fe87eW

 

That looks pretty good. I may paint the inside and then, depending on how it looks, add the grill after.

Here's a pic for reference (sorry car is so dirty):

 

I also see a functional reason for the grill. About a week after adding it, I got out of my car one day and noticed a few leaves on a stalk stuck to the hood scoop. The grill kept it out of the intake tube.

The leaves would have been stopped by the filter, but I'm just as happy knowing they can't get in and I don't have to go fishing for them in the airbox as routine maintenance.

 

thinking of getting this intake. Also, Found a replacement hood screen that's about 40 for chrome or 60-70 for carbon black.

Is everyone happy with the AEM intake?

 

I found out that my MAF was installed backwards, lol! I'm extremely happy with my AEM intake, more power everywhere!

 

How could you install it backward? That would've put the MAF wiring harness on the outside of the intake box.

 

maybe connected it backwards?

 

It was installed backwards inside the AEM air box, you only need to have the other end sticking outwards towards the aluminum tube that leads to the turbo. If anyone ever installed an AEM air intake you would know what I'm talking about, there's to different ways to install the MAF inside the air box. Either round lip will fit through, it put a lot of strain on my wires leading to the MAF harness! I tought for sure the wires were pulled to tight, it's easy to do if you're not paying close attention!

 

So as an update, I have now noticed my air filter disconnected from the MAF about three times over the last couple months. I've loosened clamp completely and retightened. I've resituated it. There is nothing wrong with the way in applying it. Not sure why it pops off so often. Any thoughts? Anyone have any tricks. I really don't want to apply any type of adhesive, but I'm also not keen on driving around with essentially no air filter!

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring

 

You will need to tighten it when it's hot because heat causes expansion and rubber gets softer when hotter! Don't be afraid to tighten it, just don't over do it. Mine never came loose after tightening it when it was hot.