So, just seeing what the general consensus is on the AEM intake for the r56. I've done alot of searching around, and the only real thread about it is from the manufacturer. They claim 14hp, 11tq. Alot of people are saying that CAI's aren't worth it for the R56, but i'm hoping this one is different.

Any opinions?

 

Here's my input:
If you can find a good price on one, it's the most well-engineered, thought out, complete, and well fitting intake I've seen available for the R56 MINI. Other "specialty" brands seem to charge just as much for a filter, bracket and silicone elbow. Not sure why or how, but yeah... The fact that it retains the enclosure, incorporates the hood scoop cleanly, and replaces everything from the turbo to the filter really makes it the best looking option. Even includes a heat shield that covers the HOT SIDE ONLY of the turbo.

Again, most well engineered one I've seen.

With all that said, what you can expect with an aftermarket intake on these motors: Loss of low end torque(which to me is a deal breaker.), and any claims of increased power output is so close to red line you will never make good use of it.

Conclusion: Intakes for these cars are expensive noise makers. Some are very nicely done, like the AEM. But in the end, you will more often than not, lose the low end torque that makes these cars get up and out of their way, in exchange for sound and a small bit of high end power that comes on just as you're ready to shift to the next gear.

 

I just bought an '07 R56 and have been looking at these intakes. I found an interesting article on it.
http://www.lacar.com/?p=13855&show=gallery

 

Looking at those pics, it seems the AEM shield does cover the entire turbo. I could swear I saw a picture with a smaller AEM shield that didn't cover the cold side.

 

I thought the same. Surprisingly once again though that article seems to be written in a country where a dyno doesn't exist. He wrote a thesis about the AEM intake yet couldn't spend the 60-100 dollars to rent a dyno.

The only system I found that rival the AEM intake is the DDMworks race instake system. Everything else is open filters with a silicone hose.

 

Exactly... and similar prices for open filters in your hot engine bay, a simple bracket, and a coupler. I'm still waiting for any of those companies to give an actual justification for the cost of intakes.

 

I installed my AEM CAI a few months ago and have noticed what other's are saying about losing a little bit of low end torque after 3400 rpm, but I definitely gained HP when going into fourth (freeway on ramp) and mostly skip 5th gear because I already speeding as it is coming out of 4th gear! I'll never uninstall my AEM CAI, even when city driving I see myself skipping 5th gear more often than not! That's because of the increase in air intake volume and the fact that you've removed a lot of restriction!

I have my valves blasted clean after I installed the AEM CAI, now my Mini is fast and if you want that torque back and then some put her in sport mode! You can easily spin (more like a chirp) your front tires a little bit. If you go for just a pipe and cone filter above the intake you will lose even more torque, you don't want to remove all of the restriction because that's what gives torque.