Is there a significant difference in the engine bay between the models that would make a difference as to what intake would fit? The reason I ask, is on some sites, even after selecting my particular F54S, intakes depicted may state F54, while the next item may state F55/56/57, but not F54. I’m looking to make a purchase on an intake system, but at $300+, I don’t want to get one that won’t fit or needs excessive modifications. I was under impression that all gen 3’s were the same on the engine bay for the most part.
Thank you in advance.

 

What intake are you looking at? I have the Cravenspeed cold air intake and I understand it’s the same part for both the F54 and F56 variants

 

The CravenSpeed CAI fits all 3rd Gen MINIs.

 

Hi zagman! At WMW, I was looking at the aFe intake that looks like the bottom part of OEM airbox is used, and the top is replaced only, and it has the tube and filter. The other one is their design which is the tube and filter only. I would like to keep as much original stuff as possible so I can do quick switch when I take car to dealership under the service and manufacturer warranties still in effect. On outmotoring, I was looking at the AWE tuning S-flo intake system. On both sites I specifically selected the 2017 f54, and then the applicable items dropped down. But these specific items don’t mention the f54. Just f55/6/7. So I was concerned that there might be something that I don’t see that wouldn’t allow it to fit the f54. Am I just overthinking this?!?
Btw, any word on the Union Jack decal that is on your car being available? Thank you in advance.

 

My understanding is that engine bays are very similar. I don’t have any experience with WMW but if you contact Outmotoring, they are very good about making sure something will work with your model. As far as changing it back for service, talk to your dealership about how they treat changes like intakes. The dealer where I used to live was very understanding especially if it came from a reputable maker like Cravenspeed. But don’t take my word as gospel. Check with your dealer YMMV.

 

Thank you zagman!!! Good advice as always! I’ll call them both and get on the right information from dealer. I would hate to lose out on something if they invalidate my warranty. That service warranty was really a bonus ... my car was a certified loaner in its previous life.

 

I am glad to be of help. Its always good to ask questions. I've asked my share of questions. Let us know what you find out!

 

Most the F56 intakes actually fit the F54, but we could still use some time to fit them all for sure. With the AWE it may not due to the design.

But why are you wanting an intake? We have found they really don't make power more for sound. That is why we made our intake cost effective.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-in...-f56-mini.html

 

Thank you for clearing that up for me! Maybe your intake is the best option, and I am considering it seriously. I liked the aFe model because of the additional heat shield that I believe sits on top of the stock airbox lower half. Does it? To tell you truthfully, I don’t have a very good reason why I want a CAI...I thought that there would be a slight bump in hp/torque...more air in, etc. I realize that even with the Dinan sport module I plan on getting, it’s not going to be a fire breather, but I thought a little more umph would result. Am I wrong in that train of thought?? Sorry to ask, but you know way more on the subject than I do.

 

The Dinan definitely makes enough of a bump to make it worthwhile.

 

Thank you for the affirmation gearhead...I am more into the “best bang for the buck” frame of mind, that is why I am contemplating the Dinan. It seems there is slightly more options to play with for the money than the NM module. I read up a bit on the forum and it seems to be a toss up. I definitely don’t plan on spending the money on the JCW upgrade in tuning because this is also my daily driver and traffic doesn’t always cooperate...do you (or anyone else) have any other insight on these modules?

 

Back in fall of 2016 I had extensive conversations with people at NM and Dinan. Back then, the folks with whom I spoke at both places were great... back then. NM even invited me to come up to Camarillo and plug one in to take for a test drive!! And Dinan, at that time, was immediately responsive to my long list of questions.

I went with Dinan, thinking (incorrectly) that the Bluetooth feature would be something I'd use a lot. Reality has been that, after messing with the different settings, I landed on Sport+, which is the +3 psi setting it comes with from the factory. The 3 psi extra boost hits what, for the way these engines are programmed from BMW/MINI, is a sweet spot. No knock, no CEL's in over 18,000 miles, and consistent grins when my right foot gets heavy. I did run Race Mode when I was first experimenting (+4psi) and, on a hot day in a half hour of stop and go, I got a tiny bit of knock/hesitation. Dialed it back to +3psi and all has been well. 91 SoCal gas, always.

Installation is easy -- you just have to be mindful about the little gray clips that secure the plug to the sensor socket. And there are sharp edges in that neighborhood which did draw a wee bit of blood. But, if you are slow and methodical as I tend to be, half an hour and done. Skilled folks get it nailed faster than that.

Basically, these single sensor boxes trick the engine management system into thinking there's less boost, so the engine's computer adjusts and calls for more boost. The anti-knock sensors and fuel management algorithms programmed into the car from the factory adjust very quickly -- or so we're told. My experience has been that all of this magic works seamlessly with the box hooked up.

Only anxiety I had was warranty. My car is leased. I paid my $ and took my chances and it paid off richly. Only feedback I ever got from the dealer service people has been, "We gotta drive this to see how much more power you're getting." 2 different MINI dealers loved it. One commented favorably on my installation location..

And the extra power is noticeable, in every good way possible. Especially fun on hills and higher altitudes. Great in mid, greater still in sport. Never used Eco. After all, this is a MINI, right?

Easiest and most bang for the buck $300 mod available. ECS was great to deal with -- it was on sale when I snagged it around the holidays.

Many "graduated" when the Dinan Elite hit the market. Many felt the warranty shield with the Elite is worth the extra loot. Read the warranty carefully -- all it says is if a failure isn't MINI's fault then, under the regular MINI warranty period, Dinan will work it out with MINI, IF it can be shown that the Dinan caused the warranty issue. A lawyer's dream. A consumer's nightmare!! IMHO.

Some had issues with their Elites; some are still having issues and there have been reports that ever since Dinan relocated from California it isn't the same. If it runs as the specs say it should, the Elite is supposed to deliver more and smoother power. Some have reported this to be true for them. For me, the Sport has kept me satisfied. I plan to transfer it to my next MINI in a few months.

 

BTW, intakes look great but there is "heated" debate regarding their ability to enhance performance in any way you will notice, other than the intake sound. Some swear they "feel" extra power. We do know that K&N does their dyno work with the bonnets open -- because sucking in a greater volume of hotter air gets you nothing of value.

And physics is physics. More air volume is only useful if it stays cool (and thus dense) and can be pushed into the cylinders, which means more boost is required, one would think. One would also imagine that if BMW thought they could get more cheap, smog-compliant power from a modified intake, they'd do it.

That said, there may be truth that if you increase inter-cooler capacity and efficiency, along with higher capacity cool fresh air intake and lower resistance in the exhaust, together, these combined mods get you something, at a cost.

 

Thank you, 2017All4 for all your thoughts and advice!! So much to learn! I’ll definitely be rethinking what I do and why!!