Have a 2015 S with the JCW tuning Kit installed.

So what's the scoop with the so called "cold air intake" kits? I understand "cold air" is probably a misnomer since the open air filter is sucking hot air from under the hood, excluding the expensive Eventuri kit which utilizes the hood scoop.

Manufactures of these intake kits advertise a few (2-5 hp) increases in horsepower and better throttle response but from what I've read the biggest noticeable change is increased intake noise.

I'm thinking of trying one (primarily for the sound) and if the noise is not too loud or annoying I'd probably keep it on the car.

My concern is whether or not these kits actually reduce power at the low end. If I liked the sound and even it didn't increase power I'd be ok but don't want to do anything that may have negative effects at one end of the rpm spectrum with the only benefit at the other end.

Anyone installed one of these less expensive ($300) kits and care to offer an opinion? Did you like it, was the noise annoying after the cool factor wore off, did you keep it or reinstall the oem filter/air box set up?

 

Can't help you on a 2015 turbo model but I installed a Mini Madness CAI on my 2004 S supercharged. The Mini Madness version seals the engine off and includes a cowl panel with a larger hole that draws cool air from below the windshield. With mods I'm running a tuned 222hp (dyno-tested) before the installation of the CAI. I don't notice any appreciable difference in acceleration post-installation but the additional supercharger whine certainly adds to the experience -- sounds MUCH faster even thought I doubt it is. A 3-5hp increase is possible I guess (not likely) but that's not going to make any difference you'll notice.

 

Cooper48

Thanks for the feedback. I did read somewhere that the performance benefits were more pronounced on the earlier generation engines and the 3rd generation was the least likely to see any benefit.

Looking for cool sound without it being annoying but don’t want to lose any low end grunt.

 

Yep, you're welcome. Sound was the only reason I added mine because I didn't expect a performance increase. But, I only paid $100 used, not $300 new which I would have never done. Just one more example of the BMW premium you pay for owning a MINI. A $1,000 exhaust only nets 6-8hp and even at 8hp gained you would end up paying $125/hp which is ridiculous. You might want to wait for a Gen3 owner to comment.

 

I own a 2017 F55s I got a craven speed one used off a member in the marketplace here. I don't think the noise is annoying, it definitely lets you hear a sucking noise as well a blow off sound more. For power rating, eh can't say I feel any difference. I wouldn't say the car pulls harder but it isn't pulling worse. I've had it on mine for about 50k miles now and haven't thrown any codes because of it. I wouldn't go back to stock unless selling my car or shelling out the cash for the eventuri.