I need to get a CAI for my 2011 MCS with N18 engine. I'm new to CAI, so which one is best and why? Is a $450 DDM sytem really that much better than the ALTA at $240? I need some help here...

Also I'm pissed because I just bought AEM system, but it doesn't work with the N18!! I called AEM and the person on the other end of the phone was no help.

 

Ouch that sucks that the AEM doesn't work on your N18 MINI. Don't go with the DDM since it is well overpriced. I would recommend the DOS as the very next best thing.

 

I think the DoS looks weird in the engine bay. Looks like part of the engine is missing! Any thoughts in ALTA?

 

Looks may be deceiving! I had that intake and though it may look weird to you, it makes accessible items in the MINI just a bit more easily say if you decide to change out the charge pipe since you wouldn't have to remove the intake box and such (not sure if that pertains to N18s since you guys lack the noise maker piece us N14 guys have to remove which is behind the intake).

ALTA is a POS system, don't get it! The price is not worth the headache of selling it down the line when you get another system and you'll sell it for like 70% its original cost and still get lowball offers!

 

honestly unless your worried about looks i would just go with the K&N system. its the cheapest i have seen and it has a cover to help reduce the heat being drawn in, kinda like the DDM. honestly none of the CAI are really going to give your any performance upgrade and they are all going to sound pretty much the same so it really comes down to looks and price.

 

I helped test fit the AEM intake for N18 application....unfortunately it's not ready yet.

You can make the AEM fit with your N18....you just can't utilize the heat shield and that metal intake tube.

 

The heat shield and the intake are what drew me to it! I'm going to sell it and pick up a different one.

I'm glad you were able to give me some info on making it fit the N18, the people who answer the phones at AEM weren't very helpful when I asked them how to make modifications to make it work. I called the tech-line and got someone who def wasn't a tech...

 

Yea, it would involve cutting the metal tube and only using the 90 degree section.....but yea, I say return it/ sell it and go with something else that goes on clean.

Tech with them won't be too helpful....AEM literally makes intakes for 100's of different makes and models, they won't be able to know all of them....the engineers know there stuff forsure though...but they'll never answer phone calls for tech support lol

 

DoS all the way. Butt dunk says it works and it sounds great.

2010 R57S Chili Red w/ Blackout

 

OK, I'll chime in for NM. I have the Carbon Fiber version and while I can't tell you if HP is higher, it does spool up the turbo noticeably faster. It seems to get to peak boost or overboost quicker as well. The BoV sound is also much more pronounced than stock. MPG has gone up 2 since installation 4k miles ago.

 

Don't suck hot air, go DoS.

 

DOS was tempting but I did not look forward to cutting into the MINI or paying almost $400 total for a prefabbed Intake set up. NM does the job well, and the amount of hot air is minimal when conducting WOT spirited drives with your MINI. Also, open up the hood scoop grille and I'm sure the air rushing in will cool down the IAT a bit.

Otherwise, enjoy the sound, because that's mainly what you get from an intake without a tune.

 

I would go with a DoS with the dry filter. Any of the oiled filter systems stuck too close to the MAF sensor run the risk of gunking it up and throwing a P115c code (unless the N18 is less sensitive to this than the N14?).

Leave out the plastic baffle that comes with it if you want everyone to know you have a turbo.