Best BMW Cold Air Intake
BMW

Choosing the Best BMW Cold Air Intake

Often when you think about investing in the quality cold air intake, the first thing that comes to mind is improved airflow provided by the item. However, the list of benefits that a well-chosen cold air intake can provide is far greater than that. The fact is that Best Cold Air Intake for BMW can improve the overall power of your ride. Apart from that, the item will add up to the fuel economy as well as horsepower and torque. Depending upon your BMW model, you can pick the most fitting option based on the provided research.

Best BMW E36 Cold Air Intake (3 Series) (Updated April, 2024)

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aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-12392 BMW 3-Series (E36)

1) aFe Power Magnum

  • Best Features:
    • Improved horsepower and torque
    • Washable synthetic media
    • Smoother air transition
  • Filter Type: Dry
  • Power Increase: 20 HP and 25 lbs of torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 323i/is 2.5L 1998-1999
    BMW 325i/is 2.5L 1992-1995
    BMW 328i/is 2.8L 1996-1999

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Injen SP1105P Short Ram Intake with Heat Shield for BMW E36

2) Injen SP1105P Short Ram Intake

  • Best Features:
    • Improved corrosion resistance
    • Well-oiled filter element
    • Reasonable price for the quality
  • Filter Type: Pre-oiled
  • Power Increase: 13 hp and 15 lbs-ft. of torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 323i 2.5L 1998-1999
    BMW 325i 2.5L 1992-1995
    BMW 328i/is 2.8L 1996-1999
    BMW M3 3.0L 1995
    BMW M3 3.2L 1996-1999

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Rtunes Racing Cold Air Intake Kit + Filter Combo BLACK Compatible For 92-98 BMW E36 3 Series

3) Rtunes Racing Cold Air Intake Kit

  • Best Features:
    • Tight-budget option
    • Reusable air filter
    • Simplified installation
  • Filter Type: Dry
  • Power Increase: 5-10 HPs Horsepower, 6-8% Power of Torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 325i/is 2.5L 1992-1995
    BMW 328i/is 2.8L 1996-1998

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Best BMW E36 Cold Air Intake Review

1. aFe Power Magnum BMW E46 Cold Air Intake Kit

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-12392 BMW 3-Series (E36)

When your engine starts to suffocate, there is barely anything you can do about it but consider changing the stock air intake. If we take aFe Power magnum, it is safe to say that the item is designed to improve the airflow by 80%. It does not take a genius to figure out that it is a significant improvement. In case you belong to the category of drivers who like to make the most of the vehicle, then you will mark the advantage.

Apart from that, the cold air intake from the brand is designed to introduce up to 20 additional horsepower and significantly improved torque. The filter that the item comes with is not only durable, it is washable and oil-free. Besides, the intake system is equipped with a quality heat shield that keeps the hot air out of the engine so that the performance does not worsen in no case.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
4.7
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Incorporated unique coupling
Heat shield provided
Increased horsepower, torque, and overall engine performance
Simplified installation
Reusable oil-free filter
Extended lifetime and item durability
Pricey cold air intake substitution

Verdict
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When you are looking for the best quality, you should check the most trusted vendor out. However, you should be willing to pay a little extra for the flawless performance. If that is okay with you, then the aFe system is the one designed for you.

2. Injen SP1105P Air Intake System

Injen SP1105P Short Ram Intake with Heat Shield for BMW E36

If you are looking for a balanced factory air and fuel ration spiced by a flawless air intake system performance, then Injen has your back. When compared to a variety of other brands, Injen seeks out the golden middle so that you do not take the engine to the heights it can’t conquer.

The system is perfectly designed so that it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Apart from that, the item is aimed at providing absolute maximum horsepower level fit for the vehicle. Unlike aFe’s filter, the one from Injen is well-oiled and designed to provide quality airflow with the ability to filter any obstruction out.

To put it simply, the brand has done its best to provide consistent horsepower as well as torque gain through well-calculated aggression provided by pressurized mass air.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
4.9
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
4.8
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Provides the most horsepower required
Lightweight but durable construction
Enhanced corrosion-resistance
The cost is higher than the average

Verdict
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It is true that Injen’s intake system is not the most powerful on the market, but it is well-balanced, and for the majority of drivers, that would be more than enough.

3. Rtunes Racing Cold Air Intake Kit

Rtunes Racing Cold Air Intake Kit + Filter Combo BLACK Compatible For 92-98 BMW E36 3 Series

At times when you wish to improve the engine performance as well as increase the horsepower and throttle response, you can’t afford to get the highest quality cold air intake system. There is nothing to worry about since there is always an excellent budget-friendly option to consider. Rtunes Racing intake system may not be the best in the industry but is undoubtedly deserves attention.

The kit is designed to assist the engine in getting more air thus, the horsepower, as well as throttle response inevitable, gets better. The system kit comes with all the necessary items required for a successful installation. Also, the system is equipped with a reusable filter, which will extend the lifetime of the item.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
4.6
Mileage
4.8
Easy to Install
4.9
Value for Money
5
Result
4.8
Pros & Cons
Excellent quality for a budget price
Improved throttle response
Increased horsepower
Washable filter for longevity
The horsepower increase may not be greatly noticeable

Best BMW Cold Air Intake

Verdict
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Those of you who are looking for the quality cold air intake system substitution without blowing the hole in their pockets should definitely pay attention to what Rtunes Racing has to offer.

Best BMW E46 Cold Air Intake (3 Series) (Updated April, 2024)

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K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal: 1999-2005 BMW 3 Series

1) K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for BMW e46

  • Best Features:
    • Guarantee horsepower increase
    • Improved system longevity
    • Enhanced towing experience
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: +9.7 Hp and 8.4 lbs x ft Torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 323Ci 2.5L 2000
    BMW 323i 2.5L 1999-2000
    BMW 325i/ci 2.5L 2001-2005
    BMW 325xi 2.5L 2002-2005
    BMW 328Ci 2.8L 2000
    BMW 328i 2.8L 1999-2000
  • Available Options: BMW 330i/Ci/xi 3.0L 2001-2005

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aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-20442 BMW 3-Series (E46) Performance Intake System

2) aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-20442 for BMW e46

  • Best Features:
    • Enhanced filter lifetime
    • Improved heat shield provided
    • Bold-on installation
  • Filter Type: Dry
  • Power Increase: 6 HP and 12 lbs of Torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 323Ci 2000
    BMW 323i 1999-2000
    BMW 325i/xi/Ci 2001-2005
    BMW 328Ci 2000
    BMW 328i 1999-2000

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Best BMW E46 Cold Air Intake (3 Series) Review

1. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit for BMW e46

K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: 50-State Legal: 1999-2005 BMW 3 Series

If there is a system that has been designed directly to impact vehicle performance, it is safe to say that K&N totally belongs to the category. The fact is that the system is not only performance-oriented, it is also a lot more durable than all the predecessors. Unlike the variety of systems, the one from K&N also comes in a range of finishes and coating so that you can pick the one that suits you most.

The filter that the system is equipped with deserves particular attention since it is truly a masterpiece. The thing is that the filter is oriented at the ultimate air supply while keeping all possible contaminants out. All that adds up to the power increase as well as the torque. Another peculiarity about the intake system is the fact that it is proved to come in useful when it comes to towing. The truth is that when you are towing up, the acceleration affects the throttle response in a positive way.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
4.9
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
5
Result
5
Pros & Cons
Simple bolt-on installation
Easy and straightforward maintenance
High-quality engine protection
Improved throttle response and horsepower
The cost is slightly higher than the average

Verdict
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Those of you who often find themselves dealing with towing should pay special attention to the K&N intake system. It is designed to improve the experience along the rest of more casual advantages.

2. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-20442 for BMW e46

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-20442 BMW 3-Series (E46) Performance Intake System

It is true that aFe belongs to the range of the most reliable Jeep aftermarket brands, and there is a number of reasons for that. If we take the cold intake system that the vendor provides, one of the most peculiar things about it would be the improved 6 max horsepower production. That is a significant performance upgrade that any driver will certainly appreciate.

Apart from that, the system is equipped with a durable heat shield and an oil-free filter, which is washable too. The particulate coupling incorporated into the system ensures a safe air transition for improved performance. While the set seems to be quite powerful and complex, it is super easy to install even if it is your first time dealing with the cold air intake installation.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Install
4.9
Value for Money
4.7
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Enhanced coupling
Simplified installation
Washable and durable filter
Increased item lifetime
Multiple cleaning cycles
Not legal for sale in California

Verdict
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At times you wish there was a cold air intake system that is simple to deal with on one's own bust potent enough to affect the performance in a good way. That is when aFe systems come in.

Best BMW E90, E91, E92, E93 Cold Air Intake (3 Series) (Updated April, 2024)

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aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11472 BMW 335i (E90/92/93) Performance Intake System

1) aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11472

  • Best Features:
    • Improved filter layering
    • Performance boost
    • Effortless installation
  • Filter Type: Oiled / Dry
  • Power Increase: 27 hp and 34 lbs. x ft. Torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 335i 2007-2010
    BMW 335is 2011-2013
    BMW 335xi 2007-2008

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BMS Dual Cone Performance Intake for N54 BMW 135 335 535 Z4

2) BMS Dual Cone Performance Intake

  • Best Features:
    • Simplified installation
    • Reduced and reasonable price
    • Customizable filter design
  • Filter Type: n/a
  • Power Increase: 15 HP
  • Fits Models:
    335i/xi 2006-2010
    335is 2011-2013

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aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-81012-B BMW 3-Series (E9x) Performance Intake System

3) aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-81012-B

  • Best Features:
    • Highly improved airflow
    • Multiple cleaning cycles
    • Hassle-free installation
  • Filter Type: Oiled
  • Power Increase: +12 HP and 16 lbs x ft Torque
  • Fits Models:
    BMW 325i/xi 2006
    BMW 328i/xi 2007-2013
    BMW 330i/xi 2006

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Best BMW E90, E91, E92, E93 Cold Air Intake (3 Series) Review

1. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11472 Air Intake

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11472 BMW 335i (E90/92/93) Performance Intake System

One of the main intake system elements that provide the airflow into the engine is undoubtedly the filter. aFe ensured that the filter their system is equipped with is huge enough to provide enough air for flawless vehicle performance. The filter itself is 5-layered, well-oiled, and washable, which extends its longevity.

The heat shield which the main purpose is to keep the heat out of the engine is made as one-piece. As to the stock intake tract, it is professionally substituted by a molded plastic tube, which is also heat-insulating.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
5
Mileage
5
Easy to Instal
4.7
Value for Money
4.6
Result
4.8
Pros & Cons
Huge oiled filter
5-layer protection
Durable and reliable heat shield
Fast and effective installation
Not legal for sale in California
The item is pricey

Verdict
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Undouble quality comes for a price. However, the range of benefits that aFe intake system offers is certainly worth the investment.

2. BMS Dual Cone Performance Intake System

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-11472 BMW 335i (E90/92/93) Performance Intake System

In case you are mostly interested in a budget-0friendly option to substitute your factory airbox, then I may have something in store for you. The thing is that BMS Dual Cone Performance Intake is probably among the most affordable ones on the market, but the price does not affect its effectiveness. The item is designed to provide flawless engine operation due to increased air supply. Apart from that, the way the item sounds when on is genuinely ear-pleasing.

The package comes full set so that no additional hardware is to be used. Apart from that, the system is designed in such a way that it is super easy to install without any need for cutting or drilling. Also, the filters come in a range of different colors to choose from.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
4.7
Mileage
4.8
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
5
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Reasonable price for fantastic quality
Reliable and powerful filter
The variety of colors to choose from
No-drilling user-oriented installation.
None found

Verdict
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The best budget-friendly intake piece to be found on the market so far.

3. aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-81012-B BMW E90 Air Intake

aFe Power Magnum FORCE 54-81012-B BMW 3-Series (E9x) Performance Intake System

Those of you who are considering doubling the factory intake should pay particular attention to another aFe intake system. The system is designed in such a way that it introduces about 12 horsepower into the performance. It is well-equipped with a popular washable air-filter of conic shape. There is an auxiliary inlet duct aimed at improved airflow spiced up with a vacuum-shaped cover so that the system is easy to access when needed.

Heat-insulating tube that the system features is designed to direct the airflow so that the performance improves. Lastly, but not less importantly, the system is well-balanced and properly-manufactured so that it will introduce that elegant vibe along with the simplified installation.

Product Rating
Performance Increase
4.9
Mileage
4.9
Easy to Install
5
Value for Money
4.7
Result
4.9
Pros & Cons
Highly extended lifetime
Multiple cleaning cycles
Enhanced durability
Easy servicing when needed
Not legal for sale in California

Verdict
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Sometimes it helps when you realize that the cold air intake has been produced for your 3 series particularly, and aFe has accented the fact heavily throughout the design of the system.

Conclusion

To sum all up, it is safe to say that the cold air intake market is more than vast and versatile these days. However, when you are considering a significant investment into the system, it is vital that you find the best piece to experiment with. I have tried my best to list all the most reviewed systems for BMW 3 series. The rest depends upon you. When it is a major horsepower boost you seek or budget airflow improvement – you will find either in the review.

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