E39 Cai Diy?

does anyone know any good links for this?

Originally Posted by jtg

does anyone know any good links for this?

You neglected to mention if it's for an I6 or V8, but generally, you can look at some manufacturer's websites and see that there's not much to the regular one's. Mainly, you need to get some quality, specifically bent tubing, higher-flow airfilter (that still filters!) and make sure they connect properly and the assembly is well anchored. You could DIY, but with options out there from Benfer Performance, Dinan, RevHigh, and tons of other sources, I don't know why you'd want to reinvent the wheel. Actually, the stock system flows pretty good as well.

With the fear of pissing off Vietsb for contradicting him (i may need his knowledge on a future suspension install)... why would anyone spend $250+ on a system that you can easily do yourself? Not only is it cheaper... but you get to spend quality time with your Bimmer!!! I spent like $15 bucks at Lowes plus the cost of the K&N.
You guys tell me if this looks like crap... notice that I built a little bracket to keep everything nice and tight!

Originally Posted by DSPTurtle

With the fear of pissing off Vietsb for contradicting him (i may need his knowledge on a future suspension install)... why would anyone spend $250+ on a system that you can easily do yourself? Not only is it cheaper... but you get to spend quality time with your Bimmer!!! I spent like $15 bucks at Lowes plus the cost of the K&N.
You guys tell me if this looks like crap... notice that I built a little bracket to keep everything nice and tight!

Hehe. Yours looks fine. One caveat to that is many 540 CAI's place the filter down in the bumper area to pull even colder air. Is it really necessary? I'm not convinced for most applications. I don't have much experience since I've got a special intake circumstance, but with the CAI's in the bumper (like mine) I would worry about water ingestion if dipping the car's nose into big puddles. For an H.D.-Tecnik CAI (Home Depot), yours was fab'ed nicely.

Originally Posted by DSPTurtle

With the fear of pissing off Vietsb for contradicting him (i may need his knowledge on a future suspension install)... why would anyone spend $250+ on a system that you can easily do yourself? Not only is it cheaper... but you get to spend quality time with your Bimmer!!! I spent like $15 bucks at Lowes plus the cost of the K&N.
You guys tell me if this looks like crap... notice that I built a little bracket to keep everything nice and tight!

Seems to me that you'd want to extend that CAI lower (near the bumper) to avoid taking in a lot of heat from the engine compartment. I'm hoping to get one installed in my car either this weekend or next. Hope to have some pics on this website.

I have heard from multiple credible sources that the oil on K&N filters is responsible for contaminating many a MAF sensor. I've heard this from independent shops, message boards, and a Dinan tech.

If you go for an aftermarket solution, you may want to consider paying the $50 to get a Dinan conical filter from a dealer and use it instead.

Originally Posted by DSPTurtle

With the fear of pissing off Vietsb for contradicting him (i may need his knowledge on a future suspension install)... why would anyone spend $250+ on a system that you can easily do yourself? Not only is it cheaper... but you get to spend quality time with your Bimmer!!! I spent like $15 bucks at Lowes plus the cost of the K&N.
You guys tell me if this looks like crap... notice that I built a little bracket to keep everything nice and tight!

That will only occur if you over oil the filter. If you do it per the instructions you should not have that problem. Lots of people use way too much oil on the filter after they clean it. Light pink is the cole it should be, not dark red.
JB

The MAF sensor on my E38 failed without a K&N filter (stock BMW) and I know that they are having problems based on the letter they sent about it (BMW now covers it to 7rs/70k miles).

Possibly the MAF sensor can fail also due to over oiling, but they are failing early also with stock filters.

I would suggest that any increased air flow that DSPTurtle is getting with his well constructed intake is being negated by the heat in the engine compartment. 540s generate a LOT of heat in the engine compartment. That is why the stock air filter is enclosed and draws it's air from behind the front bumper through a snorkle. The installation and subsequent servicing of most of the after market cold air intakes that require bumper removal, although rare, can be subject to water ingestion. I opted for the AFE intake for ease of installation and servicing as well as no concerns about H2O. Their heat shield seals well and the whole thing works well. If you are still trying to do this cheaply try Mikes trach can heat shield - http://540i6.com/heatshield.html
This is the AFE. Followed by Mikes trash can.

Originally Posted by BrettInLJ

I have heard from multiple credible sources that the oil on K&N filters is responsible for contaminating many a MAF sensor.

This is true and yes, it's typically due to over oiling of the filter.

However, MAF failure is common these days. [Not only with BMW.] Due to the sensativity and similar design of modern MAF sensors, most auto mfgrs are having issues with it. That said, resently, I've seen a a new MAF Cleaner introducred on the market, made by CRC. [the same company who makes Brakleen.]

Obvioulsy its a significant enough issue that a they've invested in producing a product specifically to address it. The following is a link to a PDF from CRC explaining the problem as well as a link to the product brochure.
...They use an M3 in their brochure... so it *must* be good.

I plan to pick up a can and try it out this weekend, I'll post my "SOTP" Dyno results later.