BMW 335i XDrive (2015) Air Intake Upgrade Guide

Upgrading your 2015 BMW 335i xDrive air intake is a fantastic way to boost its performance and give it a more aggressive sound. This guide dives into everything you need to know about air intake systems for your car, helping you make an informed decision and get the most out of your upgrade.

Why Upgrade Your Air Intake?

Let's be real, guys, the stock air intake on your 335i xDrive is decent, but it's designed more for efficiency and noise reduction than outright performance. An aftermarket air intake offers several key benefits that can seriously enhance your driving experience. So, why should you even consider swapping out the factory air intake on your beloved 2015 BMW 335i xDrive? The answer lies in unlocking hidden potential within your engine. Your engine needs air to mix with fuel for combustion, and the stock air intake can sometimes be a bit restrictive. By installing an aftermarket air intake, you're essentially giving your engine a bigger gulp of fresh air. This increased airflow can lead to noticeable improvements in horsepower and torque, especially at higher RPMs.

Beyond just performance gains, an upgraded air intake can also improve your car's throttle response. The engine will react more quickly to your inputs, making the car feel more responsive and fun to drive. Plus, many aftermarket air intakes are designed to be more visually appealing than the factory unit, adding a touch of style to your engine bay. Let's not forget about the sound! A performance air intake can significantly enhance the sound of your engine. You'll likely hear a more aggressive growl under acceleration, and some intakes even produce a cool turbocharger sound, which can really add to the driving experience.

Improved Airflow: Aftermarket intakes are designed to minimize restrictions, allowing your engine to breathe easier. More air means more efficient combustion.

Increased Horsepower and Torque: By optimizing airflow, these intakes can lead to noticeable gains, especially in the higher RPM ranges.

Enhanced Throttle Response: Your engine will react more quickly to your inputs, making the car feel more responsive.

Aggressive Sound: Many intakes add a sporty growl to your engine, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Visual Appeal: Aftermarket intakes often look better than stock units, adding a touch of style to your engine bay.

Types of Air Intakes for Your 335i xDrive

When it comes to upgrading the air intake on your 2015 BMW 335i xDrive, you've got a few different options to choose from. Each type has its own pros and cons, so let's break them down to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs and driving style.

Short Ram Intakes (SRI): These intakes replace the factory airbox with a shorter intake tube and an open-element air filter. SRIs are generally easier to install and less expensive than cold air intakes. They also tend to produce a more noticeable sound. However, because they draw air from within the engine bay, they can be susceptible to heat soak, which can reduce performance in hot weather.

Cold Air Intakes (CAI): CAIs are designed to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay, typically from the fender well or behind the bumper. This cooler air is denser and contains more oxygen, which can lead to greater horsepower and torque gains. CAIs usually involve a more complex installation process than SRIs, and they may be more expensive. They also carry a higher risk of water ingestion if you drive through deep puddles or flooded areas.

Ram Air Intakes: Ram air intakes are designed to force air into the engine as the car moves forward. This can further increase airflow and performance, especially at higher speeds. Ram air systems are typically more complex and expensive to install than SRIs or CAIs, and they may require modifications to the car's bodywork.

Closed Box Intakes: These intakes replace the factory airbox with an aftermarket box that houses a high-flow air filter. Closed box intakes offer a good balance of performance, noise reduction, and protection from the elements. They are often a good choice for drivers who want an upgrade without sacrificing too much practicality or reliability.

Top Air Intake Brands for BMW

Okay, so you're convinced that upgrading your air intake is a good idea, but with so many brands out there, how do you choose the right one? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some of the top air intake brands that are known for their quality, performance, and reliability when it comes to BMWs:

aFe Power: aFe Power is a well-respected brand that offers a wide range of air intakes for various BMW models, including the 335i xDrive. Their intakes are known for their high-quality construction, excellent filtration, and impressive performance gains. aFe Power also offers different filter options, such as oiled and dry filters, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Injen Technology: Injen Technology is another popular brand that specializes in performance air intakes and exhaust systems. Their intakes are designed to maximize airflow and improve throttle response. Injen intakes often feature mandrel-bent aluminum tubing and high-flow air filters for optimal performance.

K&N: K&N is a household name in the automotive world, and for good reason. They've been making high-quality air filters and intake systems for decades. K&N intakes are known for their durability, ease of installation, and excellent filtration. They also offer a million-mile limited warranty on their filters, so you can be confident in their quality.

GruppeM: If you're looking for the ultimate in performance and exclusivity, GruppeM is the brand for you. Their intakes are handcrafted in Japan using the finest materials, such as carbon fiber and titanium. GruppeM intakes are known for their exceptional airflow, stunning aesthetics, and hefty price tags. These are definitely for the serious enthusiast who wants the best of the best.

Mishimoto: Mishimoto is a brand that focuses on performance cooling and intake systems. They offer a variety of air intakes for BMWs. Mishimoto products feature high-quality construction and are designed for maximum performance and reliability.

Installation Tips and Considerations

So, you've picked out your new air intake and you're ready to get wrenching. Awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, here are a few tips and considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and successful installation. First things first, read the instructions! I know, I know, it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip this crucial step. The instructions provided by the manufacturer are your roadmap to a successful installation. They'll outline the specific steps for your particular air intake model and can help you avoid common mistakes.

Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start. This might include screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, pliers, and maybe even a few specialty tools depending on the intake. Having the right tools on hand will make the job much easier and prevent you from damaging anything. When removing the factory airbox, pay attention to how everything is connected. Take pictures or make notes if needed, so you can easily reassemble everything later. Be careful not to damage any sensors or hoses during the removal process.

When installing the new air intake, make sure all the connections are tight and secure. Loose connections can lead to air leaks, which can negatively impact performance and even trigger error codes. If your new air intake includes a mass airflow sensor (MAF) housing, be extra careful when handling the MAF sensor. These sensors are delicate and can be easily damaged. Avoid touching the sensor element and make sure it's properly seated in the housing.

After you've installed the new air intake, double-check all your connections and make sure everything is properly secured. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises, such as hissing or whistling, which could indicate an air leak. If you notice any problems, shut off the engine and re-inspect your work.

Finally, after driving with your new air intake for a while, it's a good idea to check the air filter regularly and clean or replace it as needed. A clean air filter will ensure optimal performance and protect your engine from dirt and debris.

Performance Expectations

Alright, let's talk numbers. What kind of performance gains can you realistically expect from upgrading the air intake on your 2015 BMW 335i xDrive? While the exact numbers will vary depending on the specific intake, your car's modifications, and other factors, here's a general idea of what you can expect.

Horsepower and Torque: Most aftermarket air intakes will add somewhere in the range of 5 to 15 horsepower and a similar amount of torque. Keep in mind that these gains are typically seen at higher RPMs. So, while you might not feel a huge difference in everyday driving, you'll definitely notice the improvement when you put your foot down.

Throttle Response: This is where you'll likely feel the most noticeable improvement. An upgraded air intake can make your car feel much more responsive to throttle inputs. The engine will react more quickly, making the car feel more eager to accelerate.

Sound: As I mentioned earlier, an aftermarket air intake can significantly enhance the sound of your engine. You'll likely hear a more aggressive growl under acceleration, and some intakes even produce a cool turbocharger sound. This can really add to the overall driving experience.

Fuel Economy: In some cases, an upgraded air intake can slightly improve fuel economy, especially at highway speeds. This is because the engine is able to breathe more efficiently, which can reduce fuel consumption. However, if you spend a lot of time accelerating hard to enjoy the new sound and performance, your fuel economy might actually decrease!

Dyno Tuning: To get the most out of your new air intake, consider getting a dyno tune. A professional tuner can optimize your car's engine management system to take full advantage of the increased airflow. This can result in even greater horsepower and torque gains.

Conclusion

So there you have it: a comprehensive guide to upgrading the air intake on your 2015 BMW 335i xDrive. By now, you should have a solid understanding of the benefits of upgrading, the different types of intakes available, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Remember, an upgraded air intake can not only improve your car's performance but also enhance its sound and appearance. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shopping for your new air intake today!