intake

205

Asked by David Nov 30, 2012 at 08:11 AM about the 1996 BMW 3 Series 318i Sedan RWD

Question type: Car Customization

So I wanted to put a CAI on my 318is, but no one seems to make a CAI for it. So what I'm doing is removing the stock airbox and attatching the cone from a CAI. My issue is that there is a air sensor in the stock airbox that I won't be able to use anymore. Can I cut the wire to this sensor without getting a warning light on the dash, or should I just tuck the sensor away somewhere. I started up the car with the sensor taken out and there were no warning lights so i know I should be fine if I just tuck the sensor away, but I'd rather cut it if it wouldn't give a warning light.

7 Answers

9,575

The sensor in question is an air temp sensor that is used by the fuel injection system. I sincerely doubt you want to do away with that, it will most likely adversely impact your fuel economy. Not sure whether it would cause a warning light though.

Best Answer Mark helpful
5,905

I agree with Lars. DO NOT DELETE IT. You can make a small port for it in the side of the feeder tube, in a similar location to it's OEM position. Mounting it will be the fun part. Epoxy is good, but is fairly permanent.

1 people found this helpful.

BMW 318i Cold Air Intake - Performance Air Intakes www.knfilters.com/cold_air_intake/bmw_318i.aspx

9,575

You can always epoxy a nut over the hole in the position you want. That way you can replace the sensor if it dies on you.

1 people found this helpful.
5,905

Good call. I was going to suggest scabbing the ABS fitment from the original air box, which is not always practical, especially if you ever convert it back.

1 people found this helpful.
9,575

Yeah, I'd keep the original airbox, you might need it if they ever change the rules on smog testing so that everything potentially affecting the emissions needs to be original.

205

i know that K&N does one but from all of the pictures that i've found the intake tubing has two round ends but the manifold of the 318 has a oval shaped ending. is this just bc of the pictures being generic?

Your Answer:

3 Series

Looking for a Used 3 Series in your area?

CarGurus has 1,169 nationwide 3 Series listings starting at $2,500.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Robert Charlson
    Reputation
    3,910
  • #2
    apbimmer98
    Reputation
    3,090
  • #3
    Abu Luca
    Reputation
    2,980
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used BMW M3
10 Great Deals out of 81 listings starting at $14,995
Used BMW 5 Series
18 Great Deals out of 293 listings starting at $5,299
Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class
73 Great Deals out of 1,341 listings starting at $3,500
Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,596 listings starting at $7,999
Used Mercedes-Benz E-Class
33 Great Deals out of 512 listings starting at $5,450
Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 978 listings starting at $2,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.