DINAN P/N: D760-0400 - 2000 323i High Flow Cold Air Intake Carbon Fiber

They only difference between the two kits is the coupler between the CAI and the AFM. The 330i coupler is about a half inch larger in diameter on the AFM side than the 323i coupler. I figured I would be able to call DINAN direct and order a replacement for the 323i, but I just received a bunch of BS about how they can not sell it separately. After about a month of hopelessness, I took a trip to my local Home Depot and purchased <PIX AND DESCRIPTION>. It was rated waterproof for <X> PSI, so somehow I felt it would be air tight as well. The plan was to tightly wrap the AFM hose until it was as thick as the 330i AFM hose so the CAI would fit snugly. Amazingly, the <NAME> tape worked and the fit was perfect. I have read about DINAN CF CAI horror stories where the CF had cracked during installation and driving. I noticed that the quality of the CAI was good, but it is still a single layer of CF which could be quite fragile. My super smart roommate, Eric, pointed out that this particular CAI  is a low impact device so robustness was not an design issue. The quality of the components were great. I was very amazed how exact everything fit into place. The hydro sock was also a perfect fit. It took me 6 hours to install the CAI and I still was able to break a few clips on the way. The hardest part of the install was taking off the right head light trim and removing the front bumper.

Impressions - I have heard quite a few things about the DINAN CF CAI before my purchase. I have heard that the DINAN CAI is considered a "true" CAI, because it directly takes cold air from outside of the engine bay. Furthermore, the DINAN CAI is a one stage intake, where as, the OEM similar aftermarket CAIs where two stage intakes. Also, some people have experienced hydroclocking(RIGHT?) because water leaked through the filter and into the engine. I have also heard that most if not all CAIs give little HP gain or none at all. Some say a more noticeable difference occurs when both engine software and a CAI is installed. Some experienced the "check engine light" illuminated after installing the CAI due to increased airflow to the engine. This occurs because the stock engine software does not know what to do with the "new found" air. I personally have not experienced this. Furthermore, cleaning and replacing the K&N filter requires the front bumper to be removed; this could potentially be a hassle. After the install, the two most noticeable differences are the nice "swoosh" sound when you first apply the gas and a quicker throttle response throughout the rev range. In order to hear the "swoosh" sound, you really have to have the windows open; BMW does a great job masking the sound from the engine. There is also an endless debate between ECIS CAI and DINAN CAI. From arguments such as possible turbulence caused in the ECIS CAI due to the sharp bend of the tubing and the difficulty of the install of the DINAN CAI. This is the most even debate I have ever witnessed, there is great aspects about both intakes. Get ECIS for the value and DINAN if you want it to look good under the hood.

Conclusions - The DINAN CF CAI is only available in aluminum now at $399. The price is a bummer, but I absolutely love the results. I have not had any experience with the ECIS CAI, but from what I heard it is equally as awesome. I have recently learned that the K&N filters actually let in a lot of dirt; more than the stock air box. Fanatics say that the ITG foam filter is the way to go, because a lot less particles make it through the filter. There has also been word that the Jim Comforti intake with a ITG filter is not bad as well.

Manufacturer's Link - http://www.dinanbmw.com/html/330_e46/e46-330_cold.htm