With COLD AIR INTAKE, can RAIN do damage?

[Pinoy325i]

Whassup ya'll, i have a 95 325i with cold air intake, and does anyone know about RAIN ruining the cold air intake? For EX. driving in storms, puddles, or even ruining the interior of the engine...is there some kind of special device that sucks in the water?, I'm not sure but correct me if I'm wrong but I think it might be called a "by-pass valve"....not to sure but if you have some knowledge about this, please drop some...thanks!...

 

[ra328i]

you're exactly right about the bypass valve. if you have a ram air intake that goes all the way down to the bottom, a bypass valve should be a must have!!!! especially with all the rain...

 

[Marinakorp]

yes, a bypass valve is critical in a CAI that goes REAL low... however, there are some that have had issues with the valve causing turbulence in the tube and setting off the Check ENgine light or not providing as expected results

This is typical of the e39... not sure about other series


.02

 

[M-Punk]

It can [Censored][Censored][Censored][Censored] your motor big time!

 

[carcus]

Will not do any damage unless you have the duct where it can get real ram air results, near the front lower grill. Will still be OK unless you go through deep water. If the engine gets enough water injested.....hydrolock......not a good thing as results in a engine rebuild. A normal cheap (worthless) air intake, will never have to fear water.....just hot exhaust heat. If you do duct the ram air, just make sure you do not go fast through big puddles. All I can say. Hope this helps.

 

[M-Punk]

Hey carcus

The best place for air intake is in between the upper part of the headlights ( where the standard BMW intake is ). Most of the after market upgrades leave the intake inside the engine compartment below the headlights and this is where the water will come in on a wet highway.

 

[carcus]

Hey carcus

The best place for air intake is in between the upper part of the headlights ( where the standard BMW intake is ). Most of the after market upgrades leave the intake inside the engine compartment below the headlights and this is where the water will come in on a wet highway.

Actually that is the worst place for a ram air intake as there is no air flow. The best place is ducted down to the lower grill as you get more air, if it is ducted there, no need for a heat shield. I ran a setup on my Z28 and never had a problem. Now, going through DEEP puddles might cause hydrolock.

 

[kerph32]

so is this to say that pretty much anyone who's put CAI on their car is running the risk of having water in their engine??

 

[Marinakorp]

if the cai is low below the bumper (which is where it should be to get much of an effect - i.e. colder air not in engine compartment) then yes