In the quest to be all things to all people at an attractive price point the 230i/330i has been reduced to a mundane, albeit pragmatic, core with elements devoid of any character both outwardly and inwardly. For example, in stock trim, the 230i/330i comes with a utilitarian and lifeless air box housing a basic panel filter that is also accompanied by an intake resonator whose job it is to eliminate turbo/intake noises. The same noises that those in the performance world relish. Essentially, BMW has seen fit to give 330i owners an air box that looks uninspiring, flows adequately but not ideally, and emits no noise. The Dinan carbon fiber intake for the platform rights these wrongs and delivers a semi-open intake capable of flowing 58% more air than the stock system resulting in improved throttle response and the elimination of a potential roadblock when opting to pursue a high-powered build (upgraded turbo, fueling, etc). At the same time the Dinan kit unveils a more aggressive, sporty carbon fiber appearance, and an increase in sound courtesy of the removal of the intake resonator and implementation of the semi-open design.
