All About K&N Cold Intakes for MINI Coopers

Mini Cooper Cold Air Intake K&N Application Guide    

The Cold Air Intake upgrade is one of the simplest performance upgrades you can do to your Mini Cooper and Cooper S.  Whether it is a simple filter replacement or a complete Intake Kit, these products are 'bolt-on' solutions with no permanent modifications to the Mini and completely reversible to stock form.

 

Intake upgrades are all about improving the flow of filtered air into the engine.  More air means stronger and more efficient combustion and the net result is more power!  Intake upgrades are typically more noticeable in the upper rpm range where the stock restrictive intake causes power to fall off.  Intake upgrades will typically move the power band closer to redline.

In our experience, a 2-4 hp gain is typical with filter upgrades, and 4-6 hp gains with intake upgrades.  Your results may vary.  In some cases, intake upgrades can result in improved fuel economy due to more efficient combustion.  (This assumes you don't change your driving style with the increase in performance.)

Another side benefit is the increase volume of 'intake sounds'.  While not everyone will find this appealing, most performance oriented driver likes to hear the intake 'growl'.  This will be more noticeable with the Intake Kits, more so then a filter upgrade.  On Turbocharged Minis, intake upgrades will allow you to hear the turbo sounds more clearly.

Intake upgrades is the first step in the 'systemic' upgrade of airflow through the engine.  For best results, Intake and Exhaust upgrades are combined with other plumbing upgrades for maximum improvements of flow thru the engine.  For extreme performance improvements, cylinder head modifications and camshaft upgrades will result in further power increases.  The flow thru the engine becomes even more critical if you upgrade to an over sized turbocharger.

Unfortunately for California Mini owners, CARB (California Air Resources Board) requires that Intake Upgrades must be CARB Approved in order to pass the California smog inspection.  Smog stations will look for the CARB EO sticker with the approval number during the visual inspection.  Without the EO sticker, your Mini will not pass California smog...  If you are in California, make sure the intake upgrade is CARB approved!  Filter upgrades are exempt from CARB requirements.  CARB approved Intakes are denoted with " ** " in the application guide but you should read the product details to confirm your model year is covered as some restrictions apply.

K&N Engineering in Riverside California is the world's leading manufacturer of washable performance air filters and air intake systems. K&N invented the reusable high flow cotton air filter in 1969 and has been perfecting the technology ever since. K&N is a world class filtration company selling air filters, oil filters, and air intakes in over 30 countries. K&N sells over 5,000 products designed for cars, trucks, motorcycles, engines, and industrial applications. From their Million Mile Warranty to their Consumer Protection Pledge, K&N stands behind their products and their consumers 100%. The distinctive K&N logo represents performance from one of the original performance companies.

For care and maintenance of K&N Filter products, see K&N Air Filter Care Kit

For other Intake Upgrade options, see our Mini Cooper Cold Air Intake Application Guide

For other upgrade options, see our Mini Cooper Performance Parts, an Upgrade Guide for your Mini


K&N Filters & Intakes Application Guide

 
Note:  CARB approved Intakes are denoted with " ** ", read the product details to confirm your model year is covered as some restrictions apply.

Note:  CARB approved Intakes are denoted with " ** ", read the product details to confirm your model year is covered as some restrictions apply.