Haimus vs Karbonius Race vs Karbonius CSL airbox

[Tbonem3]

I think your statement was fine, in regards to Karbonius. Hampster racing, I'm not so sure. There was a period where the BMW made airboxes were really bad, but even the Die Wejth (spelling) made ones aren't perfect. It's CF, not CNC'd metal.

[SQ13]

Would be interesting to see what the quality of a new OE intake is like. I bet it has some issues too, but at $10k+ I wouldn’t be happy with anything less than 100% perfection. At $2k this minor defect is fine with me, now that Karbonius has confirmed the warranty will still be valid after I elongate the hole.

[Sid_E46]

Something looks off to me about that CF weave. Not to mention I think it's going the wrong direction.

You are right about the weave, it's clocked 90 degrees compared to the OE box, doesn't really bother me though. The weave is consistent on the whole box; just looks weird in my picture due to all the random lights scattered in my garage. I mostly care about the fitment and I have no complaints there.

[Casa de Mesa]

I think your statement was fine, in regards to Karbonius. Hampster racing, I'm not so sure.

I've held a Haimus Racing airbox and the quality was great. Will be helping a friend install one soon so I should have a good comparison and I'll continue to call it like I see it once that happens. That is - if it turns out to be a steamy pile of $#@! after spending hours handling it, I'll report back.

The direction of the weave doesn't both me as much as it bothers others, but if you're looking for a 100% matching replica I'll concede to this point.

There was a period where the BMW made airboxes were really bad, but even the Die Wejth (spelling) made ones aren't perfect. It's CF, not CNC'd metal.

Got it. It could be the OG CSL airbox I saw was a one of those. And therefore, perhaps the current day Genuine BMW airboxes are back on point again.

Would be interesting to see what the quality of a new OE intake is like. I bet it has some issues too, but at $10k+ I wouldn’t be happy with anything less than 100% perfection. At $2k this minor defect is fine with me, now that Karbonius has confirmed the warranty will still be valid after I elongate the hole.

My sentiments exactly.


At the end of the day, we should be happy there is still development happening for this chassis and we have the options we do. It is remarkable how many options there are and for someone that likes to tinker, one of the reasons I'm hanging onto my car.

[youngblood750]

Is there any thought or opinion about with snorkel or without snorkel??

well, Karbonius sells race CSL airbox which design is not using snorkel just elephant trunk looks. I have been wondering why they designed like that way (elephant trunk look) if there was no power gain or benefit over snorkel design. they labeled "race" for some reason I don't recognized.

some says, snorkel is not necessary if I don't utilize flap. which is possible for non-CSL M3, but will be difficult. as far as I know it modify the ECU as well. So, if I install the CSL airbox I wouldn't want flap operating. then what will be best for me? race CSL airbox(elephant trunk looks kinda unatural)? or full carbon airbox (what now karbonius holds their stock) with expensive snorkel?? Btw My m3 has CSL front bumper which has big hole on the driver's side.

what is for snorkel if I don't use flap?? just for aesthetic purpose? or does snorkel help to indcut cooler air than without it?

[M3dragon]

Karbonius was close to what the OE CSL Airbox was when I compared them years ago if it helps.