Audi A4 B8: Air Intake Reviews and How-to
The cold air intake kits are one of the best easy mods you can do to your Audi A4 B8. Read on to learn how to install it.
This article applies to the Audi A4 B8 (2009-2015).
Cold air intake (CAI) kits are designed to increase your Audi A4's performance and better your fuel consumption. It replaces your stock air box, which allows you to pull cold air from outside of the warm engine compartment, thus increasing its performance. This guide will show you how to install a cold air intake kit on a 2.0t powered car, but the V6 is very similar, and we will also rate some popular brand intakes for your Audi A4.
Table of Contents
How to Install Air Intake
Materials Needed
- Wrench
- Socket set
- Phillips screwdriver
Step 1 – Disconnect battery
Using your wrench, disconnect your negative (black) battery cable. You aren't going to be messing with any electrical systems, but there is always the chance that some tool could short something out, so this is a good precaution.
Step 2 – Remove radiator cover
Remove the four screws that hold the radiator core support cover to the grille. Pull up the rear of the cover, then pull it out to remove.
Figure 2. Remove four screws. 
Figure 3. Remove cover.
Step 3 – Remove fresh air scoop
Remove the two screws holding the fresh air scoop to the air box, then remove the scoop.
Step 4 – Remove intake tube
Before removing the intake tube, disconnect the mass air flow sensor. You can accomplish this by pressing on the plastic tab, then pulling it out. Loosen the worm screw on both sides of the intake tube, then remove it.
Figure 5. Remove MAF sensor. 
Figure 6. Loosen clamp. 
Figure 7. Remove intake tube.
Step 5 – Remove air box
Pull up the air box, then remove it. You don't need to remove any screws for this one.
Step 6 – Install heat shield
Follow the directions that came with the CAI to assemble the heat shield. Remove the mass air flow (MAF) assembly from your old intake, and install it on your new one. Install the heat shield in place, then connect the new intake tube, and tighten its clamp. Tighten the heat shield in place using the provided hardware, then install the silicone hose onto the part that will connect to your air filter, and tighten its clamp.
Figure 9. Install heat shield in place. 
Figure 10. Install silicone hose.
Step 7 – Install filter
Install the filter to the silicone hose, then tighten the clamp. Connect the MAF sensor back in place by simply clicking it in place. Finally, connect the fresh air scoop onto the heat shield using the provided hardware, and install the cover.
Figure 11. Connect air filter. 
Figure 12. Connect MAF sensor.
Featured Video: Air Intake Installation
Air Intake Review
Now that you've decided to install an air intake kit, which is one of the best pieces of modifications you can do for your Audi A4, it's time to pick the right brand for you. There are many reputable brands on the market today, and most of them are great. We've searched the forums, read what people say, and explored the market for the most common brands. This guide will show you the best air intake kits, so you can choose what is right for you and your budget.
K&N |
Injen |
APR Carbonio | |
|---|---|---|---|
Price |
$186 | $254 | $429 |
Reusable Filter |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
Power Gains |
15 HP | 12 HP | 15 HP |
Construction |
Aluminum | Aluminum | Carbon Fiber |
Warranty |
Million Mile | Lifetime | 1 Year |
Best Value: K&N
K&N
Price – $186
Reusable Filter – Yes
Power Gains – 15 HP
Construction – Aluminum
Warranty – Million Mile
The K&N brand is considered to be one of the most reputable companies making these kind of kits on the market. The company stands behind its product, and the one million mile warranty is there to prove it. This kit is sure to increase your performance, with a claimed, and dyno backed up, 15hp increase on the top end. As soon as you install the kit, expect immediate increase in performance that you can feel by the seat of your pants. This kit comes in a variety of colors, so if the look of your engine compartment is important to you, you will have no issue finding a style you like. With this reusable filter, you just clean and oil it periodically, and will never need to purchase another one. Recommended if you're looking for a company with a great reputation.
Injen
Price – $254
Reusable Filter – Yes
Power Gains – 12 HP
Construction – Aluminum
Warranty – Lifetime
The Injen intake kit is designed for your specific make and model, which means you should have no issues with installation. This kit is designed to sit right behind your bumper, where it gathers the coldest air from under the car. With two options (polished aluminum or black), you have you choice of a flashy look or a sneaky one. This intake also features a reusable filter, which means pay the money now, and never have to worry about it again. Some customers complained about the fit of the intake tube, which might rub on the battery and create friction. However, if you're comfortable playing around with it until you get it right, this should not be an issue. Recommended if you're looking for a good product with a great warranty.
APR Carbonio
Price – $429
Reusable Filter – Yes
Power Gains – 15 HP
Construction – Carbon Fiber
Warranty – 1 Year
This air intake kit is made out of carbon fiber, which gives this kit the high tech, race car look, accompanied by light weight and increased durability. Every driver reporting on this kit on the forums noticed an improvement in performance, and throttle feel. Many also claimed that the kit improves their fuel economy in a noticeable fashion. This is the most expensive kit here, however. With that in mind, if you're willing to pay a little more, you can expect a slight advantage when it comes to performance, especially acceleration. Recommended if you're looking for top performance, and you don't mind spending the money.
Related Discussions
- ECS Tuning - Audiworld
- Air Intake Recommendations - Audiworld
- APR Carbonio - Audiworld
