Next Level Performance
September 8, 2026 • 10 min read
A BMW M5 F10 cold air intake is the most cost-effective breathing upgrade for the twin-turbo S63 4.4L V8, and aFe’s dyno-proven kits back the claim with up to +28 horsepower and +31 lb-ft of torque while outflowing the restrictive factory airboxes by 29%. The 2013–2016 M5 (F10) leaves the factory with 560 hp (575 hp with the Competition Package, 600 hp in the 2016 Competition Edition), and its hungry S63TU engine responds well to cooler, freer-flowing air. In this buyer’s guide we compare the four aFe intake systems we stock for the F10 M5 and F06/F12/F13 M6 — two sealed Momentum GT airboxes and two open Magnum FORCE Stage-2 systems — so you can match the right design and filter media to how you drive.
Our Verdict
The aFe Momentum GT Pro DRY S is the best all-around F10 M5 intake.
Its fully sealed twin-airbox design isolates the filters from hot engine bay air for the full +28 hp / +31 lb-ft gain, and the oil-free Pro DRY S media removes any risk of over-oiling the S63’s sensitive mass-air sensors — a genuine concern on turbocharged BMWs. Want the last ounce of airflow and an audible turbo induction note? Step up to a Pro 5R oiled-cotton filter. Around $650–$760 installed in an afternoon.
Shop Our Top Pick →Do Cold Air Intakes Add Horsepower to the F10 M5?
Yes — on the F10 M5, aFe’s Momentum GT intake is dyno-proven to add up to 28 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque at the wheels and flows 29% more air than the factory system. The S63TU (S63B44) is a twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8, and forced-induction engines reward reduced intake restriction more consistently than naturally aspirated ones: the turbos simply have to work less to hit target boost, so power builds sooner and stays flatter at the top. The factory M5 airboxes are compact, heavily silenced, and pull warm under-hood air; a performance intake replaces them with larger filters, smoother CAD-designed tubes, and heat-shielded housings.
The single biggest gains on any S63 come from an intake paired with an ECU tune (a Stage 1 flash typically unlocks 60–100+ hp on 91/93 octane). But even untuned, a freer-flowing intake improves throttle response, spool, and induction sound, and it lays the foundation every tuner recommends before adding boost. Think of the intake as the first bolt-on in a build, not the last.
aFe Momentum GT twin sealed airboxes replace the restrictive factory M5 boxes.
aFe Momentum GT vs Magnum FORCE Stage-2: Which Design?
The choice comes down to sealed versus open. The Momentum GT uses twin fully enclosed, roto-molded airboxes with an auxiliary air scoop, so the filters draw only cool, isolated air — the design that produced aFe’s advertised +28 hp / +31 lb-ft and +29% airflow, with a factory-clean look under the hood and the quietest highway manners. The Magnum FORCE Stage-2 uses two open-element filters inside heat-resistant XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene) housings; it is easier to service, shows off the filters, and lets more of the S63’s turbo induction whoosh through into the cabin.
For a daily-driven M5 where peak sealed-box power and low noise matter most, choose the Momentum GT. If you want a more visible engine bay, a louder induction character, and slightly easier filter access — and you’re running the car harder on track days — the Magnum FORCE Stage-2 is the pick, and it saves around $100 versus the sealed system.
Magnum FORCE Stage-2 runs open filters in XLPE heat-shield housings.
Pro DRY S oil-free synthetic media needs no re-oiling near the MAF sensors.
F10 M5 Intake Comparison: aFe Momentum GT vs Magnum FORCE
| Kit | Airbox Design | Filter Media | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| aFe Momentum GT Pro DRY STop Pick | Sealed twin airbox | Pro DRY S (oil-free) | Set-and-forget street | $761.00 |
| aFe Momentum GT Pro 5R | Sealed twin airbox | Pro 5R (oiled cotton) | Max power, sealed box | $734.00 |
| aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Pro DRY S | Open dual housing | Pro DRY S (oil-free) | Visible bay, easy care | $660.00 |
| aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Pro 5R | Open dual housing | Pro 5R (oiled cotton) | Induction sound & track | $646.00 |
The 4 Best aFe Cold Air Intakes for the BMW M5 F10
1. aFe Momentum GT Pro DRY S — Best Overall
The flagship sealed system and our top pick for the F10 M5. Twin roto-molded airboxes fully enclose oil-free Pro DRY S synthetic filters, delivering the full +28 hp / +31 lb-ft with zero maintenance oiling — the safest choice for the S63’s hot-film mass-air sensors. It is the most expensive of the four at $761, and worth it for a clean, quiet, factory-plus daily driver.
2. aFe Momentum GT Pro 5R — Most Power & Sound
Same sealed twin-airbox architecture as our top pick, but fitted with five-layer pre-oiled cotton gauze Pro 5R media. In aFe’s testing the 5R media flows the most air and delivers the highest gains in most applications, and it adds a touch more induction growl. The trade-off: you must clean and re-oil it periodically, and take care not to over-oil near the MAF. At $734 it is the enthusiast’s sealed-box choice.
3. aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Pro DRY S — Best Value
The open-housing Stage-2 system in oil-free trim. Two large 360-degree radial-flow filters with a 4-inch flange sit in open XLPE heat-shield housings for easy viewing and service. The three-layer Pro DRY S synthetic media is tuned for street use and needs no oiling. At $660 it is the most affordable oil-free intake here and our value pick for owners who want the open look without filter upkeep.
4. aFe Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Pro 5R — Loudest Induction
The open Stage-2 housings paired with five-layer oiled-cotton Pro 5R filters — the combination that flows the most air and lets the most turbo induction noise into the cabin. Best suited to a hard-driven or track M5 where sound and maximum airflow matter more than the last decibel of quiet. It is the least expensive of the four at $646.
Pro 5R vs Pro DRY S: Which Filter Media Should You Choose?
Choose Pro DRY S if you want zero maintenance and the safest setup for a turbo BMW; choose Pro 5R if you want the maximum airflow and a slightly louder note. Pro DRY S is a three-to-five-layer oil-free synthetic media that you simply wash and re-install — there is no oil to migrate onto the S63’s hot-film mass-air sensors, which is the most common cause of drivability faults from over-oiled filters. Pro 5R is a five-layer pre-oiled cotton gauze media that, in aFe’s testing, flows the most air and delivers the highest power in most applications, at the cost of periodic cleaning and re-oiling.
Pro 5R five-layer oiled cotton (shown) flows the most air; Pro DRY S stays oil-free.
CAD-designed intake tubes and sealed housings free up 29% more airflow.
Key Specifications — aFe Momentum GT (F10 M5)
aFe Momentum GT Pro DRY S: Pros & Cons
What We Like
- + Dyno-proven +28 hp and +31 lb-ft on the S63
- + Fully sealed airboxes isolate cool air; 29% more flow
- + Oil-free media is safe for the MAF sensors — no re-oiling
Things to Consider
- – Priciest of the four aFe options at $761
- – Not legal for sale or use in California (off-road / non-CA)
Fitment, Installation & CARB Notes
All four intakes are a direct, no-cut bolt-in for the 2013–2016 BMW M5 (F10) and the 2012–2018 M6 (F06 Gran Coupe, F12 convertible, F13 coupe) with the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8. Installation uses hand tools and takes most owners about 60–90 minutes; no tune is required to run the intake, though a supporting Stage 1 flash is strongly recommended to maximize the gains. Both filter medias are washable and reusable, so there are no recurring filter costs. Please note these aFe systems are not CARB-exempt and cannot be shipped to California — they are intended for off-road or non-CA use. Browse the full aFe catalog or our complete cold air intake collection at our Tampa, FL warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a BMW M5 F10?
On the F10 M5, aFe’s Momentum GT intake adds up to 28 horsepower and 31 lb-ft of torque at the wheels and increases airflow by 29% over the factory system. Untuned gains are smaller and are mostly felt as sharper throttle response; pairing the intake with a Stage 1 ECU tune unlocks the largest total gains on the S63.
Do I need a tune for an aFe intake on the F10 M5?
No, a tune is not required — all four aFe intakes are a bolt-on that runs safely on the stock ECU. However, most tuners recommend a supporting Stage 1 flash to take full advantage of the added airflow, which on the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 typically adds 60–100+ horsepower on 91/93 octane.
Should I choose Pro 5R or Pro DRY S filter media?
Choose Pro DRY S if you want a maintenance-free, oil-free filter that is safe for the M5’s sensitive mass-air sensors. Choose Pro 5R oiled cotton if you want the maximum airflow and a slightly louder induction note and don’t mind cleaning and re-oiling the filter periodically.
What is the difference between aFe Momentum GT and Magnum FORCE Stage-2?
The Momentum GT uses fully sealed twin airboxes for maximum cool-air isolation, the quietest running, and a factory-clean look. The Magnum FORCE Stage-2 uses open filters in heat-shield housings for a more visible engine bay, louder induction sound, and easier filter access, and it costs about $100 less.
Do these intakes fit the BMW M6?
Yes. All four aFe kits fit the 2012–2018 BMW M6 in F06 Gran Coupe, F12 convertible, and F13 coupe forms, which share the S63 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with the F10 M5. Fitment is direct bolt-in with no cutting.
Are aFe M5 intakes legal in California?
No. These particular aFe Momentum GT and Magnum FORCE Stage-2 systems for the F10 M5 are not CARB-exempt and cannot be shipped to California; they are intended for off-road or non-CA registered use only. Always confirm your local emissions rules before purchase.
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