DIY - BMW Performance Intake Installation

Spydeputy · 01-25-2009, 05:46 AM

anyone know if this intake will work w/ a 2008 E90 335xi ?

thanks, dave

a l l a n · 01-25-2009, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spydeputy

anyone know if this intake will work w/ a 2008 E90 335xi ?

thanks, dave

I'm afraid not. I believe this is only compatible to 2006 and later 325, 328, 330 (i and xi). This is per Tischer and BMW accessories web sites.

shedridc · 01-28-2009, 11:07 PM

I have just had the performance air filter installed by my dealer, but only have had a few days with it. I think it feels a bit more responsive, not sure about any changes in the sound as have not had it wide open due to snow and ice here lately. I calculate the inlet area to the filter box intake channel is about 67% larger than the stock unit.
As with most things dealers do, I thoroughly checked the install, and noticed the rear portion of the cover did not seem secure. I notice there is a clip at the rear that is supposed to hold it down to the original rear portion of the box that was not secure. I found that, at least for my car, I had to remove the screws on cover at the rear to separate the air guide from the underneath side of the cover. Then I could clip the air guide down and then secure the cover to it with the screws.
BTW, I find this rear air guide rather curious. It ducts only a very small portion of air from the vicinity of the car ventilation fresh air inlet duct to the air filter box. The small amount of air cannot possibly be needed for improving the engine breathing. The only thing I can think of is those clever German engineers are using this small duct to transfer some controlled amount of the intake sound we all love to the cockpit perhaps through the ventilation fresh air duct. It is a lot of trouble to go through for anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
You did not mention anything about the stock second filter element in the rear portion of the box. Does that remain in place, or did the instructions say to remove it? I am curious if that is still there - I did not disassemble mine enough to see that.
The new filter element appears to be a K&N filter - the type that is cotton in a wire frame and oiled and is washable. I have had these before and I am quite sure that is what it is. Did the instructions mention anything about that? That is an added bonus advantage for this filter.

mikeokimster · 01-28-2009, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shedridc

I have just had the performance air filter installed by my dealer, but only have had a few days with it. I think it feels a bit more responsive, not sure about any changes in the sound as have not had it wide open due to snow and ice here lately. I calculate the inlet area to the filter box intake channel is about 67% larger than the stock unit.
As with most things dealers do, I thoroughly checked the install, and noticed the rear portion of the cover did not seem secure. I notice there is a clip at the rear that is supposed to hold it down to the original rear portion of the box that was not secure. I found that, at least for my car, I had to remove the screws on cover at the rear to separate the air guide from the underneath side of the cover. Then I could clip the air guide down and then secure the cover to it with the screws.
BTW, I find this rear air guide rather curious. It ducts only a very small portion of air from the vicinity of the car ventilation fresh air inlet duct to the air filter box. The small amount of air cannot possibly be needed for improving the engine breathing. The only thing I can think of is those clever German engineers are using this small duct to transfer some controlled amount of the intake sound we all love to the cockpit perhaps through the ventilation fresh air duct. It is a lot of trouble to go through for anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
You did not mention anything about the stock second filter element in the rear portion of the box. Does that remain in place, or did the instructions say to remove it? I am curious if that is still there - I did not disassemble mine enough to see that.
The new filter element appears to be a K&N filter - the type that is cotton in a wire frame and oiled and is washable. I have had these before and I am quite sure that is what it is. Did the instructions mention anything about that? That is an added bonus advantage for this filter.

He kept the "second" air filter that is attached to the rear of the air box(side closer to the TB).

a l l a n · 01-28-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shedridc

I have just had the performance air filter installed by my dealer, but only have had a few days with it. I think it feels a bit more responsive, not sure about any changes in the sound as have not had it wide open due to snow and ice here lately. I calculate the inlet area to the filter box intake channel is about 67% larger than the stock unit.
As with most things dealers do, I thoroughly checked the install, and noticed the rear portion of the cover did not seem secure. I notice there is a clip at the rear that is supposed to hold it down to the original rear portion of the box that was not secure. I found that, at least for my car, I had to remove the screws on cover at the rear to separate the air guide from the underneath side of the cover. Then I could clip the air guide down and then secure the cover to it with the screws.
BTW, I find this rear air guide rather curious. It ducts only a very small portion of air from the vicinity of the car ventilation fresh air inlet duct to the air filter box. The small amount of air cannot possibly be needed for improving the engine breathing. The only thing I can think of is those clever German engineers are using this small duct to transfer some controlled amount of the intake sound we all love to the cockpit perhaps through the ventilation fresh air duct. It is a lot of trouble to go through for anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
You did not mention anything about the stock second filter element in the rear portion of the box. Does that remain in place, or did the instructions say to remove it? I am curious if that is still there - I did not disassemble mine enough to see that.
The new filter element appears to be a K&N filter - the type that is cotton in a wire frame and oiled and is washable. I have had these before and I am quite sure that is what it is. Did the instructions mention anything about that? That is an added bonus advantage for this filter.

Yes, the stock rear filter and housing stay. Only the front filter and housing are to be replaced. See Figs 9 and 10. Fig 10 shows your "new" housing components.

a l l a n · 01-28-2009, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeokimster

He kept the "second" air filter that is attached to the rear of the air box(side closer to the TB).

Confirmed! You're fast Mike.

When's your exhaust arriving?

mikeokimster · 01-29-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a l l a n

Confirmed! You're fast Mike.

When's your exhaust arriving?

It got shipped out of Tischer BMW yesterday, so it looks like I will get it by next Tuesday hopefully.

SE3P_to_E90 · 02-06-2009, 11:02 PM

this will be very very useful

Thanks!

bavarian19 · 03-25-2009, 08:09 PM

Great DIY!!!

Just completed it. Just one problem. I ended up stripping the plastic screw up near the windshield. Looks like Im going to have to drill it out and get another one.

a l l a n · 03-25-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Great DIY!!!

Just completed it. Just one problem. I ended up stripping the plastic screw up near the windshield. Looks like Im going to have to drill it out and get another one.

Congrats! Guess you finally decided to get the missing piece of the combo

Bimmer325 · 03-31-2009, 05:12 AM

i have just got the intake system but its different from yours. the air filter comes in round shape with metal mesh on it, they say its the European version for our cars in asia.

bernjee82 · 05-23-2009, 08:11 PM

those of you who did this, were you guys able to get the hook at the end of the intake housing cover to latch to the intake housing? when i did mine, the intake housing cover couldnt latch to the housing because the upper air guide was in the way. any ideas?

t1mmy · 02-06-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernjee82

those of you who did this, were you guys able to get the hook at the end of the intake housing cover to latch to the intake housing? when i did mine, the intake housing cover couldnt latch to the housing because the upper air guide was in the way. any ideas?

I'd love an answer to this question, as I had the same problems. Without that bottom hook, it doesn't seem like a very closed system

TSXforme · 02-08-2010, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t1mmy

I'd love an answer to this question, as I had the same problems. Without that bottom hook, it doesn't seem like a very closed system

What I did for this bottom hook was loosen the 6 screws for the intake cover. Putting my thumbs ontop of the cover, I used my fingers to reach and grab the rear half of the intake covers and squeezed them together until I heard a snap. Once I saw the bottom was clipped on, then you tighten the screws on the intake cover.

There might be a better way to do this, but it this worked for me.

t1mmy · 02-08-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvs8

What I did for this bottom hook was loosen the 6 screws for the intake cover. Putting my thumbs ontop of the cover, I used my fingers to reach and grab the rear half of the intake covers and squeezed them together until I heard a snap. Once I saw the bottom was clipped on, then you tighten the screws on the intake cover.

There might be a better way to do this, but it this worked for me.

I'll try that. Is this before or after you secured the carbon intake channel and the air box with the torque screws / 10mm. screws?

TSXforme · 02-08-2010, 12:35 PM

After I secured the carbon intake channel. I tried it the other way, got the rear hook to click in, but I had a hell of a time trying to get the carbon intake to fit into the lid.

t1mmy · 02-08-2010, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvs8

After I secured the carbon intake channel. I tried it the other way, got the rear hook to click in, but I had a hell of a time trying to get the carbon intake to fit into the lid.

Thanks. Assuming I can't get the hook to fit in place, do you think it being unhooked will affect performance? It'll be slightly open, but I can't imagine with the hood down that it will make that much difference

bernjee82 · 02-08-2010, 02:04 PM

hahah finally some one answered my question! i am going to try it too and see if i can get it to latch.

E90330iS · 02-08-2010, 03:22 PM

awesome write up

t1mmy · 02-08-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernjee82

hahah finally some one answered my question! i am going to try it too and see if i can get it to latch.

Let me know please. I struggled for quite some time and it just seemed there was always something preventing it from happening

a l l a n · 02-08-2010, 10:32 PM

I also had a little problem getting it to close properly but was able to somehow get it done. Can't remember exactly how I did it though since it has been a long time. One thing though, close the lid one section at a time and work your way until the whole thing has snapped into place. Easier said than done... but just take your time and be patient.

TSXforme · 02-08-2010, 10:44 PM

one thing i can also think of is that you may want to also try to is to loosen the 10mm(???) bolts that secure the air box in addition to the screws i mentioned a few posts up. in doing so it would allow for a bit more movement, which will allow you to lift the air box up to snap it to the cover.

the steps are a bit foggy since it's been a while since i installed my performance intake.

01-25-2009, 05:46 AM	#23
Spydeputy Brigadier General 216 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	intake anyone know if this intake will work w/ a 2008 E90 335xi ? thanks, dave
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01-28-2009, 11:07 PM	#25
shedridc Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi coupe 6 speed sport Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Delaware iTrader: (0)	additional comments I have just had the performance air filter installed by my dealer, but only have had a few days with it. I think it feels a bit more responsive, not sure about any changes in the sound as have not had it wide open due to snow and ice here lately. I calculate the inlet area to the filter box intake channel is about 67% larger than the stock unit. As with most things dealers do, I thoroughly checked the install, and noticed the rear portion of the cover did not seem secure. I notice there is a clip at the rear that is supposed to hold it down to the original rear portion of the box that was not secure. I found that, at least for my car, I had to remove the screws on cover at the rear to separate the air guide from the underneath side of the cover. Then I could clip the air guide down and then secure the cover to it with the screws. BTW, I find this rear air guide rather curious. It ducts only a very small portion of air from the vicinity of the car ventilation fresh air inlet duct to the air filter box. The small amount of air cannot possibly be needed for improving the engine breathing. The only thing I can think of is those clever German engineers are using this small duct to transfer some controlled amount of the intake sound we all love to the cockpit perhaps through the ventilation fresh air duct. It is a lot of trouble to go through for anything else. Anyone have any thoughts on this? You did not mention anything about the stock second filter element in the rear portion of the box. Does that remain in place, or did the instructions say to remove it? I am curious if that is still there - I did not disassemble mine enough to see that. The new filter element appears to be a K&N filter - the type that is cotton in a wire frame and oiled and is washable. I have had these before and I am quite sure that is what it is. Did the instructions mention anything about that? That is an added bonus advantage for this filter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-06-2009, 11:02 PM	#30
SE3P_to_E90 Banned 243 Rep 3,030 Posts Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (29)	this will be very very useful Thanks!
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03-25-2009, 08:09 PM	#31
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	Great DIY!!! Just completed it. Just one problem. I ended up stripping the plastic screw up near the windshield. Looks like Im going to have to drill it out and get another one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-31-2009, 05:12 AM	#33
Bimmer325 Major 90 Rep 1,167 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY iTrader: (1)	i have just got the intake system but its different from yours. the air filter comes in round shape with metal mesh on it, they say its the European version for our cars in asia. __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox
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05-23-2009, 08:11 PM	#34
bernjee82 cibai kia! 6 Rep 191 Posts Drives: el coche Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tampa Fl iTrader: (1)	those of you who did this, were you guys able to get the hook at the end of the intake housing cover to latch to the intake housing? when i did mine, the intake housing cover couldnt latch to the housing because the upper air guide was in the way. any ideas?
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02-08-2010, 12:35 PM	#38
TSXforme Stock watcher 11 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 340i [0.00]	After I secured the carbon intake channel. I tried it the other way, got the rear hook to click in, but I had a hell of a time trying to get the carbon intake to fit into the lid.
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02-08-2010, 02:04 PM	#40
bernjee82 cibai kia! 6 Rep 191 Posts Drives: el coche Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Tampa Fl iTrader: (1)	hahah finally some one answered my question! i am going to try it too and see if i can get it to latch.
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02-08-2010, 03:22 PM	#41
E90330iS Major General 151 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	awesome write up __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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02-08-2010, 10:32 PM	#43
a l l a n Captain 77 Rep 929 Posts Drives: E90 2007 328xi Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: LIC NY / Central NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E90 328xi [0.00]	I also had a little problem getting it to close properly but was able to somehow get it done. Can't remember exactly how I did it though since it has been a long time. One thing though, close the lid one section at a time and work your way until the whole thing has snapped into place. Easier said than done... but just take your time and be patient. __________________ E90 2007 / Step / Montego Blue / Black Dakota Leather / Premium / Cold Weather MODS: Exterior: Blacklines, debadged, HO ceramic 35% tint, Hoen yellow fogs, matte black grille, OEM style splitters, Halogen-to-Xenon Interior: Alum pedals, CF wrapped trim, V1 and Nuvi hardwire, M-Tech tri-stitched wheel, SMG M5 shift knob Performance: AluFelgen CSL 19" 8.5 ET33/9.5 ET30 with 5mm rear spacers \| GY Eagle F1 Asym 235/265, KW V3, BMW Perf exhaust+intake
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02-08-2010, 10:44 PM	#44
TSXforme Stock watcher 11 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 340i [0.00]	one thing i can also think of is that you may want to also try to is to loosen the 10mm(???) bolts that secure the air box in addition to the screws i mentioned a few posts up. in doing so it would allow for a bit more movement, which will allow you to lift the air box up to snap it to the cover. the steps are a bit foggy since it's been a while since i installed my performance intake.
	Appreciate 0 Quote