[Zajac1]

I'm looking for installation diy 3IM. Any ??

[NorthernCAE90]

Shouldn't all your modding be done before getting any tune done to fully take advantage of all the mods before tuning?

[Rival]

Originally Posted by NorthernCAE90

Shouldn't all your modding be done before getting any tune done to fully take advantage of all the mods before tuning?

in a sense, yes, it would be best to have all the bolt ons for our cars before you dive into a tune.

at least get the 3 stg IM before the tune above all else tho.

[e90pilot]

Originally Posted by Rival

in a sense, yes, it would be best to have all the bolt ons for our cars before you dive into a tune.

at least get the 3 stg IM before the tune above all else tho.

Actually it really doesn't matter. As long as you specify to your tuner that you have all those mods. I had a tune for a three stage intake with the single stage installed. It runs fine. No codes, misfires, knocking.

[GTKrockeTT]

best thing to do, get a simon tool. you can change up your tune as you add/remove BO pieces to the mix.

[frankthetoad]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 3IM can also be found on an E90 328i with the N51 engine, right?

[makisupa]

Originally Posted by frankthetoad

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 3IM can also be found on an E90 328i with the N51 engine, right?

Correct, as I have a N51 with the 3IM

[frankthetoad]

Found one on a 2006 Z4 today. $320 with shipping plus nearly $100 in parts- vent hose, gaskets, and screws. Excited to finally do this.

[andrey_gta]

Originally Posted by frankthetoad

Found one on a 2006 Z4 today. $320 with shipping plus nearly $100 in parts- vent hose, gaskets, and screws. Excited to finally do this.

hold up. Check that the engine is n52 versus a m54
I know 2007-2008 qualify. Not sure about 2006.

EDIT:

2006 3.0SI does have n52 with disa

[frankthetoad]

You just about gave me a heart attack. I checked, rechecked, and then checked again. I also made him confirm twice. I'm pretty sure I'm good.

[frankthetoad]

While I think I could probably install the 3IM myself, I'd rather have someone with a bit more experience do this for me. The mechanic that normally works on this car said he doesn't do mods. He suggested someone else, but they've never done this before and he couldn't give me an estimate. He said he'd just have to charge me for labor at $110/hour.

Does anyone have a guess as to how long this would take a mechanic specializing in BMWs?

[smellthebeans]

Originally Posted by frankthetoad

While I think I could probably install the 3IM myself, I'd rather have someone with a bit more experience do this for me. The mechanic that normally works on this car said he doesn't do mods. He suggested someone else, but they've never done this before and he couldn't give me an estimate. He said he'd just have to charge me for labor at $110/hour.

Does anyone have a guess as to how long this would take a mechanic specializing in BMWs?

I have had no formal mechanical training of any kind what so ever. I did the swap in about 4.5 hours total with some simple hand tools and ratchets. The hardest part was prying off the black mounting box under (like a junction box where several leads terminate) the intake manifold. REMEMBER the mounting bolts and nuts for the intake are made of aluminum your only supposed to use them once and they only need to wrist tight AT THE MOST. I think that is around 11 inch pounds! Use a 1/4 inch drive ratchet.

[scjones1088]

Looks like the price has gone up quite a bit since this came out. I compared Tischer and bmwmercedesparts.com to see how much it would cost. I would like to do this one day, but it seems to be getting expensive.

[Rival]

Originally Posted by scjones1088

Looks like the price has gone up quite a bit since this came out. I compared Tischer and bmwmercedesparts.com to see how much it would cost. I would like to do this one day, but it seems to be getting expensive.

if you are not getting new parts its tons cheaper.

[frankthetoad]

It takes a while to find one, but that's the route I took. My 3IM should be here by the weekend.

EDIT: The 3IM showed up, has the hose, and is ready to go. Now I've just got to wait for the gaskets and screws to arrive and I'll be doing the install myself. Flashing AA's tune today!

[optimaxedm3]

Much cheaper to find used 3IM but may have to wait a while.

[frankthetoad]

Going to do the install next weekend. What's the best way to clean the 3IM? I figured I'd just use a degreaser and a lot of water. I'm also going to clean the engine and bay before doing the repair...it's never been cleaned before. Figured I should get it as clean as I can before the install so nothing gets in the engine.

Any other tips to prepare for the job?

[nickflow]

so since this is the most bang for your buck would this work on my 2011 328i? (e90)

[mike-y]

yes, unless your 328i is an N51, then it already has the 3-stage IM, and you just need a tune.

[jc_bmw]

So if I am looking for a used one I should be looking for a 2006 330 (52 engine) or a 328i (with N51 engine)?

[smellthebeans]

Mine came from a 530i with N52B30 engine. The X3, X5 and 5 series are also potential donors.

[longnvu]

will a 2011 528i 3 stage intake manifold work on a 328i?