OEM BMW E46 Performance Intake Installation

With the prices going down, I managed to get the BMW Performance Intake from USA. The box is made for the M54B25 but as the B25 and B22 share the same MAF, it makes it compatible with my engine (M54B22). The M54B30 version has a larger MAF diameter and will not fit the smaller engines.

Arrived very well packed from USA:

Carbon fiber touches.

The filter element inside.

3rd Intake (does not exist on the standard airbox)

Make sure you empty it from the packing material, almost didn't notice that and you don't want it in your engine combustion chamber!

Filter revealed.

Inside of the bottom part of the airbox. Drain hole at the bottom for the rainy days

Made in UK by Mahle

Rubber o-ring for sealing with the MAF

Work lamp in proper position

Stock airbox to be removed.

2 Bolts, 1 clamp and 3 plastic clips later it's out of the engine bay.

2 Airboxes side by side. We will be re-using the lower intake plastic from the old box.

Stock airbox with dirty K&N Filter

Squeezing the MAF in place and securing it with the 2 metal clips. The MAF has an arrow showing the air direction to avoid installing it wrong

CF Goodies

Sliding the bottom part first. With the stock airbox, you can install it as a whole, but this one due to the 3rd air channel cannot be pivoted in place. I didn't screw or clamp anything until ALL components were in place.

Placing the top cover on and clipping it on the 4 sides.

Adding the stock intake as well. Everything fits without issues!

Same tight clearances with the s/c components as before!

Bleeding the radiator? Forget it with this setup!!!!

My 3rd engine cover feels more in place now!

Clamping the intake hose

Don't forget the clips around the airbox!

Last but not least, connect the MAF plug back.

This is it. I cleared the adaptations and got ready for the first engine start! Video included in youtube as I don't want to waste bandwidth!

Available clip here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAUzuaZZrNg

Overall impressions are excellent.

Fitment: 10/10

Looks: 10/10

Performance: 8/10 - I will dyno the car at some point to see the gains. They are definitelly there, the car just accelerates much more, specially over 3000rpm. Cost wise $270 for the upgrade, I believe it's worth it!