[jc_bmw]

I want to do a three stage intake manifold conversion for my 2009 E90 328i. I just picked up a used 3 stage intake manifold. It was from a 2006 530i. But now I am trying to figure out if I picked up the wrong part...

Here are the pictures of it (see attached photos):


In the second picture you can see there is a oil separator, which is fine, I can just remove it. But if you look at the vent hose, it is a single vent hose.

Been searching around the forum and looks like all the pictures of intake manifolds that I can find or DIY shows an intake manifold with two ports with a vent hose that is like a Y.

Trying to figure out is there a way to use connect the single port vent hose intake manifold to the 328i. An solutions? Or is there a longer single vent hose I can buy?


Updated with Solution:
In terms of fabricating a plug since I got the older intake manifold with one port, I went to Lowes and picture up The Hillman Group Rubber Plug (I believe it was size #1). Came in a two pack for around $2. I put a little adhesive on it then jammed it in then put a heat shrink on top of it and a zip tie. So hopefully this sucker won't go anywhere.
(see attached photo)

[Modded328FTW]

You can still use it. You will need to modify the return vent hose to just plug into a single port.

[jc_bmw]

How can you modify it? Or how can you plug one of the connections?

[SDemetris]

No need to modify it. If you still need the oil separator there, you can buy a new hose. Look on realoem for the correct part (either the 1 hose or the one that splits into 2)..

[jc_bmw]

Originally Posted by SDemetris

No need to modify it. If you still need the oil separator there, you can buy a new hose. Look on realoem for the correct part (either the 1 hose or the one that splits into 2)..

But I thought the 328 doesn't need the oil separator? And the oil separator has two hoses coming out. Would I need both?

This is from a 530i http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=11&fg=15 there is part #3 and Part #4. But where would #4 go on a 328?

[Casca]

Originally Posted by jc_bmw

But I thought the 328 doesn't need the oil separator? And the oil separator has two hoses coming out. Would I need both?

This is from a 530i http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=11&fg=15 there is part #3 and Part #4. But where would #4 go on a 328?

Is this a trick question?

328i wouldn't have a hose #4.

[SDemetris]

Yeah, if your oil separator is not connected to the intake manifold, then you're good. Just take it off and your existing one will still be there in your car, not attached to the IM

[jc_bmw]

Casca If I don't connect hose #4, then there would be an opening in the oil separator. There wouldn't be any loss in pressure or oil?

SDemetris I don't think the 328 needs an oil separator on the IM. But if I remove it from the 530i IM, then how to connect to my engine? If I am correct, the stock 328 hose needs two port on the IM not a single one like what I have.

[Casca]

Originally Posted by jc_bmw

Casca If I don't connect hose #4, then there would be an opening in the oil separator. There wouldn't be any loss in pressure or oil?

SDemetris I don't think the 328 needs an oil separator on the IM. But if I remove it from the 530i IM, then how to connect to my engine? If I am correct, the stock 328 hose needs two port on the IM not a single one like what I have.

You need to have one of those The Matrix "There is no spoon..." moments.

A 328i does not have the oil seperator on the intake manifold. Your car will not have a hose #4.

Click this link for the 530i you linked earlier. Look at hose #14 and note that hose #14 is not actually itemized on the part numbers/discription. Because that car does not actually have a hose #14. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=11&fg=15

Now click this link for a 2009 328i North American n52 motor
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=11&fg=15
and note that a 328i with an N52n (not sue you got an n51 or n52) has a hose #14.

I have a 325i with the oil seperator on the IM, so I am not 100% sure, but I am thinking hose #14 is what you will have coming out of the cylinder head cover and connecting to your IM.

[jc_bmw]

Originally Posted by Casca

You need to have one of those The Matrix "There is no spoon..." moments.

A 328i does not have the oil seperator on the intake manifold. Your car will not have a hose #4.

Click this link for the 530i you linked earlier. Look at hose #14 and note that hose #14 is not actually itemized on the part numbers/discription. Because that car does not actually have a hose #14. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=11&fg=15

Now click this link for a 2009 328i North American n52 motor
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...37&hg=11&fg=15
and note that a 328i with an N52n (not sue you got an n51 or n52) has a hose #14.

I have a 325i with the oil seperator on the IM, so I am not 100% sure, but I am thinking hose #14 is what you will have coming out of the cylinder head cover and connecting to your IM.

Yes I should have hose 14 in my N52. But if you look at hose 14, there is two connectors at the end of the Y.

If you look at my original post picture #2, you'll see there is only one port for a single connector... now where does the second connector for Hose 14 go?

[SDemetris]

^^ those aren't the right vent hoses. Look on E90Pilot's thread. he has part #s. Maybe one of those will be right. He did it on his 325. i have an extra one in my trunk because i didnt break mine when i did the install. But that is where I would look

[jc_bmw]

Originally Posted by SDemetris

^^ those aren't the right vent hoses. Look on E90Pilot's thread. he has part #s. Maybe one of those will be right. He did it on his 325. i have an extra one in my trunk because i didnt break mine when i did the install. But that is where I would look

He listed only one hose which is:
11617559530 Vent Hose

and looks like

Which is the question I am having... the 328 has that hose already but where to connect the second connector when the IM only has one port?

[Casca]

You don't need that y-hose. I think all you need to do is plug up one of the holes on the hose you already have.

Here is a pic of someone having a 3-stage intake installed on to their 328i e91 wagon. His 3-stage manifold also only has one hose connection. That hose connected to it is hose #14 . Pretty sure that stubby blue non-OEM looking hose is to facilitate a plug.

[jc_bmw]

Yeah that looks about right... now I need to know what is that blue material that he zip tied to it...

[jc_bmw]

Anyone know what is the purpose of that hose? Is it for air pressure (like vacuum) or for oil? Need to know how seal it needs to be but regardless I think it needs to be fairly sealed.

For those who have access to the hose, can someone measure the inner diameter of the hose and the outer so I can see if I can find something to plug it with.

[mike-y]

it carries oil vapors to/from the manifold. The 328i has the oil separater built into the valve cover, so it doesn't have the softball that's on the 325/330. I don't think it gets especially hot (it's plastic after all), so you should be able to plug it with a rubber stop or something.

[jc_bmw]

that should work... just need to figure out how big of a rubber stop I need...because once I start taking it apart, I won't have a car to drive around looking for parts.

[mike-y]

you can order a new vent hose for mock up. Chances are that you'll crack/break the one on your car trying to take it off anyway :P

[jc_bmw]

Do people break their hose that often when doing the swap?

[mike-y]

I did. It's made of brittle plastic, so if you bend it or sqeeze it the wrong way, it will crack. I'd buy one ahead of time from your local dealer just in case. You can always return it if you don't need it.

[jc_bmw]

Originally Posted by mike-y

I did. It's made of brittle plastic, so if you bend it or sqeeze it the wrong way, it will crack. I'd buy one ahead of time from your local dealer just in case. You can always return it if you don't need it.

Are you referring to the connector or the hose that is brittle? I think the connector is more brittle.

[mike-y]

Both. my hose cracked.