E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > DIY Guides > DIY: Silencer Replacement For Less Than $30



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-19-2011, 04:30 PM   #1
demxx57
Enlisted Member
demxx57's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

DIY: Silencer Replacement For Less Than $30

Tools Needed:
10mm socket
T-25 Torx screwdriver
Flathead screwdriver

Step 1: Go to Autozone and buy the following:

Quantity 2: Spectre 3" to 3" or 2.5" Blue (black or red) Coupler Kit
Part # 8776 - price $7.99

Quantity 1: Spectre 45 Degree Elbow Intake Tube
Part # 8738 - price $11.99

Step 2: Remove air box as per adr

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21590

Step 3: Remove air silencer as per rody

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37835

Now, here is where the fun begins... This installation took a lot of finagling to get everything lined up correctly.

Step 4: Place one of the couplers onto the intake. This is a PITA because the BMW intake is marginally larger than 3".

Step 5: Attach the hose clamp around the coupler and tighten it onto the intake. At this point you will understand that you never want this to come loose.

Step 6: Place the elbow into the coupler.

Step 7: Attach the hose clamp but do not tighten it.

Step 8: Place the other coupler onto the air box. Again, this hole is slightly bigger than 3" so it's a PITA.

Step 9: Attach the hose clamp around the coupler and tighten it onto the air box.

This step sucks, but everything should come together... eventually.

Step 10: Bring the air box to the engine bay and fit everything together.

Step 11: Tighten the hose clamps and reverse the air box removal procedure.

Step 12: Enjoy a slightly more guttural intake sound for less than $30.

Helpful hints...
1. I did this when it was 45 degrees outside. The couplers might be more flexible in warmer temperatures.
2. I would suggest removing the OEM tube that runs from the front grill to the intake box as it makes installation easier.
3. Although not necessary, I would HIGHLY recommend removing your MAF sensor during this installation as it is very fragile. Reinstallation of it should be the last step.
4. This would also be a great time to remove the useless charcoal filter and replace your air filter with a drop in K&N.
Attached Images
       
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2011, 05:08 PM   #2
Hey Ant
Colonel
Hey Ant's Avatar
United_States
143
Rep
2,284
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: 818 Los Angeles

iTrader: (18)

Those intake tubes are made of plastic.. it will warp or melt over time due to excessive heat.
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2011, 06:10 PM   #3
demxx57
Enlisted Member
demxx57's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

It is true that the intake tube I suggested is plastic. However, I find it unlikely that excessive heat will be an issue, but it is possible. The entire stock BMW intake system, beginning from the grill to the OEM air box to the OEM silencer and finally the OEM intake manifold, are all plastic. Additionally, the exhaust exits on the opposite side of the engine, opposite to the intake tube. I guess if I wanted to be sure I could wrap the intake tube with some exhaust wrap. What do you think?
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2011, 09:06 PM   #4
overkill1125
Major
overkill1125's Avatar
Canada
130
Rep
1,023
Posts

Drives: 2019 440xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Montreal, Canada

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
You kept the OEM intake? Any sound difference? You have a pic of the final install?
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2011, 09:31 PM   #5
fdriller9
Banned
United_States
252
Rep
7,089
Posts

Drives: '06 AW 330xi
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2006 330xi  [6.44]
Quote:
Originally Posted by overkill1125 View Post
You kept the OEM intake? Any sound difference? You have a pic of the final install?
I cut my air silencer off....with a carbon delete and a aFe oiled drop in aswell, my 330 has a nice growl.
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2011, 09:47 PM   #6
demxx57
Enlisted Member
demxx57's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by overkill1125 View Post
You kept the OEM intake? Any sound difference? You have a pic of the final install?
Overkill,

Yeah, I kept the OEM air box, but I removed the carbon filter and replaced the OEM air filter with a drop in K&N (see link above on original post). Overall, I would say the intake sound is slightly more throaty, but I can't really tell because my muffler delete overpowers the intake sound.

I was originally looking at doing the aFe Cold Air for more hp and a louder sound, but I read in these forums that I would actually lose a substantial amount of hp and torque. Plus, the aFe was about $350.

This solution was about $80 - $50 for the K&N and $30 for the intake tube and couplers.

I'll post a completed picture for you tomorrow as it's f-ing freezing outside right now.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2011, 07:36 PM   #7
overkill1125
Major
overkill1125's Avatar
Canada
130
Rep
1,023
Posts

Drives: 2019 440xi Gran Coupe
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Montreal, Canada

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Anyhow it looks much better than OEM.
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2011, 05:26 PM   #8
demxx57
Enlisted Member
demxx57's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

Here are some completed pictures of my silencer delete. I think it would have looked better if both couplers had been the same color, but the Autozone I went to only had one of each color. Oh, well. Enjoy!
Attached Images
   
Appreciate 0
      03-27-2011, 11:03 PM   #9
Patsfan123
First Lieutenant
Patsfan123's Avatar
United_States
14
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: 2007 328xi Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Quincy, MA

iTrader: (0)

How has this worked out long term? I bought the parts at Autozone today, but I wanted to hear some feedback before installing.
__________________
2007 328xi Coupe | TiAg | Steptronic | Premium | Sport | Nav | Comfort | Cold Weather | BMW Sport Exhaust | BMS PBX | Euro Airbox w/ K&N | Eibach/Bilstein | RDash LED License Plate
Appreciate 0
      03-29-2011, 12:37 AM   #10
demxx57
Enlisted Member
demxx57's Avatar
United_States
9
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2006 325xi
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Patsfan123 View Post
How has this worked out long term? I bought the parts at Autozone today, but I wanted to hear some feedback before installing.
It has worked great! I was initially concerned about the couplers working loose by the movement of the engine, but that has not happened. I installed this about two months ago and I just checked under the hood the last time I gased my car. Everything is still tight and I've had no problems... knock on wood.
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2011, 10:27 AM   #11
fdriller9
Banned
United_States
252
Rep
7,089
Posts

Drives: '06 AW 330xi
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: North Jersey/Philly/NYC

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2006 330xi  [6.44]
Not to be a negative nancy but that tube is the same price as the part you bought....so even if you cut the silencer off, you would spend the same amount of money replacing it, in he end.
Appreciate 0
      07-01-2011, 02:53 PM   #12
SE3P_to_E90
Banned
United_States
224
Rep
3,031
Posts

Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: MD

iTrader: (29)

I've got a BMW PI, and i'll likely do this in the next month or two. looks interesting.
Appreciate 0
      07-11-2011, 10:37 AM   #13
BADS335
Lieutenant
28
Rep
408
Posts

Drives: Montego 335i E90
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (2)

None of the pics come up. I would love to see what this looks like.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2011, 01:57 AM   #14
33beto
Second Lieutenant
33beto's Avatar
United_States
15
Rep
275
Posts

Drives: R.I.P. 08 E90 328i/GM 6L45E
Join Date: May 2011
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

This could be another way to do it.

http://www.siliconeintakes.com/produ...ad85d45b1c730e
Appreciate 0
      12-22-2011, 12:59 AM   #15
kiwi29
Team iTouge
kiwi29's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,101
Posts

Drives: 09 M-Tech 328i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (9)

Just did today and boyyyyyyy it was the worst fckn pain ever! My legs hurt and I should've though it out more thoroughly lol! Not to mention my hands cramp from tryna shove the damn thing on but all around, I noticed a slightly louder exhaust note under heavyyyyy acceleration
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by The HACK View Post
I'm going to use a very simple analogy, I hope you'll understand.
Driving is like having sex.
It really is. You can read up all you want about how to please a woman, you can look at all the diagrams in the world, but just like the clitoris, you won't know what the hell an apex is before you actually find it.
Appreciate 0
      12-28-2011, 10:16 PM   #16
kiwi29
Team iTouge
kiwi29's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,101
Posts

Drives: 09 M-Tech 328i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (9)

Another tip i wanna throw in, it's a good idea to very lightly put watered down dish soap on the rim so it slides easy and it dries up so it won't move.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by The HACK View Post
I'm going to use a very simple analogy, I hope you'll understand.
Driving is like having sex.
It really is. You can read up all you want about how to please a woman, you can look at all the diagrams in the world, but just like the clitoris, you won't know what the hell an apex is before you actually find it.
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2012, 01:24 PM   #17
OlivaresAnthony
Colonel
OlivaresAnthony's Avatar
United_States
99
Rep
2,095
Posts

Drives: 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD OR 4x4
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
interesting...I might try this when I get a chance.
__________________
E90 325i|Sparkling Graphite Metallic|Steptronic|Black Leatherette/Dark Burl Interior|OEM Alarm|35%Front/5%Rear Tint|RD LED License Plate Lights|Rear Fogs Activated|Debadged|Smoked Sidemarkers|Blacklines|Depo P90v2|Matte Black Grille|BMS PBX|AFE Drop In|Charcoal Filter Delete|Air Scoops| RM Silicone Intake Hose| Magnaflow 14815| 19" Avant Garde M310|Continental DWS|M3 Lip Spoiler

Last edited by OlivaresAnthony; 01-15-2012 at 02:11 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2012, 11:43 PM   #18
Zebra99
Colonel
Zebra99's Avatar
Canada
112
Rep
2,856
Posts

Drives: 2011 335is E93
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ontario

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
Charcoal delete plus silencer delete sounds like a good mod to start things off. I'll eventually try a Mr.5 type CAI with the stock, but to get things going this already looks great and is cheap.

Good work! I'll be trying this once
The warmer weather comes along.
Appreciate 0
      01-26-2012, 04:19 PM   #19
kiwi29
Team iTouge
kiwi29's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,101
Posts

Drives: 09 M-Tech 328i
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Long Beach, CA

iTrader: (9)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zebra99 View Post
Charcoal delete plus silencer delete sounds like a good mod to start things off. I'll eventually try a Mr.5 type CAI with the stock, but to get things going this already looks great and is cheap.

Good work! I'll be trying this once
The warmer weather comes along.
A good way to warm the couple links up is to put it under the hood for a minute or course without disconnecting anything, it warms it up enough to be stretched and made into your perfect angle. Put watered down dishsoap so it slips in wasy and when it dries, it'll grip tight and the clamp will help a lot as well.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by The HACK View Post
I'm going to use a very simple analogy, I hope you'll understand.
Driving is like having sex.
It really is. You can read up all you want about how to please a woman, you can look at all the diagrams in the world, but just like the clitoris, you won't know what the hell an apex is before you actually find it.
Appreciate 0
      04-19-2012, 01:57 PM   #20
E46toE90
Sparkling Graphite Metallic FTW
E46toE90's Avatar
151
Rep
3,212
Posts

Drives: lci m-sport e90 n55
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: the bronx

iTrader: (12)

for you guys that have done this have you had any issues with it?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2012, 10:08 PM   #21
phvxoui
New Member
0
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: 06 325i
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Delaware

iTrader: (0)

this was a pure bitch doing lol it was hot as hell so not much problem with getting the couples on..( well still some what problem, while fiddling with the filter box the intake side came off it isnt the exact same match as the oem tube so some work is required to get it, also idk but the oem tube coming from the grill .. it wont attach properly, it just wont go any further... idk i might have to remove it and redo it but its still sucking lets see a day of driving and.. (this was the last thing i did during that i plastidipped my grill and the above chrome strips (be warned that the most outer screws may not come out easily.. ( and added blue neons behind the grill tapped in my fog lights ( and removed one horn and put a Ooooga horn))) lol
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2012, 10:37 PM   #22
DUI Elite
///M at Heart
DUI Elite's Avatar
89
Rep
1,954
Posts

Drives: 06 SGM E90, 15 BSM E84
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (4)

This actually worth doing?

I do want deeper growl, but not willing to sacrifice any power.

I'm on stock exhaust. Charcoal filter delete, n k&n filter. I noticed the charcoal filter delete made the exhaust sound throatier after 3k
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:45 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST