[DrunkenMonkey]

Hey all

Owned my car for almost 2 years now and am contemplating some simple modifications; 20,000miles at present Im looking at getting a BMC drop in air filter.

http://www.bmcairfiltersuk.com/main/...ent-p-210.html


Have read various articles on this forum e.g http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...bmc+air+filter

Just got a few questions for anyone with after market air filters ( Im a noob so be gentle ! )




- Will it make any difference on a stock car ? Surely it would reduce stress on the turbos if anything ?

- Will it give that annoying "whistle" sound ( mates got an induction kit on his M5, was nice at first ... )

- Am I better of investing the money in a full induction kit - I am contemplating a tune

- Any issues with these filters ? Ive read on the American side that larger pores in the filter may let debris in and damage turbos in the long run ( sounds like BS )

- Any other tried and tested filters / kits (available in th UK ) that anyone can offer info about ?



Thanks ! and apologies for the many questions

Oh, and nice community you have here.

[doughboy]

Hi - welcome to the forum.

The 335i filter and casing is called an 'intake silencer' in BMW speak,

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.d...78&hg=13&fg=20

This leads me to think it is very good at hiding turbo whistle - which is great as you don't want your 335i sounding like a escort rs turbo, as you know your own 335i has no audible whistle. Intake noise on an N/A engine can be great, but turbo whistle - well not so great.

The whole point of a 335i engine is that it acts like it isn't turbocharged, just like a larger N/A engine - that's the idea IMO. Personally I'd forget messing with the filters for negligible gains and just get it mapped - easier all round.

The main gas flow restriction seems to be in the downpipe cats AFAIK, so that should be the first to remove if you want to.

Stage 1 remaps will use OE intake and exhaust and still give a good 370-380bhp / 400lbft - good enough for starters I reckon?

[xenon]

^ +1

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by xenon

^ +1

+ 1

Just replace it more often than the manufacturer recommends.

[RagingKileak]

Hmmm, I am still quite tempted by something like this.

I am not sure why...

For £50 one of us should surely try before we all condemn it

Matt

[willhollin]

They seem to be popular with the M3 guys.

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Hmmm, I am still quite tempted by something like this.

I am not sure why...

For £50 one of us should surely try before we all condemn it

Matt

Got a K&N drop in fitted to mine.

No extra turbo whilstling, slightly gruffer intake noise at idle and low revs, teeny bit of improved throttle response?

Power wise, you are not going to notice 1 or 2 extra ponies on top of 300+ already in reality.

Probably of more benefit to a mapped engine.

Yves

[doughboy]

I think just the filter element should not alter the sound too much, I jumped on a bit and though the OP was asking about a full induction kit which is very noisy..

You're right - for £50 its worth a go.

[RagingKileak]

On an x35i £50 has got to be worthwhile for throttle response as that is where it's lacking...

If we are talking about the same level of change as the CDV, for example, which is also a subtle mod that people pay £30 for.... well £50 and £30 are not miles apart and its another little 'Stealth' mod really.

I might consider it.

Matt

[creepy coupe]

Do you really what something soaked in oil, that you have to mess about with every few thousand miles?

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Do you really what something soaked in oil, that you have to mess about with every few thousand miles?

It isnt and you dont

[DrunkenMonkey]

Thanks Doughboy and others for info

Agree, was thinking the same about the down pipes, i.e would be more beneficial in helping the engine breath. Definetley on the books (DMS or PTorque once details available), thinking of doing this prior to remap.

Am gonna replace the filter any way. Have ordered the BMC filter today.. will see how it goes and will replace with OEM if anything.

[Yahoo]

BMW is a good panel filter - I have one installed and it is a nice mod.

[YvesD]

Originally Posted by Yahoo

BMW is a good panel filter - I have one installed and it is a nice mod.

Did you mean BMC?

[RagingKileak]

Yahoo do you mean BMC?

Creepy, I don't ignore your advice lightly - but I understand the whole oil thing is very much a thing of the past - BMC and K&N both claim their panel filters are serviceable with soap and water I believe.

Drunken Monkey - if you want to speak to someone about Downpipes etc, speak to Evolve - they have them on the shelf today along with an excellent remap.

You will notice the biggest bang for buck with a remap on it's own by a million miles. If that is what you need after two years, go for that.

If a change in sound is what your looking for, then there are other options which might still be better than downpipes like a BMWP exhaust. The power gained from either on it's own for the price would be miniscule vs a remap from any supplier.

I personally am going for the Evolve stage 3 all in one go - because I know if I can get 390bhp for £500, I will never justify the other £2500 for another 70bhp later (for downpipes, intercooler etc) but it sounds like you want a milder state of tune.

I THINK Evolve are close to being able to offer a switchable map for the x35i too - that might be all you need to get the map you want and still have the peace of mind from being able to switch back. I don't think it is ready yet though.

Matt

[creepy coupe]

Originally Posted by YvesD

It isnt and you dont

BMC replacement air filters are made from multi-layered cotton, soaked in low viscosity oil, inserted between two aluminium grids

[DrunkenMonkey]

Matt - bloody hell mate, thats exactley what I'm thinking !

I'm just looking at gently upping power and focusing more on the breathing and cooling of the engine ( I can then look at upping power if I need to ).

I know its a sheepish approach to modding but thats the way I want to go about it.

And I have been waiting VERY patiently for the Evolve switchable box... but think if I do downpipes I would prefer a "custom" map.

Stage 3 ...

Must admit I have been toying with the idea, just getting everything done together for a massive gain. But as you have quite rightly pointed out - I am looking for a milder state of tune ( initially anyways )

Many thanks !

P.S - BMC and K&N have filter "cleaning kits" I believe they have some sort of cleaning detergent with an oil spray type thingy

[M3-FAST]

I have a BMC filter fitted to the M3, defo increases induction roar to a nice meaty level without being intrusive. Only really noticeable when you really dog it

I have just purchased a BMC cleaning kit which comprises the cleaning solution and regeneration fluid.

1: Shake filter to remove larger dirt particles if any
2: Sprinkle the BMC detergent onto the filter and leave for 10 mins
3: Wash filter in cold water - rinse well ensuring dirt does not enter pleats
4: Let filter dry naturally
5: To oil spray the surface lightly from 15cm away
6: Allow filter to absorb oil for 30 mins and then wipe to remove any surplus oil

Mine has been in for about 4,000 miles but BMC recommend 10,000 miles I think.

I will save money next service as BMW won't have to change the air filter

[Imran@Evolve]

We have tested all types of intakes on the 335i. Gruppe M, Simota, AFE Dual cone with heatshield - and none of them have made any power - althought throttle response is improved. a BMC panel will will do much the same for a lot less money.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

I personally am going for the Evolve stage 3 all in one go - because I know if I can get 390bhp for £500,

How does that work Matt?

I thought stage 3 inherently included downpipe /exhaust / FMIC etc etc.???

Stage 1 is stock hardware and so on?

[RagingKileak]

Originally Posted by DrunkenMonkey

Matt - bloody hell mate, thats exactley what I'm thinking !

I'm just looking at gently upping power and focusing more on the breathing and cooling of the engine ( I can then look at upping power if I need to ).

I know its a sheepish approach to modding but thats the way I want to go about it.

And I have been waiting VERY patiently for the Evolve switchable box... but think if I do downpipes I would prefer a "custom" map.

Stage 3 ...

Must admit I have been toying with the idea, just getting everything done together for a massive gain. But as you have quite rightly pointed out - I am looking for a milder state of tune ( initially anyways )

Many thanks !

P.S - BMC and K&N have filter "cleaning kits" I believe they have some sort of cleaning detergent with an oil spray type thingy

I know your point of view mate.

Bang for buck is an interesting one with the x35i as well.

Remap will obviously get you the most power from little work, I think Evolve actually have a few different states as well so could be that you can get a more comfortable map now and then you wont have any concerns about longevity or the car being too powerful.

I can say that the 335d I had mapped by Evolve was very driveable. That was 356bhp and 560lbs/ft which is less power but more torque than the petrol will make, it was entirely docile until I wanted it to go crazy.

A lot of people would also reccomend the Quaiffe LSD from Birds as well, this apparently allows you to place the power (in DTC mode) so much more effectively that it opens up a lot of potential for its relatively high price of £2000 ish.

Downpipes and Intercooler are the other two major things, along with 5 or 6 good quality exhausts.

The way forward is obviously up to you, but if you had say £2000 to spend in total, you could do a lot worse than to stretch a tiny bit and get an Evolve remap alongside the Quaiffe diff.

That would be considered a very well sorted car.

Matt

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Imran@Evolve

We have tested all types of intakes on the 335i. Gruppe M, Simota, AFE Dual cone with heatshield - and none of them have made any power - althought throttle response is improved. a BMC panel will will do much the same for a lot less money.

You heard it here......