Do I have the wrong airbox fitted?

BimmerLad · 01-13-2019, 08:51 AM

Hello All!

I recently picked up a MY04/2005 330i and went for the default new (used) car full service and tune up and discovered that I appear to have the US airbox.

It's my understanding that all "euro" models of the N52B30 had the airbox style with the cone filter and top access cover.

Mine is the type where you remove the whole box and use a pannel filter, this doesn't seem to effect the running but makes buying new air filters a nightmare!

Since BMW want circa £450 for an airbox what are my other options here?

Did the early N52s actually ship with this "US airbox" or has mine been swapped out at some point?

Thanks for the assistance in advance

Dann · 01-13-2019, 09:06 AM

Buy one from a breakers or eBay

Phil325i · 01-13-2019, 09:32 AM

Think the 'Euro' airbox may have been introduced with the change to the N53 engine... Can't check for sure as realOEM seems to be having a funny five minutes.

BimmerLad · 01-14-2019, 06:23 AM

This is the trouble I've been having, most of the "Euro boxes" have all been snapped up from people over in the states looking to "upgrade" theirs. I found a "repaired" one on Ebay for £100 the other day but it doesn't float my boat!

Having a butchers on RealOEM it does seem to show the airbox on my car as being a "Euro Box" style, I'm wondering if a MY04/2005 was one of the first E90s out the door and missed the "upgrade" or something?

Buying parts from ECP via a reg plate search brings up the cone style filters!!!

Phil325i · 01-14-2019, 11:59 AM

It's odd, according to realOEM the 330i E90 (Europe model right-hand drive) had the Euro air box from launch.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1147

So why yours has the 'US-style' airbox, I've no idea...

BimmerLad · 01-14-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

It's odd, according to realOEM the 330i E90 (Europe model right-hand drive) had the Euro air box from launch.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1147

So why yours has the 'US-style' airbox, I've no idea...

Hi mate, that's exactly what I was thinking! Upon further inspection the MAF is also built into this "US box" so it would be a new MAF and box!!!

I can only assume the PO needed a MAF or box and this was cheaper or more available at the time!?!

Best buy me a stash of US filters then

01-13-2019, 08:51 AM	#1
BimmerLad Enlisted Member 0 Rep 43 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330i 2005 Automatic Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Do I have the wrong airbox fitted? Hello All! I recently picked up a MY04/2005 330i and went for the default new (used) car full service and tune up and discovered that I appear to have the US airbox. It's my understanding that all "euro" models of the N52B30 had the airbox style with the cone filter and top access cover. Mine is the type where you remove the whole box and use a pannel filter, this doesn't seem to effect the running but makes buying new air filters a nightmare! Since BMW want circa £450 for an airbox what are my other options here? Did the early N52s actually ship with this "US airbox" or has mine been swapped out at some point? Thanks for the assistance in advance
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01-13-2019, 09:06 AM	#2
Dann Major 132 Rep 1,381 Posts Drives: E90 LCi 335i Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Portsmouth, United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Buy one from a breakers or eBay
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01-13-2019, 09:32 AM	#3
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Think the 'Euro' airbox may have been introduced with the change to the N53 engine... Can't check for sure as realOEM seems to be having a funny five minutes. __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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01-14-2019, 06:23 AM	#4
BimmerLad Enlisted Member 0 Rep 43 Posts Drives: BMW E90 330i 2005 Automatic Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	This is the trouble I've been having, most of the "Euro boxes" have all been snapped up from people over in the states looking to "upgrade" theirs. I found a "repaired" one on Ebay for £100 the other day but it doesn't float my boat! Having a butchers on RealOEM it does seem to show the airbox on my car as being a "Euro Box" style, I'm wondering if a MY04/2005 was one of the first E90s out the door and missed the "upgrade" or something? Buying parts from ECP via a reg plate search brings up the cone style filters!!!
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01-14-2019, 11:59 AM	#5
Phil325i Brigadier General 615 Rep 3,194 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	It's odd, according to realOEM the 330i E90 (Europe model right-hand drive) had the Euro air box from launch. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=13_1147 So why yours has the 'US-style' airbox, I've no idea... __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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