[Blueeyesredpanda]

Bought a 3IM but its the older version which has one outlet. It comes with an oil separator, i know 328i already comes with a oil separator. But would it be possible to use this oil separator that comes with the 3IM. As i was removing the 3IM, there's some oil in the 3IM, so I thought it'd be better to separate the oil just like a OCC.

[hassmaschine]

I don't think so. you already have an oil separator - it's just built into the VC. it works basically the same.

A little bit of oil residue in the manifold is normal and harmless. Now if there's a pool of oil in your actual engine you might have some problems..

[johnmyster]

If your car is 2007 or newer, you're going to need a two port manifold.

Single port manifolds and double port manifolds were both used with external separators, so you can buy the adapter hose to make either manifold. Only dual port manifolds were used thereafter (oil separators internal to the valve cover.)

[PhaseP]

so you can buy the adapter hose to make either manifold.

Unless there is an after market adapter, or you do a DIY plug or cut and splice, I don't think there is an "adapter hose" that can be used on 2007 and up (plastic valve cover). Only very early (2005 builds I think, it is verifiable from real OEM) N52's had single port manifold. These also had the nipple on top of the external oil separator connected to the intake hose before throttle body with a thin air line.

The thing with a single port manifold or double port manifold, the vacuum hose goes from the manifold into the external oil separator (assuming it is 2006/2005 model with external oil separator). And hose from behind the valve cover goes to the other side of the oil separator. So if there is any "hose adapter" it would be the external oil separator itself

I personally would look for a two port 3 stage IM at car-part or lkqonline. They are not that expensive if you search and look around, and used in a wide varity when you include the N51's in the mix.

[johnmyster]

Phase P, my response is correct, although a typo makes it confusing to read.

BMW part number 11617522933 is a hose that goes from a single port manifold to an external oil separator.

BMW part number 11617559530 is a hose that goes from a double port manifold to an external oil separator.

BMW part number 11157559528 is a hose that goes from a double port manifold to the valve cover for an "internal" separator.

The fourth option, the one the OP wants, does not exist (to go from a single port manifold to the valve cover in the case of the later "internal" oil separator.)

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

I don't think so. you already have an oil separator - it's just built into the VC. it works basically the same.

A little bit of oil residue in the manifold is normal and harmless. Now if there's a pool of oil in your actual engine you might have some problems..

It was just a small amount of oil, so its all good!

Originally Posted by johnmyster

If your car is 2007 or newer, you're going to need a two port manifold.

Okay so I have a single breather type manifold and I have a 10 328xi

Some threads I read:
Single breather type manifold installed on 2009 328i, the owner used a rubber stop for the extra hose outlet. But I probably don't want to go this way.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=939530

Now i get it, to go from a single port manifold to the valve cover in the case of the later "internal" oil separator does not exist

Other than plugging it with a rubber stop or buying a 2 breathers type, I dont have any other option right?

[iahawkeye]

Originally Posted by Blueeyesredpanda

Some threads I read:
Single breather type manifold installed on 2009 328i, the owner used a rubber stop for the extra hose outlet. But I probably don't want to go this way.

Why not? I've done this as well as many others and have been problem free for years. I followed the instructions in the link (minus the zip tie) and have been totally fine.

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by iahawkeye

Why not? I've done this as well as many others and have been problem free for years. I followed the instructions in the link (minus the zip tie) and have been totally fine.

So this Y hose is connected from the back of the valve cover to the single breather and the other opening will be plugged.

[iahawkeye]

Originally Posted by Blueeyesredpanda

So this Y hose is connected from the back of the valve cover to the single breather and the other opening will be plugged.

Yessir. Just bring the hose to a hardware store so you get the right size stopper. We ended up putting the rtv on the stopper then putting the whole thing gently in a bench vice while the rtv set. then hit it with some heat shrink.

[6ixSpd]

I'm a but confused now. I have a 2009 328i with the N52 motor, and a 3 stage manifold. Will I need to modify/plug any of these hoses as mentioned in this thread? I thought it would be a straight forward plug and play swap for my car, so I was about to attempt the swap tomorrow. If there's anything else I should be aware of, that would be great! It's finally warm enough for a change to DIY this in the garage.

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

I'm a but confused now. I have a 2009 328i with the N52 motor, and a 3 stage manifold. Will I need to modify/plug any of these hoses as mentioned in this thread? I thought it would be a straight forward plug and play swap for my car, so I was about to attempt the swap tomorrow. If there's anything else I should be aware of, that would be great! It's finally warm enough for a change to DIY this in the garage.

It depends on which 3IM you bought. If you have a single outlet like me, you would need to modify it, if you have a 2 outlet like most people do, its plug and play. Here in SK is still not warm enough Did you need to rebuilt your DISA?

[For3]

Any idea what years / models the two port 3IM are in? For instance, I have a 2009 so according to above I need a 2 port 3IM. If I source it from a 2006 330i will that be completely plug and play?

[desertman123]

Anecdotal evidence: my 3 stage was from a 2008 X3 and it was 100% bolt in to my 2008 128i.

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

I'm a but confused now. I have a 2009 328i with the N52 motor, and a 3 stage manifold. Will I need to modify/plug any of these hoses as mentioned in this thread? I thought it would be a straight forward plug and play swap for my car, so I was about to attempt the swap tomorrow. If there's anything else I should be aware of, that would be great! It's finally warm enough for a change to DIY this in the garage.

Originally Posted by For3

Any idea what years / models the two port 3IM are in? For instance, I have a 2009 so according to above I need a 2 port 3IM. If I source it from a 2006 330i will that be completely plug and play?

Really depends on the built date of the 330i.
Here's a pic comparison.

Single outlet


Single outlet with hose


Single outlet with hose connected to the oil separator which ALL 328i already have one internally.


Double outlet


Double outlet hose for external oil separator


Double outlet hose for 328i INTERNAL oil separator

[For3]

Thank you!

This ^^^ is very helpful

[PhaseP]

According to real oem.vom, only 2005 and some January 2006 build date 330’s had single port intake manifold. Later build dates are the current manifold with two ports. This lists the part number and on which models and years it is found :
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/partxref?q=11617559523

[6ixSpd]

Guess I'm lucky and mine is the dual port setup. I should be good to go!

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Guess I'm lucky and mine is the dual port setup. I should be good to go!

lucky u.. Did you check your disa?

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by Blueeyesredpanda

Did you check your disa?

Yup, no issues with them.

[For3]

6ixSpd,

Let us know what you think after your install and ECU tune (to take advantage of the DISA valves). I am really interested to see what you have to say, especially given our recent PM discussion.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by For3

6ixSpd,

Let us know what you think after your install and ECU tune (to take advantage of the DISA valves). I am really interested to see what you have to say, especially given our recent PM discussion.

My plans to DIY this today did not come to fruition as I forgot I had an appointment for the airbag recall this afternoon, but I'll be doing it this weekend for sure. I don't have any tune purchased yet, looking to do AA simply because it's significantly cheaper and they have a local installer here in Toronto.

I'll be doing a dyno before (stock except for intake and muffler) and after (3SM, tune, potentially headers as well).

[Blueeyesredpanda]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

My plans to DIY this today did not come to fruition as I forgot I had an appointment for the airbag recall this afternoon, but I'll be doing it this weekend for sure. I don't have any tune purchased yet, looking to do AA simply because it's significantly cheaper and they have a local installer here in Toronto.

I'll be doing a dyno before (stock except for intake and muffler) and after (3SM, tune, potentially headers as well).

I will be going with OE 330i tune, and possibly 330i transmission flash too.
Cannot decide whether I should get Euro N52 headrers