Performance intake installed - DIY

[dr.bmw]

Have installed the intake (bought off Nifelheim - slightly used but in excellent condition - thanks mate!). It is a simple install that doesn't take more than 45 mins if you do it yourself for the first time and can save you anything between $100-$150 depending on the dealer.
Result - more sonorous intake sound and subjective increase in responsiveness ... oh and the visual appeal, off course!

1 - before the install
2 - intake filter housing and intake duct removed - you need to unscrew the top screws and 4 screws up the front of the intake duct (see PDF)
3 - Bonnet seal removed - just pull
4 - Adapter assy removed - this is where I spent most of my time, because the Attachment plug (see next pic) would not come out just by unscrewing it, I had to improvise and use the pliers to pull it up while rotating it anticlockwise, hence the Leatherman in the picture
5 - Performance filter element - this is actually the important bit, the rest is for the show only!
6 - Air guide attached - see the plug sticking out? had a bit of trouble screwing the sucker back in again
7 - The intake duct and the lid are back on
8 - close up of the intake duct

PDF file - BMW installation instructions; all you need is a screwdriver with hex 20 head

Hope this will be of use to someone

[BMWRX]

Which you say the sound is louder and sonorous or just sonorous tone-wise?

[dr.bmw]

The tone is slightly deeper, more resonant, I don't think its any louder than it was

[E92325i]

Intake looks great

I wonder how this compares sound/tone wise to just dropping the K&N filter (the exact same filter in the performance intake) into the stock airbox?

Obviously doesn't have the nice look of the performance intake but could be a much cheaper solution to achieving nearly the same result...

I've always wanted to buy this but always been put off by the price

[BMWRX]

I've managed to scratch the front air intake plastic so a fancy new carbon replacement might be on the cards.

[dr.bmw]

I was wondering the same thing, obviously the aesthetic value would not be there but since it is a less restrictive filter it might have the same effect on performance gains (if there are any)
Can one buy a 125i-specific K&N filter separately?

[E92325i]

Originally Posted by dr.bmw

I was wondering the same thing, obviously the aesthetic value would not be there but since it is a less restrictive filter it might have the same effect on performance gains (if there are any)
Can one buy a 125i-specific K&N filter separately?

Yes it's K&N part number E-2022 (from memory so double check that part number)

I looked into buying it but never got around to it. It looks identical to the filter you have pictured above. I will be purchasing it this week so I'll write up any difference (if any!) that i notice compared to the stock intake.

I think the US guys notice more of a difference with the performance intake since the airbox on their cars are of a difference design (it takes a flat filter instead of a conical shape like EU/Aus models). Not sure if the design of the stock US airbox is inferior to that of the EU models though?

[dr.bmw]

Can get that filter off Ebay for under $80 delivered, the rest of the $1800 dollars they ask for the intake must be the pretty housing lid and CF intake duct.
There are some threads on E90 forums with 325i owners changing their filters to K&N e2022 replacement with similar results, i.e. more noise and slightly better response, so I would think that the carbon fibre duct is generally superfluous

[dr.bmw]

on that note, one can get a brand new Performance intake off bimmian UK for 400 pounds which is just over $700 with $AUD/pound exchange rate best in 10 years

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by BMWRX

I've managed to scratch the front air intake plastic so a fancy new carbon replacement might be on the cards.

Our intake designs are different so we don't get to use the BMW perf parts

@dr.bmw: looks real nice. Report back in a couple of days on how it feels

[V1_R]

How is this aftermarket drop-in filter 'Performance' enhancing?

I'm sorry but imo if you paid anything more than $80 for this... you paid wayyyyyyyyyy to much.

[dr.bmw]

@perth335i - for descriptions on how K&N filters increase performance of a NA engine, please have a look at their website.
price is subjective and for you it may appear exuberant but for others it may not

[GSK130i]

I really wanted one of these intakes but just can't justify the $700+ price for the little gain you get. Will probably buy it anyway though I was then thinking the same thing just get the K&N drop in instead.

Has anyone heard anything about possible issues with air flow meters and the oil used in the filter and whether BMW arew happy with these replacements as opposed to the OEM filter?

[dr.bmw]

thats the filter BMW use in their "performance" upgrade, hence i doubt there will be any issues if you just exchange the stock one for the K&N filter