In major need of help with my n54 stock airbox issue!

E90M · 03-15-2013, 04:07 PM

I installed a stett chargepipe & diverter valve setup not to long ago, and I was running it with my stock airbox for a few weeks until I purchased the DCI. My whole point of this tread is, now that my supporting turbo is acting funny & I wanna get it checked out by the dealer, my STOCK airbox will not fit back into its old place. Everything fits perfect actually besides the lower intake part of the airbox. The upper portion fits perfect but I can't get the bottom to fit or even stay in tack without me pushing it with my finger. Do you guys think I should reinstall my stock chargepipe & intake, or leave the dci and take it as is? my car has 40k miles, and isn't a lease. Any advice will help. Thanks!

135Pats · 03-15-2013, 04:16 PM

I'm confused by the semantics, by "lower intake" do you mean the intake inlet closer to the front of the car? If so, you're not in an unusual situation, the DCIs have slightly smaller tubing and as a result, the intake inlets shrink and contract over time. When you try to put the OE airbox back on, they don't reach and/or don't play nice. I use a hairdrier to get some heat into the inlet tubing, this makes them more pliable, then you can *gently* pull them outwards to get a little stretch. This should get them more or less back to their original state, and then the airbox goes slips on with minimum annoyance. Just be careful when applying the heat and pulling on them, you don't need volcanic heat or Hulk smash force.

Oh and i'd put the OE chargepipe back on just to be safe. For whatever reason, alot of dealerhips really dislike aftermarket chargepipes.

b1aze · 03-15-2013, 04:50 PM

Put it all back to stock. It isn't worth the risk if you have a potential problem.

froop · 03-15-2013, 06:49 PM

I would recommend trying it when the engine is warm.

I had CP-E DCIs and the coupler pipe was slightly too big. After about 2 hours of pushing and pulling and swearing I only got them partially on and after I went for drive they popped out.

When I came back they slotted right in with ease because the intake pipes were all warmed up.

cheshirecat79 · 03-15-2013, 07:00 PM

OP, are there any rubber gromets from the stock box that you put on the aftermarket airbox that you didn't transfer back over?

E90M · 03-15-2013, 07:00 PM

Thanks for the advice guys good looking out!

03-15-2013, 04:07 PM	#1
E90M Private 4 Rep 67 Posts Drives: E90 M3, DCT. 135i, MT. Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: glendale iTrader: (0)	In major need of help with my n54 stock airbox issue! I installed a stett chargepipe & diverter valve setup not to long ago, and I was running it with my stock airbox for a few weeks until I purchased the DCI. My whole point of this tread is, now that my supporting turbo is acting funny & I wanna get it checked out by the dealer, my STOCK airbox will not fit back into its old place. Everything fits perfect actually besides the lower intake part of the airbox. The upper portion fits perfect but I can't get the bottom to fit or even stay in tack without me pushing it with my finger. Do you guys think I should reinstall my stock chargepipe & intake, or leave the dci and take it as is? my car has 40k miles, and isn't a lease. Any advice will help. Thanks!
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03-15-2013, 04:16 PM	#2
135Pats Major General 467 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	I'm confused by the semantics, by "lower intake" do you mean the intake inlet closer to the front of the car? If so, you're not in an unusual situation, the DCIs have slightly smaller tubing and as a result, the intake inlets shrink and contract over time. When you try to put the OE airbox back on, they don't reach and/or don't play nice. I use a hairdrier to get some heat into the inlet tubing, this makes them more pliable, then you can gently pull them outwards to get a little stretch. This should get them more or less back to their original state, and then the airbox goes slips on with minimum annoyance. Just be careful when applying the heat and pulling on them, you don't need volcanic heat or Hulk smash force. Oh and i'd put the OE chargepipe back on just to be safe. For whatever reason, alot of dealerhips really dislike aftermarket chargepipes. __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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03-15-2013, 04:50 PM	#3
b1aze Just one more taste... 588 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2013 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uxbridge MA iTrader: (18)	Put it all back to stock. It isn't worth the risk if you have a potential problem. __________________ My Build Thread: Jet Black 6MT 128i with MSport
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03-15-2013, 06:49 PM	#4
froop Colonel 188 Rep 2,682 Posts Drives: 08 AW 6MT E82 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (3)	I would recommend trying it when the engine is warm. I had CP-E DCIs and the coupler pipe was slightly too big. After about 2 hours of pushing and pulling and swearing I only got them partially on and after I went for drive they popped out. When I came back they slotted right in with ease because the intake pipes were all warmed up.
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03-15-2013, 07:00 PM	#5
cheshirecat79 Captain 32 Rep 919 Posts Drives: 370z & 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Port Saint Lucie, FL iTrader: (0)	OP, are there any rubber gromets from the stock box that you put on the aftermarket airbox that you didn't transfer back over?
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