BMW Performance Intake

SE3P_to_E90 · 04-17-2009, 12:14 PM

As the title states, has anyone tried taking out the carbon/paper filter that's in the stock airbox, and run only the K&N filter? Impressions?

Also, if I run just the K&N filter (that's supplied w/ the performance intake), how often (miles) do I have to replace the filter? Any potential negative effects? I've read on a post that someone tried taking out the carbon/paper filter, and the BMW intake really comes to life... The only thing I'm worried about is how much it will get louder, warranty issues, etc.

FYI, if it matters, i also have the MFD scoops installed.
Thanks in advance for your help.

scanboy · 04-17-2009, 12:45 PM

I don't think it matters which filter you have, extra filter (carbon filter) = more restrictive air flow. Search for carbon filter, there are some threads that talks about how to do it and feed back from ppl who've done it.

w00kiec00kie · 04-17-2009, 12:58 PM

Carbon filter is there for emission - basically blocks pollutants from "backwashing" out of the intake from the engine.
It has absolutely no effect on sound (though theoretically possible) seemingly no real gains that I can tell (some dynos on the M3 post beg to differ)
Warranty... yeah they're going to need to prove that removing the carbon filter caused failure xyz.

Except of course, European cars don't come with the carbon filter.

SE3P_to_E90 · 04-19-2009, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the input guys... if there's no sound change, and gains are minimal, i guess i'll keep it on!

nyc3r · 04-19-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

Thanks for the input guys... if there's no sound change, and gains are minimal, i guess i'll keep it on!

I think he meant sound gain is minimal, the performance gain is real.

fijigabe0 · 04-20-2009, 02:21 PM

does this apply to the stock airbox? i haven't touched my cars (leased), but if removing a simple filter will open up the power, it's something i'd be willing to try.

thanks.

w00kiec00kie · 04-20-2009, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fijigabe0

does this apply to the stock airbox? i haven't touched my cars (leased), but if removing a simple filter will open up the power, it's something i'd be willing to try.

thanks.

yes.

Mach@M-Force_Design · 04-21-2009, 03:14 AM

Hey SE3P_to_E90, I was wondering how are you enjoying the scoops paired with your sick intake?

Read your review last time, glad your happy with the results

bavarian19 · 04-23-2009, 08:36 PM

I kept the filter in. I have a hard time believing that it would do much of anything performance wise...

sim@ecuprogram · 04-23-2009, 10:28 PM

remove that shit, you will be pleased in the end. had mine removed 2 yrs ago. now runs great with performance intake .

SE3P_to_E90 · 05-15-2009, 02:14 PM

hrmm, decisions decisions... Maybe when I replace the K&N filter from the performance intake, I'll just go ahead and cut out the carbon/paper filter. My only concern is that the K&N filter will get dirtier quicker, but I know the euro-spec 3 series don't come w/ that paper filter at all.

DESI4life10 · 05-15-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

hrmm, decisions decisions... Maybe when I replace the K&N filter from the performance intake, I'll just go ahead and cut out the carbon/paper filter. My only concern is that the K&N filter will get dirtier quicker, but I know the euro-spec 3 series don't come w/ that paper filter at all.

Hey SE3P,

I am about to go down the same route you are with the intake. I just purchased the BMW performance intake and am already running with the MFD scoops.

How do you like it? Did you try the intake without the mfd to see a comparison? I cannot wait to get mines (in shipping stage).

canucklion · 05-15-2009, 02:51 PM

Desi^ are you getting the intake from Tischer?

DESI4life10 · 05-15-2009, 03:16 PM

^Nope. I managed to score a local deal here in Canada.

SE3P_to_E90 · 05-19-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DESI4life10

Hey SE3P,

I am about to go down the same route you are with the intake. I just purchased the BMW performance intake and am already running with the MFD scoops.

How do you like it? Did you try the intake without the mfd to see a comparison? I cannot wait to get mines (in shipping stage).

Hey DESI,

I reallly couldn't tell you how the Intake felt prior to my MFD Scoops. I installed them at the same time, so that my intake is operating at "optimal" conditions! However, in the next month or so, I plan to take out the Carbon/paper/charcoal (whatever) filter. I'll post back with my impression once I actually remove the extra filter.

Have you installed your intake yet? If so, how do you like it? I already got used to the slightly improved performance, but whenever I open my hood, I fall in love with my engine bay because this intake is definitely a work of art! My only gripe is that, since it's so damn pretty, it always make me want to clean my engine bay... it's such a same this intake is hidden under the hood

Anyway, for whoever's interested, here's a link to the charcoal filter removal: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...filter+removal

SE3P_to_E90 · 05-19-2009, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nyc3r

I think he meant sound gain is minimal, the performance gain is real.

just about 7000 miles until i do this...

Mach@M-Force_Design · 05-19-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DESI4life10

^Nope. I managed to score a local deal here in Canada.

Link me up if you can get me one too!

Vacek · 05-19-2009, 03:31 PM

I run my stock Airbox , with Carbon filter removed (useless) and a K&N installed ... Scoops are en-route.

I removed the Carbon filter the day I got the car new, 1 year ago ... NO adverse side effects at all ...

DESI4life10 · 05-19-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SE3P_to_E90

Hey DESI,

I reallly couldn't tell you how the Intake felt prior to my MFD Scoops. I installed them at the same time, so that my intake is operating at "optimal" conditions! However, in the next month or so, I plan to take out the Carbon/paper/charcoal (whatever) filter. I'll post back with my impression once I actually remove the extra filter.

Have you installed your intake yet? If so, how do you like it? I already got used to the slightly improved performance, but whenever I open my hood, I fall in love with my engine bay because this intake is definitely a work of art! My only gripe is that, since it's so damn pretty, it always make me want to clean my engine bay... it's such a same this intake is hidden under the hood

Anyway, for whoever's interested, here's a link to the charcoal filter removal: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...filter+removal

Hey SE3P,

Thanks for the information. I actually just received my intake in the mail today. I want to do some before and after comparisons so I will most likely install it in a couple of days while I take before videos.

I can tell you even before installilng it, that I am falling in love with the carbon fiber duct

I can't wait to get this installed.

Vacek · 05-19-2009, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DESI4life10

Hey SE3P,

Thanks for the information. I actually just received my intake in the mail today. I want to do some before and after comparisons so I will most likely install it in a couple of days while I take before videos.

I can tell you even before installilng it, that I am falling in love with the carbon fiber duct

I can't wait to get this installed.

CONGRATS ! I'm Jealous

Let us all know your review, after you give it a whirl

Nothing better than Butt Dyno reports.

italiantank26 · 05-19-2009, 09:12 PM

just wanna let you guys know, i have a 128i same engine as the 328, I also have a K&N filter, anyways, i did this mod, and its unbelievable, the change is night and day. It is seriously making me re consider if i even want to buy an aftermarket intake.

italiantank26 · 05-19-2009, 09:33 PM

if you really wanna notice a difference in sound, take off the part that connects the air from outside the car into the air intake box, idk what exactly to call it, but its the thing that keeps the air from outside the car flowing directly into the intake. Anways, take this off, and you will noticed a huge gain in sound. Idk if it results of loss in power since the intake doesn't directly suck in cold air, but the loss seems really minimial since i timed myself with this piece on an off and resulted in a .1 difference.

04-17-2009, 12:14 PM	#1
SE3P_to_E90 Banned 233 Rep 3,030 Posts Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (29)	BMW Performance Intake - Anyone remove paper/carbon filter? As the title states, has anyone tried taking out the carbon/paper filter that's in the stock airbox, and run only the K&N filter? Impressions? Also, if I run just the K&N filter (that's supplied w/ the performance intake), how often (miles) do I have to replace the filter? Any potential negative effects? I've read on a post that someone tried taking out the carbon/paper filter, and the BMW intake really comes to life... The only thing I'm worried about is how much it will get louder, warranty issues, etc. FYI, if it matters, i also have the MFD scoops installed. Thanks in advance for your help.
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04-17-2009, 12:45 PM	#2
scanboy Lieutenant 16 Rep 458 Posts Drives: E90 Montego Blue+Black Int. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Torrance iTrader: (0)	I don't think it matters which filter you have, extra filter (carbon filter) = more restrictive air flow. Search for carbon filter, there are some threads that talks about how to do it and feed back from ppl who've done it.
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04-17-2009, 12:58 PM	#3
w00kiec00kie Private First Class 1 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '07 E90 328i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (2)	Carbon filter is there for emission - basically blocks pollutants from "backwashing" out of the intake from the engine. It has absolutely no effect on sound (though theoretically possible) seemingly no real gains that I can tell (some dynos on the M3 post beg to differ) Warranty... yeah they're going to need to prove that removing the carbon filter caused failure xyz. Except of course, European cars don't come with the carbon filter.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2009, 06:14 PM	#4
SE3P_to_E90 Banned 233 Rep 3,030 Posts Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (29)	Thanks for the input guys... if there's no sound change, and gains are minimal, i guess i'll keep it on!
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04-20-2009, 02:21 PM	#6
fijigabe0 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 220 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 335i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	does this apply to the stock airbox? i haven't touched my cars (leased), but if removing a simple filter will open up the power, it's something i'd be willing to try. thanks. __________________ Gabe '13 335i M-Sport Past - '06 330xi, '07 X3 3.0si, '09 328i, '12 X3 XDrive 35i
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04-21-2009, 03:14 AM	#8
Mach@M-Force_Design Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,601 Posts Drives: TiAg E90 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (13)	Hey SE3P_to_E90, I was wondering how are you enjoying the scoops paired with your sick intake? Read your review last time, glad your happy with the results
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04-23-2009, 08:36 PM	#9
bavarian19 General 519 Rep 18,858 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I kept the filter in. I have a hard time believing that it would do much of anything performance wise...
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04-23-2009, 10:28 PM	#10
sim@ecuprogram 66 Rep 1,332 Posts Drives: E90 E70 F01 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: calgary iTrader: (33)	remove that shit, you will be pleased in the end. had mine removed 2 yrs ago. now runs great with performance intake .
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05-15-2009, 02:14 PM	#11
SE3P_to_E90 Banned 233 Rep 3,030 Posts Drives: E90 Msport + E83 Msport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (29)	hrmm, decisions decisions... Maybe when I replace the K&N filter from the performance intake, I'll just go ahead and cut out the carbon/paper filter. My only concern is that the K&N filter will get dirtier quicker, but I know the euro-spec 3 series don't come w/ that paper filter at all.
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05-15-2009, 02:51 PM	#13
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 148 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	Desi^ are you getting the intake from Tischer? __________________
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05-15-2009, 03:16 PM	#14
DESI4life10 Banned 201 Rep 3,328 Posts Drives: Coding: Desi4life10@gmail.com Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: West of Toronto, Canada iTrader: (18)	^Nope. I managed to score a local deal here in Canada.
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05-19-2009, 03:31 PM	#18
Vacek Captain 54 Rep 801 Posts Drives: 09 X3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (8)	I run my stock Airbox , with Carbon filter removed (useless) and a K&N installed ... Scoops are en-route. I removed the Carbon filter the day I got the car new, 1 year ago ... NO adverse side effects at all ...
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05-19-2009, 09:12 PM	#21
italiantank26 First Lieutenant 34 Rep 381 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [0.00]	just wanna let you guys know, i have a 128i same engine as the 328, I also have a K&N filter, anyways, i did this mod, and its unbelievable, the change is night and day. It is seriously making me re consider if i even want to buy an aftermarket intake.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-19-2009, 09:33 PM	#22
italiantank26 First Lieutenant 34 Rep 381 Posts Drives: BMW 128i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [0.00]	if you really wanna notice a difference in sound, take off the part that connects the air from outside the car into the air intake box, idk what exactly to call it, but its the thing that keeps the air from outside the car flowing directly into the intake. Anways, take this off, and you will noticed a huge gain in sound. Idk if it results of loss in power since the intake doesn't directly suck in cold air, but the loss seems really minimial since i timed myself with this piece on an off and resulted in a .1 difference.
	Appreciate 0 Quote