A panel air filter is commonly referred to as a replacement air filter. It is installed in the vehicle's original airbox to replace the OEM air filter. It is made of high performance materials that allow for an increase in air flow along with more efficient filtration. These BMC filters guarantee containment of all impurities from as small as 7 microns, as compared to the OEM's 10 microns.
The OEM intake system is
very good from factory and leaves very little to be improved upon, other than filtering media which consists intake air flowing past (2) sets of filters, one paper and one charcoal.
Filters contribute to generally any gains claimed by aftermarket intakes, at a much lower entry point delivering approx ~10whp and slightly more spool noise from the turbos and can be installed in about 20 minutes. BMW airboxes are generally fantastic in stock form and not at all restrictive for normal street power levels - but the filtering media can be definitely improved upon.
BMC air filters are produced using a full molding system that enables the characteristic red filter to be realized from a single mold with no welded joints, thus avoiding easy breakage. The rubber used in BMC air filtering systems has a long life, is very durable and has optimum adhesion characteristics to all shapes of airboxes. BMC filters are made of a multi-layered cotton gauze soaked with low viscosity oil covered with an epoxy coated alloy mesh to ensure protection from petrol fumes and oxidization due to air humidity. All BMC air filters are pre-oiled, and they can be washed and regenerated by using an appropriate regeneration kit.
BMC Filters are compatible for both S58-equipped G8x M3/M4, including Competition/XDrive.
Installation
BMC S58 High Performance Replacement Air Filters (set of 2)
https://europeanautosource.com/bmc-h...r-filters.html
Tools needed
T25 Torx driver
Pocket screwdriver
13mm & 16mm Wrench (socket)
Installation
1. Remove Strut Tower bolt (13mm forwardmost bolt, 16mm nuts on top of strut tower)
2. Remove Strut Tower Brace
3. Remove T25 torx screws from stock airboxes (4 each airbox)
4. Repeat on passenger side airbox
5. Remove airbox lid
6. Remove charcoal liners with a pocket screwdriver (removed in photo) and discard. Repeat on passenger side.
7. Remove stock air filters and discard. Repeat on passenger side
8. Install new BMC filters into place, filters are marked for left and right sides
9. Reinstall filter lids
10. Reinstall strut tower brace and enjoy your newfound power
Torque Specs
Airbox: Snug to fit/hand tighten
Strut tower brace
18-20lb-ft.
Enjoy! Feel free to respond to the thread with any questions.