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      10-05-2021, 04:35 PM   #1
tom @ eas
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▀▄ eas | DIY: S58 M3/M4 BMC Filter Installation

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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.
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Last edited by tom @ eas; 10-07-2021 at 04:28 PM..
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      10-05-2021, 05:16 PM   #2
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Can you just lift the airbox top off, or do you have to loosen the clamp at the hose?
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      10-05-2021, 05:37 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vetteflier View Post
Can you just lift the airbox top off, or do you have to loosen the clamp at the hose?
You are able to lift the lids to gain access to the filters without removing the intake tracts - but you can remove the lid also, it's only held on by a single worm-type clamp.
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      10-05-2021, 05:48 PM   #4
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What is the purpose of removing the strut brace? I've removed that top of those air boxes to get those carbon filters off without removing the brace.
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      10-05-2021, 05:57 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ghozthunter View Post
What is the purpose of removing the strut brace? I've removed that top of those air boxes to get those carbon filters off without removing the brace.
We find it's much easier to access underneath the lids with the brace removed. Only takes a couple of extra minutes.
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      10-06-2021, 11:36 AM   #6
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Can we get some new gloves for the job? They got everything dirty for such an easy job!
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      10-06-2021, 12:17 PM   #7
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Will this fit 22 X3M competitions?
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      10-06-2021, 12:21 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RyanBMW View Post
Can we get some new gloves for the job? They got everything dirty for such an easy job!
Part surfaces are always wiped down after work is completed, meaning cars leave cleaner than when they arrive.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Poffman View Post
Will this fit 22 X3M competitions?
X3M & X4M have a different airbox, which uses 4 filters instead of 2.
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Last edited by tom @ eas; 10-06-2021 at 12:26 PM..
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      10-06-2021, 03:01 PM   #9
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Can we see some before and after dyno runs?
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      10-06-2021, 04:23 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alphawawa View Post
Can we see some before and after dyno runs?
That's a great suggestion!
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      10-06-2021, 05:04 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alphawawa View Post
Can we see some before and after dyno runs?
Quote:
Originally Posted by 535i MSport View Post
That's a great suggestion!
Didn't dyno after this install, but expect results to be about the same ~10whp we see on the S55.
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      10-06-2021, 05:43 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Didn't dyno after this install, but expect results to be about the same ~10whp we see on the S55.
Any references/links to S55 results?

I'm generally skeptical that an air filter replacement can realistically deliver meaningful increases in output. (If it were so cheap and easy, why wouldn't the manufacturer do it from the factory?)
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      10-06-2021, 06:17 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NightWriter View Post
Any references/links to S55 results?

I'm generally skeptical that an air filter replacement can realistically deliver meaningful increases in output. (If it were so cheap and easy, why wouldn't the manufacturer do it from the factory?)
This falls under the "engineers vs bean counters" category. But you will see them in race/high performance environments, including Formula 1 & Le Mans.

You can see links to S55 dynos here, as the DME is making incremental gains from each run: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post16507069

The paper/charcoal liners are due to emissions requirements, while the gains are contributed to a combination of having freer flowing media (oiled gauze) and elimination of the charcoal filters, with a small amount of turbo spool noise thrown in. Also the added bonus of never having to purchase filters ever again, as the filters can be cleaned and reoiled every 12K-15K mi.
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      10-06-2021, 07:00 PM   #14
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Can we just remove the charcoal liners and keep stock filter ? Does that do anything
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      10-06-2021, 07:41 PM   #15
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BMC FTW!

Solid DIY write up.
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      10-06-2021, 09:09 PM   #16
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The size and shape of the filters looks quit similar to the one's from S55 M3 and M4
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      10-06-2021, 09:38 PM   #17
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This was my car in the shots and I was literally blown away by the difference the BMC made. When I drove home, I forgot I had the filter installed (mainly focusing on my new springs EAS installed). Once I got to the freeway on-ramp and hit the gas hard in 2nd gear, the car fishtailed while traveling in a straight line. I've put 6k miles on the car and it's never done this before the filter install. Never. During a turn-yes, but not traveling straight. I replicated this 3 separate drives again and just can't believe the added bump in responsiveness this filter gave the car. More midrange sound as well which was not present before.
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      10-06-2021, 10:32 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Didn't dyno after this install, but expect results to be about the same ~10whp we see on the S55.
Any proof?

-Michael
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      10-06-2021, 11:45 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Delmoney335 View Post
Can we just remove the charcoal liners and keep stock filter ? Does that do anything
It should, but paper filters are still restrictive over cotton-gauze.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roch M4 View Post
The size and shape of the filters looks quit similar to the one's from S55 M3 and M4
Similar, but different enough to warrant a new part number

Quote:
Originally Posted by ihbase View Post
Any proof?

-Michael
Haven't had a G8x on the dyno yet, but anyone in the area is more than welcome to drop by and schedule one. I'll be more than happy to share results.
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      10-07-2021, 12:41 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightWriter View Post
Any references/links to S55 results?

I'm generally skeptical that an air filter replacement can realistically deliver meaningful increases in output. (If it were so cheap and easy, why wouldn't the manufacturer do it from the factory?)
This falls under the "engineers vs bean counters" category. But you will see them in race/high performance environments, including Formula 1 & Le Mans.

You can see links to S55 dynos here, as the DME is making incremental gains from each run: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post16507069
Thanks for the link Tom. On that F80 post you said
Quote:
While gains are minimal on a relatively stock engine, these will be prove more beneficial once more performance parts are available, such as tunes and exhaust. A bonus is a mild amount of turbo spool noise during revving.
I read that as "a tuned car will produce more with the reusable BMC filter". But above you mention 10hp. Is that gain expected on a stock G80?
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      10-07-2021, 10:52 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peertwelve View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by tom @ eas View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by NightWriter View Post
Any references/links to S55 results?

I'm generally skeptical that an air filter replacement can realistically deliver meaningful increases in output. (If it were so cheap and easy, why wouldn't the manufacturer do it from the factory?)
This falls under the "engineers vs bean counters" category. But you will see them in race/high performance environments, including Formula 1 & Le Mans.

You can see links to S55 dynos here, as the DME is making incremental gains from each run: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1#post16507069
Thanks for the link Tom. On that F80 post you said
Quote:
While gains are minimal on a relatively stock engine, these will be prove more beneficial once more performance parts are available, such as tunes and exhaust. A bonus is a mild amount of turbo spool noise during revving.
I read that as "a tuned car will produce more with the reusable BMC filter". But above you mention 10hp. Is that gain expected on a stock G80?
BMC filters should produce gains on a stock vehicle. Here is the S55 dyno.

Bigger gains are to be had when tuned obviously.

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      10-07-2021, 12:23 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Peertwelve View Post
Thanks for the link Tom. On that F80 post you said

I read that as "a tuned car will produce more with the reusable BMC filter". But above you mention 10hp. Is that gain expected on a stock G80?
Yes, S58 is very similar to S55 (flame suit on). Simple fact - more air = more power.
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