Carbon Air Intake - simota Gruppe m etc

[Scooblitz]

Hello

Could have a few options for intakes on the horizon. Both contenders are for either a simota unit listed for e46 320,323 325 and 328i and also says m52 in the simota specs. Another for an e39 m5 gruppe m.

My question is, are the carbon surrounds as well as the air filter pretty standard across all bmws but its the rear trumpets and MAF connection tubing is different?

Hoping I might be able to make one of these work.

@Dino D @Lee

 

[Dino D]

I had a Simota that sounded awesome but is only rated for up to 200bhp and with the mods it’s likely above 200 now.

So I fitted a big ram air one - it’s for a e46 330 but fits fine if you fettle it.
I’ve used the back end/elbow from my Simota but will get round to ordering a bigger diameter silicone hose to connect from back of filter to MAF housing as the Simota one is a bit narrower (the ram air kit came with reducers).

the Simota seemed to make a much more hard edge noise.
I’ve since fitted M3 headers and a full new exhaust with sport cat so car is sounding very different- so can’t quite compare the noise between the two but I reckon the carbon surround on the Simota added some music.

 

[Dino D]

Good excuse to post this:

View: https://youtu.be/ExCfnaMISac

 

[Dino D]

Back to the question- no idea on other models but my logic is getting one that is for at least a 230bhp car as that’s possible with our engines.

Theres plenty places selling silicone and even metal pipes to connect the filter to MAF housing.
I believe a metal pipe can create more music.

I’m going extend myself filter right up to the front so it gets the best chance of cold air hitting it (I’d love to do a CSL style bumper hole but then where would I put my number plate!)

 

[t-tony]

On your dash board ...............

Tony.

 

[Dino D]

On your dash board ...............

Tony.

I’ll admit to doing that for a while just after the respray whilst I worked out a clean mounting solution.

One crisp winters night, leaving the office around 9pm I had the roof down.
A police car turned around to follow me then pulled me.
He said I was suspicious as I had the roof down on such a cold night then he noticed the lack of plate and warned me about that.
I think he was going to breathalyse me but when I started explaining how the wind deflector is so effective and how hot a Z3 heater blows he realised I was just a enthusiastic enthusiast so just told me be on my way - He didn’t even let me explain how I fitted heating pads into my Sparco bucket seats.

I was going to offer him a ride to see for himself but he was in too much of a hurry to get rid of me it seems

 

[t-tony]

Ha,ha. Nice one Dino .

Tony.

 

[Scooblitz]

Back to the question- no idea on other models but my logic is getting one that is for at least a 230bhp car as that’s possible with our engines.

There's plenty places selling silicone and even metal pipes to connect the filter to MAF housing.
I believe a metal pipe can create more music.

I’m going extend myself filter right up to the front so it gets the best chance of cold air hitting it (I’d love to do a CSL style bumper hole but then where would I put my number plate!)

This was along the lines of what I expected. I think it would be a bit of a mix and match of the kits available off the shelf to make it work but good to know it can be made to work with some piping. Seen an M44 carbon intake for sale new but not one for the 2.8i. They have bits for everything e36 e46 etc and I'm sure some of the bits would work. A bit pricey at £750 for a whooshie noise and 1hp gain.

Further net loss of fuel due to addiction to whooshie sounds....

 

[GazM3]

I made my own "simota style" cold air intake. For a heat shield I used a tapered plastic plant pot 250mm-200mm and used a 3"-3.5" 45deg silicone elbow with a non oiled filter. The heat shield needs to be cut at the base to allow the factory mount bracket and the semi triangular opening to draw its air. Sprayed with bumper trim black it looks OEM+. The advantage of the heat shield as its in plastic it molds to the light area and you can shape it with a heat gun and some locking clamps if need be.