Wanted M50 2.5 intake manifold

[Delk]

I am looking for the intake manifold off the 2.5 M50.

Potentially I will fit it to the M52TU in my car to eliminate the disa valve and simplify my set up.

 

[Andyboy]

It won't fit a twin vanos engine. It won't bolt on unless you start removing some studs and the twin vanos engine has D shaped ports, secondary air holes and the TU throttle body won't fit.
The 2.8 TU has a restricted inlet manifold. The 3.0 has bigger manifold ports to match the 2.5/2.8/3.0 head ports and is a good power upgrade.

 

[MarkLG1973]

I’ve been doing a bit of research on this myself as a potential project at some point.
As per Andyboy’s recommendation the M54 manifold is the way to go on the twin vanos engines. They’re widely available on ebay, usually listed as 330i parts. Expect to pay £80-100. From what I’ve seen the DISA is retained, but replaced with the M54 unit, which is allows significantly more air flow.
The M54 intake camshaft is a straight swap for a a bit more top end, but seem to be a bit more scarce.
I’ve seen remapped ECUs being sold to take advantage of the mods, but can’t find the link.

 

[Delk]

I already have an M54 330 intake installed. Since I am running a good amount of pressure from the turbo install I suspect the disa valve maybe the source of my intermittent boost leak.

Power is not a problem with the car.

The head can be poeted to fit the M50 manifold as long as you block off the lower air ports

 

[Delk]

My tubo starts to spool at just above 2k and I have full boost at under 3k.

I just looked at my dyno sheets and at 2k it's putting out 80hp. Not great but probably comparable to most 2.8s. At 3k it's putting out 180hp and goes progressively up to 400.

Loosing the disa valve is the reason I'm looking at the M50 intake. The other option is an ali turbo intake and if you get anything but a Chineese knock off they are silly money.

 

[Andyboy]

The M54 intake camshaft is a straight swap for a a bit more top end, but seem to be a bit more scarce.

I have a 3.0 cam as well!