DIY: Changing Air Filter/Installing AFE Air Filter for E9X M3's w/Pics

Blake · 09-18-2008, 07:51 PM

Install was pretty easy. Anyone with basic mechanical know-how can do it in about 15 minutes.

Tools Needed:
Torx screwdriver size 20
Flathead screwdriver

1. Locate the air box. You'll find 8 Torx 20 screws that hold it on. Use your Torx 20 screwdriver to loosen the screws. It is not necessary to completely remove the screws, just unscrew them enough so it gets loose (it'll help you keep track of your screws too!

) Be careful and try not to drop any screws deep down into the engine compartment because it's not fun to fish them out.

2. When all the screws have been loosened, pull off the air box cover. Easiest way is to pull up and to the right.

3. Loosen the clamp around the rubber intake.

4. Now you're ready to remove the filter. To the right of the filter is a piece of plastic that sticks out with a rounded end. That's a tensioner. Now all I did was pull up (you might have to give it a little elbow grease) and it came right out. The piece of plastic that connects the intake to the filter will probably come off with the filter too.

5. Reinstall the plastic piece to the intake. Ensure that you got it on properly. Tighten the clamp until its snug.

6. After everything looks good, begin to slide in the replacement filter. Depress the tensioner and install the filter. Some tensioners are looser than others, if yours doesn't give very much, just push the filter in. After the filter is in, ensure that everything is lined up properly and snugly.

Finished Product

7. Now you're ready to put the cover back on. Make sure you fit the cover back on the way it's supposed to be...specifically tucking the cover under this plastic duct piece:

8. Screw all the screws in and viola! All done. Enjoy!

CinciE92M3 · 09-18-2008, 08:06 PM

Nice job! Now, where can I find that filter? It doesn't show up in the search on their website...

rzm3 · 09-18-2008, 08:07 PM

awsome. thanks for sharing!

Blake · 09-18-2008, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CinciE92M3

Nice job! Now, where can I find that filter? It doesn't show up in the search on their website...

i got it from harold with HP autowerks. details in this thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=168984

badfish · 09-18-2008, 09:30 PM

Interesting. I wrote a DIY here. Torx size is actually T-25. T-20 fits but will strip it if you are not careful. I also found it easier to disconnect the rubber pipe at the other end, but there's always more than one way to skin a cat.

schnell325 · 09-18-2008, 10:44 PM

Nice writeup. Now I have to go get a set of Torx!

Blake · 09-19-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badfish

Interesting. I wrote a DIY here. Torx size is actually T-25. T-20 fits but will strip it if you are not careful. I also found it easier to disconnect the rubber pipe at the other end, but there's always more than one way to skin a cat.

ahh didn't even see that one

HP Autowerks · 09-22-2008, 10:20 AM

Nice!

schnell325 · 09-24-2008, 12:39 PM

12 minutes flat.....such a simple upgrade.

asaulo1 · 09-25-2008, 10:57 PM

quite simple.... but just a word of caution, the edges of the inside of the plastic are quite sharp... got a nasty slice on my palm trying to pull out the old filer.... be careful.... CHeers

CinciE92M3 · 09-25-2008, 11:57 PM

I got mine and installed it yesterday. Didn't notice much until I was driving around at night - no radio or A/C on - and when I got into the throttle I could hear the air being sucked into the hood intake... very cool!! I didn't even have my window open...

HP Autowerks · 09-26-2008, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schnell325

12 minutes flat.....such a simple upgrade.

You guys are fast, can we ask you to come down and install some filters?

schnell325 · 09-26-2008, 12:41 AM

Send me a ticket!!

ACZakka325i · 09-28-2008, 09:49 PM

Whoa whoa whoa, you can tell the difference by just changing the type of filter?

Does this provide documented increases in air flow? I'd consider buying it just for the sound.

CinciE92M3 · 09-28-2008, 10:07 PM

I can't feel any difference in power, but the sound is definitely different.

I can't say whether the stock filter made the "air intake" sound or not because I wasn't listening for it before. It definitely does now though, and it's pretty cool!

HP Autowerks · 09-29-2008, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

Whoa whoa whoa, you can tell the difference by just changing the type of filter?

Does this provide documented increases in air flow? I'd consider buying it just for the sound.

There is probably a few ponies there, but not enough for the butt dyno to feel.

The sound is just an added benefit!

BRDHNTR · 09-29-2008, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

There is probably a few ponies there, but not enough for the butt dyno to feel.

The sound is just an added benefit!

I agree with that.

py0413 · 11-10-2008, 05:40 PM

Received the Dry version this morning and followed the DIY guide got it installed earlier. Will drive a bit later see how much difference it makes. Installation is not difficult, but not as easy as I expect or I am just not handy enough.

jdmish · 11-28-2008, 09:56 PM

installed the dry version today. Had to re-install it twice because i kept getting a rattle during hard acceleration. BUT its still doing it! guess i'll just have to try again.

Reincarnated · 12-02-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmish

installed the dry version today. Had to re-install it twice because i kept getting a rattle during hard acceleration. BUT its still doing it! guess i'll just have to try again.

I get that same rattle. I have taken it apart twice now and everything is in there firmly. Was wondering if anyone else had this issue?
There is a slight rattle as you accelerate and then it goes away.

Blip Bavarian · 12-02-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reincarnated

I get that same rattle. I have taken it apart twice now and everything is in there firmly. Was wondering if anyone else had this issue?
There is a slight rattle as you accelerate and then it goes away.

+1

I have the exact same issue. I keep thinking that the filter is not completely flush with the intake, and that it is letting unfiltered air to flutter into the intake, causing the rattle noise.

Does everyone experience this sound under load?

jdmish · 12-02-2008, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reincarnated

I get that same rattle. I have taken it apart twice now and everything is in there firmly. Was wondering if anyone else had this issue?
There is a slight rattle as you accelerate and then it goes away.

i tripled checked all the fitment every time i reinstalled it (thrice). Im 99% sure its just the sound of air turbulence going through the intake. I even did a back to back swap of the stock and AFE filter and noticed if you listen really close even the stock filter makes the fluttering noise between 3-4 rpm during hard acceleration.

09-18-2008, 07:51 PM	#1
Blake Banned Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement Posts: 4,655 iTrader: (7)	DIY: Changing Air Filter/Installing AFE Air Filter for E9X M3's w/Pics Install was pretty easy. Anyone with basic mechanical know-how can do it in about 15 minutes. Tools Needed: Torx screwdriver size 20 Flathead screwdriver 1. Locate the air box. You'll find 8 Torx 20 screws that hold it on. Use your Torx 20 screwdriver to loosen the screws. It is not necessary to completely remove the screws, just unscrew them enough so it gets loose (it'll help you keep track of your screws too! ) Be careful and try not to drop any screws deep down into the engine compartment because it's not fun to fish them out. 2. When all the screws have been loosened, pull off the air box cover. Easiest way is to pull up and to the right. 3. Loosen the clamp around the rubber intake. 4. Now you're ready to remove the filter. To the right of the filter is a piece of plastic that sticks out with a rounded end. That's a tensioner. Now all I did was pull up (you might have to give it a little elbow grease) and it came right out. The piece of plastic that connects the intake to the filter will probably come off with the filter too. 5. Reinstall the plastic piece to the intake. Ensure that you got it on properly. Tighten the clamp until its snug. 6. After everything looks good, begin to slide in the replacement filter. Depress the tensioner and install the filter. Some tensioners are looser than others, if yours doesn't give very much, just push the filter in. After the filter is in, ensure that everything is lined up properly and snugly. Finished Product 7. Now you're ready to put the cover back on. Make sure you fit the cover back on the way it's supposed to be...specifically tucking the cover under this plastic duct piece: 8. Screw all the screws in and viola! All done. Enjoy! Last edited by Blake; 05-05-2009 at 12:25 AM.
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09-18-2008, 08:06 PM	#2
CinciE92M3 Livin' the dream... Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 77 iTrader: (0)	Nice job! Now, where can I find that filter? It doesn't show up in the search on their website... __________________ 2008 M3 Coupe \| 6MT \| Interlagos Blue Metallic \| Silver Novillo Leather \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 19" Double Spoke \| HD/Sat/PDC

09-18-2008, 08:07 PM	#3
rzm3 Moderator Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: IL/TX Posts: 4,569 iTrader: (13)	awsome. thanks for sharing! __________________ Powered by M-World / AiM Evo4 Data Logger / KW Competition 2-Way / Brembo GT 365 / Pagid Yellow RS-29 / Rear Seats Delete Previous Mods: RBM3 / StopTech 380/355 / Moton Clubsport & Street Sport / Dinan Stage 1 / H&R Sport / M-World GT4 Aero / Eisenmann Sport & Race / Akrapovic Slip-On

09-18-2008, 09:30 PM	#5
badfish Major Drives: E92 AW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,037 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	Interesting. I wrote a DIY here. Torx size is actually T-25. T-20 fits but will strip it if you are not careful. I also found it easier to disconnect the rubber pipe at the other end, but there's always more than one way to skin a cat. __________________

09-18-2008, 10:44 PM	#6
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,400 iTrader: (5)	Nice writeup. Now I have to go get a set of Torx! __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

09-22-2008, 10:20 AM	#8
HP Autowerks BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 2011 135i DCT & 2011 1M Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AST, Brembo, Eibach, H&R, GIAC, Koni, Quaife, Stoptech, Vorshlag, Posts: 10,048 iTrader: (26)	Nice!

09-24-2008, 12:39 PM	#9
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,400 iTrader: (5)	12 minutes flat.....such a simple upgrade. __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

09-25-2008, 10:57 PM	#10
asaulo1 Lieutenant Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe, alp white Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Santa Clarita, CA. Posts: 565 iTrader: (0)	quite simple.... but just a word of caution, the edges of the inside of the plastic are quite sharp... got a nasty slice on my palm trying to pull out the old filer.... be careful.... CHeers __________________ "What a car.... what a masterpiece...." Jeremy Clarkson

09-25-2008, 11:57 PM	#11
CinciE92M3 Livin' the dream... Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 77 iTrader: (0)	I got mine and installed it yesterday. Didn't notice much until I was driving around at night - no radio or A/C on - and when I got into the throttle I could hear the air being sucked into the hood intake... very cool!! I didn't even have my window open... __________________ 2008 M3 Coupe \| 6MT \| Interlagos Blue Metallic \| Silver Novillo Leather \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 19" Double Spoke \| HD/Sat/PDC

09-26-2008, 12:41 AM	#13
schnell325 Bored at work.... Drives: '08 M3,'11 335xi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: BC Posts: 3,400 iTrader: (5)	Send me a ticket!! __________________ 2008 SG E92 M3 6MT AA Stage 2 w/ Meth 2011 SG E90 335xi 6MT 2007 SG E70 X5 4.8is

09-28-2008, 09:49 PM	#14
ACZakka325i Lieutenant Colonel Drives: X1 3.5 M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT Posts: 1,755 iTrader: (2)	Whoa whoa whoa, you can tell the difference by just changing the type of filter? Does this provide documented increases in air flow? I'd consider buying it just for the sound. __________________ 2013 535i xdrive(Current) 2008 E92 M3 (Gone) 2006 E90 325i (Gone) 2002 E46 325xi (Gone) 1991 E30 325i (Gone)

09-28-2008, 10:07 PM	#15
CinciE92M3 Livin' the dream... Drives: 2008 M3 Coupe Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 77 iTrader: (0)	I can't feel any difference in power, but the sound is definitely different. I can't say whether the stock filter made the "air intake" sound or not because I wasn't listening for it before. It definitely does now though, and it's pretty cool! __________________ 2008 M3 Coupe \| 6MT \| Interlagos Blue Metallic \| Silver Novillo Leather \| ZCW \| ZPP \| ZTP \| 19" Double Spoke \| HD/Sat/PDC

11-10-2008, 05:40 PM	#18
py0413 Captain Drives: 2012 M5 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: BC Posts: 929 iTrader: (2)	Received the Dry version this morning and followed the DIY guide got it installed earlier. Will drive a bit later see how much difference it makes. Installation is not difficult, but not as easy as I expect or I am just not handy enough. __________________ Must stop eating..............

11-28-2008, 09:56 PM	#19
jdmish Private First Class Drives: e92 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 198 iTrader: (2)	installed the dry version today. Had to re-install it twice because i kept getting a rattle during hard acceleration. BUT its still doing it! guess i'll just have to try again.

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