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

i got some "new" sound today too ... i got dry filter too and when i start and drive slow - 1-2 gear i can hear some weird noise like something is cracking ...

Blip Bavarian wrote

+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?

i've had mine in since i posted originally and it still works fine with no weird noises, etc.

That flutter noise I believe is normal. The filter is fit pretty snug, I highly doubt there's something rattling. I'm sure it's just the air being sucked in causing that flutter sound. To me the car just sounds more like a v8!

I can definitely feel a difference with this filter + RPi scoops installed.

just got around doing this. maybe my head is playing tricks on me, but i do feel and hear the difference!!! best bang for the buck, imo.


thanks, blake, for this dyi.

Did mine today...easy install (with pics)...took 10mins. Thanks. Sounds great so far. Road test tomorrow!

got my AA filter in tonight... took me more than 10 minutes as it was a little bit of pain getting the cover to fit back on correctly.... most likely my non-mechanical a$$ but not too difficult for the most part.
can't wait to drive tomorrow.

Somehow one of my torx bolts got stripped. Is there a part number to these bolts so I can get a replacement ?

rav7ks wrote

Somehow one of my torx bolts got stripped. Is there a part number to these bolts so I can get a replacement ?

Torx bolt, qty 8 total required is 13717545438

Does anyone know if the filter comes pre-oiled?
It's not clear from the included instructions if pre-oiling is necessary.

Badfish's instructions were easier to reinstall the filter. Either way, real easy installation. Took about 15 minutes.

BTW, wait till your engine is completely cool otherwise you'll be sweating like a MOFO during the installation.

C17MooseDriver wrote

BTW, wait till your engine is completely cool otherwise you'll be sweating like a MOFO during the installation.

this is true

Thanks for the write up. Just dropped an AFE into my friends 09

Just did mine tonight, very straight forward, but needed to put some elbow grease against the tensioner, no big deal.

TOOMANYCARS wrote

Just did mine tonight, very straight forward, but needed to put some elbow grease against the tensioner, no big deal.

Now, add some intake air scoops to complete the package.

Oh, I got the scoops installed right before I did the filter.

TOOMANYCARS wrote

Oh, I got the scoops installed right before I did the filter.

Excellent!

I don't know wtf it is about these kind of things, but if there's ANY chance that I can sacrifice a couple bolts to the Engine Bay God, I do.

This little dealio cost me 2. So thanks for the part numbers!

I wonder how many serviced BMW's are running around with extra bolts in the bay...

good one

:cool!:Thank you for instal.l instractions, will be getting filter isntalled later today.

My torx screws are size 25 on my 2009 E90 M3.

T25 Torx wrench needed for my filter cover.

I installed my BMC filter last night...hardest part was actually unscrewing all the screws to remove the airbox cover. OE filter removal was pretty easy...and the BMC filter fits really well.

I notice louder instake growl (the added noise alone is worth the $100 I paid)..and I can swear the car now feels stronger due to better throttle response.

HP Autowerks wrote

Now, add some intake air scoops to complete the package.

I highly doubt the scoops make and difference. The M3 intake design is pretty sick. Surely plenty of air is getting forced in through #3; "ram air" effect too:

The "tubing" for the intakes behind the kidney grills (#2) is comparatively tiny.