WANTED S54 csl style carbon airbox

[Adamw]

Hi all

Just recently picked up a lovely Z4M and looking to do the csl style carbon airbox mod as absolutely must have that amplified induction noise!!

Looking at Geoff Steel or Karbonius units but before I commit to new wondered if anyone had a used great condition set-up they’re looking to part with.

Happy to hear of anyone selling any of the well known brand carbon airbox systems.

Thanks in advance

Adam

PFI

 

[Mr Tidy]

Good to see you found one.

You may have to wait a while for a used one as people only tend to take them off when they sell their car.

 

[Adamw]

Understand, but thought it was worth a go - posted on x5 forums

 

[R60BBA]

@Adamw definitely go Karbonius over Geoff Steel.

 

[Ed Doe]

@Adamw definitely go Karbonius over Geoff Steel.

Why? Absolutely bugger all difference in performance gain, so all it is is a chunk more money for a slightly nicer finish if you're super picky? If the op is in it for the noise more than the bling, then a GSR box is ideal!

 

[Adamw]

Why? Absolutely bugger all difference in performance gain, so all it is is a chunk more money for a slightly nicer finish if you're super picky? If the op is in it for the noise more than the bling, then a GSR box is ideal!

That’s kind of what I was wondering.
Differences between GS & Karbonius.

Adam

 

[R60BBA]

Why? Absolutely bugger all difference in performance gain, so all it is is a chunk more money for a slightly nicer finish if you're super picky? If the op is in it for the noise more than the bling, then a GSR box is ideal!

It’s not about bling. It’s about quality.

There have been ample cases of Geoff Steel boxes having issues. Google search is your best friend.

To my knowledge I am not aware of any Karbonius boxes developing issues. Not to say that it hasn’t happened, however it is indisputable that they are much better quality.

It’s the OP’s car so ultimately up to him, however you get what you pay for.

 

[Ed Doe]

It’s not about bling. It’s about quality.

There have been ample cases of Geoff Steel boxes having issues. Google search is your best friend.

To my knowledge I am not aware of any Karbonius boxes developing issues. Not to say that it hasn’t happened, however it is indisputable that they are much better quality.

It’s the OP’s car so ultimately up to him, however you get what you pay for.

Qualify 'issues' though... From my research the only issues have been perceived quality of finish, not fit or function.... As I say if you're the sort to lose sleep over the fact the carbon weave isn't the same orientation between the main body and the snorkel attachment, then yes paying the extra for a Karb is worth it. If you're after the noise there's absolutely nothing wrong with the gsr product; it's well used in various motorsport applications, and the latest design addresses a lot the finish too as I understand it.

I do agree you get what you pay for, but to universally state 'don't get anything other than karb' with no actual further explanation is not offering a balanced perspective for the op to make an informed decision against is it...

 

[D.Bryce]

Get in touch with RDM Shop on Facebook and they can supply you a haimus box along with all the fitting kits and a custom snorkel specific for the Z4M than no other company has made.

 

[R60BBA]

Qualify 'issues' though... From my research the only issues have been perceived quality of finish, not fit or function.... As I say if you're the sort to lose sleep over the fact the carbon weave isn't the same orientation between the main body and the snorkel attachment, then yes paying the extra for a Karb is worth it. If you're after the noise there's absolutely nothing wrong with the gsr product; it's well used in various motorsport applications, and the latest design addresses a lot the finish too as I understand it.

I do agree you get what you pay for, but to universally state 'don't get anything other than karb' with no actual further explanation is not offering a balanced perspective for the op to make an informed decision against is it...

I think you have gotten the wrong end of the stick Ed. I also didn’t state what you said I stated…

To reiterate, the Karbonius is better quality than the Geoff Steel and as a result it is more expensive (which is fair in my view).

The Karbonius is also the closest replica carbon airbox to the original BMW CSL box.

In terms of issues, owners have reported that their Geoff Steel boxes are ‘fragile’ due to problems with the epoxy, as well as splitting and cracking (which has resulted in them being sent back for repair). Look no further than this thread.

Geoff Steel changed the design of their airbox a few years ago due to their first version not being up to par. Admitted by themselves

“In 2017 we changed the manufacturing process of our CSL airbox. This included new, CAD designed and CNC machined moulds which we then hand lay the carbon airboxes from. Before 2017 we manufactured a similar product but it was no where near the quality of the current model. Many people still refer to the “Version 1” which we sold many of, but they cannot be compared. The “new” Version 2 design is far superior including CNC machined, aluminium snorkel flanges, aluminium breather ports and carbon fibre intake trumpets.“

Read into that what you will.

Another thing to consider here is resale value. If looking at buying a Z4M/E46 M3, I personally would avoid a car with a Geoff Steel airbox because it indicates that the car has most likely been run on a budget. I am not the only one in this camp either…