Simota air intake for M54 3.0i Z4 - query...

[a11y]

I'm still undecided on this, but since my parents are in the US for a few weeks on holiday, I might take advatage of them to buy me a cheap(er) Simota carbon intake for my Z4. I know it won't improve performance, it's all about the noise

Anyway I digress. I can't find an application for the Z4 3.0i M54 engine in my pre-facelift Z4. There are a couple of listings for the E46 330i M54, therefore my query is: is the intake system the same on the E46 3-series with the M54 as on my E85 Z4 with the M54?

This is the listing for various models inc the E46 330i M54: http://umnitza.com/umnitza-simota-intake-carbon-fiber-select-model-p-290.html - $229 for the system before shipping.

I've emailed the supplier in the US but they've not responded as yet and I'm not keen to call them! Does anyone here know the answer to my query?

Cheers
Ally

 

[mmm-five]

I believe the Z4 requires a slightly different shape/length to reach the front of the car.

 

[a11y]

Ah, that's not so good then if that's correct. They do one for the Z4M I believe, but again this will be different from what I need for the M54 3.0i...

Anyone else confirm what mmm-five is saying?

 

[mmm-five]

I'm basing my comment on the fact that the Gruppe M one for the S54 in the Z4M is different to the one for the S54 in the M3 (so different intake & different engine), but Simota generally just copy Gruppe M designs. Even the Gruppe-M product codes are different for the M54 in the e46 330 and the M54 in the Z4 3.0 - if they were the same fitting, there'd be no need for a different code.

The main thing I've noticed on the Z4M version is the intake in which the filter sits seems to stop behind the N/S headlight, where the e46 version goes over the top of the radiator cowling. The e85/6 radiator cowling is much wider than the e46 one.

Gruppe M for e46 M3 (S54)

Gruppe M for e85/6 Z4M (S54) - which is a very similar shape to all the Simota one's I've seen

Pictures for the Simota ones seem to show the same filter for everything, but I guess that's just them using a generic photo as an example.

There are posts elsewhere that say that while the Simota M version is different for the Z4M and M3, there is only one model for the non-M. Which is strange as the Simota website lists different part numbers for different e46s: 330 (M54 B30) = CF610-6, 320-328 (M54 B22 & B25) = CF610-4. Some websites say there's an extra snorkel supplied for certain models, but don't list which.

If they're simply offering the short version which goes behind the headlight, then it may well fit, or it might be a bit short and allow more hot engine-bay air in than on the e46 version. Looking at some of the pictures around the web, it might simply be down to what extension pieces are supplied to join onto the MAF.

As you're probably not looking for any power increase, even one that doesn't fit properly is still going to give you a nicer intake sound 8)

I'd phone some of the Simota resellers and ask them specifically - but they'll probably have to order it in anyway and would prefer not to refund you if it doesn't quite fit, and may even fob you off by saying that it's supposed to be a 'loose fit'

 

[Mr Whippy]

Anyone got any conclusive info on performance benefits?

Noise is a good motivation though, but the sound generator does much more than a filter ever will in induction noise regards anyway!

Dave

 

[Shooter]

Anyone got any conclusive info on performance benefits?

Noise is a good motivation though, but the sound generator does much more than a filter ever will in induction noise regards anyway!

Dave

Performance wise, i can't say. I've never been fond of the "i fell the car pull much better past xxx kph" stuff.
But having both on my car, sound generator and carbon intake, i can say that the resulting noise is really, really enjoyable.
With the sound generator, you can really hear your engine inside the car, and the carbon intake adds the "growl" the engine lacks with the factory intake.

 

[a11y]

Ah well, I'm not willing to risk buying one at this stage (particularly from overseas) without knowing for definate that it's going to fit. Cheers for that info mmm-five, clears it up a bit. I'll continue to look into this when I get a chance though as I'm hooked on the noise of ali_b's ///M version with a carbon airbox fitted...

 

[tomTVR]

I just fitted a Simota kit onto my 3.0i. The kit is designed for the 330i/ci so the mounting bracket didnt fit but it doesn't matter because it tucks nicely into the front bulkhead without any movement.

I fitted it 100% purely for the sound, it doesnt appear to make any difference to performance one way or the other. But my goodness it sounds good. Sounds standard when cruising (which suits me as it's a daily driver) but properly howls when you open the taps.

Here is a crappy quality video which doesnt do it justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E--YQlfx55E

 

[Breadvan_Matt]

Hi Ally,
Also would like one of these for my 06 Coupe.

Here's another website:

http://www.jlevistreetwerks.com/3-Series-E46-%281999-2006%29-Performance/c399_33_53/p252/Simota-Carbon-Fiber-Cold-Air-Intake-for-BMW-6-Cylinder-Models/product_info.html

 

[a11y]

Here is a crappy quality video which doesnt do it justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E--YQlfx55E

:happyclap:

Oh that sounds lovely tomTVR! That's exactly the sort of sound I'm looking for from my 3.0i.

Is that the standard exhaust too?

Where did you buy yours from?

Is that the kit designed for the E46 330i, i.e. the "CF-610-6 330i M54" from the drop-down list on this website: http://umnitza.com/umnitza-simota-intake-carbon-fiber-select-model-p-290.html

How does the intake fit towards the front of the engine bay? Is it drawing in much hot air? I'm more concerned about for sound purposes too, but I wouldn't want to lose significant power...

Sorry for all the Q's but it's rare to find someone with one of these on a 3.0i Z4

 

[Breadvan_Matt]

Hi Tom TVR,
I agree with Ally. Your car sounds great!
I too would be very interested in this. Can you confirm which one you ordered. Thanks.

Also, a picture of the unit in your engine bay would be great!

Thanks Matt

 

[tomTVR]

I ordered mine (which i believe is the same as in ally's link) from here http://www.mstyle.co.uk/acatalog/BMW_3_E46_SIMOTA.html

It was £200 and £10 delivery but if you want one be quick because the lady on the phone said that the price has just gone up £25, they just havent got round to updating the website. Since i'm sure there's a law about having to sell a product at the advertised price i decided i'd buy it online and they kick-up a fuss if they wanted to change the price. Luckily no problems and in addition you get free £10 voucher for spending over £100 which i'm sure i will use on some of their other goodies!

Here are some pictures in my very dirty engine bay.




I am also concerned about drawling-in hot air from the engine bay. As you can see from the photo below, figure 'B' is the gap beneath the mushroom where hot air can get in. This is not a result of me fitting the wrong filter, from my research non of these intakes fit flush with the bulkhead (albeit few to such a degree as this) which seems silly.



I have done some extensive testing to try and detect any changes in power and i can't. But even if i can't, it would still niggle me if i knew i was losing a couple of bhp. Figure 'A' shows the standard scoop which fits to the OEM airbox, it seems correctly placed to provide plenty of cool air to the filter when on the move but the benefits will diminish when pootling around town on a hot day.

I am going to experiment about, ideally a DIY heatshield but i don't think there is room. I may buy some reflective heat insulation tape and seal up the void although that would look crap.

I don't want to do anything to mute the sound, honestly - in the flesh it sounds almost like a CSL

Another crummy video, as you can see it doesn't look too slow for an otherwise 100% standard 3.0i

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFm-TzdZYGg

Sorry for all the Q's but it's rare to find someone with one of these on a 3.0i Z4

No problem. I had all the same questions but couldnt find a single answer on the web. Curiosity got the better of me in the end so i had to find out. Remember theres loads of 330i/ci guys out there who you can offload it onto when you have finished with it and get at least half of the purchase price back.

 

[Breadvan_Matt]

Hi Tom,
Thank you for posting this. A huge help. After reading your review, I was ready (inspired :lol: ) to jump on the phone to order the Simota air intake, with dreams of CSL type noises in my head. However, before I did, I decided to check my engine bay to make sure there was nothing else I was missing. I just noticed that in my 2006 coupe, there is what I believe is a MAF sensor which is part of the OEM air intake (situated right on top of the OEM air intake). So to replace the OEM air intake, I would have to unplug this. :? But the Simota air intake you have doesn’t have anywhere to re-plug the MAF sensor back in (I am not a mechanic, but I am guessing having this left unplugged is not an option). :?

Have to admit, it is a big let-down as this is one mod I have been looking to do. Looks like my search for a 'reasonably priced' CF air intake goes on. The Gruppe M is an obvious alternative choice but I just cant see me spending over £800 to get one.

If anyone knows of other options, pls let me know.

Thanks, Matt

 

[mmm-five]

Surely it's only the airbox that you're replacing with the Simota/GruppeM kit, not the whole intake tube.
If so, then your MAF sensor stays where it is and just connects to the tubing/intake as supplied.

I believe your sensor should be in a similar position to the one shown, albeit in a different orientation, and if it's not I'd like a photo to see what the problem is.

 

[Breadvan_Matt]

Hi mmm-Five,
The intake tube (with the MAF sensor) now seems to be part of the whole air intake moulding. The set up on post 2006 cars is different to what Tom has in the pics above (a pre-2006 model). But I hope that I can be proved wrong.

I will take a picture this evening (when I get home) of the air intake and show you what I am talking about.

 

[Breadvan_Matt]

Hi mmm-five,
See below a picture of the air intake from my car.

As you can see, the MAF sensor (I believe that is what it is ) is part of the air intake moulding. This would obviously have to be unplugged in order for the Simota CF air intake to be fitted

I am thinking therefore that the Simota air intake is not suitable.



Here is a close up of the sensor.

 

[mmm-five]

Hi mmm-five,
See below a picture of the air intake from my car.

As you can see, the MAF sensor (I believe that is what it is ) is part of the air intake moulding. This would obviously have to be unplugged in order for the Simota CF air intake to be fitted

I am thinking therefore that the Simota air intake is not suitable.

From those pictures I'd agree with that assessment.

It's strange that BMW have changed the design that way, as I'd not seen any (or rather, noticed any) like that until you posted the photo.

As you say, it must be a facelift thing. The only good news is the sensor on the facelift version is cheaper than the older version.

 

[a11y]

That's interesting to know about - I'll be sure to check my airbox setup before committing to buying anything like this. I've obviously got a pre-facelift and should be OK, but I'll still check. Very keen on one of these but I'll be checking with my insurer first of all as I'm aware some insurers charge an absoute fortune to add one to the policy. Also have relatives coming over from the US in October so I might speak nicely to them about bringing me over a gift...

TomTVR - can I ask a small request? Any chance you could record and post an in-car video of the noise? That's more important to me than what it sounds like to anyone else - call me selfish but I'm the one driving the car and an intake system would be purely for my aural pleasure and nobody elses

 

[noxas]

I have to say this all seem a lot of time and money for no real return? Still each to his or her own.

 

[AlanJ]

I have to say this all seem a lot of time and money for no real return? Still each to his or her own.

x2