1995-2005 BMW 3-Series E46 M3 Eventuri Black Carbon Air Intake System

BMW E46 M3

Performance increase = 10-15hp, 8-12ft-lb

The E46 M3 intake system is a result of extensive data logging, dyno testing and design optimisation. Our aim was to develop an intake system for the S54 engine which worked with the stock ECU map and MAF sensor and produced a genuine improvement in the driving experience.

The Eventuri Difference

The E46 M3 Eventuri system uses our Patent Pending Carbon fibre Housing which provides an aerodynamically efficient airflow path from the filter to the MAF tube. Not just another cone filter with a heat shield but a unique design which invokes the Venturi affect.

Performance

Attached to images above is a dyno graph showing the comparison between the Eventuri and the stock airbox on a standard car with just a rear exhaust and standard map. As you can see, power and torque are increased through a large portion of the rpm range not just at the peak. This translates on the road to increased part throttle and full throttle response with the car pulling much more eagerly to the redline. The testing was done on the same day back-to-back and temperatures were monitored to ensure consistency.

Although the Eventuri system does not require a remap – we have seen further gains when the E46 M3 is subsequently remapped. The graph above shows another E46 M3 with 3 curves – stock, Eventuri and then Eventuri with a remap. In this instance the car was remapped by Evolve Automotive.

Carbon Intake Housing Assembly

Made from 100% prepreg carbon fibre of the highest quality, the workmanship on the housing is second to none. This encapsulates the filter and is mated to an anodised aluminum inlet cowl to ensure a smooth inlet flow path. The filter itself is a deep pleated, high flow double cone configuration which is dry to avoid damaging the MAF sensor. Finally the assembly is then mated to an aluminium heat shield which effectively shrouds the intake from engine bay heat and captures the ambient air being diverted from the scoop. Also notice the rubber spacer on the mount of the heat shield - this is for the headlight module to sit on so that it remains at the right height - small details are important!

Carbon Air Scoop

100% Prepreg carbon fibre with a CNC machined collar - the air scoop forces ambient air directly into the filter opening. This scoop simply clicks into place in the front right hand brake duct and effectively saturates the mouth of the intake with cold air. It has been designed to take up half the height of the duct in order to allow airflow to still continue through the duct for the brakes. The scoop is so effective that even after a hard drive, the aluminium cowl at the mouth of the intake will still feel cold to touch!

MAF tube

The MAF tube is CNC machined from aluminium and then anodised. The MAF boss itself is machined from an engineering plastic to minimise the heat soak into the sensor through conduction. We have incorporated a machined recess on one side to allow the OEM rubber gasket from the stock airbox to be used for a perfect seal into the stock elbow.

Heat Shields

There are 3 aluminium heat shields. The main shield is part of the intake assembly as above. There is then an extension shield which fits onto the main shield and blocks hot air from the radiator. The last shield secures to the chassis underneath the carbon housing to minimise direct heat soak from the block. We used neoprene on the main shield to insulate it for optimum function in keeping inlet air temperatures as low as possible.

These components come together to improve the efficiency of the engine intake. The result - more power, throttle response and sound.