Review on Enhance Performance with aFe Power 🚀 51-81012-B Magnum Force BMW 3-Series (E9X) Intake System by Jeremiah Whiteley

Firstly, contrary to what Revain advertises, this unit is mounted on a 2013 BMW 128 (E82). Delivery also takes a few weeks. It took only three minutes to disassemble the factory block and mass air flow (MAF) sensor. Then it took another 40 minutes to install the new unit. This happened due to several problems. Some of the engineering is a little questionable in terms of installation.1. The MAF gasket is too thick for the included fasteners and needs to be trimmed slightly to properly install the included fasteners.2. One of the frame mounts is almost impossible to install and requires you to unscrew everything and "fish out" the invisible screw holes. This is something that could easily be done a little better.3. The brackets that come with it are a bit short. I used the standard mounting brackets with the new block. The mounting sleeves are also too soft and allow the device to slip slightly over time. It would be great with a combination of hard plastic and rubber bushing4. The filter media definitely increases intake airflow, but like typical K&N systems, lets through a lot more dirt. Since I live in an area with relatively clean air, loose secondary filter media would be a good option. I chose "dry" filter media because I had problems with "oily" K&N type filters fouling the MAF sensors over time. Installation Notes: 1. The supplied silicone intake manifold gasket is "keyed" and must be in a specific position to ensure a proper seal. The installation instructions do not mention this. If you look into the gasket from the engine side, you will see a notch that lines up with the "bump" on the intake manifold. It's easy to overlook, but if installed incorrectly, it can cause a serious problem that can result in dirty air being sucked in, as well as mass airflow sensor problems with incorrect airflow readings. Leave all fasteners loose until all screws are properly tightened and all components are in place. This requires quite a bit of manipulation of the device, and this is not easily accomplished with the fasteners tightened.3. I put a small circle of thin tape around the intake manifold where it meets the inside of the box before attaching it to keep debris out of the engine area. 4. Be very careful when wearing the MAF sensor. This is a very sensitive sensor that is easily damaged by dirt or impact. Do not touch the bare sensor wires or use cleaning agents on them. The replacement will cost at least a few hundred dollars.5. I used two small circles of 3M VHB tape and some thin filter material inside the box to cover the two side open vents to prevent dirt from entering the filter box at the front of the car. Inlet box for E82 series. As a product engineer, I'm probably picky, but there's some "common sense" to this design that made me laugh. Overall this combined with the Active Autowerke remapping and a few other things definitely breathes better and is a noticeable difference across the rev range used and makes the car more fun to drive.