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3-series

  1. Ultimate Cooling - 2012-2016 BMW F2X/F3X Intercooler R&D Part 3 - Production Sample

    Ultimate Cooling - 2012-2016 BMW F2X/F3X Intercooler R&D Part 3 - Production Sample

    It's been a long time coming since we last left off with the development of this intercooler. While it might have been trying on your patience, and a little on ours, it's not necessarily a bad thing that it took some time. Simply put, how are we going to make sure that what ends up at your door step is perfect if the first doesn't possess the same qualities? And sometimes doing things a little differently takes some time.

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    If you look back to our last post outlining the design plans, you'll see exactly what I'm on about when it comes to doing things differently. We did end up giving a good amount away then, but since it's been a while, I'll refresh your memory.

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  2. Ultimate Cooling - 2012-2016 BMW F2X/F3X Intercooler R&D Part 2 - Design Plans

    Ultimate Cooling - 2012-2016 BMW F2X/F3X Intercooler R&D Part 2 - Design Plans

    When I last left off our engineer, Steve, was busy scanning and creating a 3D model of the F30 stock unit as a reference for our new design. There is an impressive amount of engineering that has gone into this intercooler project already, with more to come. One of the reasons for this attention to detail is because of the wide range of models that this new cooler is going to fit, as seen by our photo gallery. Another reason is because BMW has a pesky habit of living up to their moniker, "The Ultimate Driving Machine," they leave little room for error.

    Steve working the Faro Design ScanArm to create a 3D model of the stock intercooler unit.
    Steve working the Faro Design ScanArm to create a 3D model of the stock intercooler unit.
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  3. Protecting the N55 - Catch Can R&D, Part 3: Test Results and Final Look

    Protecting the N55 - Catch Can R&D, Part 3: Test Results and Final Look

    The pre-sale for this kit is now live! Click here to buy the Mishimoto N55 Catch Can Kit!

    Nothing ruins a weekend drive through your favorite back roads more than an unexpected check engine light (CEL). That is, nothing except a flashing check engine light.  Having driven my fair share of Volkswagens, Audis, and more recently Subaru's, I've become quite accustomed to the warm, orange glow of a lit check engine light.  A solid CEL is something that no longer worries me; it's something that I, and most people who modify cars, have come to expect every now and then.  What does still haunt my dreams, however, is the flashing CEL. What's the difference? A solid CEL is usually a fault that's not life-threatening to the engine.  Small issues

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  4. Final Product Design - E46 Intake Development, Part 3

    Final Product Design - E46 Intake Development, Part 3

    In our last update, we left you with some dyno results showing the potential this kit has for increased performance. Now that the development process is nearing completion, we have a finished and fully functional prototype to test fit onto a BMW 330i. This kit is a direct fit for the E46 330i and it includes a very straightforward component list and simple installation instructions. Let's jump into what our final kit looks like.

    Final E46 intake prototype
    Final E46 intake prototype

    As seen above, the multi-ply silicone intake hose features a CNC-machined connector for exact fitment onto our filter. The heat shield is made of black powder-coated steel to help keep the filter shielded from the engine bay heat. The weather stripping along the

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  5. BMW E46 3-Series Silicone Intake Boot Development!

    BMW E46 3-Series Silicone Intake Boot Development!

    During the development of our new intake system for the 1999-2005 BMW 3-series, we identified yet another component that would be a vital upgrade as the E46 chassis begins to age (gracefully though, right?). With a lack of support in offerings for a silicone E46 intake boot set, we decided to design a set that would replace the failure-prone stock rubber units. If you've ever owned a BMW (E30, E36, E46, etc.) that utilizes such rubber intake elbows and hoses, you may have experienced failure at some point. Typically the area of flex begins to develop cracks and tears over time. The unmonitored air entry results in a rough running straight-six " not exactly ideal. So let's get to the project!

    Stock Intake Boots

    First, check out the factory-equipped boots!

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  6. BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 3: Final Prototype

    BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 3: Final Prototype

    Interested in picking up our E46 intake system? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto BMW E46 Performance Air Intake

    Final Intake Images

    With successful testing data acquired from our first prototype, it was time to make a final prototype and perform our last test fit before producing a batch of final intake systems. Check out a shot of the shroud, intake hose, and filter!

    Mishimoto E46 air intake shroud, intake hose, and air filter
    Mishimoto E46 air intake shroud, intake hose, and air filter

    The airbox is constructed of powder-coated steel, and we line the

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  7. BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 2: Power and Sound Testing

    BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 2: Power and Sound Testing

    Interested in picking up our E46 intake system? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto BMW E46 Performance Air Intake

    After completing our initial prototype it was time to strap this E46 to the dyno and make a few pulls. We would be evaluating power output, monitoring vital engine sensors such as AFR, and collecting sound clips for comparison against the stock intake system.

    Dyno Testing

    E46 on dyno for intake testing
    E46 on dyno for intake testing

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  8. BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 1: Initial Design

    BMW E46 3-Series Intake System R&D, Part 1: Initial Design

    Interested in picking up our E46 intake system? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto BMW E46 Performance Air Intake

    Stock E46 intake system
    Stock E46 intake system


    Stock E46 intake system
    Stock E46 intake system

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