Air Filter Solution for Pre 09/09 M3s

[anotherchengman]

As some of you have heard, BMW/Mahle have discontinued the charcoal lined (p/n 13727838805) air filters for pre 09/09 M3s. The difference is the spring loaded nub in the intake housing. I have designed a ABS printed replacement to allow you to reuse your existing housing with the later paper filter (p/n 13727838804).

If anyone is interested, I would be happy to make and sell these to support those who do not want to replace their air boxes or run aftermarket filters.

[NiBe]

Hi, this shocked me a little bit. I have 2008. But per my research this applies "only" to US models, right? For EU models (mine) I use the 13727838804, right?

US 2008:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=13_1243

EU 2008:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=13_1243


It really sucks, sorry about that my US friends.

[anotherchengman]

Yes it applies to US models only it seems. The filter had an activated carbon layer for evaporative gases when engine is off.

[NiBe]

Thanks for that. Your solution is good. I saw it on some other websites also when doing the research. I hope that the ABS is able to go through heat cycles without shrinking or changing its shape. Btw you could also publish your STL file, I guess people from the forum would appreciate it Still many people would buy it because they don't have a printer.

[LKN624]

Just an FYI, you can still search for Mahle LX1667. They are the same filters that came from BMW and are still available.

[anotherchengman]

The mahle is discontinued too. Whatever is being sold is the remaining stock

[romero1990]

how well will it hold up for track uses? or probably i've shoulda use aftermarket filters already lol.

[derbo]

Originally Posted by romero1990

how well will it hold up for track uses? or probably i've shoulda use aftermarket filters already lol.

In terms of temperature, its the made out of ABS so no difference in that regards!

[fs34]

I’ll have to take my cover off but I swear I already have that? I’d rather bleed brakes than deal with getting that filter in thanks to the “nub” thing that the filter has.

My e90 was made in spring 08 I believe

[anotherchengman]

Originally Posted by romero1990

how well will it hold up for track uses? or probably i've shoulda use aftermarket filters already lol.

Great question. My car is mostly for track use and I’ve tested it for past 6 months to ensure it works flawlessly. Personally, I like to stick with oe filters because filtration is more important than the couple of hp I might gain with an aftermarket filter.

[anotherchengman]

Originally Posted by fs34

I’ll have to take my cover off but I swear I already have that? I’d rather bleed brakes than deal with getting that filter in thanks to the “nub” thing that the filter has.

My e90 was made in spring 08 I believe

Yeah the early style filters are more difficult to install. You will need a new nub for the paper later style filters

[kaiv]

BMC filter. Manufacturer of the OE E46 M3 CSL air filter. They are on clerance right now through SSF. Basically a lifetime part.

[anotherchengman]

Originally Posted by kaiv

BMC filter. Manufacturer of the OE E46 M3 CSL air filter. They are on clerance right now through SSF. Basically a lifetime part.

I personally avoid any of these oil based washable cotton filters. When they’re clean, they might make a few more hp, but they don’t filter as well and lose power when dirty. To each their own

[jayzbird]

Thank you for your effort. I’d definitely be interested. Half of us on this forum should be. I tried ordering from a couple places last year that supposedly had the old filters in stock, they sent the new ones, and then refused refunds because bmw says the new part simply supersedes the old.