What’s the Best inlet manifold for my 2.8?

[Rich C's Z3]

Hello,

I put a k&n induction kit on my z3 years back and would like to add a new inlet manifold. Does anyone know what inlet manifold would work best to get more power from my 2.8 z3? I was wondering if the one from the z3m would be compatible as I’m guessing it’s a larger bore?

Would be interesting to know just how a big a job it is as the cost is always a factor?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[Si Mcinerney]

Can I ask what benefit did the K&N give you please?

 

[Slam]

It depends on what 2.8 lump you have if its the twin vanos you need the 3.0 manifold off a 330i or x5 3.0. If it's the single vanos lump you need I believe the 2.5 manifold. The twin vanos is much easier to convert as its like for like but you need a throttle body adapter. The m manifold won't fit.

 

[Si Mcinerney]

It depends on what 2.8 lump you have if its the twin vanos you need the 3.0 manifold off a 330i or x5 3.0. If it's the single vanos lump you need I believe the 2.5 manifold. The twin vanos is much easier to convert as its like for like but you need a throttle body adapter. The m manifold won't fit.

benefits of the induction kit?

 

[Slam]

benefits of the induction kit?

Sound better ! Not really sure of any other benefit could be a placebo effect because of the noise

 

[Si Mcinerney]

Might have to give it a go!

 

[Pingu]

Hello,

I put a k&n induction kit on my z3 years back and would like to add a new inlet manifold. Does anyone know what inlet manifold would work best to get more power from my 2.8 z3? I was wondering if the one from the z3m would be compatible as I’m guessing it’s a larger bore?

Would be interesting to know just how a big a job it is as the cost is always a factor?

Thanks,
Rich

What do you mean by an inlet manifold?

What you are describing is not the inlet manifold, but the air filter box and MAF.

There is no way that you could fit a Z3M inlet manifold without spending a lot of money. The M has six throttle bodies that are after the manifold. All the other engines have single throttle body before the manifold.

 

[5harp3y]

if you have a m52b28 (earlier 2.8) you just fit the 2.5 M50 manifold. a million threads on the internet about this. noticeable gains to be had and is the best (and only) option

later M52TUB you need the 3.0 intake

 

[Scooblitz]

If your car is an early pre facelift 'Single Vanos' you can do the m50 swap. It seems to require the e36 325i inlet manifold, some hose pipe assembly and repositioning of the fuel rail that sits on top of the engine. It would appear that some cars have shown great results. Maybe even as much as 245bhp on a dyno with a few other additions. Anything over 215bhp with manifold,remap and exhaust will be a good and obtainable gain.

On my research into this, it would appear that using anything other than the stock bmw air intake and filter will lose power. Have seen people putting on simota, K&N filters but with loss in power. I might be wrong but perhaps a Gruppe M carbon fibre intake might get a 3-5bhp gain but at almost £1000 for the kit....just get a supercharger

 

[Sean d]

Might have to give it a go!

I've just removed my Ramair induction kit with heat shield, all it did was make a great noise which is intoxicating to the point that I was leathering the 2.8 every where I went, my fuel economy has vastly improved,