E30 Modifications

 

E36 Modifications

 

 

BMW Tech Articles

Here are some technical bulletins and articles to help you with troubleshooting your BMW E30 and E36. If you have any articles you would like to add please contact us.

General BMW 3 Series Modifications

Cold Air Intake (CAI)
The best way to make a CAI system, is to find an aluminum (3" Piping) Pipe with a 'x' degree curve on it (x - depending on the year of your 3 series. See http://www.ecisbmw.com for an example on how to create this system. For E36 models, a 45 degree curve will work). If choose to run a plastic pipe keep this in mind: looks, and not heat resistant (aluminum dissipates heat quicker). If you choose to go with the plastic setup, please be sure you buy ABS plastic and not PVC piping that contains chlorine. You will also need 3 - 4 clamps and a rubber 3" tube to secure the piping to the HFM. Lastly, a Filter. I recommend a 6" K&N Cone Filter (with 3" opening) as they are well known work best with this setup. You can used 8" cones but would not recommend it because of fitting purposes ( on E36 Cars only, I have not setup CAI systems for E30's or E46's ). Installing is straight forward, however you will notice a sensor attached to the stock air box ( on E36's). This is not terribly important. You can do one of two options, 1. tie wrap it to the filter or 2. make a hole in your heat shield to accommodate this sensor.

One of the most important part of the CAI system is the heat shield. Without this barrier, your engine will suck in a lot of warm air which will hinder your performance gain, if not decrease it. To start your heat shield, remove the stock air box and make a template out of cardboard and get the proper fitting. Trace your template onto an aluminum sheet. You will need heat resistant material (Two types, bubble/aluminum roll found at Mcdermont Lumber, and fiberglass/aluminum roll possible found at partsource) to cover the template. Trying to find heat resistant glue can be a challenge, if you cannot find any, you can try acoustical glue. Make holes to fit the 3" piping and the sensor, once that template is built and glued, you can finish it off by painting it (try to use heat resistant paint like manifold paint) to match your engine bay and adding a rubber molding to make a seal between the heat shield. and the top of the hood.

If you would like to purchase your CAI system visit: http://www.ecisbmw.com.

Exhaust Systems
Most BMW exhaust systems are expensive, stock or modified. Custom exhaust systems is not recommended as they have little experience for developing a system that works well with BMW's. Supersprint is usually the recommened brand for aftermarket exhausts. Supersprint dyno's there product till they cannot squeeze any more horse power/torque out. Other recommended manufacturers are UUC, and rogue engineering

ECU Tuning
Two main companies that sell aftermarket chips, Active Autowerke and Turner motorsport. By far the best investment ever made. I recommend this as your first mod, providing your not doing any else other than bolt on mods.