[F30MSport]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

A panel air filter is commonly referred to as a replacement air filter. It is installed in the vehicle's original airbox to replace the OEM air filter. It is made of high performance materials that allow for an increase in air flow along with more efficient filtration. These BMC filters guarantee containment of all impurities from as small as 7 microns, as compared to the OEM's 10 microns.



BMC air filters are produced using a full molding system that enables the characteristic red filter to be realized from a single mold with no welded joints, thus avoiding easy breakage. The rubber used in BMC air filtering systems has a long life, is very durable and has optimum adhesion characteristics to all shapes of airboxes. BMC filters are made of a multi-layered cotton gauze soaked with low viscosity oil covered with an epoxy coated alloy mesh to ensure protection from petrol fumes and oxidization due to air humidity. All BMC air filters are pre-oiled, and they can be washed and regenerated by using an appropriate regeneration kit.

Installation

BMC High Performance Replacement Air Filter (set of 2)
http://europeanautosource.com/bmc-hi...nt-air-filters

Tools needed
T25 Torx driver
Pocket screwdriver
10mm & 13mm Wrench (socket)
Trim Removal Tool

Installation

1. Remove compression rivet from trim cover


2. Remove plastic nuts from right bank cowl cover, note these are twist-lock design (90-degree twist)


3. Remove compression rivet from trim cover


4. Remove plastic nuts from left bank cowl cover, note these are twist-lock design (90-degree twist)


5. Remove compression rivet from strut tower brace trim cover


6. Remove Bolts securing strut tower brace (13mm), nut on coolant reservoir is 10mm.


7. Carefully remove strut tower brace and admire BMW's craftsmanship.


8. Remove bolts on right airbox with T25 torx driver to reveal filter


9. Remove filter lid


10. Remove charcoal liner with small pocket screwdriver to release tabs


11. Drop new BMC oiled filter in place. filter comes pre-oiled from factory. Reinstall filter lid


12. Pinch plastic securing mount and lift on right filter housing to move out of place


13. Pinch/remove PCV hose and remove. Remember to reinstall after filter is installed.


14. Remove bolts on left airbox with T25 torx driver to reveal filter


15. Remove filter lid


16. Remove filter lid


17. Reinstall left filter lid

Torque Specs

Airbox: Snug to fit/hand tighten

Strut tower brace
13mm: 10-12lb-ft.
10mm: 3-5lb-ft

Enjoy! Feel free to respond to the thread with any questions.

When re-installing the carbon brace can you hand tighten? Is the torque wrench truly necessary? Also did the lb/ft you reference OEM spec?

Thanks!