What is this part in the intake?

[brandobot]

When replacing the air intake filter on my 06 z4m, i noticed that there was a black filter looking piece on the top piece of the intake. Should this also be replaced?

[ZStig]

nah, throw that out. its the charcoal filter

[brandobot]

Do i just pull it out or is there a special way to remove it?

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by brandobot

Do i just pull it out or is there a special way to remove it?

If you do pull it out, and you decide later you want it back, you will have to buy the entire housing. It's an emissions control filter, yanking it out does nothing but there are some reports of idling issues, etc.

[brandobot]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

If you do pull it out, and you decide later you want it back, you will have to buy the entire housing. It's an emissions control filter, yanking it out does nothing but there are some reports of idling issues, etc.

Thanks, I dug a little further on other forums and found this.

http://bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157656

There was actually a service bulletin about this that says that the "activated charcoal filter" can cause idle issues

[txz4]

Originally Posted by brandobot

Thanks, I dug a little further on other forums and found this.

http://bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157656

There was actually a service bulletin about this that says that the "activated charcoal filter" can cause idle issues

did it on my z4 and on my M. never had any trouble.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by thekurgan

If you do pull it out, and you decide later you want it back, you will have to buy the entire housing. It's an emissions control filter, yanking it out does nothing but there are some reports of idling issues, etc.

Only if you toss it.
It does go back in on the clips if you're careful taking it out.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Only if you toss it.
It does go back in on the clips if you're careful taking it out.

Yeah, those clips are like fisher price plastic. Completely worthless "mod" though

[BTM]

Originally Posted by txz4

did it on my z4 and on my M. never had any trouble.

+1, except upon initial start up after removing it. Also, ditch the little black "half" piece of plastic (a better description fails me) behind the driver side kidney that restricts airflow into the intake as well.

[antennahead]

This thread prompted me to do a lot of reading on this subject. The guys over on the M5 board all swear by this, claiming a smoother power delivery and better breathing engine, and a little better gas mileage to boot.

John

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by BTM

+1, except upon initial start up after removing it. Also, ditch the little black "half" piece of plastic (a better description fails me) behind the driver side kidney that restricts airflow into the intake as well.

I did that after a member on here told me about it. I didn't notice anything special. Anyone else done it yet?

[r4gs]

if i'm remember this correctly, someone accomplished a dyno with and without the charcoal filter and noted a negligible +1whp improvement most probably due to slightly improved air flow.

[BTM]

Most I noticed is a little more aggressive sound

[krnnerdboy]

yank it, it's supposed to clean up the air/fuel that comes out of the intake after you shut off the car...it does nothing for you when the motor is running

[brandobot]

I'm confused. Why does BMW say that this can cause idle issues? Is this bs? Note the "Activated carbon filter removed or modified"

"SIB, Subject: S54 Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated: FC 174 and 175 Fuel System Diagnosis.
Applicable to E46 M3 with S54 engine and E85/E86 with S54 engine.
With the Service Engine Soon Light illuminated the customer may complain of:
Rough idle
Engine idle observed higher than normal (approx 900 RPM)
Hesitation while accelerating
Poor fuel economy
Cause:
Induction system diffuser missing
Activated carbon filter removed or modified
Aftermarket unapproved air filter/cold air kit
Modifications made to any part of the induction air path.
NOTE: Air path disturbance is defined as any modification to the induction system from the point where the air enters the front of the vehicle to the cylinder head intake ports."

[BTM]

Originally Posted by brandobot

I'm confused. Why does BMW say that this can cause idle issues? Is this bs? Note the "Activated carbon filter removed or modified"

"SIB, Subject: S54 Service Engine Soon Light Illuminated: FC 174 and 175 Fuel System Diagnosis.
Applicable to E46 M3 with S54 engine and E85/E86 with S54 engine.
With the Service Engine Soon Light illuminated the customer may complain of:
Rough idle
Engine idle observed higher than normal (approx 900 RPM)
Hesitation while accelerating
Poor fuel economy
Cause:
Induction system diffuser missing
Activated carbon filter removed or modified
Aftermarket unapproved air filter/cold air kit
Modifications made to any part of the induction air path.
NOTE: Air path disturbance is defined as any modification to the induction system from the point where the air enters the front of the vehicle to the cylinder head intake ports."

Sounds like some bureaucratic BS to avoid actually figuring out what's wrong. European market cars aren't equipped with the carbon filter.

Aside from the initial starting up right after removing it, my car runs/idles without problems.