Streamline Autosport S54 CSL Airbox - Update 04/06/2019 (Installed and Driving!)

[rockstar93]

UPDATE - 04.06.2019 - Installed and Driving!

UPDATE - 01.29.2019 - Box Received - Initial Impressions

UPDATE - 12.14.2018 - Airbox Complete and In Transit

UPDATE - 11.26.2018 - First Pre-Order "Silver Core" Box Completed

UPDATE - 11.01.2018 - First Production Box Completed

UPDATE - 07.19.2018 - First Prototype Installed on a Vehicle + Sound Check

UPDATE - 07.10.2018 - Required Parts, Available Tunes, and DIY Guide

UPDATE - 07.03.2018 - Pricing + Group Buy Confirmation

UPDATE - 06.29.2018 - 1st Prototype Unveil - Official Pictures + Video

I've mentioned to a few people and in other threads about a new product coming to the marketplace that I'm extremely excited about.

Streamline Autosport is a fairly new company out of Bulgaria that has seen rapid growth since inception in 2016, focusing mainly on carbon fibre and composite parts for the E46 M3 platform (CSL bumpers, trunks, diffusers, roofs, etc.) and have been expanding quickly since. In the pipeline are brake kits and cams, but right now the focus is the S54 CSL Airbox.



In short, the box will be:

• A high-quality replica CSL airbox (think Karbonius) made from either 2x2 carbon fibre or glass weave
• Come in at a competitive price (think GSR)
• Utilize the OEM CSL or ITG airbox filter
• Not include a snorkel (at launch) but will be compatible with all snorkels that would work with OEM or Karbonius boxes

They plan to fit the prototype unit to a vehicle next week (and fully document) and make small changes as necessary. Once complete they will proceed with the 10 pre-orders which are anticipated to ship mid-to-late July. Following this, there will be a group buy hosted on M3Forum by Dr M3an M3 for the box.

Full disclosure - I'm in no way affiliated with Streamline, but I am an early adopter and #7 on the pre-order list. I've already ordered and paid for my box, and for a discount I'll be receiving a box from the first production batch. I am taking a risk in that I ordered it 'sight-unseen' before the prototype was released, but I had enough faith in the company and what I had seen to pull the trigger. In return they've asked that I write and post an honest review of the product - which I plan to do.

I'll keep any updates or new info, as well as my own pictures/review in this thread.

Streamline's website product page:
https://www.strautosport.com/product...-airbox-e46-m3

Streamline's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/StreamlineAutosport/

Development thread on M3Forum:
http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=592415

[rockstar93]

The following is straight from Dr M3an M3's post, not my own pictures or words...

I present to the first official look at the finished prototype of the Streamline CSL Replica Carbon Fiber Airbox Production Model.

A detailed video and professional photos are coming (the video is in the process of being edited as I type this and almost finished)! These are just the first photos (non-professional) of the first finalized prototype! That's right, that is the finished prototype for the production model! Some more polishing of some of the small little things will happen when the items start to ship!

The finish looks absolutely GORGEOUS. The production versions with have 1 extra layer of clear coat than this airbox for a little more added depth.


The weave perfectly matching up between both sides. Minimal weave-stops for added structural strength. The hardware can easily be changed for the OE hardware. This was just what was used for today's pictures.



Lip added to the bottom air feed to accept and hold the OE CSL air-ducting. It seems other manufacturers felt that this was a good idea as well. Also, small detail, but minimal weave stops.





One of my favorite pictures of the bunch. Even the bottom has both halves matching in weave orientation. And look at the pristine weave orientation of the interior surface peaking through the rear air duct feed. I mean honest, my jaw is on the floor. It's like a well dressed suit with matching Argyle socks.





If under-hood engine bay bling and aesthetics are important to you, I think they killed it with the carbon work. If that isn't "perfect" weave in the photo, I'm not sure what is. I'll let you ultimately judge. Not bad for 'Numero Uno'.



The devil is in the details. The interior surface might go hidden, it's more important than the exterior. It's always important to see the "other side" of carbon work. It looks flawless on the inside. Smooth, dare I say sexy. Nothing to trip the flow and zero vacuum bag wrinkles.


The OE filter element was carefully molded into the airbox. We've heard that others have had issues with airfilter fitment and gaps in other competitor's past designs. We wanted to ensure a tight and proper seal without fuss. More on this in the video.



While the conically cut interior structural support bars on other boxes are probably strong enough, we chose to use straight-grain structural carbon that is design precisly to handle the forces that these support bars are designed for. It also makes look super "form follows function" and almost industrial. Personally, I love it. If you want matching 2x2 weave on the interior bars, we can add them but personally I really like this material choice.

The rear two intake runners are also angled and set back like the original CSL airbox for better airflow to the rear 2 cylinders. (More details on this in the video)



My favorite picture of the bunch. Showing off both the exterior and interior finish, to me, this looks basically pornographic. Notice that the trumpets don't have any interior weave stops or edges to trip flow. Notice that continues bell-curve, extending all the way from interior to exterior.


These are the "Teaser" pictures I received yesterday. I am including them because they show the beauty of both external and internal sides of the intake runners (Carbon trumpets). When they are installed inside the airbox, it's harder to appreciate the smooth and pristine finish that these have. These pictures also show the luster and shine that this carbon has in direct light.

The exterior of our trumpets look just as good as interior of the trumpets or exterior of the airbox. No rough surfaces or caked on resin residues. It's a subtle detail that will likely go unseen but for the cost, why not go the extra mile. We are really proud of these trumpets. The actual manufacturing process behind these is really special and proprietary. It took a whole new and unique approach. I think they came out exceptional



Notice that there are zero internal weave stops or edges of any kind anywhere on these intake runners. I've seen nothing like it before from any other carbon airbox manufacturer.



Showing off the straight grain carbon internal bracing beams. Form follows function.


I'd say it shines like a diamond in the light. Luckily a far better use of this carbon than turning into hard pretty rocks.



Many of the fine details and small changes that make this airbox are sublte and will go unnoticed at full glance. We have a video below that shows the airbox in real-time and at all different angles, where Antony explains all the design details, considerations, and decisions with this airbox and what makes this truly unique compared to other airboxes on the market. (At first glance, or airbox looks the same as a few others, but the physical construction and carbon layout is truly unique -- Enjoy the video.

Some miscellaneous things to mention about the airbox in the images above:

1. The hardware in the photos that connect both halves of the airbox. Let us know your thoughts on this. We can include a wide variety of hardware options.
2. You will also note the unique placement of the IAT sensor bung. This spot was chosen because it is easy access, it's behind the filtered section of the airbox, it's behind the trumpet's closer to the combustion chamber (more accurately measuring the incoming air temperature into the combustion chamber, and it is placed in an area that will not in anyway trip air flow. We are testing this spot. If it works out -- Fantastic. If it's not an ideal location, we can easily move it to a new location without needing to change the mold-- That is no problem either. We can place it where ever we want. This is why it's a prototype, so we can figure these things out.
3. This airbox doesn't yet have the 2 carbon hose hangers on the rear side. The production models will include those. =)
4. The plan is to install the airbox next week. More on this to come...

[yousefnjr]

Well ain’t that pretty

[Vanne]

Yup, it's pretty alright, what's it cost? Karbonious is 1566, this one is 1366?
That's 200 euros cheaper.. is that cheap enough for an unproven product? I dunno...

Good on them though, hopefully with another player in the mix things will become cheaper and better.

Lovely looking product.

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by Vanne

Yup, it's pretty alright, what's it cost? Karbonious is 1566, this one is 1366?
That's 200 euros cheaper.. is that cheap enough for an unproven product? I dunno...

Good on them though, hopefully with another player in the mix things will become cheaper and better.

Lovely looking product.

Regular price on launch looks to be 1006 for glass weave and 1395 for cf. My preorder price (and the potential group buy price) was 20% off.

I've been in discussion with the owner and following the company for a bit now - he's a passionate guy with a lot riding on this product so I have faith.

Additionally, there's a warranty/guarantee for fitment so should there be any issues I'm not completely out alone.

There's definitely risk in a new, unproven product, but I was comfortable enough to take it and the more suppliers we have supporting the chassis the better.

[inTgr8r]

Looks like they're doing things the right way with full cf for everything.

The only thing that caught my eye is the IAT bung on top.
seems a little strange.

Aside from the less desirable aesthetics;
With sensor and wire harness plugged in this will stick up quite high.
It will also stress the wire harness hanging from it.

They say that they can relocate it, so thats a good thing IMO

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Looks like they're doing things the right way with full cf for everything.

The only thing that caught my eye is the IAT bung on top.
seems a little strange.

Along with the choice of hardware (flat head is a definite no for me), this was the main topic of discussion following the release of the first official pictures.

They have assured us the IAT placement is done after, and can be placed anywhere the customer desires without affecting the mold. I won't be putting it there purely for aesthetics.

The reason they went with that is to have the sensor away from the heat from the oil filter housing, but still close to the trumpets for accurate readings. Additionally they wanted the sensor out of the direct flow of air so it doesn't (marginally) affect flow to the trumpets.

[inTgr8r]

FWIW I had zero issues with mine in the front location.

[RossBMWZseries]

Jeez it’s beautiful. I suppose this box will also need an Alpha N tune

[FD3S]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

[*]Not include a snorkel (at launch) but will be compatible with all snorkels that would work with OEM or Karbonius boxes[/LIST]

If they develop a snorkel for the Z4M it would be great, since Karbonius is taking too long. Nice to see the competition heating

[86Zed]

Definitely interested, a CSL intake is something I will be hunting down in the next year or so.

[RossBMWZseries]

Originally Posted by 86Zed

Definitely interested, a CSL intake is something I will be hunting down in the next year or so.

If you get one and I don't, I'll take you Eventuri

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

FWIW I had zero issues with mine in the front location.

More than likely the way I'm going, looks clean, factory, and works well enough.

Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries

Jeez it’s beautiful. I suppose this box will also need an Alpha N tune

Yes, the box will need an Alpha-N tune for our cars.

Originally Posted by FD3S

If they develop a snorkel for the Z4M it would be great, since Karbonius is taking too long. Nice to see the competition heating

Honestly I wouldn't hold our breath for a Streamline Z4 snorkel. Their original intention with the box was to design a new E46 M3 snorkel as well that had a ram air effect from the front grills (quite a neat concept, on the first page of the development thread on M3Forum). Unfortunately due to other projects they're releasing the box without a snorkel for the M3, so even that would take priority over a Z4-specific design.

Whatever/whenever Karbonius comes to market with will work on this box though.

[rockstar93]

Update on confirmed pricing + upcoming group buy.

To update on pricing. Streamline is confirming the following:

-Full Carbon Airbox:
MSRP: 1390 Euro + shipping.
20% Group-Buy Discount: 1112 euro + shipping
(approx. $1,294.52 usd based on today's conversion rate + shipping)

-Pre-preg Woven S-Glass Airbox:
MSRP: 1006 Euro + shipping.
20% Group-Buy Discount: 804.8 euro + shipping
(approx. $936.89 usd based on today's conversion rate + shipping)

Some other things to note:
- First Pre-Edition Airboxes are expected to begin production on July 15th.
- The Group-Buy will not begin until the current Bumper Group-Buy is fully completed, which is also expected to be by July 15th, everything shipped (my CF bumper included).This is NOT the "official start"! I will give you guys plenty of heads-up if you are subscribed to this thread.
- For the first round of the Group-Buy, Streamline will be doing a smaller batch run, limiting it to 15 airboxes and will only be offering the Full Carbon version of the airbox for Round 1.
- The Round 1 Group-Buy Discount will be organized accordingly: 5% off for 5 orders, 10% off for 10 orders, 20% off for 15 orders. I think we can hit 15 orders and 20% off! :thumbsup2:

I think this is a really competitive price, especially after the discounts. I also found shipping rates to be more competitive than Karbonius' last group buy so there was savings there. I paid €135.00 shipping to Canada.

EDIT: this group buy is no longer happening due to issues surrounding a previous group buy with bumpers, the organizer has elected to stop future "group buys" with Streamline.

[RossBMWZseries]

So maybe about $1,500 shipped, give or take. Is the Alpha tune NEEDED to run the car or just recommended? I have a lot of reading and saving to do before this goes official

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries

So maybe about $1,500 shipped, give or take. Is the Alpha tune NEEDED to run the car or just recommended? I have a lot of reading and saving to do before this goes official

Required, no - but recommended. I believe I've seen it mentioned that the car has a factory Alpha-N "mode", but that it's more of a limp mode.

As far as Alpha-N tunes, there's Epic, TTFS, ESS, and Evolve. None of them cheap, but range from $800-1200.

On top of this, there's a few miscellaneous parts you'll need for the install (including the air filter). Something around another $400-500.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by rockstar93

Required, no - but recommended. I believe I've seen it mentioned that the car has a factory Alpha-N "mode", but that it's more of a limp mode.

As far as Alpha-N tunes, there's Epic, TTFS, ESS, and Evolve. None of them cheap, but range from $800-1200.

On top of this, there's a few miscellaneous parts you'll need for the install (including the air filter). Something around another $400-500.

The other thing I highly recommend is the Turner PnP harness for the IAT sensor & MAF delete.
Its worth every penny, so that you dont have to cut into the OE harness.

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

The other thing I highly recommend is the Turner PnP harness for the IAT sensor & MAF delete.
Its worth every penny, so that you dont have to cut into the OE harness.

I was looking at that, but read that the IAT sensor bundled with that kit doesn't work with the boxes, so am I correct in thinking we order just harness and hardware and it'll work with the correct CSL IAT sensor?

This is the list of required parts I came up with - effectively the kit would replace the red SKUs correct?

• 07129952125 - General Purpose Clamp x6
• 11617830265 - Throttle Body Boot x6
  
• 12521427615 - Plug Housing - 2 POL
  
• 12521732635 - Protection Cap
• 13621739510 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor
• 11157833649 - CSL Crankcase Vent Hose
• 11617833647 - CSL Airbox Air Shut Off Valve
• 13727838625 - CSL Air Filter

[inTgr8r]

That's what I did, just bought the harness.
George has it now on his Karbonius.

There is also the CSL tube between the valve cover & air box.
The CSL tube is shorter. (also depends where the Streamline bung is located)

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

There is also the CSL tube between the valve cover & air box.
The CSL tube is shorter. (also depends where the Streamline bung is located)

Correct, I believe that's P/N 11157833649 (CSL Crankcase Vent Hose). Based on the current design, Streamline's box will require this.

[Intentional Brown Stain]

I am definitely interested, but would really like to know the total cost with all the tagged on parts, and a DIY.

Edit: not asking the total cost per se, but a complete list of parts needed.

[rockstar93]

Originally Posted by Intentional Brown Stain

I am definitely interested, but would really like to know the total cost with all the tagged on parts, and a DIY.

Edit: not asking the total cost per se, but a complete list of parts needed.

Here's the list of parts I'd be using.

• 07129952125 - General Purpose Clamp x6
• 11617830265 - Throttle Body Boot x6
• 13621739510 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor
• 11157833649 - CSL Crankcase Vent Hose
• 11617833647 - CSL Airbox Air Shut Off Valve
• 13727838625 - CSL Air Filter (there's also an ITG filter available for cheaper, but my preference is the OE filter)

and

• 014579TMS - Turner Plug-And-Play IAT Relocation Kit

or

• 12521427615 - Plug Housing - 2 POL
• 12521732635 - Protection Cap

There is the possibility of omitting a few parts, reusing what you have, or 'MacGyver-ing' pieces and making it work, I've read a few cases of people doing that without issue.

Optionally, you could also install the CSL dipstick and tube, which is a very short (weight reduction bro) dipstick that sits under the box. With our cars you're able to re-position, or worst case bend the factory dipstick out of the way instead.

• 11437834784 - CSL Oil Dipstick
• 11437833653 - CSL Dipstick Tube

You'd also need an Alpha-N tune, which as mentioned above will run you $800-1200 depending on the tuner you choose. The tuners I've found are:

• Epic
• TTFS
• ESS
• Evolve

Lastly, at some point you'd probably want a snorkel to keep the IAT as low as possible and force as much air into the box as possible. Currently that means buying an E46 M3 specific piece and cutting to fit our cars, they run about $400-500. Choices would be the OEM piece or a CF replica like Karbonius. There is rumours that a Z4-specific piece is in development, but no timeline or details as of yet.

This is the DIY guide I plan to follow, thanks to Vanne for bumping this to the top.

https://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1148282