engine and drivetrain Air Filter Ad Nauseum

[ought2]

I was all set to replace my K&N rectangular filter with the stock set-up until I realized that my strut brace interferes. There was some reference to the universal K&N plenum recently. It can be purchased with a Weber adaptor. The design uses a remote air filter which ideally would be mounted where it can access air outside the engine compartment - much like the stock snorkel design does. The problem, as I see it, is finding a location for the remote filter without exposing it to bugs, road grit and the elements. (Thanks Mike) Has anybody tried this? Ideas or thoughts? Thanks.

[DavidLMM]

On the E30 M3, air is taken in via an air trumpet mounted in the low-pressure area behind the bumper cover. US-spec cars used slatted openings in the bumper fascia with a curved trumpet (cheap, thin plastic) and a thru-the radiator support tube and gasket, while the Evo and Euro-cars used a straight trumpet and covers over openings in the bumper. Air pressure, or probably more correctly air turbulence, is well controlled this way. Voila, cool, outside the engine compartment air, little to no turbulence, and protected from rain and bugs. Look at the E30 M3 parts on penskeparts, bmwinfo, or online facory diagrams of choice. Maybe the drawings will help you figure out or adapt something similar.

I would think the same idea might be used behind the front lower apron of the nose. Just don't mount it too low in case you ever drive through a deep puddle. You don't want to hydrolock.

David

[ought2]

Thank you, David. That's great information. I'll post what I come up with for a solution. K&N advertising refers to their variety of universal filters to be used with the plenum. My first task will be to find a suitable space.

[M3M3]

ez....pull removable panel in front of engine compt on drivers side. put filter where the battery used to be. for greater cooler air effect, built a box around it to keep engine heat out.

[davidmcw]

ez....pull removable panel in front of engine compt on drivers side. put filter where the battery used to be.

sounds like a great solution. I'll do it. Do you have a picture of this setup? I'm also looking to replace the RamFlo foam filter with a paper throw away type. Any suggestions?