[Ninefourteener]

For those few skeptics left that still weren't "100% sure" that M50i models, and the X5/6M models shared the same intakes..... and were still uncertain that these filters would fit..... it's confirmed.

They are the same intakes, and they do fit.

Tools needed:
1) flathead screwdriver
2) #20 torx bit (with 1/4" socket driver or ratchet)

Procedure (15 minutes)
1) Remove engine cover (pops off, no tools)
2) loosen intake clamp (flathead)
3) loosen 6 torx screws (per side)
4) remove top portion of intake box
5) R2 intake filter
6) reverse above procedures

Is there a difference?

Yes and no. To my surprise, I noticed no difference in low-end torque. However, I "believe" I noticed a small difference in high end torque, right before shifting. It feels a bit more "spirited". Not a lot. Not "Earth shattering" difference by any means.... but it's there.

The sound: Not much inside the cabin. Outside the cabin (or driving with windows open), I can hear a faint "sucking" sound, and a faint "pssshhh" of the wastegate right after shifting, that I never noticed before. Again, not Earth-shattering..... but it's there.

And.... I'm going to tackle those intake silencers next. The X5M doesn't have them.... why should I? More to follow.

Hope this helps.

[Ninefourteener]

Oh.... one more post.

My tuner had to tell BMC that their system reflects these filters as ONLY fitting X5/6M intakes. BMC's own system incorrectly shows M50i models sharing the same intake filter as standard X5 50i models (and several other V8 BMW cars)

BMC..... the company that makes these..... will try to sell you the wrong filter for your M50i model.

Derp.

This is what you need for all M50i models:

[AmooManiak]

Nice, thanks for the review. Would have loved to see before and after performance numbers. It's always hard to measure a butt dyno.

[Ninefourteener]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

Nice, thanks for the review. Would have loved to see before and after performance numbers. It's always hard to measure a butt dyno.

Agreed... the "butt dyno" is highly irregular and unreliable.

My butt-dyno says maybe a couple extra hp at the high end of the RPM range. Not much more. I didnt expect much though. I dont think anyone should.

If nothing else, it's the last time I'll ever buy filters for.it.

[AmooManiak]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to get better sound. It's one of the main reasons why I think the V8 is worth it over an I6. I think one unfortunate part of these luxury SUVs is that they are so well insulated, that it's really tough to get that sound into the cabin. So while I'm sure it sounds better, unless you constantly drive with your windows down you won't get the benefit of these 75% of the time.

Originally Posted by Ninefourteener

Agreed... the "butt dyno" is highly irregular and unreliable.

My butt-dyno says maybe a couple extra hp at the high end of the RPM range. Not much more. I didnt expect much though. I dont think anyone should.

If nothing else, it's the last time I'll ever buy filters for.it.

[Ninefourteener]

I don't think that's true.

Sound
Small hp/to increase
Improved fuel mileage
Never have to replace

There are more perks.

Plus..... I'll post up when I get those intake silencers removed. Something tells me they may be hiding quite a bit of cool noises.

[AmooManiak]

I was not even aware of intake silencers. I removed my charcoal filters a couple of weeks ago.

[Ninefourteener]

Originally Posted by AmooManiak

I was not even aware of intake silencers. I removed my charcoal filters a couple of weeks ago.

Those two "triangles" that attach to the intakes, and mount just above the radiator. The X5/M does not have them.

I'm not 100% sure.... but I think they may be intake silencers. I'm going to tear into them soon and see if I can figure out what they are, and what they do.

[iconoclast]

You would need new tubing or install F95 tubing.
There are two non-functional removable flaps inside of the lower portion of the intake box.
If one were to remove those that would improve the sound of the motor but I believe it may suck in a lot of hot air from the back of the motor negating any gains (which would be an negligible increase from the filter alone).

[Ninefourteener]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

You would need new tubing or install F95 tubing.
There are two non-functional removable flaps inside of the lower portion of the intake box.
If one were to remove those that would improve the sound of the motor but I believe it may suck in a lot of hot air from the back of the motor negating any gains (which would be an negligible increase from the filter alone).

"Need" is a strong word. I'm aware of the flaps on the back sides of the intakes. I'm going to leave those alone. I'm more interested in the "devices' attached to the portion nearest to the front of the car. The X5M doesn't have them. X5m50i does.

When it gets a bit warmer, I'm going to tear into them, figure out what they are, and whether or not I need them... and whether or not it improves the sound.

May require some fabrication.... may be just as simple as removing them. Not sure yet

[Wild Blue]

Good stuff. Don't think I'm a fan of the white lettering on the new part in the engine bay, though.

[iconoclast]

It is a decal. You do not have to install it. It is for technicians to know that a BMC filter is installed to avoid discarding; same with the K&N decal.