I think we can all mostly agree, the first performance upgrade to our BMW’s 9 times out of 10 will be the intake. The B46/B48 is a rather rare platform, you just don’t see many people modifying these. However, we have taken the time to put some parts on this 330i and it has turned into quite a build so far!
MST is very well known for making some of the best bolt on modifications for BMW in the game. They come in at an affordable price as well!
You can buy this particular intake here:
Installation for this intake is quite simple, here are the tools we will need:
First step, unbox everything. Make sure all parts are accounted for and nothing is damaged or missing. I like to lay everything out in front of me.
Pop the hood, we will be removing that plastic tray at the very front of the engine bay. it pops right off, being held in by three rubber grommets. Just gently lift up near each grommet to release the plastic piece. This will reveal your stock intake.
Remove the MAF sensor on the intake. Use a small pick tool or flat head, pop back the white clip and the plug will then release.
There is a circular locking mechanism on the intake that release the filter from the tubing. There are two small tabs, press those together and pull the tube releasing it from the filter portion of the intake.
Next, release the 4 metal clips on the top of the filter box. The filter box can then be removed freely.
Remove the air filter. Then we will remove the bottom portion of the airbox. This is held in by three rubber grommets. Locate them and release them by pulling up.
To remove the intake piping, you will see a plastic tube that has two clamps on it. These are 7mm clamps. Remove those and pull the rest of the intake out of the engine bay.
The stock airbox grommet at the bottom was being held on by a plastic nub that is a 16mm. Remove that, the new intake will use that mounting point. Place your intake airbox (not really a box, but the metal piece with the rubber lined hole) into the engine bay like:
Fasten that piece in with a 10mm nut and washer.
Grab your stock airbox, remove the two T20 torx bolts holding in the MAF sensor.
Install the MAF into the MST intake. Use the screws they supply as well as the two locking washers.
Install the intake tubing, it only fits one way. The silicone bushing will need to be tightened on both ends and the MAF sensor should be at the top of the intake. Once that is fastened, then install the filter.
Install the metal cover that goes over the filter. It is a few small alan bolts supplied with the intake. Place the metal grommet piece on the tab that hangs off of the metal cover. Then plug in your MAF sensor.
Reinstall the plastic cover and you are set!
