BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Intake Kit, 2021+

Claiming to be the ultimate at anything requires some physical proof. BMW has no issue backing up their claim of being the Ultimate Driving Machine with the extensive thought and engineering they put into every vehicle, especially when it comes to their prized M3. This M-car not only exemplifies with mantra but also consistently raises the bar, specifically with the mind-bending performance figures that the G8X platform puts out. We're here to do the same regarding what's under the M3 and M4's hood, specifically for the S58's intake system.

To start with our final testing, we need to rewind to our prototype of this new design. This prototype kit was always destined to pull double duty, both for checking our fitment along with performance testing, so we ensured that our 3D prints could withstand the heat under the M3's hood. Make sure that you head to our last post to check out our test fit and how we prepared our kit for testing.

Our testing started on the flow bench. This device can either

Innovation moves fast these days. Anything heralded as a technological feat is already outdated by the time it hits the market. Well, sort of. BMW has a knack for engineering iconic cars, specifically when it comes to the benchmark of the performance compact sedan: the M3. The launch of the G8X M3 and M4 might have delivered polarizing looks, but this generation's performance leaves a lasting impression. But even though it's the most powerful M of this class to date, enthusiasts still want more, and an upgraded air intake kit is the best starting point. 

The upside to fast-moving innovation is that it helps streamline our process. Once upon a time, our intake development took a long time. There was much more custom fabrication and manual measuring required to generate a prototype. Thanks to the wide array of tech housed under our R&D facility's roof, we're able to kick our prototyping process into overdrive.

Perfection isn't something that comes by accident. It takes heaps of careful planning and consideration to even come close to the status of "perfect." Take the M3, for example. For decades it's been considered the benchmark of sports sedans, and no manufacturer can release any fast four-door without first facing the mighty M on a test track. This didn't happen out of pure dumb luck, but rather M-division pouring countless hours of planning and consideration into each of their vehicles. The G80 continues that practice, and we intend on applying the same mindset for our intake system for the S55.

Our planning started with the evaluation of the stock system, which we covered in our last post. But the design process requires much more than just looking at the OEM components, so our engineer, Ye, started digging further into the Bimmer and creating a digital workspace.

Thanks to powerful CAD programs, like SolidWorks, much of our design process can be condensed and performed virtually. However,

BMW's M division is renowned for delivering the utmost pinnacle of automotive performance. That's no secret. For decades, the letter M has become synonymous with the perfect distribution of performance and luxury, with the M3 topping the charts in the compact class. It's the benchmark in terms of enthusiast vehicles. Being a driver's car means, though, means that we enthusiasts can't keep our hands out of the engine bay. We need to fiddle and tweak even the likes of the G8X M3/M4 until it perfectly matches our tastes. That tinkering typically starts with the intake system.

BMW designed the S58's intake system to work independently and in perfect harmony within the engine ecosystem. Simply put, both turbos get their own intake. Before we can make our updates to the system, though, we needed to extract the OEM kit and take a closer look.

At first glance, the OEM kit components follow a common theme on construction processes, design features, and aesthetics. All of the components utilize the