You knew I wouldn’t leave my new M3 stock for very long, and so aside from bringing over some of the modifications from my old M3, I’ll also be adding new ones. First up is the Armaspeed intake for the G8X.
I’ll show you how to install it, how loud it gets, and why you don’t need to spend any more.
Mod it
- Reasonable price
- Excellent quality, no yellowing over time
- The sound!
Don’t mod it
- Confusing instructions
- Sometimes a tight fit to install
- Slam panel won’t fit with some strut braces
Why the Armaspeed intake for the G8X?
This will be the second unit I’m installing – the first went into my original G80.
To be fair, no modern intake upgrade is going to add any real horsepower on its own, but it’s needed if you decide to tune or build up your car. I can say that it sounds much better – you can now hear the turbos spool. Fun to hear the pew pew as you let off the throttle too.
The Armaspeed unit specifically does offer two carbon fiber covers as you see here, though you can also spec the kit without them. I don’t recommend that – it lets hot air into the filter, and that can degrade performance. The entire kit is well-designed and not very difficult to install if you have perhaps at least a modicum of mechanical skill.
It might surprise you to find that more expensive units such as the Eventui intake can yellow over time. They also don’t take advantage of the stock intake plumbing. The M3 and M4 come with a cold air intake from the factory, it’s simply more restrictive than an aftermarket unit. Armaspeed utilizes that with new air boxes that fit around those fender intakes.
After over two years of use, it’s held up well, showing no signs of yellowing, cracking, or fading. Still sounds good too. The filters are washable, or you can simply get new ones from Armaspeed direct.
How to install the Armaspeed intake for the G8X
Though this isn’t hard to install, know that the directions are not the most clear or easy to follow. They are printed upside down and not in clear language.
Allow me to help. Note that I have the Fall Line Motorsports strut brace installed here, but it’s the same process for the stock brace.
Step 1: Removal
Start by removing both braces, along with the engine cover (offers more room). You can simply pull the cover off. Then, un-clip the sensor on the front of the engine, right by the intake tube and unscrew the radiator support bolts.
Next, use a trim tool to gently remove the two plastic clips on the driver’s side intake tube – put them aside for reuse. Then, loosen the stock air box clamps and pull those out. It’s important to note that the rubber grommets on the stock boxes usually get pulled up and stuck on the box, so just make sure you remove them and reinstall on the car.
Finally, remove the stock plastic tubes from the turbo inlets by pulling up on the stock clamps (you’ll see them lift up), then slide the tubes out.
Step 2: Passenger side install
You can go about this in any order, but the passenger side is a bit easier so we’ll start there. First, take the rubber sleeve and slide it on the turbo inlet, along with both clamps. Keep everything loose for now.
Next, install the new air box, ensuring the rubber grommets are on the bottom. They have a groove in them that will line up with the chassis rail pinch point. Also check that the stock intake tube that leads to the front of the car is seated properly. Push down to pop the box into place when ready.
Take the carbon fiber pipe and install through the air box, then slide it into the rubber connector. Now you can install the filter, and tighten everything up.
Step 3: Driver’s side install
This side will take a bit more wiggling, so be patient.
First, take the rubber sleeve and place it on the turbo inlet, with both clamps. Next, you can install the air box, again lining it up with the rubber grommets on the bottom. Don’t pop it into place yet, you’ll need room to adjust.
Grab the carbon fiber intake tube and slide it through the air box, fitting it inside the rubber sleeve. Then install the filter element. At this point you’ll have to play around to ensure the two front clips we’ve removed at the beginning can pop back into place on the new intake tube.
Tighten the sleeve clamps (it’s a tight fit to hopefully you have smaller hands). Finally, pop the air box in fully, and tighten the filter element clamp. You’ll see an open spot on the air box for where the clamp screw can be tightened
Step 4: Install the carbon fiber covers
There are four small screws with washers that attach the covers of the intake, but thankfully Armaspeed provides extra in case you drop one.
You’ll notice two additional holes toward the bottom, and though it looks like you can install additional screws, I couldn’t line the holes up properly (ha ha), so I left those off.
Reattach the plug, the radiator bolts, the engine cover, and the strut bars. You’re all done!
Start the car to ensure there is no check engine light or funny sounds. Otherwise, you’re ready to go.
The Slam Panel
Armaspeed also makes a beautiful carbon fiber piece that covers the upper radiator support, and it’s very easy to install. It covers most of the bolts on that support, and unlike other options, doesn’t show those holes in the brace.
However, because I’ve installed the FallLine Motorsports strut brace, the top point of the brace rubs against the Slam Panel, and it will damage the piece. To solve this, I’ll have to visit my friends at TySpeed so they can slice an angle into the carbon fiber. However, if you have the stock brace on your car, it’ll fit perfectly.
The Armaspeed intake for the G8X remains one of the best (and best-looking)
You should know that if you don’t like turbo sounds, this kit will make your stock turbos sound like your BMW is an extra on the set of Fast and Furious. I love that, and it’s one of the charms lost on the stock setup – you can’t hear anything at all.
Don’t believe me? Hear it for yourself from the last car. The Competition model sound identical.