Hybrid BMS/M3 cowl

[Dylanize]

Hey guys, just wanted to share my latest little project.

Like many on here, I had some concern over the BMS cowl delete filters and unwanted water in the bay... Well here was my idea, add an M3 cowl to keep water out.

Overall I am very happy with how it turned out!

PROS:
- Air is still sucked in from fresh open air vs the engine bay
- Water still routes perfectly to the drainage channels
- Entire engine is accessible without having to deal with all the cowl bits
- M3 cowls are much lighter than OE E82 cowl parts(plastic vs metal)
- More engine/turbo noise

CONS:
- Hood pressure switch and alarm chime wires do not reach new locations(need to figure this out still)
- More engine/turbo noise

PARTS USED:
M3 Cowl (2 Pieces, 64316958817,64316958818)
BMS Cowl Filters
All rubber seals/screws were re-used from OE E82 cowl

Still considering putting engine cover parts back on, please excuse the crappy pic and dirty engine bay, was really eager to share with the community!

[ShocknAwe]

Does gasket seal with the hood? If it doesn't you're screwing up your airflow at speed. Does look nice though.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Does gasket seal with the hood? If it doesn't you're screwing up your airflow at speed. Does look nice though.

From what I can tell it does, but not sure how to thoroughly check, I imagine it's better than running no cowl at all though haha

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

From what I can tell it does, but not sure how to thoroughly check, I imagine it's better than running no cowl at all though haha

Stick a scope down at the base of the windshield and look. If it doesn't seal you need to get a bigger basket until it does. That section of the hood is taller than it is further forward, hence, bigger gap.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Stick a scope down at the base of the windshield and look. If it doesn't seal you need to get a bigger basket until it does. That section of the hood is taller than it is further forward, hence, bigger gap.

I don't have a scope

The M3 cowl seal is raised a bit higher than the OE cowl I believe.

Perhaps I can use some sort of non permanent marker or something on the seal to see if leave a mark across the hood when i close it?

[Six Pot]

I did the full M3 Cowl and am very happy, it seals fine, Looks 1000% times better and you get all the fun intake noise. Two problems:

- washers hit the new cowl filter holders, replace with mini cooper washers
- Hood detector is too short, either add material to the hood for it to hit or extend the button to detect closure.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by Six Pot

I did the full M3 Cowl and am very happy, it seals fine, Looks 1000% times better and you get all the fun intake noise. Two problems:

- washers hit the new cowl filter holders, replace with mini cooper washers
- Hood detector is too short, either add material to the hood for it to hit or extend the button to detect closure.

Looks great man, making me look bad with your nice clean bay :P

I thought about doing the filters but they seemed quite pricy for what they are, also washer nozzles don't hit anything with the BMS filters.

What did you do for 2 sensors?

[Six Pot]

I just extended the wires a little then found a plastic cap to extend the length of the hood sensor. All you need is some wire and wrap :-)

My engine bay should be a lot cleaner after today, finishing up the MMP relocation and 335d tank + VSRF

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by Six Pot

I just extended the wires a little then found a plastic cap to extend the length of the hood sensor. All you need is some wire and wrap :-)

My engine bay should be a lot cleaner after today, finishing up the MMP relocation and 335d tank + VSRF

ooo inlets, very nice.

What's the 335d tank?

[Six Pot]

If you notice the 335d coolant res contours the power steering res. A lot cleaner and allows for a beefier VSRF CP made specifically for this type of relocation.

[Dylanize]

Originally Posted by Six Pot

If you notice the 335d coolant res contours the power steering res. A lot cleaner and allows for a beefier VSRF CP made specifically for this type of relocation.

ohhhh I was really confused, but I see now!