engine-modifications
Step-by-step Guide to Installing the Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake on Your M2 Competition
Table of Contents
Why Upgrade to the Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake?
The BMW M2 Competition (F87) is already a driver's car, but the factory intake system prioritizes noise suppression and cost over outright airflow. The Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake replaces the restrictive stock airbox and ducting with a meticulously engineered carbon fiber intake that feeds cooler, denser air to the turbos. This reduces intake restrictions by over 40% compared to factory, resulting in sharper throttle response, a deeper induction roar, and measurable gains of roughly 10–15 horsepower and 12–18 lb-ft of torque on a stock tune. For those planning to tune later, the Eventuri provides a solid foundation without needing to swap intakes again.
Beyond performance, the visual upgrade is striking. The woven carbon fiber finish sits proudly under the hood, and the design integrates with the M2’s underhood architecture for a factory-plus appearance. This guide covers the complete installation, from prepping the vehicle to verifying the system works perfectly.
Tools and Materials Needed
Before starting, gather these items. The installation is straightforward, but having the right tools prevents frustration:
- Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake Kit (part number EVE-M2C-01 or applicable variant)
- Metric socket set: 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, and a small extension
- Torque wrench (preferably ¼-inch drive for low-torque fasteners)
- Flathead screwdriver (medium size)
- Phillips screwdriver (size #2)
- Trim removal tool (plastic pry bar) – critical to avoid scratching painted or carbon surfaces
- Electrical tape (to temporarily hold wires or hose ends out of the way)
- Microfiber shop towels
- Safety glasses and gloves
- Magnetic parts tray (optional but recommended)
The Eventuri kit includes all mounting hardware, silicone couplers, clamps, and pre-fitted carbon fiber components. Verify the contents against the instruction sheet before beginning.
Preparation Steps
1. Allow the Engine to Cool Completely
Do not work on a hot engine. The intake components, especially the plastic factory ducts, can be brittle when warm, and you risk burns from coolant hoses or the charge air pipes. Wait at least two hours after the last drive, or work on a cold-start engine in the morning.
2. Work in a Well-Ventilated Area
The engine bay may contain gasoline vapors, coolant residue, or oil. Work outdoors or with the garage door open. Disconnecting the battery eliminates the risk of electrical sparks near vapors.
3. Disconnect the Battery
Using a 10mm wrench, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal (black, marked with a minus sign). Tuck the cable aside so it cannot accidentally touch the terminal. This prevents short circuits and ensures the ECU resets learning adaptations, which is beneficial when upgrading intake flow.
4. Remove the Engine Cover
The M2 Competition’s engine cover is held by a few rubber grommets and two 10mm bolts at the front. Start by pulling the cover upward from the rear (the side toward the firewall). It will pop off the rubber mounts. Then remove the bolts with a socket or screwdriver—some covers use an E-Torx socket, but typically it’s 10mm hex. Lift the cover away and set it on a clean surface. The cover is plastic; do not put weight on it.
5. Remove the Factory Intake System
The factory system consists of an airbox, a silencer, and intake ducts on both sides. Step A: Use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the two worm-gear clamps on the rubber turbo inlet pipes (one on each side). Do not remove them completely; just loosen enough for the rubber to slide off later. Step B: Disconnect the two MAF sensors (one on each bank) by pressing the locking tab and pulling the connector straight off. Do not force; lubricate with a bit of contact cleaner if sticky. Step C: Remove the small vacuum line that runs from the intake silencer (a plastic box behind the passenger-side headlight). Use a trim tool to gently pry the elbow off. Step D: Remove the upper intake duct by pulling up and forward; it’s held by rubber grommets and a clip near the radiator. Step E: Lift the entire factory airbox assembly out. It may require slight wiggling; be careful not to damage the radiator fins.
Store all factory fasteners in a labeled bag in case you need to return to stock later.
Installing the Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake
1. Prepare the New Intake Components
Unpack the Eventuri kit. It contains two carbon fiber intake tubes (left and right), two silicone couplers specific to the M2’s turbo inlets, a mounting bracket, stainless steel clamps, and hardware. Lay out the components and compare with the Eventuri manual. Note that the intake tubes are handed: one for the driver side, one for the passenger side. The carbon fiber weave direction may also indicate orientation.
Important: Some kits include pre-installed MAF sensor bosses with the correct bore diameter. Check that the rubber O-rings are seated in the grooves. Apply a tiny amount of silicone grease to the O-rings if they are dry to ensure sealing.
2. Install the Silicone Couplers onto the Turbo Inlets
Slide the Eventuri-provided silicone couplers over the factory turbo inlet pipes (the metal or rubber tubes leading into the turbo compressor housings). Use the hand-tightened clamps but do not fully tighten yet. The couplers should be positioned so that the carbon intake tubes can slide into them evenly. Some couplers have a ridge that acts as a stop; align that with the end of the turbo inlet.
3. Mount the Carbon Fiber Intake Tubes
Position the driver-side carbon tube first. Gently push the tube’s outlet end into the silicone coupler on that side. The tube should nestle into the engine bay, with the filter element facing the intake duct area. On the passenger side, the tube may need to be angled slightly to clear the secondary air injection valve and the coolant reservoir hose. Use the trim tool to gently nudge hoses aside if necessary. Once both tubes are loosely positioned, install the Eventuri mounting bracket (if included) using the factory holes near the radiator support. Tighten the bracket bolts to 8 Nm (6 lb-ft). Then secure each carbon tube to the bracket with the supplied Allen bolts and washers. Do not overtighten carbon fiber; just snug the bolts.
4. Align and Tighten All Clamps
Visually check that each carbon tube sits parallel to the valve cover and does not contact any hoses, wires, or the hood insulation. The silicone couplers should be positioned so that equal amounts of carbon tube are inserted into each side (at least 20mm engagement). Once satisfied, tighten all clamps with a screwdriver or socket: two on each turbo inlet coupler, and the clamps on the filter end (if applicable). The Eventuri kit uses high-quality worm-gear or T-bolt clamps; tighten until you feel resistance, then give a quarter turn—do not strip the threads. If using a torque wrench, clamp torque is typically 2-3 Nm (butterfly).
5. Connect the MAF Sensors
The Eventuri tubes have pre-drilled MAF flanges. Slide the MAF sensors from the factory intake into these flanges. The sensors have an orientation arrow; ensure they point in the direction of airflow (toward the turbo). Press firmly until the retaining clip snaps. Route the MAF wiring harnesses away from heat sources and secure with zip ties if needed. Reconnect the electrical connectors—you should hear a distinct click.
6. Attach the Vacuum Line
The factory vacuum line that was connected to the intake silencer now connects to a small barb fitting on the Eventuri tube (usually on the passenger side). Use a short piece of silicone hose if the factory line is too short. Ensure the line is not kinked. This line manages the wastegate control; a leak can cause poor boost response.
7. Install the Eventuri Air Filters
The kit comes with two cone filters that slide over the open ends of the carbon tubes. These are dry synthetic filters (no oil, safe for MAF sensors). Slide each filter onto the tube flange and secure with a band clamp or O-ring provided. The filters should orient downward slightly to avoid direct water ingestion from the front grille. If your car is a daily driver in rain, consider adding a hydroshield sock (sold separately) for extra protection.
Finalizing the Installation
1. Reconnect Sensors and Hoses
Double-check all connections: the IAT sensor (if your M2 has one in the intake boot, clone to the Eventuri), MAF connectors, and any breather hoses. The Eventuri kit may include a plug for the unused secondary port; ensure it is fitted.
2. Reinstall the Engine Cover
Trim the engine cover? Typically the Eventuri intake fits under the stock cover without modification for M2 Competition. However, some early production cars may need a small notch cut near the driver-side intake. Test-fit the cover: place it over the engine and press down. If it contacts the carbon tube, mark the area and carefully trim with a Dremel or fine-tooth saw. Many owners choose to run without the cover to display the carbon fiber. If you do remove the cover permanently, store it.
3. Reconnect the Battery
Reattach the negative cable to the battery and tighten to 13 Nm (10 lb-ft). Check that the cable is not loose.
Testing and Verification
1. Initial Start-Up
Turn the ignition to position 2 (accessories) but do not start yet. Listen for the fuel pump prime. Then start the engine. It may idle roughly for a few seconds as the ECU relearns the air/fuel mix. Let it idle for 2-3 minutes, then rev gently to 2,000 RPM and hold for a few seconds. Listen for whistles (indicative of air leaks). If you hear a high-pitched hiss, shut off and check all clamps and couplers.
2. Visual Inspection for Leaks
With the engine running, spray a small amount of water (or use a smoke machine) around the connections. If idle changes, there is a leak. Tighten clamps as needed. Check the MAF sensor area—no air should be drawn from around the sensor flange.
3. Short Test Drive
Drive the car gently for 5-10 minutes, avoiding full throttle. Allow the ECU to adapt. Then perform a few wide-open-throttle pulls (safely, on a closed road). Notice the immediate throttle response and the deeper intake sound. Check for any dash warning lights. If the check engine light illuminates, scan codes with an OBD reader. Common codes after intake swaps: P0101 (MAF range/performance) usually caused by an unsealed MAF O-ring or incorrect orientation. Address as needed.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
1. Cleaning the Filters
The Eventuri dry filters can be cleaned every 30,000 km (18,000 miles) or when visibly dirty. Tap them gently to remove large debris, then rinse with low-pressure water from the inside out. Let them air dry completely (do not use compressed air). Re-install once dry.
2. Inspecting Silicone Couplers
Every oil change, visually check the silicone couplers for cracks or oil residue. The high heat of the engine bay can age the rubber. Replace any coupler that feels brittle.
3. Checking Carbon Fiber Integrity
Carbon fiber resin can degrade under extreme UV exposure. If you drive in very sunny climates, consider a ceramic coating to protect the clear coat. Otherwise, the tubes will maintain their finish for years.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Overtightening clamps on carbon tubes: Use moderate force; carbon can crack under compression. The clamps should be snug, not gorilla-tight.
- Misrouting the MAF wiring: The factory harnesses are routed behind the engine cover. Ensure they are clipped to avoid contact with hot manifold surfaces.
- Forgetting to trim the engine cover: Avoid scratching the carbon by testing the cover fit BEFORE final assembly.
- Using oiled filters: Eventuri filters are dry; oil can contaminate the sensitive MAF sensor, causing drivability issues.
Performance Results and Driving Impressions
After proper installation, the M2 Competition feels significantly more eager. Throttle tip-in becomes sharper, and the engine pulls harder to redline. The sound changes from a muffled drone to a crisp, aggressive induction roar that intensifies above 3,500 RPM. Turbo spool is more audible, yet the cabin remains comfortable with no drone at cruising speeds. Dyno tests from owners show consistent gains of 10-15 hp at the wheels, with the torque curve rising earlier by 300-500 RPM. Combined with a tune, these gains can increase to 25-30 hp.
Eventuri’s proprietary housing design also reduces intake air temperature by up to 5-8°C compared to the stock airbox in stop-and-go driving, thanks to the carbon fiber’s heat-shedding properties. This helps maintain power in hot weather.
Links for Further Reading
- Official Eventuri Website – View product details and validation data.
- BMW M2 F87 Forum on Bimmerpost – Community discussions, installation tips, and user reviews.
- Installation Video (YouTube) – Visual walkthrough of the same kit (replace with a real relevant link).
Conclusion
The Eventuri Carbon Fiber Intake is one of the best modifications you can make to your M2 Competition. It elevates both sound and performance while adding a touch of motorsport-inspired aesthetic under the hood. This guide has walked you through every step, from removing factory parts to verifying the system works flawlessly. Provided you follow the torque specs and take your time aligning the components, you’ll be rewarded with a driving experience that feels more visceral and responsive. Enjoy the improved airflow and the distinctive Eventuri induction note—your M2 will feel like a different car.