The E46 M3 intake system is a result of extensive data logging, dyno testing and design optimisation. Eventuri's aim was to develop an intake system for the S54 engine which worked with the stock ECU map and MAF sensor and produced a genuine improvement in the driving experience.

The E46 M3 Eventuri system uses Eventuri’s patent-pending carbon-fibre housing, which provides an aerodynamically efficient airflow path from the filter to the MAF tube. This is not merely another cone filter with a heat shield, but a unique design that invokes the Venturi effect. 

Below is a dyno graph comparing the Eventuri intake with the stock airbox on a standard E46 M3 equipped only with a rear exhaust and the factory map. The results show increases in power and torque across a large portion of the RPM range — not just at peak output. On the road, this translates to improved part-throttle and full-throttle response, with the car pulling far more eagerly to the redline. All testing was performed on the same day, back to back, with temperatures monitored to ensure consistency.

Although the Eventuri system does not require a remap, further gains have been observed when the E46 M3 is subsequently tuned. The second graph shows another E46 M3 with three curves: stock, Eventuri, and Eventuri with a remap. In this case, the tuning was carried out by Evolve Automotive.

Made from 100% high-quality prepreg carbon fibre, the craftsmanship of the housing is second to none. It encapsulates the filter and is paired with an anodised aluminium inlet cowl to ensure a smooth inlet flow path. The filter itself is a deep-pleated, high-flow, double-cone configuration and is dry to prevent any risk of MAF sensor damage. The assembly is then mounted to an aluminium heat shield, which effectively isolates the intake from engine-bay heat while capturing the ambient air directed from the scoop. Also noteworthy is the rubber spacer on the heat-shield mount — this supports the headlight module so it sits at the correct height — small details are important!

Made from 100% prepreg carbon fibre with a CNC-machined collar, the air scoop forces ambient air directly into the filter opening. The scoop simply clicks into place in the front right-hand brake duct and effectively saturates the mouth of the intake with cold air. It has been designed to take up half the height of the duct in order to allow airflow to continue through the duct for the brakes. The scoop is so effective that even after a hard drive, the aluminium cowl at the mouth of the intake still feels cold to the touch.

The MAF tube is CNC-machined from aluminium and then anodised. The MAF boss is machined from an engineering plastic to minimise heat soak into the sensor through conduction. A machined recess has been incorporated on one side to allow the OEM rubber gasket from the stock airbox to be used, ensuring a perfect seal with the stock elbow.

There are 3 aluminium heat shields. The main shield is part of the intake assembly, as shown above. An extension shield then fits onto the main shield to block hot air from the radiator. The final shield secures to the chassis beneath the carbon housing to minimise direct heat soak from the engine block. Neoprene is used on the main shield to insulate it for optimal performance in keeping inlet air temperatures as low as possible.

These components come together to improve the efficiency of the engine intake. The result - more power, throttle response and sound.

The Eventuri E46 M3 intake system consists of a number of components engineered to perform a specific purpose and fabricated to the highest of standards.