SLG - M50 Intake Manifold Adapter Kit

Now includes our NEW billet CCV oil drain hose plug — making the swap one step easier!

Get all the benefits of the legendary BMW M50 intake manifold on your E46 or any other M52TU / M54–powered BMW, without the usual hassle. This kit is designed to deliver real performance gains while keeping installation clean, reversible, and well thought out. The setup retains the ability to revert back to the M54 intake manifold if needed (though you won’t want to).

Designed and manufactured in the USA, this kit spares no expense and uses only high-quality materials throughout.

Check our “Tech Articles” section for detailed installation information and our real-world experience with this intake conversion: [HERE]

Tuning Notes

This kit will run perfectly fine on a stock ECU tune. However, if you’d like to fully optimize performance, eliminate check-engine lights, and unlock even more power, check out our tuning listing here: [GET TUNED!]

Why swap to an M50 intake manifold?

Replacing the M52TU/M54 intake manifold with the M50 offers several proven benefits:

·       ~20 HP increase naturally aspirated, depending on application

·       Improved high-RPM airflow, extending the usable powerband

·       Sharper throttle response

·       More engine bay space

·       Expanded injector options

·       Eliminates the DISA valve, a common failure point that primarily benefits low-speed city driving—not performance environments

For boosted applications, tips and best practices can be found in our tuner’s video: [HERE]

What’s included in the Base Kit

·       CNC-machined billet adapter plate

·       CCV oil drain hose plug

·       Fuel rail adapter plates (retain your factory fuel rail)

·       ICV port blocking plugs with hardware

Our billet adapter plate includes bolt-pattern options for:

·       M52TU cable-driven throttle body, or

·       M54B25 / M54B30 electronic throttle bodies

The included inserts allow you to plug the ICV ports in the cylinder head without permanent modification, without removing the head, and without special tools. Just thread them into the head using some thread sealant, letting the soft aluminum head self thread, so there is no risk of tapping debris. 

Optional Add-Ons-

Silicone Hose Kit- Made from motorsports-grade materials and designed to handle any level of boost. This kit provides a clean, professional install and includes all hoses needed to retain your original ICV. Many users route the MAF back to the OEM airbox—often the best solution overall.
All models except the 3L M54B30 use the standard 3" Hose. If you have the 3L, use the 3.5". 

Billet ICV Fitting- The factory plastic ICV fitting is brittle and prone to failure—especially under boost or high engine bay temperatures. Our billet replacement is built to stay put, no matter what.

Injector Spacer Kit- Recommended for aftermarket injectors. These spacers prevent slim-body injectors from sitting too deep in the manifold, which can cause vacuum or boost leaks.

Port Matching Templates- To extract maximum performance from the M50 manifold, use our 3D-printed port-matching templates. Simply grind the head ports until they match the template profile. See the Tech Article linked above for more details.