The "OG" BMW M52TU/M54 to M50 Intake Manifold Adapter Kit

Now includes our new billet CCV oil drain hose plug, making the conversion one step easier.

Get the high-RPM performance benefits of the legendary BMW M50 intake manifold on your E46 or other M52TU/M54-powered BMW without the usual installation headaches.

This kit is designed to provide a clean, reliable, and reversible conversion. It retains the factory fuel rail, supports multiple throttle-body configurations, and allows the original M52TU/M54 intake manifold to be reinstalled later if needed.

Why Install an M50 Intake Manifold?

Replacing the restrictive M52TU/M54 intake manifold with an M50 manifold can provide several performance benefits:

• Up to approximately 20 horsepower naturally aspirated, depending on the application
• Improved high-RPM airflow
• Extended usable powerband
• Sharper throttle response
• Additional engine-bay clearance
• Expanded aftermarket injector options
• Eliminates the failure-prone DISA valve

Designed and manufactured in the USA using high-quality materials throughout.

For detailed installation information and our real-world experience with the conversion, visit the Tech Articles section: [HERE]

The factory DISA system primarily improves low-speed torque and drivability. For performance, racing, and boosted applications, the improved airflow of the M50 manifold is often more valuable. Unless you are worried about maximizing power under 3k RPM (nobody is), the M50 intake is for you.  For boosted applications, additional installation tips and best practices are available in the video: [HERE]

Tuning Notes

The conversion can operate properly on the factory ECU calibration.

However, a custom tune is recommended to eliminate check-engine lights and maximize the benefits of the M50 manifold. View our tuning options here: [GET TUNED!]

Base Kit Includes

• CNC-machined billet intake manifold adapter plate
• Gold-anodized 6061 aluminum CCV oil drain hose plug
• Fuel rail adapter plates for retaining the factory fuel rail
• ICV port-blocking plugs
• Required installation hardware

Throttle-Body Compatibility

The billet adapter plate includes mounting provisions for:

• M52TU cable-driven throttle body
• M54B25 electronic throttle body
• M54B30 electronic throttle body

Optional Silicone Hose Kit

Complete the conversion with our motorsport-grade silicone hose kit.

Designed to handle naturally aspirated or boosted applications, the kit provides a clean, professional installation and includes the required hoses along with a red-anodized billet ICV fitting.

Many customers route the MAF back to the factory airbox, which is often the cleanest and most effective overall configuration.

Hose Size Selection

• 3-inch hose: M52TU, M54B25, and most other applications
• 3.5-inch hose: M54B30 applications

Optional Injector Spacer Kit

Recommended when using aftermarket injectors for boosted applications.

Without the correct spacers, some injectors can sit too deeply in the M50 manifold, potentially causing vacuum or boost leaks. These spacers position the injectors correctly while retaining the factory-style fuel rail arrangement.

Optional Port-Matching Templates

For maximum airflow and performance, add our 3D-printed port-matching templates.

The templates provide a consistent profile for matching the cylinder-head intake ports to the larger M50 manifold runners. Simply grind each port until it matches the template.

See the Tech Article linked above for complete port-matching information.

ICV Port Plug Install Notes

The included aluminum inserts block the factory ICV passages in the cylinder head without removing the head or performing permanent modifications. The plugs are installed with thread sealant and form their threads directly into the soft aluminum ports. This avoids conventional tapping and helps prevent metal debris from entering the engine.