[NickG]

Hi

I have just fitted the works air box to my MCS, when I installed it the flap on the box was closed, tested the car, the flap opened but did not then close even with the engine off.

Any one have any ideas what I might have done wrong or if this is a fault with the box?

Thanks

Nick

[mattyc]

nick, no ideas sorry, but most peoplejam the flap open to get the extra air in all the time!
I've just installed mine-but to be honest haven't noticed much of a sound increase from the stock mcs airbox. Have you?
Also did you change the injectors or get the jcw software loaded?
thanks
mattyc

[NickG]

There is most definitely a more pronounced super charger whine at high revs, but I can’t notice any other difference. I went with the JCW to keep the stock look, it certainly isn’t too noisy under or over 4500. I just think it is crazy to pay the cost of the JCW and it not work as it should.

Have you checked that the flap is opening, because I think you would hear the difference?

I have had to give up for today due to pouring rain but hopefully someone knowledgeable on here will be able to suggest something.

I haven’t fitted (or got) the injectors or an ECU upgrade as I don’t think they is any benefit on an untuned car.

I will most likely be going to GTT or similar for some moderate tuning later in the year.

[NickG]

Just bumping this for anyone that may be able to help but wasn't about at the weekend.

Thanks

[NickG]

Thought I would update this incase someelse encountered similar...

Well pulled this out today and a quick check showed that the round bit on the top that connects to the arm on the flap had twisted and become disconnected from the flap/arm.

Now working as it should, not sure if I prefered it with the flap open all the time though, there is a definite surge now, and a flash of the traction control light in second gear as you hit 4500rpm.

Didn't know whether to take out the blanking disk in the bottom intake, but left it in for now.

[rwkeating]

How easy is it to install the JCW air intake?

I'd love a different/better/cheaper intake, but I don't want to take the chance of warranty issues. The JCW is expensive, but I've found some places with prices much less than my dealer. I am sure the labor cost would be very high, thus my interest in how easy it is to install.

[NickG]

With the relevent tools, it was pretty easy. The hardest part for me was working out from the diagram on the instructions where the vacuum connection attached.

You will need very basic plumbing and wiring skills, if you can stip a wire then you should be ok!

I would reccomend getting a roll of fabric tape from your dealer, so you can tidy up the wiring after installation.

[Benmk]

is any programming required?????

or do you just install it, wire it up and go???

I have picked up the airbox at a good price but dont want to be stung with BMW ecu programming?

any advice?

Thanks

Ben

[:: Jon ::]

remove the flap altogether... you dont need it

[Benmk]

well that was the origional plan but i am now thinking maybe to do it properly, if bmw programming is necessary then i will go down that route

[Capsaisin]

You don't necessarily need to use the flap. The MCS Works race filter which I have is identical except it has no flap or opening electronics. If the dealer won't play ball, just jam the flap open. I didn't find the slight increase in noise at all intrusive.

[wheyaye2]

Quote: Originally Posted by Benmk (original)

well that was the origional plan but i am now thinking maybe to do it properly, if bmw programming is necessary then i will go down that route

No software reprogramming is necessary... The box has built in electronics which you splice into the rev pulse wire on your ecu - this decides when the flap opens or closes.

[minihawk]

Quote: Originally Posted by wheyaye2 (original)

No software reprogramming is necessary... The box has built in electronics which you splice into the rev pulse wire on your ecu - this decides when the flap opens or closes.

Can anyone else confirm this? Not that I don't believe you, but everything I have read says that programming is necessary to make the lovely flap open and close. I may be looking at old install instructions?

[NickG]

I can confirm that no reprogramming is needed.

The confusion arises from the fact that the airbox can also be supplied as a kit with larger fuel injectors, it is these that either need or benefit from the ECU reprogramming.

The functionality of the airbox is not linked to the reprogramming of the ECU.

I leave my flap permanently open, in hindsight I would have gone for the motorsport version or one of the 3rd party options like the GTT. At the time however I was keen to keep the car as stock as possible.

[PmP]

Need a little help/advice, I tried take the lid of my JCW airbox off yesterday, removed the engine intake pipe and unscrewed the two front torx screws. Then slid the lid back towards firewall and tried to lift it off the hooks/clip at rear of the box, and they just wouldnt come off.

Anyone any advice, Do i need to use a bit of brute force, didnt like to incase I damaged anything first time I tried.

[Japper]

Quote: Originally Posted by PmP (original)

Need a little help/advice, I tried take the lid of my JCW airbox off yesterday, removed the engine intake pipe and unscrewed the two front torx screws. Then slid the lid back towards firewall and tried to lift it off the hooks/clip at rear of the box, and they just wouldnt come off.

Anyone any advice, Do i need to use a bit of brute force, didnt like to incase I damaged anything first time I tried.

Yeah it can be a little tricky to get off. Give it a good shove backwards and then pull upwards without tilting the front up too much. Also making sure the battery terminal and hose are out of the way.

Sometimes it's really tricky and other times it comes off first time

[minibrat]

I need help on replacing the vacuum line with a JCW hose that came with the CAI. I removed the intercooler lid and unclamped the throttle hose. I need to know what the vacuum line looks like and how to remove it. Any pictures would be appreaciated. I been working on it for 2 days without any luck. Help a poor lil girl out...

[NickG]

Hi

I've just taken a look, there is no way to get a good picture of where you put in the T-piece on my car, without taking things to pieces, and I don't have the time at the moment, sorry.

The instructions are here:

http://www.motoringfile.com/files/JCWUPGRADE.pdf

(looks to be down at the moment)

If this makes any sense, it's not the pipe that is obvious, it's the awkward hard to get to one tucked underneath out of sight.

[minibrat]

there is a red seal on the attached vacuum line, does that red seal come out with the line or is that supposed to remain attached to the housing? When I tug on the line, the red seal wants to come out with the line, I just dont wanna damage anything.
Thanks!!

[minibrat]

Here the picture of the question i had from prior. Please advise. I have been w/o my car on the road for 5 days now. Thanks!!!