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
All required installation 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.
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.
Note: If running a 3.0L engine with a 3.5” MAF, a 3” → 3.5” adapter hose will be required.
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.
Terms and Conditions
Due to the intended use of high performance products, Seems Legit Garage, LLC. ("SLG”) products and each part thereof, are sold "AS IS” and with all faults. To the fullest extent allowed by law, SLG Racing Products makes NO written, oral, expressed, or implied statement of warranty or guarantee on any product or part sold. SLG will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including but not limited to, damage, injury, loss of life, loss of property or equipment, loss of profits or revenue, or claims from any individual or entity arising from the use of any SLG product.
RACING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND PURCHASERS OF SLG PRODUCTS ACKNOWLEDGE THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED. SLG MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS THAT ITS PRODUCTS CAN REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ANY SUCH RISK. SLG products are NOT FOR STREET, HIGHWAY, OR AIRCRAFT USE and are intended ONLY for race vehicles operated on closed-course facilities or race tracks with appropriate supervision of qualified technicians or mechanics to ensure that the safety needs of the race driver and others are met. SLG products could be combined with other products or parts which may not be suitable and could adversely affect performance of other race parts or the vehicle. The user shall determine the ultimate suitability and safety of the product for its intended use, and the user assumes all responsibility and risk in connection therewith.
