Performance Air Filter for BMW 135i, 1M, 335i, 535i, Z4 35i (2006-2016)

Unlock the N54 & N55 Bi-Turbo Potential: BMC High-Flow Performance Induction

Who It’s For: Engineered for BMW owners running the legendary N54 Twin-Turbo or N55 TwinPower Turbo 3.0L inline-six powerplant who are tired of the stock breathing restrictions and sluggish turbo spool.

The Symptom: The factory intake system on the BMW E90 and E82 chassis is designed primarily for sound suppression and long service intervals, utilizing thick, restrictive paper filters. For a turbocharged engine like the N54, this creates a significant pressure drop across the intake tract.

As you demand more boost, the turbos are forced to work harder to overcome this vacuum, leading to increased wastegate duty cycles, higher intake air temperatures, and a noticeable delay in throttle response when exiting a corner or merging on the highway.

The Engineering Fix: The BMC FB494/20 performance filter replaces the restrictive paper media with a multi-layered cotton gauze soaked in low-viscosity oil. By utilizing a "Full Moulding" system, BMC eliminates welded joints, ensuring a seamless seal within the airbox that prevents unfiltered air bypass. This design optimizes fluid dynamics by straightening the airflow path and increasing the effective surface area, allowing the turbos to reach target boost pressures with less effort.

The result is a significant reduction in pumping losses and a sharper induction note that lets the N54/N55 breathe the way it was intended.

Why Mechanics Choose This Kit

• Enhanced Volumetric Efficiency: By reducing intake resistance, this filter allows for a higher volume of air to reach the combustion chamber, critical for maintaining power on tuned N54/N55 platforms.
• Superior Filtration Physics: While OEM filters stop particles at 10 microns, BMC’s epoxy-coated alloy mesh and cotton media trap impurities as small as 7 microns without sacrificing flow velocity.
• Industrial-Grade Build: The "Full Moulding" process uses a single-piece rubber construction that resists heat-cycle deformation and provides optimum adhesion to the BMW airbox housing.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the following vehicles (BMC fitment data):

• BMW 1 Series (E81,E82,E87,E88) 135i (326 HP) | 2007-2010
• BMW 1 Series (E81,E82,E87,E88) 135i (306 HP) | 2007-2010
• BMW 1 Series (E81,E82,E87,E88) 1M Coupe (340 HP) | 2011-2012
• BMW 3 Series (E90,E91,E92,E93) 335i (306 HP) | 2006-2010
• BMW 3 Series (E90,E91,E92,E93) 335iS (326 HP) | 2010-2013
• BMW 3 Series (E90,E91,E92,E93) 335Xi (326 HP) | 2006-2010
• BMW 5 Series (E60,E61) 535i (300 HP) | 2007-2010
• BMW Z4 (E89) 35i (306 HP) | 2009-2016
• BMW Z4 (E89) 35iS (340 HP) | 2010-2016
• BMW Alpina B. Bovensiepen B3 (E90/E91/E92/E93) 3.0 BITurbo (360 HP) | 2008-2009

OEM Cross Reference (BMC): BMW 13717556961

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. This is a washable, lifetime filter that can be regenerated using a BMC cleaning kit, making it the last air filter your BMW will ever need. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Common Questions

Which BMW models does it fit?
BMC lists the 135i, 1M Coupe, 335i / 335is / 335xi, 535i, Z4 35i / 35is and Alpina B3, 2006-2016.

Is it a direct fit?
Yes. It replaces the factory element in the stock airbox with no modifications.

Can I clean and reuse it?
Yes. Wash and re-oil it with a BMC regeneration kit.

How fine is the filtration?
The multi-layer oiled cotton traps particles down to 7 microns.

What will I notice after installing it?
Sharper throttle response and a stronger intake sound.