IMHO, this calls for a new Afe dry filter asap - but Ricky Bobby, who has cleaned them, is a better source ......

You have the same intake as me, I'm going to try and forget I saw that engine bay so dirty :D. By the way that rubber piece on the right side of the airbox, gets tucked under the front clip support, like it is on the left side.

Dry filter, YOU DO NOT NEVER NEED TO REPLACE IT unless it breaks in half or is damaged in some way, it just needs a good cleaning. Here is a link to the cleaning kit I just purchased, you literally take the filter off (one screw clamp holding it on the tube gets loosened), take it inside, spray the crap out of it with the cleaner, let it dwell for 10 minutes, then rinse FROM THE INSIDE/CLEAN SIDE OF THE FILTER OUTWARDS (so the dirt flows out and away from the filter, not into it deeper), until the water runs clean. you can spray it a second time if there is more stubborn grime.

Then just leave it in your house to dry overnight, air dry only, don't use a heat gun or hair dryer to dry it! I just left mine over one of my steam radiators and in the morning it was dry.


Here is the cleaning kit and you're welcome, this is the seller I bought mine from and is cheapest including shipping, AFE part 90-59999:

Afe Magnumflow Chemicals Restore Kit 90 59999 | eBay

Btw I sprayed the shit out of my filter so that it was basically dripping wet with cleaner spray, and only used about 1/6 of 1 bottle.

So basically with 2 bottles in the kit I have enough cleaning solution to clean the filter 12 times, and since I clean it once a year based on driving habits you do the math, 12 years worth of cleanings.

I don't have the metal bleed screw on mine, but I sure hope that brass one you have is the real deal and not just something the PO grabbed out of his toolbox... :(

:iagree: I'm with you, Luv; Bianca is a credit to E53 owners everywhere. Hang in there, B! By Spring, once you are caught up, you will have one sweet ride with a 3.0L manual tranny E53!

Yea, I didn't get into an X lightly. I have come from bigger and more expensive BMWs. Who wants to see my list?
'98 540i6 - Bianca (the one that started it all
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...a/IMG_0665.jpg
1998 318ti California - Carmen
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...n/101_2772.jpg
1992 325is - Celeste
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...311_091615.jpg
1994 325is - Celina. She started as a field rat 1800 dollar beater. Sold her for 3550 after some elbow grease
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...a/DSCN0063.jpg
1999 M3 5spd Vert - Melanie. My first and hopefully not last real ///M
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...-12-50_615.jpg
And then starts my winter beater obsession.
1992 750iL - Veronica. If you ever get the chance to drive a BMW V12. TAKE IT!
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9-53_233-2.jpg
1995 740iL - Didn't own it long enough to name it
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps758753f7.jpg
2000 323it - again, no name
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...psbj0mxbwe.jpg
2000 528ia - Belle. I really only bought it because it came with style 5s.
http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...ps7cff8e42.jpg

So after selling systematically all those cars I am left with only my X5 and my wife's MCS. The thing I appreciate the most about a BMW is actually the enthusiasts. Other car brands have their enthusiast but its not quite the same IMO. I also appreciate the value and subsequent depreciation of BMWs. I paid for my wife's engagement ring and part of our wedding with the purchase and sale of my first few E36s.

Nice collection, pix, and a well-named bevy of bimmers. I shoulda kept pix of mine:
My first, and fave: The old grey mare, a delphin grey 1985 E28 535i, manual
Second, of which Bianca reminds me: a 1998 E39 528i, silver on grey, stick
Third, stable mate of the '98: 1997 E36 328iC, white on black, stick.
And now, the E53 3.0L six speed. Other makes along the way, but once a bimmer guy, its hard to get away from them completely ....

I know what you mean. The CEO says she wants something else, but I remind her that as long as I'm still kicking, there will be BMW's in the driveway. She keeps threatening to have a roundel tattooed to my forehead while I sleep one night... :bustingup

You should have a roundel tattooed on yourself anyway Gary you do work in the damn wheelhouse! :rofl:

Are there any that you wish you hadn't sold? Do you still have the X because it is the best of the lot?

1970 Cuda with a 340 six pack. And the HURST slap stick shifter. Sold it too cheap.

Still have two Lotuses and the PORSCHE.

Still have the X only because I'm saving money for the next car. Like my parents I was taught to buy what you can afford. If you can't afford it you don't need it.