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  1. MMINT-G80-21

    2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Intercooler MMINT-G80-21 Engineering Report

    GOAL: Create a direct-fit performance intercooler that outperforms the stock intercooler.

    RESULTS: The Mishimoto manifold outflowed and outperformed the stock intake manifold while decreasing the pressure drop through the manifold. The Mishimoto manifold is more reliable than the factory manifold by replacing the crimped-on intercooler core with a fully welded aluminum core. In addition, the Mishimoto core is approximately 33% larger than stock and flowed up to 15% better than the stock manifold.

    CONCLUSION: The Mishimoto intercooler kit is a great upgrade for those looking for more power and reliability for their S58-powered BMW.

    Design Objectives:

    -Create an intercooler that performs better than the stock intercooler

    -The intercooler must give the customer the ability to add port fuel injection and port nitrous injection. *

    -The intercooler/manifold must not increase pressure loss through the system.

    -Must be direct-fit and bolt to the engine in place of the stock intake manifold.  

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  2. Open Channel – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1 – Design Plans

    Open Channel – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Charge Pipe R&D, Part 1 – Design Plans

    Much like society would crumble without a robust infrastructure, BMW’s pinnacle compact sports sedan becomes a pretty driveway decoration without the proper supporting hardware. The heavy-hitting S58 under the hood that moves the world-class suspension relies on a complex network of coolant lines and air channels that keep that twin-turbo straight six operating at peak performance. BMW may be known for their exquisite engineering prowess in their vehicles, yet some of the supporting infrastructure needs revision, especially regarding the charge pipes.

    BMW’s M-Division is essentially the definition of balancing comfort and speed at this point. However, over the years, BMW has become a leading name in another attribute, weak charge pipes. Since the resurgence of turbos nestled under the Roundel, owners have found a less than ultimate driving experience after losing boost from a slippery connection or a blown charge pipe wall. To retain BMW’s motto on the latest iteration of their bench setting

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  3. Open Channel – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2 – Prototype

    Open Channel – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Charge Pipe R&D, Part 2 – Prototype

    As the age-old adage goes, “measure twice and cut once.” This sentiment applies to any undertaking, from massive infrastructure renovations to DIY projects. This mentality is essential when it comes to updating the boost channels through the G8X’s engine bay.

    Proper fitment is critical for any component we engineer, but it’s particularly vital when snaking a redesigned charge pipe around the S58’s perimeter. It’s a tight fit under the M3’s hood, and our engineering team needed to ensure that our larger charge pipe wasn’t encroaching on other systems or components in the crowded engine bay. So, to triple-check our fitment, we brought our design to life.

    Our engineering team has access to some state-of-the-art, highly sophisticated equipment and software that provides state-of-the-art design and modeling possibilities. Still, nothing quite beats installing the updated design on the vehicle, especially one that requires precise fitment. With the help of our bank of 3D printers, we can manifest

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  4. Ultimate Induction – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Intake R&D, Part 5 – Carbon Fiber

    Ultimate Induction – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Intake R&D, Part 5 – Carbon Fiber

    BMW’s G8X platform is already as close as possible to the ideal combination of form and function. The heralded benchmark of performance sports sedans is designed to tackle blistering track times while keeping you in absolute comfort. It’s as close to perfect of a driving experience as you can get right off the factory floor. While we’ve already made improvements to this platform with our intake design, we can still move closer to achieving automotive Zen.

    One of the staunch differences between the G80 and the outgoing generation, other than the surplus of grilles, is the lack of flair under the hood. In the previous generation, popping the bonnet would mean an exuberant greeting from the sleek gloss strut brace circumventing the engine bay, leaving this latest generation looking almost pedestrian by comparison, and this car is anything but ordinary. So, while our rotational molded performance intake design already added some much-needed OEM+ style flair, we wanted to take things a step

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  5. Specialty Experience – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3 – Production Sample

    Specialty Experience – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Oil Cooler R&D, Part 3 – Production Sample

    There’s no denying that M cars are something special. BMW has a knack for elevating the relatively pedestrian models into something truly exciting without sacrificing their commitment to luxury. In the case of the G8X, BMW truly flexed their engineering muscles to squeeze every drop of performance from its 3 and 4-series platform. The base flavor of this freshly squeezed performance juice is proper oil temperature management. The catch is that the flimsy OEM oil cooler is precariously placed, putting this temperature management at risk. Luckily, our engineers have been hard at work revamping the G8X’s oil cooler, and we’re stoked to show it off.

    Much like BMW’s expertise in elevating their vehicles, we’re taking this oil cooler to the next level. Since our last post, our new design has filled out from its metal and plastic skeleton to its newly developed final stage. The latest look consists of a fully aluminum construction from fins to end tanks for a sturdier composure against road debris.

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  6. Royal Guard – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Skid Plate R&D, PART 1 – Design Plans and Prototyping

    Royal Guard – 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Skid Plate R&D, PART 1 – Design Plans and Prototyping

    The BMW M3 and M4 are automotive royalty. They’re the lords of the compact executive sports car segment, and BMW intends to keep it that way. Last year we saw the coronation of the latest prince of posh speed, the G8X, and this generation is the most power-hungry yet. These dignitaries are hell-bent on dominating not only their class but every inch of asphalt as we know it. The trouble is, the road is a feral and unpredictable creature, prone to lashing out at vehicles. The G8X may be a valiant crusader, but it still has vulnerabilities, specifically at its underbelly.

    When designing the M3, BMW aimed for a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and attainability. Essentially, some of the G8X’s components required a design that simplified manufacturing in masse without increasing production costs even further. One of those components is the front skid plate, resulting in a protective barrier made of flexible plastic that’s assigned to safeguard the oil cooler.

    For those unaware or who

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  7. Feed the Beast - 2012-2018 BMW F1X M5/M6 Performance Intercooler R&D, Part 3 - Production Sample

    Feed the Beast - 2012-2018 BMW F1X M5/M6 Performance Intercooler R&D, Part 3 - Production Sample

    Feeding the beast that lives under the hood of BMW's F1X generation M5 and M6 is a multicourse meal. The twin-turbo V8 has quite the appetite, and no forced induction power buffet would be complete without a course of intercoolers. Of course, they're a staple part of any balanced turbocharged meal for a growing powerhouse. Our intercoolers are fresh off the production line and looking mighty appetizing. Before the S63 scarfs these intercoolers down, though, we wanted to get a closer look at Mitch's design come to life. 

    When we last left off, these intercoolers were two chunks of shaped plastic, 3D printed to triple our check the fitment in the already cramped engine bay. Now though, we have the real deal, and we're eager to show them off. 

    Style is an integral part of the process, and we only wanted to enhance the wow factor when you lift the hood of your M5 or M6. To keep with the sleek look of the tidy engine bay, we opted for a sleek micro-wrinkle black powder coating, making these

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  8. Specialty Experience - 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2 - Prototyping

    Specialty Experience - 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2 - Prototyping

    No perfect performance happens on a whim. Well, maybe sometimes dumb luck takes the reigns, but typically the years of honing your skills and abilities guide you through. The same could be said about BMW and its performance division. These Bavarians are not known for "wingin' it" and for the last 35 years and counting, they've been tirelessly perfecting every M3 and M4 that rolls off the assembly line. Every component is meticulously engineered to continuously raise the bar for the sports sedan segment. That said, nobody's perfect, and there are still some aspects of the G8X platform that could use further refinement.

    They say that practice makes perfect, which is how we feel about our new oil cooler design for the G8X platform. One of the main factors contributing to the performance of this new oil cooler is the proper fitment for two reasons. For starters, no one wants to struggle with an ill-fitting part, especially on the likes of an M3. Also, since this oil cooler relies on the vehicle's

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  9. Cooled to Perfection - 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger R&D, Part 2 - Prototyping

    Cooled to Perfection - 2021+ BMW G8X M3/M4 Performance Heat Exchanger R&D, Part 2 - Prototyping

    Practice makes perfect. It's cliché, but it's true. Not many people can just pick up a pair of drumsticks and blow us away with complex Herta drum fills combined with immaculate rhythm. It takes years of honing the technique and drilling rudiments to get to that level. When it comes to the M3, BMW has been practicing its sticking techniques for decades locking in a groove of setting the benchmark for performance sedans, with the S58-powered G8X platform being no exception. These M's are packed with plenty of natural talent, but even that requires practice to nail the correct notes. Since there's always room to improve, the next rudiment for this M3 to learn is improved intercooler temperatures, and we're offering private lessons. 

    In our last post, we covered our new heat exchanger's planned design features complete with the complete digital outline of this new component. At that point, it's just that, an outline. These plans are the blueprints or sheet music for the final composition,

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  10. Executive Action - BMW F1X/F9X M5/M6 Performance Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2 - Production Sample

    Executive Action - BMW F1X/F9X M5/M6 Performance Oil Cooler R&D, Part 2 - Production Sample

    The executive level is cut-throat. It's always portrayed as a world full of like-minded, power-hungry individuals desperately looking to get ahead of their fellow man. Every achievement is paraded as a victory over others, and everyone has a weakness that's exploited. While this might be more of Hollywood's representation of the corporate world's upper crust, the performance executive segment is that competitive. Auto manufacturers have been duking it out for decades to climb the ladder of the segment that BMW practically invented with the M5. Now in its sixth generation, the progenitor of physics-defying luxury sports cars has a weakness open for exploitation in the form of mismanaged oil temperatures and a vulnerably mounted oil cooler. Luckily we're already on a mission to reinforce this weak link. 

    When we last left off, our F1X/F9X oil cooler went from a digital design to a physical manifestation of this model. We used this fabricated framework to triple-check the fitment before kicking

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