"These build journal entries are part of a Special Series on the S85 OE+ Carbon Plenums and OE+ Carbon Side Intakes (M5/6 V10).

In this entry, I cover the background development to the S85 OEM+ Carbon Plenums and document my unboxing impressions of this clever design I've used to great effect on my V8 M3."
- Matt

The original design.

The OE+ S65 carbon fiber plenum is the original design that sowed the idea to EuroConnex.

I first sourced this product in the Summer 2020 and it eventually snowballed into the launch of EuroConnex in Winter 2021. I have been running the S65 OE+ carbon plenum since Fall 2020 and still love it to this day.  

The V10 variant.

It was only natural I fit the V10 carbon plenums to my M5. I received these 2022 before the end of Winter. They came well packaged and without any damages during shipping from Germany.

Original plastic base with new carbon lids. 

The S85 OE+ Carbon Plenums are developed with the same foundational OEM plastic lower base. The lids are replaced with pre-preg, autoclave'd carbon fiber lids. They are thinner than the standard ABS plastics, providing the enhanced sound we're looking for.

The lower half being Genuine BMW promises an OEM fitment along with ensuring there are no mission critical failures to trumpets. They have happened to some carbon fiber airboxes and plenums for the S54 and S65.  

We also go to great lengths to refurbished the Genuine BMW plenum core. It is fully cleaned and new black upper clamps are fitted for a clean appearance. 

Customization Options

As the S65 community started adopting the product en masse, we provided feedback - and he listened. 

We have improved the product and started offering various new customization options: new weave patterns, painted and clear coated finishes, badges & stickers along with increased sound options. 

Continuous Improvements.

Most importantly, we have improved the product design with new processes to bond the upper carbon lid to the lower Genuine BMW base of the plenum to eliminate cracking & ungluing risks. 

My Specs.

I opted for the Export Version in naked aesthetics: no badges or stickers. As of 2023, all Carbon Plenums are "export" sound variants with the slightly thinner lid for improved induction sounds. 

The matte clear coat's sheen level was specifically blended to match the Sealed Carbon Intakes that I first fitted to my S85. My engine bay should now be proper.

Up next: I'll discuss my driving impressions, provide more installed pictures in the next entry and I hope to get sound clips.