[Paddy]

I'm looking to purchase a stepped intercooler and high flow radiator which are direct replacements for the OEM items on my 2010 N54 335i (build date Dec' 2009), using original mounting points.

What's out there? What are you guys using?

Please supply part numbers too if possible so I can research the fitment and dimensions etc.

Much Obliged!!

[Nanometer]

I use a wagner intercooler, works great. It's a design that is essentially unchanged for wagner since 2013, at least when I bought it. and uses factory mounts. Some removal of brackets will be required that will not be replaced unless you put your old intercooler back on the car. There are high capacity radiators available too. Check out ECS. You should find the radiator there, for the intercooler, just go to their website, or google websites that also carry their products.

[Paddy]

Originally Posted by Nanometer

I use a wagner intercooler, works great. It's a design that is essentially unchanged for wagner since 2013, at least when I bought it. and uses factory mounts. Some removal of brackets will be required that will not be replaced unless you put your old intercooler back on the car. There are high capacity radiators available too. Check out ECS. You should find the radiator there, for the intercooler, just go to their website, or google websites that also carry their products.

Thank you Nanometer, appreciate your reply! Just emailed Wagner Tuning for info, will check out ECS too!!

As a matter of interest, are you still using stock radiator? Or did you upgrade to aftermarket? Thanks!

[limitdown]

I've had a CSF radiator for about 3 years and it's really come alive after MHD put in an option for the user to choose lower target water temps. Lower water temps also help lower oil temps.
CSF's radiator is slightly thicker than the stock radiator. If you have stock turbo inlets, then you won't notice any difference. If you have upgraded silicone inlets, then you'll need to flatten the front inlet a bit to fit.

I have VRSF's 7.5 inch Race FMIC. It required a lot of cutting to fit. However, I'm very happy with the FMIC's cooling capability.

[Paddy]

Originally Posted by limitdown

I've had a CSF radiator for about 3 years and it's really come alive after MHD put in an option for the user to choose lower target water temps. Lower water temps also help lower oil temps.
CSF's radiator is slightly thicker than the stock radiator. If you have stock turbo inlets, then you won't notice any difference. If you have upgraded silicone inlets, then you'll need to flatten the front inlet a bit to fit.

I have VRSF's 7.5 inch Race FMIC. It required a lot of cutting to fit. However, I'm very happy with the FMIC's cooling capability.

Hi Limitdown, thanks for your reply! It's the 7.5 inch stepped intercooler you have? Also, can you recall what model number the CSF radiator is?

My problem is, that I need a stepped intercooler that will allow my radiator to sit down low enough to allow the hood to close! I have a Direnza radiator, but can swap to the CSF unit so long as I get the right one!

Also, you mean you had to cut the bumper a lot to fit the FMIC? Do you still have the plastic mesh attached or is your bumper open leaving the intercooler exposed and liable to be struck with stones or road debris?

[eligard]

Originally Posted by limitdown

I've had a CSF radiator for about 3 years and it's really come alive after MHD put in an option for the user to choose lower target water temps. Lower water temps also help lower oil temps.
CSF's radiator is slightly thicker than the stock radiator. If you have stock turbo inlets, then you won't notice any difference. If you have upgraded silicone inlets, then you'll need to flatten the front inlet a bit to fit.

I have VRSF's 7.5 inch Race FMIC. It required a lot of cutting to fit. However, I'm very happy with the FMIC's cooling capability.

Heard lots of good comments about FMIC. We'll just finish the installation of shocks and poison spyder bumper on the current Jeep project and we'll be working on buddy's N54.

[limitdown]

Originally Posted by Paddy

Hi Limitdown, thanks for your reply! It's the 7.5 inch stepped intercooler you have? Also, can you recall what model number the CSF radiator is?

My problem is, that I need a stepped intercooler that will allow my radiator to sit down low enough to allow the hood to close! I have a Direnza radiator, but can swap to the CSF unit so long as I get the right one!

Also, you mean you had to cut the bumper a lot to fit the FMIC? Do you still have the plastic mesh attached or is your bumper open leaving the intercooler exposed and liable to be struck with stones or road debris?

The CSF radiator's part number is 7046 for my 6AT. The MT part number is 7045. CSF has been in the radiator business for probably 3+ decades. It's just a new name for our platform. http://csfrace.com/product/bmw-racing-radiators/
VRSF's 7.5inch Race FMIC is a stepped intercooler with a very big front face area. It requires cutting to the inside plastic brackets to install. I've retained the metal grille. There's no change to the outer appearance.
With the CSF + 7.5inch Race FMIC your car will look 100% factory from the outside. The hood closes without any issue. The CSF radiator is a bit thicker, so it pushes the fan bracket in a bit. I have stock location silicone inlets, and I had to squish the hose a bit and use zip ties to keep it away from one of the pulleys.