[Kaps335i]

I blew my stock charge pipe today. I was already thinking about replacing it and the intercooler. I know there are a lot of threads about this, but none are really helping me decide which ones to get.

My car is a daily driver. The only mods I have are the BMS Performance Intake and JB4 that I will almost always be running on map 2. I am not planning on changing the down pipe or really anything else. At least not in the near future.

What are the recommendations and why?

[Bimmer_Boost]

Originally Posted by Kaps335i

I blew my stock charge pipe today. I was already thinking about replacing it and the intercooler. I know there are a lot of threads about this, but none are really helping me decide which ones to get.

My car is a daily driver. The only mods I have are the BMS Performance Intake and JB4 that I will almost always be running on map 2. I am not planning on changing the down pipe or really anything else. At least not in the near future.

What are the recommendations and why?

I have used 3 different charge pipe(s) on my vehicles. ER, Phoenix Racing, and VRSF. I would recommend avoiding the Phoenix Racing unit and choosing either the VRSF or the ER pipe. It would be best to match the manufacture for both parts but not necessary. I found some fitment issues with the ER pipe while using the VRSF intercooler with the VRSF lower charge pipe which is the only reason I say that. Make sure to get a pipe with at least one methanol bung. Everyone thinks they will not add methanol when they buy their charge pipe and many people end up buying a replacement charge pipe with a methanol bung.

[RSicks]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Boost

It would be best to match the manufacture for both parts but not necessary. I found some fitment issues with the ER pipe while using the VRSF intercooler with the VRSF lower charge pipe which is the only reason I say that.

I second this as well. I've ran ER on my old N54 and I am running VRSF on my N55. Both companies I can vouch for, but I would try and match up parts to the same manufacture. Its not needed to be done, but you know the fitament is exactly how they intended - which in a turbo application is key. Nothing like trying to find a boost leak on new parts you just installed.

[Kaps335i]

With the VRSF is there any reason I wouldn't want to get the 6" verse the 5"?

If I go with VRSF, I'm looking at the following.

VRSF Race Intercooler FMIC Upgrade Kit
VRSF Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit
VRSF N55 Turbo Outlet Charge Pipe
O-rings and clip too.

Is there anything I am missing?

[RSicks]

Originally Posted by Kaps335i

With the VRSF is there any reason I wouldn't want to get the 6" verse the 5"?

If I go with VRSF, I'm looking at the following.

VRSF Race Intercooler FMIC Upgrade Kit
VRSF Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit
VRSF N55 Turbo Outlet Charge Pipe
O-rings and clip too.

Is there anything I am missing?

That list is pretty much what I have in mind, plus a down. I went race IC because I will eventually upgrade the turbo. I’d rather buy and install once.

Some people said that I would see lag due to the increased size of the IC and the stock turbo. If there is - it’s minimal as I haven’t noticed a difference. What I have noticed is the race is extremely efficient at keeping IAT’s low.

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by RSicks

That list is pretty much what I have in mind, plus a down. I went race IC because I will eventually upgrade the turbo. I’d rather buy and install once.

Some people said that I would see lag due to the increased size of the IC and the stock turbo. If there is - it’s minimal as I haven’t noticed a difference. What I have noticed is the race is extremely efficient at keeping IAT’s low.

Hmm, that makes me think that maybe the 5" may be better for me. I really don't plan on a down pipe or upgraded turbo anytime soon, if ever. I am not sure what is the different between the 5" Stepped Performance vs 5" Stepped Competition HD. The description says "Each VRSF intercooler includes our proprietary High Density fin pack." So I imagine they are both HD.

[RSicks]

Don’t quote, but I believe VRSF only does HD now. I’d reach out before you purchase to verify or email Mike at Extreme Power House and buy through him.

[spammer]

2 years on VRSF charge pipe
1 year on my VRSF down pipe
6 months on my VRSF FMIC 5"

not 1 issue or complaint here.

[spammer]

Originally Posted by Kaps335i

Hmm, that makes me think that maybe the 5" may be better for me. I really don't plan on a down pipe or upgraded turbo anytime soon, if ever. I am not sure what is the different between the 5" Stepped Performance vs 5" Stepped Competition HD. The description says "Each VRSF intercooler includes our proprietary High Density fin pack." So I imagine they are both HD.

I struggled with the down pipe upgrade. Didn't want to spend the money, didn't want the gas 'smell'. The car seemed plenty fast w/o one and thought install was going to be too much of a pain.

All that being said. I wish i did it sooner. It really makes a difference in how the car feels, breaths accelerates decelerates. Gas smell isn't bad at all, especially here in daytona where there is some V8 at every stop light with straight ***** lol and the install was easier than the charge pipe!

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by spammer

I struggled with the down pipe upgrade. Didn't want to spend the money, didn't want the gas 'smell'. The car seemed plenty fast w/o one and thought install was going to be too much of a pain.

All that being said. I wish i did it sooner. It really makes a difference in how the car feels, breaths accelerates decelerates. Gas smell isn't bad at all, especially here in daytona where there is some V8 at every stop light with straight ***** lol and the install was easier than the charge pipe!

I've always wantedr more horsepower, especially owning a couple of Camaros around 450hp. I am trying to behave a bit more with this car. At least for now.

[spammer]

Originally Posted by Kaps335i

I've always wantedr more horsepower, especially owning a couple of Camaros around 450hp. I am trying to behave a bit more with this car. At least for now.

haha - i hear ya brother, well it will be there for ya when you're ready. Good luck with the plumbing.

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by spammer

haha - i hear ya brother, well it will be there for ya when you're ready. Good luck with the plumbing.

Thank you. I should be installing everything this Saturday.

[ferocity02]

I tried installing a VRSF 5" stepped FMIC, VRSF lower CP, and ER "long" CP and the fitment is of this combo is terrible. The VRSF lower CP doesn't exit at the stock location it seems. I had to chop off 1" off the top end to get it to fit, and even then the fit is awful and the couples are all caddywhompus.

I ended up going with a Wagner FMIC because I got a good deal on it. And I may try the VRSF upper CP.

I would just avoid the VRSF lower CP, it's not a good fit.

[RSicks]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

I tried installing a VRSF 5" stepped FMIC, VRSF lower CP, and ER "long" CP and the fitment is of this combo is terrible. The VRSF lower CP doesn't exit at the stock location it seems. I had to chop off 1" off the top end to get it to fit, and even then the fit is awful and the couples are all caddywhompus.

I ended up going with a Wagner FMIC because I got a good deal on it. And I may try the VRSF upper CP.

I would just avoid the VRSF lower CP, it's not a good fit.

This sounds like a N54 issue not a N55 issue, am I correct? The lower VRSF charge pipe for the N55 is literally right there.

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by RSicks

This sounds like a N54 issue not a N55 issue, am I correct? The lower VRSF charge pipe for the N55 is literally right there.

Have you installed the lower turbo outlet charge pipe? I am having some trouble getting it installed.

[RSicks]

Originally Posted by Kaps335i

Have you installed the lower turbo outlet charge pipe? I am having some trouble getting it installed.

What seems the be the issue you are having? The stock turbo side charge pipe has those 2 black plastic holders for the C clips. That's probably the hard part getting it off the turbo side. Otherwise getting it into place is pretty straight forward.

Best way to show it is this video..

F30 BMW 335i xDrive Pure Stage 2 Turbo Install N55 | ER TIC | Diverter | Pure Inlet #N55Purestage2 - YouTube

Go to 10:16

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by RSicks

What seems the be the issue you are having? The stock turbo side charge pipe has those 2 black plastic holders for the C clips. That's probably the hard part getting it off the turbo side. Otherwise getting it into place is pretty straight forward.

Best way to show it is this video..

F30 BMW 335i xDrive Pure Stage 2 Turbo Install N55 | ER TIC | Diverter | Pure Inlet #N55Purestage2 - YouTube

Go to 10:16

Yeah, it was that C clip. Was driving me nuts, but finally got it.

[ferocity02]

Originally Posted by RSicks

This sounds like a N54 issue not a N55 issue, am I correct? The lower VRSF charge pipe for the N55 is literally right there.

No this was on my 2013 135is. But the same parts fit fine on my 2007 335i...

I ended up getting a Wagner competition FMIC setup. I may switch to the VRSF CP since it's shorter than the ER, and use the silicon coupler to accommodate any misalignment.

[Kaps335i]

I got everything installed, but haven't put the bumper back on. I am getting the errors below. All the sensors are connected, so I am not sure what is causing it. Thoughts?

108A10 Charge air temperature sensor, electrical signal implausible
108A01 MAP sensor, possible loose flexfuel wires

[RSicks]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

No this was on my 2013 135is. But the same parts fit fine on my 2007 335i...

I ended up getting a Wagner competition FMIC setup. I may switch to the VRSF CP since it's shorter than the ER, and use the silicon coupler to accommodate any misalignment.

Ahh! Okay that makes sense... my head was in the motors, I should have been thinking E series kits vs F series kits.

I know that the N54 has an upper and lower and I forgot the first N55’s were still in the E series and shared many parts like cp’s and intercoolers. Brain fart on my end.

[Terry @ BMS]

BMS F30 chargepipe offers perfect fitment and is priced right at $199.

https://www.burgermotorsports.com/pr...num-chargepipe

For IC our replacement job is normally the way to go for $299.

https://www.burgermotorsports.com/pr...-f-chassis-bmw

[Kaps335i]

Originally Posted by Terry @ BMS

BMS F30 chargepipe offers perfect fitment and is priced right at $199.

https://www.burgermotorsports.com/pr...num-chargepipe

For IC our replacement job is normally the way to go for $299.

https://www.burgermotorsports.com/pr...-f-chassis-bmw

BMS was my first choice, but I liked the idea of changing the turbo outlet charge pipe too. So I just got all VRSF.

I do have a BMS intake and JB4, but I’ve been getting CEL since the JB4.

[Kaps335i]

So much for my comment about not getting a down pipe anytime soon. I just ordered the VRSF high flow down pipe. Then I am going to get a custom tune.

[panaceabeachbum]

Originally Posted by ferocity02

I tried installing a VRSF 5" stepped FMIC, VRSF lower CP, and ER "long" CP and the fitment is of this combo is terrible. The VRSF lower CP doesn't exit at the stock location it seems. I had to chop off 1" off the top end to get it to fit, and even then the fit is awful and the couples are all caddywhompus.

I ended up going with a Wagner FMIC because I got a good deal on it. And I may try the VRSF upper CP.

I would just avoid the VRSF lower CP, it's not a good fit.

Similar experience here. In my case the VRSF turbo side CP doesnt come close to lining up with the inlet on the VRSF race intercooler since the inlet angle is diff than the one in my OEM N55 F32.It works perfectly with the OEM rubber hose but not with the VRSF turbo to IC inlet pipe. I imagine since the 5 and 6 inch versions are short enough that the IC can be rotated on the included rubber bushings. With the height of the n55 race IC the top edge of it cannot be rotated far enough rearward to align with their inlet side charge pipe. Not a big deal if building a custom mount, just pointing out not all parts are as plug and play as we would like