Intercooler install with no cutting?

mblaber · 06-08-2010, 11:00 AM

Does anyone know of an intercooler upgrade that does not require trimming/cutting of anything on the car? Some of the IC's advertising "bolt on" replacement actually require taking a saw to the car. Don't want to do this (even with plastic trim).

1NNO_35 · 06-08-2010, 01:03 PM

Forge has good upgrade package for your DV's and FMINT' !!

Fits well and works ok.. My boost got a little bit laggier after install but that will go away after I tune up the ECU

bryce · 06-08-2010, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mblaber

Does anyone know of an intercooler upgrade that does not require trimming/cutting of anything on the car? Some of the IC's advertising "bolt on" replacement actually require taking a saw to the car. Don't want to do this (even with plastic trim).

ets has an intercooler group buy going on for a direct bolt-on replacement intercooler with no cutting or trimming required. several members have already installed with no issues. $599 shipped for the group buy price. it's on e90post i believe

bryce · 06-08-2010, 01:38 PM

here's a link to onefastman's review:

M II · 06-08-2010, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mblaber

Does anyone know of an intercooler upgrade that does not require trimming/cutting of anything on the car? Some of the IC's advertising "bolt on" replacement actually require taking a saw to the car. Don't want to do this (even with plastic trim).

Part of this has to do with how the 135i front fascia is oriented.

The AMS unit that was installed on our 135i needed to have the plastic slight trimmed.

A simple cleanup job with dremel ensured clean looks and an awesome install job.

onefastman · 06-08-2010, 02:02 PM

Id go with ets or hpf

If you dont care about cutting then I would go with Helix

Tochenzo · 06-08-2010, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onefastman

Id go with ets or hpf

If you dont care about cutting then I would go with Helix

HPF requires cutting for the 135i. I believe the only ones with absolutely no cutting/trimming are the Forge, VK and ETS.

M II · 06-08-2010, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tochenzo

HPF requires cutting for the 135i. I believe the only ones with absolutely no cutting/trimming are the Forge, VK and ETS.

In our experience, even with the manufacturers' claims, most intercoolers on the market required some sort of trimming here and there.

I'd worry more about core efficiency and how the intercooler pipes are fashioned.

bryce · 06-08-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by **********s II

In our experience, even with the manufacturers' claims, most intercoolers on the market required some sort of trimming here and there.

I'd worry more about core efficiency and how the intercooler pipes are fashioned.

biased much? what about the numerous members that have installed the ets unit without having to modify or cut anything?

M II · 06-08-2010, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryce

biased much? what about the numerous members that have installed the ets unit without having to modify or cut anything?

I'll have to take a look at those mentioned pieces.

As for the AMS, Evolution Racewerke, and the other brands we carry and have seen in real world install situations - they do require a bit of trimming.

Eyeman · 06-08-2010, 07:36 PM

Mblaber, the VK is the only complete bolt up, no trim aftermarket FMIC. With the ETS for sure in my case I didn't have to trim any plastic but a pipe clamp has to be cut or broken and then some piping is changed.

onefastman · 06-08-2010, 08:24 PM

True but the new piping is so much better than stock

MrBlonde · 06-09-2010, 05:08 AM

Having to do minor trimming or cutting is overstated as an issue I think. What do others think? Why would requiring minor trimming be a negative to you?

Si-M240i · 06-09-2010, 07:40 AM

I fitted the Forge FMIC and DDV kit and no cutting in volved for the Forge FMIC. However....a ferw weeks afterwards I cut the V shape out myself and also the plastic strut that sits infront on the FMIC as I wanted to improve looks and airflow. I did this with the bumper still on and the FMIC fitted and it took all of 10 mins to do

mblaber · 06-09-2010, 11:29 AM

Why I don't want to trim/cut for an aftermarket installation?
Reason #1: At some point I may wish to sell the car; stock may have higher value to the purchaser; I want to be able to keep old parts and be able to revert to stock 100%
Reason #2: I don't want to cut/trim anything for the same reason I wouldn't want to deface the Mona Lisa (o.k. this argument is more emotional than reasoned).

jojo135 · 06-10-2010, 07:00 PM

Does cutting on the car not cause warranty issues? Plus, u can not take in to dealer for service with aftermarket ic. If piping is cut, stock will not fit

MrBlonde · 06-10-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mblaber

..
Reason #2: I don't want to cut/trim anything for the same reason I wouldn't want to deface the Mona Lisa
..

I'm gonna take this as a joke!

M II · 06-11-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo135

Does cutting on the car not cause warranty issues? Plus, u can not take in to dealer for service with aftermarket ic. If piping is cut, stock will not fit

You wouldn't be cutting the charge pipes. Only the trim and bumper surrounding the intercooler.

mblaber · 06-11-2010, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBlonde

I'm gonna take this as a joke!

No joke -
If one owns it, one can certainly do as one pleases, but I don't agree that an enthusiast armed with a Sawzall can claim greater mastery of the car's aesthetics than the team of disciplined teutonic engineers that designed it. Full disclosure - in 1980 I took a Sawzall to a 1967 bug to make a Baja version. Really wish I had not done that (and suspect there is a special rung on the ladder in hell for such people; next to those who put sawdust in the differential to make it quiet). On the other hand, I have seen people carve equisite sculptures with a chain saw (deep in Oregon, plaid shirt, three teeth), so I am at least willing to acknowledge there are some who might be Michelangelo with a Sawzall.

I would frame the discussion by saying that IMO it is highly-desirable for the engineering of aftermarket products to not only perform but be compatible with stock enclosures/wiring/mounting brackets, etc. In other words - in this case is it simply *not possible* to engineer a high-performance aftermarket IC that will fit into the stock enclosure?

Legal notice: if you engage in chainsaw carving, or have any family members or pets that do, my sincere apology if the above comment caused any feelings of discomfort. Chainsaw carving is legal in most states, is practiced by many consenting adults, and contributes to the rich diversity of our society.

GaryS · 06-11-2010, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jojo135

Plus, u can not take in to dealer for service with aftermarket ic.

You need a better dealer.

06-08-2010, 11:00 AM	#1
mblaber Enlisted Member 7 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Sedona MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Intercooler install with no cutting? Does anyone know of an intercooler upgrade that does not require trimming/cutting of anything on the car? Some of the IC's advertising "bolt on" replacement actually require taking a saw to the car. Don't want to do this (even with plastic trim).
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06-08-2010, 01:38 PM	#4
bryce Banned 103 Rep 3,177 Posts Drives: zhp 3-pedal Join Date: May 2010 Location: texas iTrader: (22) Garage List 2005 bmw 330ci zhp [7.34] 2008 bmw 135i- sold [6.00] 2007 bmw 335i- sold [7.14]	here's a link to onefastman's review:
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06-08-2010, 02:02 PM	#6
onefastman Major General 159 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	Id go with ets or hpf If you dont care about cutting then I would go with Helix __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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06-08-2010, 07:36 PM	#11
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	Mblaber, the VK is the only complete bolt up, no trim aftermarket FMIC. With the ETS for sure in my case I didn't have to trim any plastic but a pipe clamp has to be cut or broken and then some piping is changed. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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06-08-2010, 08:24 PM	#12
onefastman Major General 159 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	True but the new piping is so much better than stock __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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06-08-2010, 01:03 PM	#2
1NNO_35 Private 3 Rep 63 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Helsinki, Finland iTrader: (0)	Forge has good upgrade package for your DV's and FMINT' !! Fits well and works ok.. My boost got a little bit laggier after install but that will go away after I tune up the ECU
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06-09-2010, 05:08 AM	#13
MrBlonde Colonel 122 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Audi TTRS, M Coupe, 1299 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Merewether iTrader: (0)	Having to do minor trimming or cutting is overstated as an issue I think. What do others think? Why would requiring minor trimming be a negative to you? __________________ .-=[ Kenny ]=-. 1999 BMW M Coupe 10.775 @ 134.35 mph w/1.600 60' (Best 136.07 mph) 25th August 2004. +2010 X5 35D+ Check out the 1Addicts Drag Racing Standings and Drag Racing 101.
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06-09-2010, 07:40 AM	#14
Si-M240i Major 137 Rep 1,450 Posts Drives: M240i LCI Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: England iTrader: (0)	I fitted the Forge FMIC and DDV kit and no cutting in volved for the Forge FMIC. However....a ferw weeks afterwards I cut the V shape out myself and also the plastic strut that sits infront on the FMIC as I wanted to improve looks and airflow. I did this with the bumper still on and the FMIC fitted and it took all of 10 mins to do __________________ M240i LCI (Mineral Grey):- M2 Door Mirrors, M2 Black Kidney Grills, Lower grille inserts, MP Exhaust, Dinan Carbon Fibre CAI, hot climate intake elbow
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06-09-2010, 11:29 AM	#15
mblaber Enlisted Member 7 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 135i Coupe Sedona MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Why I don't want to trim/cut for an aftermarket installation? Reason #1: At some point I may wish to sell the car; stock may have higher value to the purchaser; I want to be able to keep old parts and be able to revert to stock 100% Reason #2: I don't want to cut/trim anything for the same reason I wouldn't want to deface the Mona Lisa (o.k. this argument is more emotional than reasoned).
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06-10-2010, 07:00 PM	#16
jojo135 Private First Class 9 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 09' BMW 135i Join Date: May 2010 Location: northsouth iTrader: (1)	Does cutting on the car not cause warranty issues? Plus, u can not take in to dealer for service with aftermarket ic. If piping is cut, stock will not fit
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