Which 5" intercooler?

Rory · 03-15-2016, 11:46 AM

I know the intercooler threads are pretty common and Ive searched and read through a lot, but they are mostly about 7" intercoolers or 5" v 7".

Ive decided I want a 5" intercooler as it want it to be very easy to fit. What is proven to work well and is good quality?

My car is going to stay lightly tuned, running MHD stage 1 + FMIC map just now and want an intercooler before the weather gets warmer. Im not planning on inlets or removing cats, or new turbos etc.

Ive read so far ETS, VRSF and Mishimoto are good 5" models. Any advice would be really appreciated!

Oh and it if they are available here in the UK that would be even better, saving customs and shipping charges.

Ravenseal · 03-15-2016, 12:04 PM

VRSF 5" stepped seems to be the way to go. ETS if you can afford it. Mishimoto is a middle ground if you want literal plug and play.

Rory · 03-15-2016, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

VRSF 5" stepped seems to be the way to go. ETS if you can afford it. Mishimoto is a middle ground if you want literal plug and play.

The ETS and Mishimoto seem to be in the same price range, only about $30 apart.

VRSF 5" stepped is a lot cheaper at only $449 as opposed to the others around $680.

Dominasian335 · 03-15-2016, 12:13 PM

ARMmotorsports has 5" stepped for a mere of 300$, direct bolt on with no trimming. FB page people got some logs I personally saw of those fmics.

BSM n54iS · 03-15-2016, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory

The ETS and Mishimoto seem to be in the same price range, only about $30 apart.

VRSF 5" stepped is a lot cheaper at only $449 as opposed to the others around $680.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1232613

IMO for IC's...you get what you pay for. Nothing wrong w/ VRSF but I'd personally go ER/ETS if I were you.

Rory · 03-15-2016, 01:17 PM

I believe the mishimoto has standard oem fittings. How difficult is changing these hose fittings for the other intercoolers?

Ravenseal · 03-15-2016, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black n54is

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1232613

IMO for IC's...you get what you pay for. Nothing wrong w/ VRSF but I'd personally go ER/ETS if I were you.

I'm between ETS and Wagner. Still not sure. Looking for logs to compare.

BSM n54iS · 03-15-2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

I'm between ETS and Wagner. Still not sure. Looking for logs to compare.

A couple months back there were a few that posted their logs of ER and ETS on some IC thread, my Cobb IC performed exactly the same..didnt see any Wagner logs but from others' comments it was right on par w/ ER & ETS. I just went w/ Cobb b/c I was in Plano when my CP blew and just had them do the IC with their CP, knew their IC req'd no cutting. I was originally planning on getting the ER kit w/ CF shroud

Oh yea..Helix is a really good one too

Rory · 03-15-2016, 02:17 PM

I'm leaning towards the mishimoto at the moment. It seems to have good reviews and build quality and I really like the ease of install.

mwahlert · 03-15-2016, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory

I'm leaning towards the mishimoto at the moment. It seems to have good reviews and build quality and I really like the ease of install.

I am leaning in the same direction. You can get that cooler for $580-590 shipped if you shop around.

Ravenseal · 03-15-2016, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black n54is

A couple months back there were a few that posted their logs of ER and ETS on some IC thread, my Cobb IC performed exactly the same..didnt see any Wagner logs but from others' comments it was right on par w/ ER & ETS. I just went w/ Cobb b/c I was in Plano when my CP blew and just had them do the IC with their CP, knew their IC req'd no cutting. I was originally planning on getting the ER kit w/ CF shroud

Oh yea..Helix is a really good one too

I keep reading mixed reviews about all of them, maybe ETS the less. Searching for data logs is a pain in the ass.

BSM n54iS · 03-15-2016, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

I keep reading mixed reviews about all of them, maybe ETS the less. Searching for data logs is a pain in the ass.

Oh really hmm strange, thought ER, wagner, helix all had only positive reveiws.

yes they are! PM me if you want some logs with a COBB ic to compare..

Rory · 03-15-2016, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwahlert

I am leaning in the same direction. You can get that cooler for $580-590 shipped if you shop around.

They have it for sale here in the uk so that's great news for me, no customs tax to worry about !

mike@x-ph.com · 03-15-2016, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

I'm between ETS and Wagner. Still not sure. Looking for logs to compare.

I heard you finally made up your mind

mike@x-ph.com · 03-15-2016, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory

I know the intercooler threads are pretty common and Ive searched and read through a lot, but they are mostly about 7" intercoolers or 5" v 7".

Ive decided I want a 5" intercooler as it want it to be very easy to fit. What is proven to work well and is good quality?

My car is going to stay lightly tuned, running MHD stage 1 + FMIC map just now and want an intercooler before the weather gets warmer. Im not planning on inlets or removing cats, or new turbos etc.

Ive read so far ETS, VRSF and Mishimoto are good 5" models. Any advice would be really appreciated!

Oh and it if they are available here in the UK that would be even better, saving customs and shipping charges.

VRSF, ETS or Wagner EVO I

Best bet would be Wagner since it is the closest to you (Germany)

Shipping an intercooler overseas is not that bad, i can give you an accurate shipping quote if i had your zip code

theweebabySeamus · 03-16-2016, 12:49 AM

ER

Flex68 · 03-16-2016, 01:48 AM

I was decided on Wagner .... I hope they fixed that flaking black paint issue ....

mike@x-ph.com · 03-16-2016, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flex68

I was decided on Wagner .... I hope they fixed that flaking black paint issue ....

Not sure about older batches (were not Wagner dealer at the time) but we have sold a ton of Wagner intercoolers in the last 2 months and never heard anything about the paint issue

Flex68 · 03-16-2016, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Not sure about older batches (were not Wagner dealer at the time) but we have sold a ton of Wagner intercoolers in the last 2 months and never heard anything about the paint issue

That's great to know mike because my order will be done through you lol .... But flaking black paint on a cooler will look like ass

Ravenseal · 03-16-2016, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

I heard you finally made up your mind

What can I say...lol. Hard to pass up the march madness. Looking forward to see how the Wagner Evo II works out.

Rory · 03-16-2016, 09:30 AM

Do any others have OEM type pipe fittings other than the mishimoto ?

SoCalHarley · 03-16-2016, 09:40 AM

I have the Wagner EVO 1 FMIC and fit and finish was perfect. Installation required no cutting and OEM fittings attached perfectly. I have had it on the car for 2 years now with no issues.

03-15-2016, 11:46 AM	#1
Rory Lieutenant 93 Rep 299 Posts Drives: E92 335i SE 6MT Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 3.0 6MT [0.00] 2007 335i 6MT [0.00]	Which 5" intercooler? I know the intercooler threads are pretty common and Ive searched and read through a lot, but they are mostly about 7" intercoolers or 5" v 7". Ive decided I want a 5" intercooler as it want it to be very easy to fit. What is proven to work well and is good quality? My car is going to stay lightly tuned, running MHD stage 1 + FMIC map just now and want an intercooler before the weather gets warmer. Im not planning on inlets or removing cats, or new turbos etc. Ive read so far ETS, VRSF and Mishimoto are good 5" models. Any advice would be really appreciated! Oh and it if they are available here in the UK that would be even better, saving customs and shipping charges.
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03-15-2016, 12:04 PM	#2
Ravenseal Lieutenant Colonel 2748 Rep 1,753 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 6MT Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	VRSF 5" stepped seems to be the way to go. ETS if you can afford it. Mishimoto is a middle ground if you want literal plug and play. __________________ 2023 G87 M2 - Toronto Red \| 6MT \| M HAS \| CF Roof \| BMW 826M Forged Wheels \| Mishimoto Skid Plate \| Active Autowerks Single Midpipe Retired: 2022 M240i xDrive \| 2021 Audi RS5 \| 2019 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT \| 2016 428i GC \| 2011 BMW 335is
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03-15-2016, 12:13 PM	#4
Dominasian335 Private First Class 8 Rep 97 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Aurora, Colorado iTrader: (0)	ARMmotorsports has 5" stepped for a mere of 300$, direct bolt on with no trimming. FB page people got some logs I personally saw of those fmics. __________________ 07 335XI ER CP TIAL BOV, VRSF7, DCI, MHD
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03-15-2016, 01:17 PM	#6
Rory Lieutenant 93 Rep 299 Posts Drives: E92 335i SE 6MT Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 3.0 6MT [0.00] 2007 335i 6MT [0.00]	I believe the mishimoto has standard oem fittings. How difficult is changing these hose fittings for the other intercoolers?
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03-15-2016, 02:17 PM	#9
Rory Lieutenant 93 Rep 299 Posts Drives: E92 335i SE 6MT Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 3.0 6MT [0.00] 2007 335i 6MT [0.00]	I'm leaning towards the mishimoto at the moment. It seems to have good reviews and build quality and I really like the ease of install.
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03-16-2016, 12:49 AM	#16
theweebabySeamus Captain 376 Rep 903 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	ER
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03-16-2016, 01:48 AM	#17
Flex68 Captain 75 Rep 853 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I was decided on Wagner .... I hope they fixed that flaking black paint issue ....
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03-16-2016, 09:30 AM	#21
Rory Lieutenant 93 Rep 299 Posts Drives: E92 335i SE 6MT Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 3.0 6MT [0.00] 2007 335i 6MT [0.00]	Do any others have OEM type pipe fittings other than the mishimoto ?
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03-16-2016, 09:40 AM	#22
SoCalHarley Private First Class 19 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 2007 335i e90 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Savannah, GA iTrader: (0)	I have the Wagner EVO 1 FMIC and fit and finish was perfect. Installation required no cutting and OEM fittings attached perfectly. I have had it on the car for 2 years now with no issues. __________________ 2007 335i e90 Auto FBO JB4 G5, xHP Stage 3 TCU, Wagner EVO 1 FMIC, VRSF DP's, Corsa mufflers w/x-pipe, Mr.5 intake, 25 row oil cooler, ST coilovers, Hotchkis swaybars, rear subframe inserts, Dynavin N7, 3M brushed black interior trim , Apex PS-7 wheels, Continental 235/35/19 & 275/30/19
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