[BennyB]

Hi All,

Are there any intercoolers that mount up to the stock location AND fit the front bumper without cutting??

I know ETS's 5" fits without cutting the bumper, and HPF fits the stock location, but is there a FMIC that has both conveniences?

[ModBargains IV]

As far as I know ETS is the only one that does not require cutting. Evolution Racewerks require slight trimming, but it's another great option that you can look at especially since you can get full hard piping kit with it.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by BennyB

Hi All,

Are there any intercoolers that mount up to the stock location AND fit the front bumper without cutting??

I know ETS's 5" fits without cutting the bumper, and HPF fits the stock location, but is there a FMIC that has both conveniences?

ETS is the only direct fit intercooler as all the other units are larger so require some trimming. Its a balance between size of core and fitment but all the major brands other then ETS require slight trimming. There is not trimming of the bumper just the shroud. Very simple.

My number one seller now is the ER FMIC and we've had unbelievable feedback about it. ETS is a great choice if you want a plug and play solution but I wouldn't let minor trimming scare you away from looking at other brands as well.

Mike

[BennyB]

Thanks for the feedback! Who else offers an FMIC that clips into the stock piping though?

[135Hoser]

Originally Posted by BennyB

Thanks for the feedback! Who else offers an FMIC that clips into the stock piping though?

HPF does. Minor trimming is required.

[Leroi]

Originally Posted by BennyB

Thanks for the feedback! Who else offers an FMIC that clips into the stock piping though?

HPF, RPI, and now Wagner. VK motorworks did but was only a limited production run.

[Stucks]

The ets intercooler is a great product and bolts in with no cutting or trimming. It would be fine for 90% of 335i owners.

Those who dont mind cutting, might want to go with the ams or hpf intercoolers. Both are a huge upgrade from stock, and have the best flowing endtanks, imo.

Helix offers maximum surface exposure with its giant front face and no cutting. People have reported really good iat's.

A couple who have a mix of nice endtanks and volume increase include the ER intercooler and the new AA sport.

You really cant go wrong, as any intercooler is an upgrade from stock. Pick which one looks pretty lol.

[woptang22]

Originally Posted by BennyB

Hi All,

Are there any intercoolers that mount up to the stock location AND fit the front bumper without cutting??

I know ETS's 5" fits without cutting the bumper, and HPF fits the stock location, but is there a FMIC that has both conveniences?

I had my HELIX intercooler installed by HELIX Motorsports, there was no cuttin required and the bumper doesnt have to come off. It was done in a pretty short period of time also. And from reading alot of reviews and whatnot on this website, its seems as if the HELIX FMIC is regarded as one of the better FMIC options available. Good luck with your choice.

[ADVANT123]

The newest Forge and Evolve intercoolers don't require any cutting and have the factory couplers.

[bimmertt]

how do the Helix, ETS, etc intercoolers connect to the factory piping?

[Infamous]

i have a cp-e, i put it on without cutting nor removing the bumper. real easy

you will have to remove the hot side clamp , the kit will replace the factory hot side piping until it touches metal. on the cold side, everything up to the charge pipe will be replaced.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

ETS is the only direct fit intercooler as all the other units are larger so require some trimming. Its a balance between size of core and fitment but all the major brands other then ETS require slight trimming. There is not trimming of the bumper just the shroud. Very simple.

My number one seller now is the ER FMIC and we've had unbelievable feedback about it. ETS is a great choice if you want a plug and play solution but I wouldn't let minor trimming scare you away from looking at other brands as well.

Mike

I am 100% happy with my ER that I got from you, OP I highly suggest getting the Charge pipe with this intercooler also.

Pic of ER vs stock: (easy install, minimal cutting and great fitment!!

http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/1...5074939431.jpg

[vazbro]

Hi Guys,
I have leased a 2011 335is and I want to upgrade the intercooler too. I guess the most important thing would be keeping the stock piping so I can reinstall the stock intercooler when the lease is over. As for trimming the shroud, I don't think it is a big deal when returning the car. To those of you who have done it, is it noticeable from outside?

[mundo74]

Originally Posted by vazbro

Hi Guys,
I have leased a 2011 335is and I want to upgrade the intercooler too. I guess the most important thing would be keeping the stock piping so I can reinstall the stock intercooler when the lease is over. As for trimming the shroud, I don't think it is a big deal when returning the car. To those of you who have done it, is it noticeable from outside?

See the Wagner fmic thread

[vazbro]

Thanks for the suggestion. I was actually checking it out!! Looks like a nice IC, and it should have a good quality too. I'll see if I can find some reviews on it.

[BMWsky]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

ETS is the only direct fit intercooler as all the other units are larger so require some trimming. Its a balance between size of core and fitment but all the major brands other then ETS require slight trimming. There is not trimming of the bumper just the shroud. Very simple.

My number one seller now is the ER FMIC and we've had unbelievable feedback about it. ETS is a great choice if you want a plug and play solution but I wouldn't let minor trimming scare you away from looking at other brands as well.
Mike

+abunch. Trimming is NOT a big deal. I was all bent on getting an FMIC that required no trimming but I needed one quickly and the only one available was the ER. The trimming added MAYBE 15 extra minutes to the install because I had to remove the front bumper.

OP, whichever route you go, an aftermarket FMIC is a must have if you're going to mod your car. (IMHO)

[RoundelM3]

Just a note for those wanting to use the stock connections to the intercooler: the one on the inlet (right) side is ribbed and not that conducive to better airflow; the outlet side is not ribbed, but there are 90-degree bends. Part of what makes a better intercooler is the end tanks where the plumbing connects on the inlet and outlet. The ETS unit's end tanks and connectors allow for smooth, slightly-larger inside diameter connectors with no 90-degree bends. The additional work required to remove the stock connectors is well worth it - and mine installed without removing the bumper cover.

[Tiago@VRSF]

I personally wouldn't use anything that uses the stock connector on my car again. I had a leak on the outlet side running higher than stock boost and the inlet diameter necks down almost half an inch. Not to mention the fact that the inlet side is a ribbed hose which flows poorly.

We're going to introduce both options with our 7" FMIC but I really only would recommend going with something that replaces the stock inlet/outlet hoses. You can easily put them back on the car when going back to stock and the car will perform better overall.

[tscdennab]

The biggest intercooler that does not require cutting and mounts to the stock couplings is the Wagner. Also, there is no other intercooler that does not require cutting and mounts to the stock piping (I think RPi does, but it's small and expensive - out of question).

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by BMWsky

+abunch. Trimming is NOT a big deal. I was all bent on getting an FMIC that required no trimming but I needed one quickly and the only one available was the ER. The trimming added MAYBE 15 extra minutes to the install because I had to remove the front bumper.

OP, whichever route you go, an aftermarket FMIC is a must have if you're going to mod your car. (IMHO)

+1 the trimming for the ER IS not bad at all and I did not need to remove th bumper to install it.

[skim7x]

AMS requires minimal cutting/trimming, uses stock piping and stock clips. I live mine... No bumper removal either..fits and works great

[rmw04c]

GET THE WAGNER FMIC! I just put mine on last week and I LOVE IT!

Review here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=wagner