AMS FMIC Installed / Experiences from others

Joshboody · 05-02-2011, 02:34 PM

I'm curious of others experiences with the AMS Intercooler.

I installed it this weekend and for the most part it was smooth, except for the passenger side coupler. I'm pretty sure that I have the revised version with the extended IC inlet, but the coupler does not instill much confidence in the fit. No matter how I turn the coupler it seems that you have to sacrifice a perfect fit on either the IC inlet or the turbo pipe outlet. I was forced to angle the clamp slightly on the IC side and chose to have the more square, proper fit on the turbo side.

Just curious of others experiences. I'll be checking waste gate DC soon to confirm everything's ok. There should be a slight reduction compared with pre-AMS at the same psi.

ps. I think just a straight, maybe longer coupler would have worked better instead of this oddly shaped one.

jpsimon · 05-02-2011, 02:37 PM

I had the first version - it kept popping off so I brought it to a shop and had them fix the piping (put on new ends)

Black Sheep · 05-02-2011, 03:05 PM

interesting

Joshboody · 05-02-2011, 04:10 PM

checked my DC and everything seems fine. DC looks to be 1 to 2 percentage points lower from 4000 to 5000rpm when averaged out with the same boost target.

I like an install when afterwards I'm confident. But with this one I kept putting the swivel socket back on the clamp to tighten 1 more quarter turn before I finally put the cover back on.

NiVeDh · 05-14-2011, 11:30 PM

In the middle of doing the install now. The driver's side coupler needs to be a little longer but I managed to get it on.

Am I the only one who is scared that the massive IC is being held on by just two little Torx screws?

KC335 · 05-15-2011, 12:40 AM

I installed mine 2 weeks ago and the problem i had most was the passenger side IC connection. I had to play with the silicone coupling to find the right angle to make it fit. Other than that it went pretty smooth. I dont think i have any leak and if i do i would throw a code right?

also, after install, you guys had 3 screws (the front 3 center screws for the under tray) left over right?

vadim83 · 05-15-2011, 04:02 AM

Is anybody loosing some boost with this FMIC? Have proceed and after installation of ams fmic I've noticed boost gauge is showing little less boost now, maybe 12psi instead of 12.5 before fmic swap.

MKE_M3 · 05-15-2011, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vadim83

Is anybody loosing some boost with this FMIC? Have proceed and after installation of ams fmic I've noticed boost gauge is showing little less boost now, maybe 12psi instead of 12.5 before fmic swap.

that should not happen.

Irishace · 05-15-2011, 07:53 AM

No issues with mine other then cold air side coupler popped offer under high boost once. I torqued it in better and never had an issue since. Great FMIC, love it.

only1 · 05-15-2011, 09:37 AM

Ive had mine on for a year and a half and i hAve nothing but positive things to say.

tscdennab · 05-15-2011, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vadim83

Is anybody loosing some boost with this FMIC? Have proceed and after installation of ams fmic I've noticed boost gauge is showing little less boost now, maybe 12psi instead of 12.5 before fmic swap.

It's normal, since with the new intercooler the air entering the engine is colder and thus more rich in oxygen, less boost is needed to make the same power.

momstmg78 · 05-15-2011, 10:16 AM

Alot of these issues is why I decided on the hpf fmic. No problems with couplers, its mounted with additional support, etc. Good luck with the fmic.

NiVeDh · 05-19-2011, 06:16 PM

Did the install. No issues.

bryans2k · 05-19-2011, 07:08 PM

AMS's quality on this one is lacking... I use to love their products on an EVO but the BMW products leave a lot to be desired.

gtenedio · 05-19-2011, 09:22 PM

ams evo fmic were the shit....my buddy bought one for his 135, and fitment was crap so he sold it

NiVeDh · 05-19-2011, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryans2k

AMS's quality on this one is lacking... I use to love their products on an EVO but the BMW products leave a lot to be desired.

Care to share?

bryans2k · 05-20-2011, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Care to share?

I bought one and ended up having to wait months for them to get me a rubber pipe which in the end fit like crap. They also never advertised that it didn't fit the later production N54 335's even though they knew about it before they sold and shipped it to me. They also advertise that it fits the 135's when it's not true (for the N55) even after I told them again. It's a nice FMIC with nice welds and ends but thats where it stops. It's as if they never tried their own products on the BMW. You pay a premium for their product and it's crap. They very much lack any follow through with their BMW line. I've seen some nice products for cheaper on the forum. I would suggest getting them.

plague · 05-20-2011, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vadim83

Is anybody loosing some boost with this FMIC? Have proceed and after installation of ams fmic I've noticed boost gauge is showing little less boost now, maybe 12psi instead of 12.5 before fmic swap.

thats called pressure drop. you shouldnt be making any less power, just usinf less boost to make it basically due to such increased airflow. i belieeeeve. dont sweat it, turn your boost up if it bothers u at 12 lol.

Maddawg58 · 05-20-2011, 02:36 AM

Josh, what are ballpark WG DC values for stock, and then after FMIC install? I have never logged the values and would like to know what I am looking at. Thanks.

Black Sheep · 05-20-2011, 07:33 AM

No issues with mine

Joshboody · 05-20-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plague

thats called pressure drop. you shouldnt be making any less power, just usinf less boost to make it basically due to such increased airflow. i belieeeeve. dont sweat it, turn your boost up if it bothers u at 12 lol.

with procede boost should stay the same before and after. check out your boost set point. With any tune it should be the same except for IAT differences in load targeting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddawg58

Josh, what are ballpark WG DC values for stock, and then after FMIC install? I have never logged the values and would like to know what I am looking at. Thanks.

it really depends on many factors: boost, temp, baro, wastegates, etc. Any stage 1 tune maybe around 40 to 50% I'm at 11.5psi, 1000ft altitude, in close to 100deg temps. This log is 86deg temp.

Zeph · 05-23-2011, 10:35 PM

0 problems with my AMS FMIC. Installed it myself with Rhino ramps and haven't had 1 problem ever since. It took some muscle and know-how, but once installed properly (fit perfectly) it is the best FMIC out there IMO. The cast end tanks are lighter, plus better for airflow than the "square boxes" most put on each end.

05-02-2011, 02:34 PM	#1
Joshboody Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,708 Posts Drives: pickemuptruck Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (7)	AMS FMIC Installed / Experiences from others I'm curious of others experiences with the AMS Intercooler. I installed it this weekend and for the most part it was smooth, except for the passenger side coupler. I'm pretty sure that I have the revised version with the extended IC inlet, but the coupler does not instill much confidence in the fit. No matter how I turn the coupler it seems that you have to sacrifice a perfect fit on either the IC inlet or the turbo pipe outlet. I was forced to angle the clamp slightly on the IC side and chose to have the more square, proper fit on the turbo side. Just curious of others experiences. I'll be checking waste gate DC soon to confirm everything's ok. There should be a slight reduction compared with pre-AMS at the same psi. ps. I think just a straight, maybe longer coupler would have worked better instead of this oddly shaped one.
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05-02-2011, 02:37 PM	#2
jpsimon Team Zissou 3065 Rep 10,197 Posts Drives: 2022 AWD M3 Comp - SMB Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (7)	I had the first version - it kept popping off so I brought it to a shop and had them fix the piping (put on new ends)
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05-02-2011, 03:05 PM	#3
Black Sheep A Zip an a Double Cup 80 Rep 4,462 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: McHenry, IL iTrader: (5)	interesting __________________ PTF Tuned \| RB's \| AMS FMIC \| AR DP's \| HPF Exhaust \| CP-E DCI \| Apex Arc 8's \| 235/275 Star Specs \|
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05-02-2011, 04:10 PM	#4
Joshboody Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,708 Posts Drives: pickemuptruck Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (7)	checked my DC and everything seems fine. DC looks to be 1 to 2 percentage points lower from 4000 to 5000rpm when averaged out with the same boost target. I like an install when afterwards I'm confident. But with this one I kept putting the swivel socket back on the clamp to tighten 1 more quarter turn before I finally put the cover back on.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-14-2011, 11:30 PM	#5
NiVeDh Major General 422 Rep 8,003 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, TX & Atlanta, GA iTrader: (132) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sedan [8.66]	In the middle of doing the install now. The driver's side coupler needs to be a little longer but I managed to get it on. Am I the only one who is scared that the massive IC is being held on by just two little Torx screws?
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05-15-2011, 12:40 AM	#6
KC335 Private First Class 7 Rep 134 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	I installed mine 2 weeks ago and the problem i had most was the passenger side IC connection. I had to play with the silicone coupling to find the right angle to make it fit. Other than that it went pretty smooth. I dont think i have any leak and if i do i would throw a code right? also, after install, you guys had 3 screws (the front 3 center screws for the under tray) left over right?
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05-15-2011, 04:02 AM	#7
vadim83 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SPb iTrader: (0)	Is anybody loosing some boost with this FMIC? Have proceed and after installation of ams fmic I've noticed boost gauge is showing little less boost now, maybe 12psi instead of 12.5 before fmic swap.
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05-15-2011, 07:53 AM	#9
Irishace ElevenPointFive 326 Rep 2,450 Posts Drives: E90 335 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	No issues with mine other then cold air side coupler popped offer under high boost once. I torqued it in better and never had an issue since. Great FMIC, love it. __________________ 2008 E90 335xi - N54 Daily Driver MHD Stage 2+ ~ CPE DPs ~ BMS Intake ~ AMS FMIC
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05-15-2011, 09:37 AM	#10
only1 Lieutenant 28 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 07 Z06, 09 e90335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Markham iTrader: (5)	Ive had mine on for a year and a half and i hAve nothing but positive things to say.
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05-15-2011, 10:16 AM	#12
momstmg78 Banned 12 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 335i sedan Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Turkish's house iTrader: (0)	Alot of these issues is why I decided on the hpf fmic. No problems with couplers, its mounted with additional support, etc. Good luck with the fmic.
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05-19-2011, 06:16 PM	#13
NiVeDh Major General 422 Rep 8,003 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335i, '99 E36 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, TX & Atlanta, GA iTrader: (132) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sedan [8.66]	Did the install. No issues.
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05-19-2011, 07:08 PM	#14
bryans2k Private First Class 7 Rep 123 Posts Drives: beamer Join Date: May 2009 Location: bummerville,tx iTrader: (1)	AMS's quality on this one is lacking... I use to love their products on an EVO but the BMW products leave a lot to be desired.
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05-19-2011, 09:22 PM	#15
gtenedio Major 348 Rep 1,237 Posts Drives: '%E2%80%9909 e92 m3, '19 X3, % Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: nyc iTrader: (1)	ams evo fmic were the shit....my buddy bought one for his 135, and fitment was crap so he sold it
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05-20-2011, 02:36 AM	#19
Maddawg58 Welcome to the Thunderdome! 13 Rep 141 Posts Drives: E90 335i 6MT Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hawaii iTrader: (0)	Josh, what are ballpark WG DC values for stock, and then after FMIC install? I have never logged the values and would like to know what I am looking at. Thanks. __________________ 2008 e90 335i, Vishnu V5, DCI, PWM METH, AMS FMIC, AR catless, BMS o2 sim, and HKS exhaust.
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05-20-2011, 07:33 AM	#20
Black Sheep A Zip an a Double Cup 80 Rep 4,462 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: McHenry, IL iTrader: (5)	No issues with mine __________________ PTF Tuned \| RB's \| AMS FMIC \| AR DP's \| HPF Exhaust \| CP-E DCI \| Apex Arc 8's \| 235/275 Star Specs \|
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05-23-2011, 10:35 PM	#22
Zeph Major 27 Rep 1,410 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i 6MT SGM CR/BD Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southeast USA iTrader: (0)	0 problems with my AMS FMIC. Installed it myself with Rhino ramps and haven't had 1 problem ever since. It took some muscle and know-how, but once installed properly (fit perfectly) it is the best FMIC out there IMO. The cast end tanks are lighter, plus better for airflow than the "square boxes" most put on each end.
	Appreciate 0 Quote