[tscdennab]

Wagner tuning released information about their new 135i/335i intercooler, available from the end of March 2011.

The intercooler has a stepped core, maximizing frontal area, needs no cutting on both the 135i and 335i and also it utilizes the factory c-clip mounting hardware so it is plug-and-play, installs without removing the bumper. This combination of features is not found on any other intercooler until today (or I would have bought it ) It seems that the core is tube-and-fin and weights 6.2kg (13.6lbs), so not too much. The volume is 520mm x 210mm x130mm so 11.752cm³ (85% larger than stock). Advertised price is 590EUR (800USD) but you can usually get a discount.

I would say this is a perfect intercooler for those looking for a Stage 1 or even Stage 2 intercooler.

More info here: http://www.wagner-tuning.de/produkte...uftkuehler.php

EDIT: There will also be a bar-and-plate option of this intercooler. It will weight around 8kg though.

PS: I am not affiliated in any way with Wagner, and I don't even think their larger intercooler (which I have) is that good but I was looking for this combination of features for a long time (a tube-and-fin light intercooler (doesn't strain the plastic mountings very much) which maxmizes available space and mounts using the factory connections) and I think it's a very nice option.

[skinrock]

Isn't that what this is:

http://www.wagner-tuning.de/EN/produ...uehler_eng.php

The specs seem to be the same, did they just make it easier to install or am I missing something else?

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by skinrock

Isn't that what this is:

http://www.wagner-tuning.de/EN/produ...uehler_eng.php

The specs seem to be the same, did they just make it easier to install or am I missing something else?

No, that is the larger one which they had until now. That requires cutting and needs additional piping, clamps, etc.

[Rob.K]

Is the newer one going to be cheaper? $1000 is pretty steep for the old one...

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Rob.K

Is the newer one going to be cheaper? $1000 is pretty steep for the old one...

The new one costs $800 but I think you can get a discount (they have some distributors on ebay.de which offer nice discounts, like DubRacers).

[Qmax03]

helix look alike.

[sdstatestud88]

See what the discount can be on the larger bar plate intercooler option.

[Leroi]

interesting

[M3 Eater]

Very nice! I have been struggling with a cheap ebay intercooler. If I can't get the leaking to stop at the couplers, I would like to have something that plugs up directly to the stock couplers. I know they are restrictive, but flexible and forgiving. I always meet my boost targets with the stock unit. I don't think the restriction is a real issue at 16-18 psi. Very nice looking unit.

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by M3 Eater

Very nice! I have been struggling with a cheap ebay intercooler. If I can't get the leaking to stop at the couplers, I would like to have something that plugs up directly to the stock couplers. I know they are restrictive, but flexible and forgiving. I always meet my boost targets with the stock unit. I don't think the restriction is a real issue at 16-18 psi. Very nice looking unit.

you should have no problem getting a leak free setup with good silicone couplers and proper t-bolt clamps.

[David1]

How do we get this in the states?

[David1]

Any update on this?

[Syndicategt]

Originally Posted by David1

Any update on this?

If you are interested in this style of FMIC (step core thats a direct fit) just go with a Helix, it's been around here for a while, proven gains, and cost less.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

If you are interested in this style of FMIC (step core thats a direct fit) just go with a Helix, it's been around here for a while, proven gains, and cost less.

Helix does not use the factory connection pipes like the Wagner.

[Syndicategt]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

Helix does not use the factory connection pipes like the Wagner.

Yea you're right, I got it confused with the HPF IC which uses the factory pipes and couples (and has better looking end tanks IMO).

[UltimateLurker]

$720 Tube and Fin intercooler? Move along folks, nothing to see here.

[Zeph]

I still think the AMS FMIC is the best overall. Not too heavy, cast end tanks, smooth flow (not boxes on the ends), and great clamping methods on each side. It won't leak or blow off. Be great to run the 3" pipe all the way to the engine someday on larger turbo/s It doesn't hang below the front bumper either, like many others... where air won't even "ram" across it.

This one looks alot like Helix. Should work ok. I mean, really ANYTHING is better than stock.

[Alex@Helix]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

Helix does not use the factory connection pipes like the Wagner.

We do not use the factory connectors because they are a huge air restriction and we saw that as a flaw we needed to address in our design. This design looks a little bit too similar to ours to be considered a "new design". It looks like the step on this intercooler is smaller than ours as well. The helix intercooler doesnt require trimming either.

Originally Posted by Syndicategt

If you are interested in this style of FMIC (step core thats a direct fit) just go with a Helix, it's been around here for a while, proven gains, and cost less.

+1 Thank you

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Alex@Helix

We do not use the factory connectors because they are a huge air restriction and we saw that as a flaw we needed to address in our design.

Sorry but this is just dressing a technical problem in a marketing guise. There are so many restrictions on the air way that the intercooler couplers really are not not a problem. But I know it is hard to machine and weld the couplers to the intercooler in the exact locations as the stock ones...almost impossible if the intercooler was not designed for that purpose. And Helix was not designed for that purpose, it was designed to fill as much space as possible (which is not bad but I hate when people use marketing to disguise technical or cost difficulties).

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

Sorry but this is just dressing a technical problem in a marketing guise. There are so many restrictions on the air way that the intercooler couplers really are not not a problem. But I know it is hard to machine and weld the couplers to the intercooler in the exact locations as the stock ones...almost impossible if the intercooler was not designed for that purpose. And Helix was not designed for that purpose, it was designed to fill as much space as possible (which is not bad but I hate when people use marketing to disguise technical or cost difficulties).

not marketing at all, and not hard to weld the factory couplers in the correct position.to do that you use a JIG in the fabrication of the intercoolers which we already do. The Helix intercooler back side has all stock geometry so all it would take would be to cut off the hose ferrule and weld on the factory connection in the jig. we dont do this because it is a restriction in the charge system! speaking of cutting corners in cost, it looks like Wagner in their copy attempt uses 2 cores welded together in their bar and plate version talk about skipping steps and using an off the shelf core(not specifically spec'd to this platform) to cut costs! pot>kettle>black

[kanecvl]

why don't you give the customers what they want? I bet plenty of people want the stock hook up.

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by kanecvl

why don't you give the customers what they want? I bet plenty of people want the stock hook up.

If it was all about "marketing" we'd do that BUT this is the restriction in the charge air piping! if you are going to spend $ and want maximum performance out of your FMIC why would you leave this in the system when you can replace it with a silicone tube with a full 2.5" diameter of flow?