[335xi_zer0]

First off, thanks ahead of time for any and all help. I did search before and just wanted to clarify some things.

I saw a thread where "#5 had to be removed" for the FMIC to fit snugly. What is that part? I'm having touble having mine fit in well. This stems from the problem of the star bolt on the passenger side not lining up correctly.

As for fitment, the FMIC looks like it fits about 1/4" below the bumper. That is, before the plastic shield gets put back on. I saw someone's pictures of their install and looks about the same. Is that normal?

After putting the hoses on a couple times, I've noticed mine looks way too long and I already trimmed about 1/2" and it still is too long. Did anyone else trim the silicone hose on the driver side?

Thanks again guys!

[SIKH335]

I know that in my install the Helix intercooler sits about a 1/4 inch below the stock intercooler and that seems to be normal.

[335xi_zer0]

Originally Posted by SIKH335

I know that in my install the Helix intercooler sits about a 1/4 inch below the stock intercooler and that seems to be normal.

Great thanks! Did you have any trouble getting any of the bolts lined up? My driver side lines up fine but the passenger side one looks to be off by about an inch and nothing's gonna budge.

[georgelb]

Here's the part I removed, but I believe it was on the driver's side, and how the IC looked before I buttoned everything back up. I don't believe I had to do any trimming, of the hoses or bumper/frame, to get mine in. (2007 coupe)

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Here is a link to the helix website where you can find the FMIC install video.
There is definitely a small plastic snap in that needs to be removed on the passenger side that can be causing your hang up. Yes it's normal fo the lowest charge tubes to be under the plastic cowl-exactly the same as stock!
http://www.helix13.com/3-series-bmw/engine-exhaust/#go

[newa///M]

Originally Posted by 335xi_zer0

First off, thanks ahead of time for any and all help. I did search before and just wanted to clarify some things.

I saw a thread where "#5 had to be removed" for the FMIC to fit snugly. What is that part? I'm having touble having mine fit in well. This stems from the problem of the star bolt on the passenger side not lining up correctly.

As for fitment, the FMIC looks like it fits about 1/4" below the bumper. That is, before the plastic shield gets put back on. I saw someone's pictures of their install and looks about the same. Is that normal?

After putting the hoses on a couple times, I've noticed mine looks way too long and I already trimmed about 1/2" and it still is too long. Did anyone else trim the silicone hose on the driver side?

Thanks again guys!

OP, I received my IC this past Friday from Helix as a part of their Fall Group Buy.

Like you, my hose (elbow) seems to be longer too. I noticed it after installation. I think I will have to cut mine because the charge pipe that connects to the elbow is sitting about 1" 1/2 to 2" higher than the rubber gromet it is supposed to be resting on... It is bothering me because the charge pipe is not secured by the gromet and it rocks back and forth under load. I dont want it coming in contact with the pulley which is only few inches away.

My IC sits about 1/4" below the bumper as well. It does not sit flush against the radiator. A plastic fin on the bottom part of the bumper seems to be the culprit causing the IC to slightly tilt forward. This member had to do some minor grinding to get it to fit perfectly with no air gaps <http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97209&highlight=Helix+bumper>

As far as the star bolts are concerned, the one on the passenger side did not line up for me either. I used my jack to lift the IC to line up on the passenger side, put the star bolt and made couple of turns by hand and then alingned the driver side and bolted both of them.

I'm not happy with the way it is sitting right now so I might take the bumper off, grind the plastic fin and cut the extra length from the elbow hose.

[335xi_zer0]

Originally Posted by newa335

OP, I received my IC this past Friday from Helix as a part of their Fall Group Buy.

Like you, my hose (elbow) seems to be longer too. I noticed it after installation. I think I will have to cut mine because the charge pipe that connects to the elbow is sitting about 1" 1/2 to 2" higher than the rubber gromet it is supposed to be resting on... It is bothering me because the charge pipe is not secured by the gromet and it rocks back and forth under load. I dont want it coming in contact with the pulley which is only few inches away.

My IC sits about 1/4" below the bumper as well. It does not sit flush against the radiator. A plastic fin on the bottom part of the bumper seems to be the culprit causing the IC to slightly tilt forward. This member had to do some minor grinding to get it to fit perfectly with no air gaps <http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97209&highlight=Helix+bumper>

As far as the star bolts are concerned, the one on the passenger side did not line up for me either. I used my jack to lift the IC to line up on the passenger side, put the star bolt and made couple of turns by hand and then alingned the driver side and bolted both of them.

I'm not happy with the way it is sitting right now so I might take the bumper off, grind the plastic fin and cut the extra length from the elbow hose.

Thanks for your info! I'm going to cut the elbow a bit more. I already trimmed about 1/4" I'll probably cut anywhere from another 1/4" to 1/2". The elbow itself was squished pretty badly and there's no way it would perform well enough.

I'll have to take a look at the star bolts tonight too. I'm a bit anal about installs myself. If it's not perfect, something's wrong.

Also just found out I have an oil leak somewhere. Good luck with your install!

Thanks for all the help everyone, much appreciated.

[tonyVCF]

I just installed the intercooler this weekend. In addition to the piece #5, there is an additional flat plastic piece that will snap out. Look at where the front right (passenger) edge is hitting - causing the passenger side to not align. That plastic that it is pushing against is what needs to be popped out. After that, the install is pretty easy.

[335xi_zer0]

So I just decided to drill a new hole in the plastic and bolted it from there. Leaves about 1/4" gap on the passenger side radiator fan but overall I'm happy with it. Thanks again for all the help everyone!