[B6T]

Just in the middle of installing a 7.5” Competition/Stepped VRSF intercooler. It looks great but is significantly heavier than the factory IC. I think I saw something in a post to the effect of 34lb versus 16lb or so for the factory part. The effects of this increased weight will only be worsened by the stiffer suspension I’m running (KW V3s).

I’m surprised to find that the only fasteners that attach this thing to the car are the two factory screws. There aren’t any additional brackets or supports provided.

I’m pretty skeptical that these two screws that thread into plastic are going to be able to support the IC.

Am I being paranoid or have people had issues with these screws failing? What are some solutions?

[Bimmer_Engineer]

I have a 5” stepped. It wasn’t as heavy as yours, but it used the same screws. I went to Home Depot and got some stainless steel zip ties and stepped it to the supper frame.

[nicky dj]

I have the same intercooler, you're fine. Just make sure the intercooler is supported completely where it should be mounted before the screws go in and obviously don't cross thread for example. Also make sure your lower charge pipe clamps are tight and secure as can be; that definitely adds some hold.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I used the screws that came with mine and alas one day one side the intercooler lost it's screw. Noticed this because it was crooked. Also was a major PITA to install screws with this heavy beast even with jack.

Installed hanger bolts in it's place with a nut and haven't looked back since.

[Soden82]

There's only a certain size screw that will fit into the factory hole where it mounts. If you went bigger the IC would hang too low and not connect to the charge pipe well. When installing use a jack and a wood block to support the IC as you line it up

[B6T]

The VRSF supplied screws are a #14 x 1.25" which is 0.25" longer than the OEM screws.

I've purchased some 2" length screws which should utilize the entire depth of the mounting hole, accounting for the increased thickness of the IC mounting tab and the rubber spacers.

I'll install them today and see how they work out.

[amoshet]

Originally Posted by B6T

The VRSF supplied screws are a #14 x 1.25" which is 0.25" longer than the OEM screws.

I've purchased some 2" length screws which should utilize the entire depth of the mounting hole, accounting for the increased thickness of the IC mounting tab and the rubber spacers.

I'll install them today and see how they work out.

Hey guys, just thought I’d contribute, let people know what I used to install my 5in Intercooler, as my driver side kept stripping out or not holding with anything I tried beforehand.

I went to Home Depot and bought “#14 x 1-1/2in round head screw”. I couldn’t find a 2in variant so used those. I bought 2 washers along with them, but turns out I didn’t need any, the head was big enough. I would still install a washer on the passenger side though, where the opening on the Intercooler is larger. Anyways, worked out perfect. I was going to get hanger screws, but they didn’t have them in any # sizes. Also they seem like a pain to put in.

[Dave92N54]

I have had my 7.5" held up with those screws for over a year now, countless pulls, D.C. and Baltimore roads, and the highest point in WV without a single issue

[Zero335]

what exact size hanger bolt do the n54 intercooler upgrades need? please can someone post links and pictures?
I am trying to work it out, is it M6 x 100 hanger bolts we need?

seems like it's the more secure solution then just get #14 screws.

I had the same problem trying to fit a 5" stepped intercooler and the standard screw isn't even long enough to be close to the larger 5" intercooler mount bracket.

Thank you

[pinder91]

Originally Posted by Zero335

what exact size hanger bolt do the n54 intercooler upgrades need? please can someone post links and pictures?
I am trying to work it out, is it M6 x 100 hanger bolts we need?

I made a post about this awhile back that may be helpful: https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=24793146

[Zero335]

thanks man that's great ! appreciate you sharing this!