[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by gtaccord

Preventative mod only.

Yes an no.

While a CP does not really add any HP/TQ it does allow for the incorporation of meth bungs, prevents boost leaks at higher Boost (assuming you replace the DVs) and allows you to run either a BOV or Upgraded DVs.

A charge pipe don't have to completely fail in order for it to cause problems. The stock DVs, and specially their connection into the stock charge pipe is very prone to leaking at elevated (12+) PSI boost levels.

Mike

[v1nc86]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

The stock DVs, and specially their connection into the stock charge pipe is very prone to leaking at elevated (12+) PSI boost levels.
Mike

What about an upgraded CP using stock DVs? For example the BMS or ER charge pipe for stock DVs have better connection than stock CP, doesn't it?

[gtaccord]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

Yes an no.

While a CP does not really add any HP/TQ it does allow for the incorporation of meth bungs, prevents boost leaks at higher Boost (assuming you replace the DVs) and allows you to run either a BOV or Upgraded DVs.

A charge pipe don't have to completely fail in order for it to cause problems. The stock DVs, and specially their connection into the stock charge pipe is very prone to leaking at elevated (12+) PSI boost levels.

Mike

Of course. I agree completely. I discounted the extra utility.

[knissel]

im fbo stock cp no issues

[Marcadelic]

in my case my er chargepipe has only given me problems, boost leaks happen weekly and it's constantly slipping off

[jimmer411]

After installing my VRSF chargepipe and Tial BOV the 1-2 gear change no longer felt like slamming on the brakes when I pressed the clutch. The BOV sound is intoxicating as well.

The chargepipe was my first mod, I felt it would be a good introduction to the n54 engine bay (Im used to the 4age and m52) and good preventive maintenance.

[FramingLogic]

+1 on peace of mind, first thing Idid was put a nice charge pipe on; the stocks are ticking time bombs

[Gohan335i7]

+1! Get an upgraded charge pipe ,& BOV. Eventually the plastic will break. Why they don't come stock is beyond me. I can understand the BOV (maybe there are some people that do not like the swoooiosh sound) I am certainly not one of those.. The upgraded charge pipe is a must IMHO.

[Glowin]

Originally Posted by FramingLogic

+1 on peace of mind, first thing Idid was put a nice charge pipe on; the stocks are ticking time bombs

Originally Posted by Gohan335i7

+1! Get an upgraded charge pipe ,& BOV. Eventually the plastic will break. Why they don't come stock is beyond me. I can understand the BOV (maybe there are some people that do not like the swoooiosh sound) I am certainly not one of those.. The upgraded charge pipe is a must IMHO.

LOL on the fear mongering... There are PLENTY of people here with Stage 2+ mods running stock charge pipes for years, even tracking them, with no issues at all.

[Prev]

Originally Posted by Glowin

LOL on the fear mongering... There are PLENTY of people here with Stage 2+ mods running stock charge pipes for years, even tracking them, with no issues at all.

But then there are those of us who put a stage 1 map on a low mileage non abused, non modified 09 335i and the charge pipe goes all Allahu Akbar on us. Then end up with no car for 3 weeks and counting waiting for the parts to arrive.

[Glowin]

Originally Posted by Prev

But then there are those of us who put a stage 1 map on a low mileage non abused, non modified 09 335i and the charge pipe goes all Allahu Akbar on us. Then end up with no car for 3 weeks and counting waiting for the parts to arrive.

I don't know why you'd wait 3 weeks for a part? With all the various vendors selling charge pipes, it takes more than a week to get to you?

Regardless, not sure I can follow the logic on that. Many have gone years on a stock pipe. So it's not a ticking time bomb like you say that's going to blow any second.

That's no different than a water pump when it fails prematurely. And quite a few people have had that happen to them as well. Like it happened to mine at only 30,000 miles and left me stranded on the side of the road.

There's nothing you can do about it. Based on your logic, then I might as well have replaced my pump at 25,000 miles, just in case it was going to prematurely go.
.

[blau808]

My car blew its chargepipe within a week of a Stage 1 tune. Car only has 25k miles on it. It is well known that these plastic CP's are a weak point, those who have not blown their stock one after FBO and a Stage 2 tune I would consider lucky.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Marcadelic

in my case my er chargepipe has only given me problems, boost leaks happen weekly and it's constantly slipping off

That's not common with that CP. I've owned two and never had it slip off and I've been known to creep up to 20 PSI at times.

If it's slipping off at the TB then the C clip is not seated it correctly.

If it's slipping off at the intercooler side, I'd say tighten it more and make sure it's square with the pipe and even placed over each side.

There's really no reason any CP slips off except it's simply not on correct or tight enough. This goes for any CP really.

[puppydax]

I'm FBO on E50 and ran 19.5 lbs before my flash. No exploding charge pipe yet. I'm taking my chances, I know, but I have a hard time wanting to upgrade it lol.

[Riceball777]

theres also the up graded hot side charge pipe before the intercooler that suppose to make more power.

[Prev]

Originally Posted by Glowin

I don't know why you'd wait 3 weeks for a part? With all the various vendors selling charge pipes, it takes more than a week to get to you?

Regardless, not sure I can follow the logic on that. Many have gone years on a stock pipe. So it's not a ticking time bomb like you say that's going to blow any second.

That's no different than a water pump when it fails prematurely. And quite a few people have had that happen to them as well. Like it happened to mine at only 30,000 miles and left me stranded on the side of the road.

There's nothing you can do about it. Based on your logic, then I might as well have replaced my pump at 25,000 miles, just in case it was going to prematurely go.
.

The reason I have had to wait three weeks is because USPS lost my package. It's now arrived this side of the Atlantic and is making it's way to me. But that's why. But I'm pointing out that if your CP does go bang and something like the above happens you could be stuck with out a car for a few weeks.

I've only had the stage 1 map on for 4 weeks and like I said the standard CP went pop. Now before that I've been running the car bog standard and when I checked the CP before I remapped it, it was perfect. No signs of stress fractures or any other faults that might accelerate it's early demise. Now i'm not saying if you remap your car your standard CP WILL go bang, I didn't say that or imply that. I didn't upgrade it as I thought it's very hit and miss and doesn't affect all people. So if your like me and don't mind risking it for a chocolate biscuit then no don't upgrade it. But if your of the worrying type get a CP for piece of mind. Also just to point out their are different versions of plastic CP. I believe one version is very unlikely to fail and the other is a known weak point. So this give some misconception to life expectancy. Correct me if i'm wrong.

[Luillo]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

We've had a many customers blow charge pipes on stock tunes so this isn't a tuned only problem. The stock charge pipe is just a piece of crap. Unfortunately we've already seen a F30 charge pipe failure as well so BMW clearly hasn't learned.

Mike

Believe me BMW knows there charge pipes are cracking with higher boost they just don't care. If BMW will place a better charge pipe where the aftermarket suppliers will be, out of business

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by big_c

So to those with an upgraded charge pipe, would you do it again? I see some threads stating there is no difference and others stating improved throttle response and spool up.

Improved reliability. I've seen a stock CP blow out and break near the throttle body on stock tune at only 65,000 miles.

I think it depends on which one you get too. 3" updated (made after 4/17) Cobb works well. I think it depends on what's hooked up to it as well. Stock FMIC, 5" stepped, 7" FMIC.