HELP! Can't install FMIC

PNWM40i · 10-12-2018, 11:32 PM

So I just got a 7" ARM FMIC in the mail today and what I thought was going to be a quick 1 hour install has turned into a hair pulling 5 hour mess. So I trimmed the bumper, lined everything up and I swear the pipe is less than half an inch from being tight and snug into the intercooler. It's so close yet there's still a ton of play in the pipe and obviously it leaks a ton if I start the car up. I have an aftermarket charge pipe but the lower pipes are still stock. Am I stupid or missing something? I've been messing with this pipe for hours and it's just barely short of making it even though it's supposed to work with stock connections. It seems all the install guides I checked out it just slides in with a breeze, I'm not sure if I didn't cut something or I'm not doing something right but I can't believe this is taking so long, see pictures attached for how close it is I've pushed the intercooler up and back as hard as I can and it just won't go anymore

View post on imgur.com

AandSC · 10-12-2018, 11:39 PM

I had a similar problem when I reinstalled my stock IC after rebuilding my turbos. Was extremely tough getting the passenger side reconnected but I just kept working it (wiggling and pushing) and it finally reseated all the way.

PNWM40i · 10-13-2018, 02:26 PM

yeah, still no luck, might try trimming some more plastic back

Krazyk · 10-13-2018, 03:17 PM

I had the exact same issue when I bought mine. It's due to the seals on the charge pipes but they are necessary so they don't leak...... honestly just keep trying I layed under my car for a couple hours just staring at it until I finally moved it the right way and finally slipped on. It was by no means easy but did end up fitting the way it was supposed to

WeekendWarriorz · 10-13-2018, 03:27 PM

Same issue here when I had mine, the stock connections are SHIT for that intercooler. The intercooler is junk too. Took like 45 mins you have to twist and push in to get them to sit snug. With my setup I didn't trust their intercooler so I went and got the VRSF 7.5" race fmic, best decision yet for my car.

PNWM40i · 10-13-2018, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorz

Same issue here when I had mine, the stock connections are SHIT for that intercooler. The intercooler is junk too. Took like 45 mins you have to twist and push in to get them to sit snug. With my setup I didn't trust their intercooler so I went and got the VRSF 7.5" race fmic, best decision yet for my car.

I honestly regret buying the ARM FMIC I wish I had dropped the $125 extra and gotten the VRSF one since they give you couplers, I think its too late to return mine though since it's all scratched up from trying to wiggle it in there. Might just bite the bullet and buy the FMIC hose upgrade from ARM or try the FMIC install kit that VRSF sells, don't see why it wouldnt fit the ARM intercooler, the fittings are all pretty much the same

WeekendWarriorz · 10-13-2018, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonathanheierle

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeekendWarriorz

Same issue here when I had mine, the stock connections are SHIT for that intercooler. The intercooler is junk too. Took like 45 mins you have to twist and push in to get them to sit snug. With my setup I didn't trust their intercooler so I went and got the VRSF 7.5" race fmic, best decision yet for my car.

I honestly regret buying the ARM FMIC I wish I had dropped the $125 extra and gotten the VRSF one since they give you couplers, I think its too late to return mine though since it's all scratched up from trying to wiggle it in there. Might just bite the bullet and buy the FMIC hose upgrade from ARM or try the FMIC install kit that VRSF sells, don't see why it wouldnt fit the ARM intercooler, the fittings are all pretty much the same

Just sell that POS and get a VRSF unit. I did the same thing and got the hoses and they're even worse than the intercooler. The VRSF fittings won't fit into the arm FMIC since the inlet/outlet is so wide that the stock junk connectors can fit into it. Yeah you'll take a loss on the intercooler if you sell it but better than nothing. Or contact Jacob from ARM and tell him you hate the fitment and ask if it's possible to return it. VRSF FMIC ftw hands down.

PNWM40i · 10-16-2018, 01:35 AM

so I decided to try and return the ARM FMIC, they keep trying to blow me off saying they'll call me back when they never will so I filed a chargeback dispute with my bank, for now I ordered a VRSF 7" FMIC, so excited!

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 10-16-2018, 10:04 AM

You're better off the VRSF. Better quality core, performance and fitment.

PNWM40i · 10-16-2018, 04:25 PM

Yep, can't wait for it, ARM called me back and said they're going to send me the $100 hose upgrade free of charge, I'll probably just resell it on here with the hose and try to break even.

malgyver · 10-18-2018, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krazyk

I had the exact same issue when I bought mine. It's due to the seals on the charge pipes but they are necessary so they don't leak...... honestly just keep trying I layed under my car for a couple hours just staring at it until I finally moved it the right way and finally slipped on. It was by no means easy but did end up fitting the way it was supposed to

I've also found that sitting and staring at some fitment issue for hours will produce the desired results. Lots of times, the struggle is in taking something apart. I've generally found that assembly takes a fraction of the time of disassembly and prep/cleaning.

IllSic_Design · 10-18-2018, 05:03 PM

They should reach the intercooler fine as long as the i.c. is fit up against the radiator/core support all the way. I have no issue with the connections reaching the intercooler and they also slide right into the intercooler with no issues.

rgfinn76 · 11-02-2018, 09:03 AM

Yep super pissed!!!! Spent three damn hours trying to get my stock Intercooler pipes connected to this damn POS from Arm!!! I called it quits at 1am and put the stock back in!!!! I’m calling ARM as soon as they open!! Only way to get this installed is to get their hose upgrade!!!

PNWM40i · 11-02-2018, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgfinn76

Yep super pissed!!!! Spent three damn hours trying to get my stock Intercooler pipes connected to this damn POS from Arm!!! I called it quits at 1am and put the stock back in!!!! I’m calling ARM as soon as they open!! Only way to get this installed is to get their hose upgrade!!!

Yeah, after a few hours I stopped too. I just bit the bullets and bought the VRSF one. I bugged ARM and they sent me the hose upgrade for free after threatening them with a chargeback. I've resold the FMIC and hose upgrade on here since then. I regret cheaping out and not getting the VRSF first.

WeekendWarriorz · 11-02-2018, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgfinn76

Yep super pissed!!!! Spent three damn hours trying to get my stock Intercooler pipes connected to this damn POS from Arm!!! I called it quits at 1am and put the stock back in!!!! I’m calling ARM as soon as they open!! Only way to get this installed is to get their hose upgrade!!!

Don't get their stupid hose upgrade it's crap. I had it on my car... now my sig says VRSF 7.5 in which is the best/biggest intercooler in the market. And yes the intercooler is worth the huge amount of money, don't cheap out. Cheap people end up paying more

shreedamin · 11-02-2018, 11:32 PM

Hey, I had this ARM intercooler and I had a very similar problem. I ended up taking my car to the shop and we used this air grind tool to grind some of the metal from the inside of the intercooler openings. I felt like it was physically blocking the intake hose to go in further in my case. I had a very hard time clipping intercooler hose in still. But the way my mechanic and I got the couplings to fit was by taking 2 pry bars and putting them on the lip of the intercooler coupling hose and applying even pressure to both sides allowing it to "click" in.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1513233

rgfinn76 · 11-03-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kens

Before you stop trying I had this same problem, It was a little angular piece of plastic

.

Drop the FMIC out of the way and look up and under that section of the corner on the vehicle. You will see what I am talking about and it will click immediately.

I just clipped it off and all fit perfect after that.

You had the ARM intercooler? How does this plastic piece effect the connection?

rgfinn76 · 11-03-2018, 08:12 AM

Im giving it one more shot today, if this doesn't go in I'm buying a VRSF... Should of did this from the beginning..

rgfinn76 · 11-04-2018, 07:04 AM

Tiago is your 5” stepped street N54 (the new version) in stock ready to ship?

I’m returning this garbage from ARM and getting my money back.

WeekendWarriorz · 11-04-2018, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Yes sir, they are in stock and ready to ship!

+1, VRSF 7.5 race is the best intercooler on the market but does require extra cutting/bumper removal. Plus VRSF has good deals and at least you know you're using something that other people are using and pushing hard on this platform. I haven't see an ARM FMIC on an upgraded turbo car and if I did then that person is an idiot for running a stock connection intercooler. I got lucky with their chargepipe but will replace it eventually.

rgfinn76 · 11-04-2018, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Yes sir, they are in stock and ready to ship!

Ordered!!! Please ship as soon as possible man, so I can get this stocker ripped back out.

How come the newer N55 is almost $70 cheaper? Different style?

rgfinn76 · 11-04-2018, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Thanks for your support, we greatly appreciate it!

The E90/E92 have a lot of extra included accessories in comparison

10-12-2018, 11:32 PM	#1
PNWM40i Private First Class 93 Rep 183 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i MHD+XHP Stg 2/3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Eastern Oregon iTrader: (1)	HELP! Can't install FMIC So I just got a 7" ARM FMIC in the mail today and what I thought was going to be a quick 1 hour install has turned into a hair pulling 5 hour mess. So I trimmed the bumper, lined everything up and I swear the pipe is less than half an inch from being tight and snug into the intercooler. It's so close yet there's still a ton of play in the pipe and obviously it leaks a ton if I start the car up. I have an aftermarket charge pipe but the lower pipes are still stock. Am I stupid or missing something? I've been messing with this pipe for hours and it's just barely short of making it even though it's supposed to work with stock connections. It seems all the install guides I checked out it just slides in with a breeze, I'm not sure if I didn't cut something or I'm not doing something right but I can't believe this is taking so long, see pictures attached for how close it is I've pushed the intercooler up and back as hard as I can and it just won't go anymore View post on imgur.com
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10-12-2018, 11:39 PM	#2
AandSC Private 34 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2009 335i M-Sport MT Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Jax, FL iTrader: (0)	I had a similar problem when I reinstalled my stock IC after rebuilding my turbos. Was extremely tough getting the passenger side reconnected but I just kept working it (wiggling and pushing) and it finally reseated all the way. __________________ 2009 335i Coupe M-Sport MT 136,000 miles 2013 Mini JCW 16,000 miles 2000 Lexus LS400 82,000 miles
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10-13-2018, 02:26 PM	#3
PNWM40i Private First Class 93 Rep 183 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i MHD+XHP Stg 2/3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Eastern Oregon iTrader: (1)	yeah, still no luck, might try trimming some more plastic back
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10-13-2018, 03:17 PM	#4
Krazyk New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I had the exact same issue when I bought mine. It's due to the seals on the charge pipes but they are necessary so they don't leak...... honestly just keep trying I layed under my car for a couple hours just staring at it until I finally moved it the right way and finally slipped on. It was by no means easy but did end up fitting the way it was supposed to
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-13-2018, 03:27 PM	#5
WeekendWarriorz Captain 670 Rep 754 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4M Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Anaheim Hills, CA iTrader: (4)	Same issue here when I had mine, the stock connections are SHIT for that intercooler. The intercooler is junk too. Took like 45 mins you have to twist and push in to get them to sit snug. With my setup I didn't trust their intercooler so I went and got the VRSF 7.5" race fmic, best decision yet for my car. __________________ 2006 Z4 M Roadster Black/Imola Red, FBO VF-Engineering, e85 Flex Fuel-Sold 2012 BMW 135i N55 DCT Alpine White/Coral Red, FBO, TBI, Full e85, JB4 BEF-Sold 2006 Z4 M Roadster Black/Black-Sold 2021 M2 Competition DCT Hockenheim Silver
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10-16-2018, 01:35 AM	#8
PNWM40i Private First Class 93 Rep 183 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i MHD+XHP Stg 2/3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Eastern Oregon iTrader: (1)	so I decided to try and return the ARM FMIC, they keep trying to blow me off saying they'll call me back when they never will so I filed a chargeback dispute with my bank, for now I ordered a VRSF 7" FMIC, so excited!
	Appreciate 3 WeekendWarriorz670.00 CarAbuser467.50 Quote

10-16-2018, 10:04 AM	#9
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,212 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	You're better off the VRSF. Better quality core, performance and fitment.
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10-16-2018, 04:25 PM	#10
PNWM40i Private First Class 93 Rep 183 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i MHD+XHP Stg 2/3 Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Eastern Oregon iTrader: (1)	Yep, can't wait for it, ARM called me back and said they're going to send me the $100 hose upgrade free of charge, I'll probably just resell it on here with the hose and try to break even.
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10-18-2018, 05:03 PM	#12
IllSic_Design Colonel 2123 Rep 2,758 Posts Drives: 09 E92 335i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Northern California iTrader: (1)	They should reach the intercooler fine as long as the i.c. is fit up against the radiator/core support all the way. I have no issue with the connections reaching the intercooler and they also slide right into the intercooler with no issues.
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11-02-2018, 09:03 AM	#13
rgfinn76 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sport Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Yep super pissed!!!! Spent three damn hours trying to get my stock Intercooler pipes connected to this damn POS from Arm!!! I called it quits at 1am and put the stock back in!!!! I’m calling ARM as soon as they open!! Only way to get this installed is to get their hose upgrade!!!
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11-02-2018, 11:32 PM	#16
shreedamin Private 14 Rep 54 Posts Drives: BSM 335i E92 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Hey, I had this ARM intercooler and I had a very similar problem. I ended up taking my car to the shop and we used this air grind tool to grind some of the metal from the inside of the intercooler openings. I felt like it was physically blocking the intake hose to go in further in my case. I had a very hard time clipping intercooler hose in still. But the way my mechanic and I got the couplings to fit was by taking 2 pry bars and putting them on the lip of the intercooler coupling hose and applying even pressure to both sides allowing it to "click" in. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1513233 Last edited by shreedamin; 11-02-2018 at 11:51 PM..
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11-03-2018, 08:12 AM	#18
rgfinn76 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sport Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Im giving it one more shot today, if this doesn't go in I'm buying a VRSF... Should of did this from the beginning..
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11-04-2018, 07:04 AM	#19
rgfinn76 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sport Coupe Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Tiago is your 5” stepped street N54 (the new version) in stock ready to ship? I’m returning this garbage from ARM and getting my money back.
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