Direct fit intercooler

135iDCT · 08-14-2012, 07:58 PM

what is the max size of direct fit intercooler for 135i 2009?

what brand to go for ?

ur opinions r important for me

cooler2442 · 08-14-2012, 08:23 PM

5" is usually the direct no cutting size for intercoolers.

ETS makes a really good one that has been around for a long time so it is tested and proven.

1Fasst1 · 08-14-2012, 08:33 PM

^ +1 ETS seems to be the choice of most members who want a direct fit FMIC. A couple of manufactures claim no trimming, but ETS is a sure thing.

dsm25psi · 08-14-2012, 08:55 PM

ETS

ken1137 · 08-14-2012, 09:15 PM

Forge Motorsport FMIC, no cutting and great quality ! 1M Section had a group buy but it might be over now.

135iDCT · 08-14-2012, 09:46 PM

what's the size of stock IC?

is there a huge diff between 7" and 5"

Suds · 08-14-2012, 10:00 PM

Stock is 5" high 4-1/4" deep and 20" long across the core. Just measured mine.

1speedbike · 08-14-2012, 10:05 PM

From what I know (and I've been searching for a FMIC for a while, but decided to go with meth for the time being) ETS, Forge, and Wagner are all no-cut. I think there was a group buy for the Wagner a while ago, don't know if it's still going on. They're all great options. Almost all the aftermarket FMIC's available are a decent improvement over stock, so I don't think you'd be unhappy with any choice you make. Except for Godspeed. It's an eBay intercooler and apparently has terrible fit. Not sure about with a 1 series, but lots of e90 people have complained about it, and considering that car is bigger and should be more accommodating to the size.. yeah just forget it. Not sure on the exact dimensions, though. I'd imagine it would be just a little bigger than stock, since the stock one seems to fill the area pretty well. They are just better-built and more efficient. Honestly, even if you have to cut a bit of the plastic shrouding, it wouldn't be a big deal. If you're worried about it, just avoid the HUGE ones like HPF or Big Tom. and some slight trimming wouldn't have any warranty or reliability issues in any way. If you're dead set on no-trimming, all three that I mentioned advertise no trimming at all.

josh135 · 08-14-2012, 10:38 PM

ETS +2, no trimming involved.

SHFT · 08-14-2012, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josh135

ETS +2, no trimming involved.

After reading all the positive reviews I ended up ordering a ets fmic cant wait to install

135iDCT · 08-15-2012, 12:04 AM

I will ask my mechanic if he can fit cx racing , or bigtom IC ill buy one of them

ets is really tiny beside them...

bigger is better

135iDCT · 08-15-2012, 12:25 AM

can someone tell me ... what's bigger CXracing or HPF IC ??

i see cx is taller but hpf is wider...

bootay · 08-15-2012, 07:11 AM

VRSF 7" FMIC looks very good, and the price is right.
VRSF 5" FMIC will be out in a month or two if you want one that doesn't require trimming a piece of plastic hidden behind your bumper...not sure why people get hung up on that.

ken1137 · 08-15-2012, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135iDCT

I will ask my mechanic if he can fit cx racing , or bigtom IC ill buy one of them

ets is really tiny beside them...

bigger is better

Keep in mind for an FMIC it is quality and airflow that's important.

CGMike · 08-15-2012, 11:07 AM

On a related question about FMICs, anyone notice their car running hotter coolant temps with a larger FMIC? Any overheating issues? I only ask because I had a 400AWHP DSM and with its HUGE 28x12x3.5 inch FMIC. With a fluidyne radiator, extra fans, and everything I could to keep it cool the car ran a little hot. I couldnt use the AC in the summer or the car would overheat. I dont want any issues like that with my BMW. Thanks

NYC6 · 08-15-2012, 11:17 AM

SalemChiro · 08-15-2012, 04:45 PM

I have the Wagner and love it, easy install too. It's new to the US market.

evoq007 · 08-15-2012, 05:04 PM

I have the wagner also. Super easy to install. Took me about 40min from on ramps to off ramps. Hand tools and ramps are all you need.

Pablo. · 08-15-2012, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evoq007

I have the wagner also. Super easy to install. Took me about 40min from on ramps to off ramps. Hand tools and ramps are all you need.

Was any trimming required? I'm going to install mine next weekend!

Cozy · 08-16-2012, 03:27 AM

Does the ETS have new couplings? I've heard that those can be a pain to fit and make the install take more time. Wagner sounds great for me, slot in, drop out in case of any turbo related warranty work

.

08-14-2012, 07:58 PM	#1
135iDCT Lieutenant 138 Rep 571 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: wm iTrader: (0)	Direct fit intercooler what is the max size of direct fit intercooler for 135i 2009? what brand to go for ? ur opinions r important for me
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08-14-2012, 08:23 PM	#2
cooler2442 Brigadier General 483 Rep 4,162 Posts Drives: 1/18 Monte Carlo Blue E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (6) Garage List 2016 Porsche GT4 [0.00]	5" is usually the direct no cutting size for intercoolers. ETS makes a really good one that has been around for a long time so it is tested and proven.
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08-14-2012, 08:33 PM	#3
1Fasst1 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 09 135i, Jet Black 6MT Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	^ +1 ETS seems to be the choice of most members who want a direct fit FMIC. A couple of manufactures claim no trimming, but ETS is a sure thing.
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08-14-2012, 08:55 PM	#4
dsm25psi Private First Class 6 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 335I, IS300, E30 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Charlotte,NC iTrader: (1)	ETS __________________ 135i with mods. Evo 8 804hp GONE supra sold evo's sold 335i sold
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08-14-2012, 09:15 PM	#5
ken1137 Brigadier General 89 Rep 3,732 Posts Drives: BMW S1000XR Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 e90 335i [6.40]	Forge Motorsport FMIC, no cutting and great quality ! 1M Section had a group buy but it might be over now. __________________ BMWCCA member
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08-14-2012, 09:46 PM	#6
135iDCT Lieutenant 138 Rep 571 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: wm iTrader: (0)	what's the size of stock IC? is there a huge diff between 7" and 5" Last edited by 135iDCT; 08-14-2012 at 10:00 PM..
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08-14-2012, 10:00 PM	#7
Suds /M Enthusiast 1606 Rep 1,619 Posts Drives: Responsiblish Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lone Star State iTrader: (1)	Stock is 5" high 4-1/4" deep and 20" long across the core. Just measured mine.
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08-14-2012, 10:05 PM	#8
1speedbike Brigadier General 736 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2022 X4 M40i, 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MKE iTrader: (15)	From what I know (and I've been searching for a FMIC for a while, but decided to go with meth for the time being) ETS, Forge, and Wagner are all no-cut. I think there was a group buy for the Wagner a while ago, don't know if it's still going on. They're all great options. Almost all the aftermarket FMIC's available are a decent improvement over stock, so I don't think you'd be unhappy with any choice you make. Except for Godspeed. It's an eBay intercooler and apparently has terrible fit. Not sure about with a 1 series, but lots of e90 people have complained about it, and considering that car is bigger and should be more accommodating to the size.. yeah just forget it. Not sure on the exact dimensions, though. I'd imagine it would be just a little bigger than stock, since the stock one seems to fill the area pretty well. They are just better-built and more efficient. Honestly, even if you have to cut a bit of the plastic shrouding, it wouldn't be a big deal. If you're worried about it, just avoid the HUGE ones like HPF or Big Tom. and some slight trimming wouldn't have any warranty or reliability issues in any way. If you're dead set on no-trimming, all three that I mentioned advertise no trimming at all. __________________ 2022 X4 M40i - 2008 135i - 2015 F700GS On Order - 2024 i4 M50 Scruffy's gonna die the way he lived... Mmhm.
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08-14-2012, 10:38 PM	#9
josh135 Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Stuttgart. DE iTrader: (1)	ETS +2, no trimming involved. __________________ Ohlins R&T 1m setup, m3 rear links, M3 arms, bushings, AR Downpipes, ARK DTS exhaust, SPEC S3+/Mfactory, Stett CP, Stett CAI, ETS FMIC, RB EVO Stealths, Motiv PI, VTT Inlets.
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08-15-2012, 12:04 AM	#11
135iDCT Lieutenant 138 Rep 571 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: wm iTrader: (0)	I will ask my mechanic if he can fit cx racing , or bigtom IC ill buy one of them ets is really tiny beside them... bigger is better
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08-15-2012, 12:25 AM	#12
135iDCT Lieutenant 138 Rep 571 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: wm iTrader: (0)	can someone tell me ... what's bigger CXracing or HPF IC ?? i see cx is taller but hpf is wider...
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08-15-2012, 07:11 AM	#13
bootay Private First Class 4 Rep 182 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	VRSF 7" FMIC looks very good, and the price is right. VRSF 5" FMIC will be out in a month or two if you want one that doesn't require trimming a piece of plastic hidden behind your bumper...not sure why people get hung up on that. __________________ 2009 E90 335i - All go, no show Mr. 5 Intake, VRSF FMIC, Quaife LSD, BMW PS, M3 Bits, RE Toes, ER CP, Forge DV, JB4, PSS
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08-15-2012, 11:07 AM	#15
CGMike First Lieutenant 24 Rep 382 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Coupe Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Southern CA iTrader: (0)	On a related question about FMICs, anyone notice their car running hotter coolant temps with a larger FMIC? Any overheating issues? I only ask because I had a 400AWHP DSM and with its HUGE 28x12x3.5 inch FMIC. With a fluidyne radiator, extra fans, and everything I could to keep it cool the car ran a little hot. I couldnt use the AC in the summer or the car would overheat. I dont want any issues like that with my BMW. Thanks __________________ 2011 Space Grey 135i Sold 06 GTO , 06 WRX, 59 Bug AV cars and Coffee www.facebook.com/Avcarsandcoffee/
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08-15-2012, 11:17 AM	#16
NYC6 Banned 72 Rep 2,070 Posts Drives: '10 135i PPKI/06 C6 Z51 Vette Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: LI/NY iTrader: (0)
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08-15-2012, 04:45 PM	#17
SalemChiro Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 268 Posts Drives: 135i vert Join Date: May 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I have the Wagner and love it, easy install too. It's new to the US market.
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08-15-2012, 05:04 PM	#18
evoq007 First Lieutenant 71 Rep 370 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (6)	I have the wagner also. Super easy to install. Took me about 40min from on ramps to off ramps. Hand tools and ramps are all you need.
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08-16-2012, 03:27 AM	#20
Cozy Major 113 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Surrey, England iTrader: (0)	Does the ETS have new couplings? I've heard that those can be a pain to fit and make the install take more time. Wagner sounds great for me, slot in, drop out in case of any turbo related warranty work .
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