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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N20, N26, B46, B48 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Intercooler Install and Review
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      12-28-2014, 08:50 PM   #1
Ilovemycar
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Intercooler Install and Review

Finally got to install the ER Competition intercooler on my car. I will do my best to give you a review from install to driving.

1. Entire process is a little harder than what was described. The main issue is the instructions are very vague. It's more of a reference than a guided install....but I got it done anyway.

2.The bumper removal seemed daunting but it actually took me 15 mins to take it off. The stock intercooler removal is pretty easy as its only held by 2 torx screws. The chargepipe clamps are a bit of a bitch until you understand how the mechanism works and then it makes sense. The shroud removal is also a bit complicated until you figure out that you have to fold it (made of rubber) to get it to come out of its mounting. Overall, the removal from beginning until I had everything off was about 1 hour (I was using ramps instead of a lift or jack stands)

3. Install process is essentially reversed. The hardest part was lifting and positioning the new and much heavier intercooler. Getting the chargepipes to line up and slide in and then locking the clamps while holding the intercooler is steady is a bit hard for 1 person to manage but eventually I got it handled. Once the intercooler is mounted and chargepipes connected and clamped, it's a matter of reinstalling the bumper and belly pan and fender liners.

4. The car drives awesome! Much better power on the top end. Basically it feels like it's always cold outside (82 degrees in South Florida today). It feels stronger and gets rid of that laggy tired feeling you feel sometimes.

Overall, what difficulties Faced because of vague instructions is more than made up by the craftsmanship and quality of the intercooler plus the performance.

If you are running more boost and/or live in very hot areas, I highly suggest you look into this. Thanks Extreme Power House for the great deal and service.







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      12-29-2014, 04:50 AM   #2
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Very nice, other than the FMIC Is your car stock ?
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      12-29-2014, 06:55 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rustyminded View Post
Very nice, other than the FMIC Is your car stock ?
No..I'm running BMS stage 1 +4psi .
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      12-29-2014, 01:21 PM   #4
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Wow surprised it only took 15 minutes to take the front bumper off.
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      01-11-2015, 06:34 PM   #5
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Do you think it add how many HP?
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      05-20-2015, 02:18 PM   #6
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I'm gonna install my ER IC very soon. I thought I had to take off the front wheels In Order to take off the fender liners. How easy was it to take off the fender liners with the wheels on? My car is lowered on H&R sport springs, so I might have to remove the wheels. Thank you
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      05-20-2015, 02:29 PM   #7
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I didn't take off the wheels because I was using ramps to lift the car. What I did is turn the wheels to have access to the screws inside the fender well that hold the bumper. I didn't actually remove the liners as it's not needed.I did both sides and the undertray of the car keeping the grill bolts in until last. It was quite easy. Since you are lowered, ramps will not give you the clearance to be able to get under the car and very little leverage to lift and hold the new intercooler in place. You will need to use either jack stands or a lift. The biggest issue I had was actually with the factory intercooler tubes/clamps...they are a PIA but once you figure out how they work, it will go quickly.
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      05-20-2015, 02:31 PM   #8
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Thank you for the review
Quality product as usual from Evolution Racewerks !!
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      05-23-2015, 11:27 AM   #9
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Wouldn't a bigger intercooler with the TD04 lead to more lag and quicker torque dropoff as RPM increases? The TD04 can only push so much air out and you need a bigger turbo, at least that's what I experienced with the same turbo on my wrx (running a marginally bigger intercooler).
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      05-24-2015, 11:03 AM   #10
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Ilovemycar , great review!!! Glad you are happy with one of the great product in the market.
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      05-26-2015, 09:27 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilovemycar
I didn't take off the wheels because I was using ramps to lift the car. What I did is turn the wheels to have access to the screws inside the fender well that hold the bumper. I didn't actually remove the liners as it's not needed.I did both sides and the undertray of the car keeping the grill bolts in until last. It was quite easy. Since you are lowered, ramps will not give you the clearance to be able to get under the car and very little leverage to lift and hold the new intercooler in place. You will need to use either jack stands or a lift. The biggest issue I had was actually with the factory intercooler tubes/clamps...they are a PIA but once you figure out how they work, it will go quickly.
Thank you very much for the review and your response to my question. I just received my intercooler today in type III anodized black. Will install as soon as my meisterschaft super GT exhaust comes in.
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      05-27-2015, 10:30 PM   #12
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Looks awesome in black anodized ! Good luck with the install. Interestingly,now that summer is here and I'm seeing daily high 80s - low 90s temps, my car runs great regardless. I can really tell the difference.
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