[F30Allen]

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone knew if the ER Intercooler was an install that can be done from under the car without the front bumper being removed. Anyone that owns one chime in? I bought it used from someone and it looks pretty good. Is there a way to make sure theres no debris inside too? Please let me know, thanks!

[stxf30]

Originally Posted by F30Allen

Hi guys,

Just wondering if anyone knew if the ER Intercooler was an install that can be done from under the car without the front bumper being removed. Anyone that owns one chime in? I bought it used from someone and it looks pretty good. Is there a way to make sure theres no debris inside too? Please let me know, thanks!

Yes, you just have to pull the bumper out of the way.
You mean actually inside or in the fins of the core?

[swreefkeeper]

Bumper need to come off as there are mounting brackets on the top of of the intercooler. I removed the front bumper for the first time just a few weeks ago to install my ER intercooler and it went smooth just took my time. Did it in a morning.

[F8XS55]

Like others said, take off the bumper. It's much easier to pull the wheels and fender liners then the other plastic pieces and then bumper. Gives room to work. 20-30 min job with air tools when you have done it a few times.

[F30Allen]

Originally Posted by F8XS55

Like others said, take off the bumper. It's much easier to pull the wheels and fender liners then the other plastic pieces and then bumper. Gives room to work. 20-30 min job with air tools when you have done it a few times.

Do I need to jack up the car? Do I need to remove tires? Can I just remove bumper and then install? Does it make things easier and accessible?

[F8XS55]

Originally Posted by F30Allen

Do I need to jack up the car? Do I need to remove tires? Can I just remove bumper and then install? Does it make things easier and accessible?

It's not all totally necessary but makes it wayyy easier

[F30Allen]

Originally Posted by F8XS55

It's not all totally necessary but makes it wayyy easier

I'm sorry for asking so many questions I just don't want to have a hard time. I was pretty close to just posting it for sale then picking up a Wagner. Lol so you mean to tell me that I can just remove the front bumper and just install from there? Would I be able to access the clips to the charge pipes from the front? Or do I have to go under? Also for the mounts on top do I need to drill or are there holes already? Any other tips that I can use to help make the install smooth?

[F8XS55]

Originally Posted by F30Allen

I'm sorry for asking so many questions I just don't want to have a hard time. I was pretty close to just posting it for sale then picking up a Wagner. Lol so you mean to tell me that I can just remove the front bumper and just install from there? Would I be able to access the clips to the charge pipes from the front? Or do I have to go under? Also for the mounts on top do I need to drill or are there holes already? Any other tips that I can use to help make the install smooth?

In my opinion it's worth the time to get it up on jack stands and pull the wheels and fender liners, it just makes seeing what you are doing easier. It only takes a few minutes. Especially if you are installing charge pipes, they can be tricky getting everything lined up right. I did mine on a lift which makes it fairly painless. You will need to go under to take all the bolts/screws out anyway. I'm sure doing all this laying flat on the ground would be a total pain. The threads for the mounting bolts are already there, just line them up with the IC brackets. Just take your time, don't tighten any IC bolts until you have your piping in place or you may have trouble getting it back on.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by swreefkeeper

Bumper need to come off as there are mounting brackets on the top of of the intercooler. I removed the front bumper for the first time just a few weeks ago to install my ER intercooler and it went smooth just took my time. Did it in a morning.

+1

Mike

[_bdiddyb_]

F30Allen , the frustrating part of your install will be removing the plastic clips on the charged pipes. You pretty much have to feel your way and do it blindly because they are out of view. Many ppl on here ended up breaking them, including me. Fortunately, I was replacing the charged pipes too so didn't needed them. If you are keeping your pipes, gotta be careful removing these clumsy clips.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by _bdiddyb_

F30Allen , the frustrating part of your install will be removing the plastic clips on the charged pipes. You pretty much have to feel your way and do it blindly because they are out of view. Many ppl on here ended up breaking them, including me. Fortunately, I was replacing the charged pipes too so didn't needed them. If you are keeping your pipes, gotta be careful removing these clumsy clips.

Thats good advice..

When doing an FMIC its a great time to also do the hot and cold side charge pipes.

Mike