Kpeng's $200 eBay Intercooler Experience

kpeng · 08-25-2016, 10:06 PM

EL CHAMO recently posted about an intercooler for our cars that he found on eBay. $196.50 for what appears to be a Wagner replica. I went ahead and bought one and received it in the mail today. It was double packed, lined with foam, and very well packaged. When I opened it up, I was a bit surprised by the quality of it. Many aftermarket parts like these are designed in the US but sent to the same few factories in Taiwan. As a result, some times these factories (and their country's lax patent/copyright laws) will modify the designs slightly and sell it themselves. I have no doubts the seller on eBay (yellowspeed) got ahold of one of these factories and bought some.

Here's a brief video I made showing the intercooler up close. At one point, a ladybug crawled on my arm and scared the shit out of me...please disregard those 2 seconds of minor freakout. Pressure tests will be done soon, I'll report back on those.

Stay tuned...

**UPDATE 9/17/2016**

I can get some more data logs soon with some hard pulls, but this is the full log from a 20 minute drive today in some stop and go traffic, 60 mph cruising, and a couple semi-hard pulls.

Ambient temperature was 92 degrees. For the most part, IATs were around the 100-110 degrees mark. Car felt absolutely great.

Here's a link to the full log:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw_...ew?usp=sharing

Minty_ · 08-25-2016, 11:44 PM

Nice video. LOL I like the ending.."Why the f*ck not".

MrF30 · 08-25-2016, 11:56 PM

Why would you have no doubt that the seller got a few of the originals? Why can't it be a replica of the original? Which would then lead to...why would it be good as the original?

But really, who cares about the above because, at least for me, I only care about what the data says and how it holds up long term.

I hope the datalogs are done soon.

_bdiddyb_ · 08-26-2016, 12:11 AM

It is the Wagner! I guess I paid an extra $700 for that genuine sticker.

kpeng · 08-26-2016, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrF30

Why would you have no doubt that the seller got a few of the originals? Why can't it be a replica of the original? Which would then lead to...why would it be good as the original?

But really, who cares about the above because, at least for me, I only care about what the data says and how it holds up long term.

I hope the datalogs are done soon.

I mean they got some of the originals to replicate.

kpeng · 08-26-2016, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _bdiddyb_

It is the Wagner! I guess I paid an extra $700 for that genuine sticker.

That DOES look awfully similar.

mbanks21 · 08-26-2016, 08:33 AM

Looks mean nothing. How well does it work? We need logs/data to back it up. If it performs anywhere near as well as a $700 unit then they'll have a line going out the door.

RoundelM3 · 08-26-2016, 08:38 AM

If it has any defects or fitment problems, what's your recourse? Can you call the vendor up and get a replacement?

kpeng · 08-26-2016, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbanks21

Looks mean nothing. How well does it work? We need logs/data to back it up. If it performs anywhere near as well as a $700 unit then they'll have a line going out the door.

This is just a Part I to show what it looks like. I will be conducting tests on it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

If it has any defects or fitment problems, what's your recourse? Can you call the vendor up and get a replacement?

Sell it? It's cheap enough that I don't care and I'm willing to take one for the team here.

mbanks21 · 08-26-2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpeng

This is just a Part I to show what it looks like. I will be conducting tests on it.

Sell it? It's cheap enough that I don't care and I'm willing to take one for the team here.

Props to you then. I look forward to your results!

TypeOne · 08-26-2016, 10:03 AM

From the images it doesn't look as nice as the genuine Wagner, but is it really worth the extra cost?

Let's see if that extra cost will lower IATs much better. ^_^

mike@x-ph.com · 08-26-2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _bdiddyb_

It is the Wagner! I guess I paid an extra $700 for that genuine sticker.

Just because it looks like a Wagner does not mean it performs as a Wagner

Believe it or not manufacturing an intercooler is a complicated thing. I can tell you 100% Wagner has better air flow, higher core density, better finish, better intake air temp control and less pressure drop.

If you paid $700 extra it means you got the competition line which is a tube and fin core not a bar and plate and that FMIC is on another level all together

kpeng · 09-15-2016, 10:14 PM

Intercooler went in today without a hitch. 100% fitment on mounting points and on the piping. Will have data soon.

BimmerRob · 09-16-2016, 03:23 PM

how are you testing it? looking forward to the results

kpeng · 09-16-2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsonlysmellz

how are you testing it? looking forward to the results

I will have IAT data from my JB4 log.

Dr Thrillride · 09-16-2016, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _bdiddyb_

It is the Wagner! I guess I paid an extra $700 for that genuine sticker.

Hey friend, does the sticker indicate what model it is?

_bdiddyb_ · 09-17-2016, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr Thrillride

Hey friend, does the sticker indicate what model it is?

I don't believe so, and i'm not dropping it to find out. I got it straight from N54Tuning -- trusted seller.

kpeng · 09-18-2016, 12:00 AM

I can get some more data logs soon with some hard pulls, but this is the full log from a 20 minute drive today in some stop and go traffic, 60 mph cruising, and a couple semi-hard pulls.

Ambient temperature was 92 degrees. For the most part, IATs were around the 100-110 degrees mark. Car felt absolutely great.

Here's a link to the full log:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw_...ew?usp=sharing

Jadar · 09-18-2016, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpeng

I can get some more data logs soon with some hard pulls, but this is the full log from a 20 minute drive today in some stop and go traffic, 60 mph cruising, and a couple semi-hard pulls.

Ambient temperature was 92 degrees. For the most part, IATs were around the 100-110 degrees mark. Car felt absolutely great.

Here's a link to the full log:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw_...ew?usp=sharing

If that's the case and it's true and accurate I can say from logging my Wagner sport FMIC the IAT's are very similar if not the same.

Hope it just holds up with the build quality, otherwise that's a bargain option.

kpeng · 09-18-2016, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dejan_

If that's the case and it's true and accurate I can say from logging my Wagner sport FMIC the IAT's are very similar if not the same.

Hope it just holds up with the build quality, otherwise that's a bargain option.

I'm convinced they're the same.

Look at the Wagner one, the Active Autowerke, and the eBay one I have. They're identical.

GringoStar · 09-18-2016, 02:38 PM

Who is the seller on ebay? I'm building my car now and need one.

kpeng · 09-18-2016, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GringoStar

Who is the seller on ebay? I'm building my car now and need one.

yellowspeed

08-25-2016, 10:06 PM	#1
kpeng Banned 162 Rep 199 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport + E30 Super ETA Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville, FL iTrader: (0)	Kpeng's $200 eBay Intercooler Experience EL CHAMO recently posted about an intercooler for our cars that he found on eBay. $196.50 for what appears to be a Wagner replica. I went ahead and bought one and received it in the mail today. It was double packed, lined with foam, and very well packaged. When I opened it up, I was a bit surprised by the quality of it. Many aftermarket parts like these are designed in the US but sent to the same few factories in Taiwan. As a result, some times these factories (and their country's lax patent/copyright laws) will modify the designs slightly and sell it themselves. I have no doubts the seller on eBay (yellowspeed) got ahold of one of these factories and bought some. Here's a brief video I made showing the intercooler up close. At one point, a ladybug crawled on my arm and scared the shit out of me...please disregard those 2 seconds of minor freakout. Pressure tests will be done soon, I'll report back on those. Stay tuned... UPDATE 9/17/2016 I can get some more data logs soon with some hard pulls, but this is the full log from a 20 minute drive today in some stop and go traffic, 60 mph cruising, and a couple semi-hard pulls. Ambient temperature was 92 degrees. For the most part, IATs were around the 100-110 degrees mark. Car felt absolutely great. Here's a link to the full log: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw_...ew?usp=sharing Last edited by kpeng; 09-18-2016 at 12:32 PM..
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08-25-2016, 11:44 PM	#2
Minty_ New Member 13 Rep 29 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Nice video. LOL I like the ending.."Why the f*ck not".
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08-25-2016, 11:56 PM	#3
MrF30 Second Lieutenant 58 Rep 248 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Why would you have no doubt that the seller got a few of the originals? Why can't it be a replica of the original? Which would then lead to...why would it be good as the original? But really, who cares about the above because, at least for me, I only care about what the data says and how it holds up long term. I hope the datalogs are done soon. __________________ EXTERIOR: M Sport front bumper/side skirts, M3 rear bumper/fenders, black M3 kidney grilles, cf M3 mirror caps, cf MP trunk spoiler, ACS roof spoiler, side blades, black roof, Grigio Telesto, STANCE: Rotiform SPF 19"s, BC Racing BR coilovers, UUC front end-links, orange calipers, ENGINE: PS1, Wagner FMIC, Borla S-Type exhaust, quad ti tips, VRSF dp/cp, JB4, INTERIOR: ACS pedals, WeatherTech floor & BMW trunk mats
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08-26-2016, 12:11 AM	#4
_bdiddyb_ Lieutenant 215 Rep 557 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: California iTrader: (1)	It is the Wagner! I guess I paid an extra $700 for that genuine sticker.
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08-26-2016, 08:33 AM	#7
mbanks21 Colonel 1268 Rep 2,950 Posts Drives: 2015 335i MSport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: High Bridge, NJ iTrader: (8)	Looks mean nothing. How well does it work? We need logs/data to back it up. If it performs anywhere near as well as a $700 unit then they'll have a line going out the door.
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08-26-2016, 08:38 AM	#8
RoundelM3 Major General 1830 Rep 6,985 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	If it has any defects or fitment problems, what's your recourse? Can you call the vendor up and get a replacement? __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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08-26-2016, 10:03 AM	#11
TypeOne Enthuisiast 93 Rep 423 Posts Drives: G05 X5 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Baton Rouge iTrader: (0)	From the images it doesn't look as nice as the genuine Wagner, but is it really worth the extra cost? Let's see if that extra cost will lower IATs much better. ^_^ __________________ AW F80 M3 / RAYS / TOYO TIRES / BMS IG: @hybrid_david
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09-15-2016, 10:14 PM	#13
kpeng Banned 162 Rep 199 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport + E30 Super ETA Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville, FL iTrader: (0)	Intercooler went in today without a hitch. 100% fitment on mounting points and on the piping. Will have data soon.
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09-16-2016, 03:23 PM	#14
BimmerRob Lieutenant 47 Rep 486 Posts Drives: F36 435i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	how are you testing it? looking forward to the results __________________ FOR SALE - 2014 Scion FR-S 6 spd, 27,000 ODO $17k pm me 2010 e92 Mojave Metallic - farewell old friend /2013 2015 435i xDrive Gran Coupe Sparkling Brown \| Cocaine White interior \| JB4 \| BMS Intake \| Wagner Intercooler Evo I \| VRSF Downpipes \| ER Chargepipes
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09-18-2016, 12:00 AM	#18
kpeng Banned 162 Rep 199 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport + E30 Super ETA Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville, FL iTrader: (0)	I can get some more data logs soon with some hard pulls, but this is the full log from a 20 minute drive today in some stop and go traffic, 60 mph cruising, and a couple semi-hard pulls. Ambient temperature was 92 degrees. For the most part, IATs were around the 100-110 degrees mark. Car felt absolutely great. Here's a link to the full log: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw_...ew?usp=sharing
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09-18-2016, 02:38 PM	#21
GringoStar Private First Class 5 Rep 138 Posts Drives: F30 - 335i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	Who is the seller on ebay? I'm building my car now and need one. __________________ Sold: 330i, 330ci, 2003 m3 vert Sold: 09 Alpine white/Coral Red 135i 321 hp 340 to to the wheels Now: 12 alpine white/coral red 335i Power tbd
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