[Mad Max]

Hi Everyone!

This is my first thread on the forums, as I recently got 2017 F30 330ix this year and am starting to look into beginner mods such as Charge Pipe, Intake and Stage 1. I will specify that my car has the B46 engine.

I've read all over that the stock BMW Charge pipe is plastic and usually cracks when under increased boost (or even stock boost sometimes), so that would be the first mod for me. However, I have a few questions and uncertainties that id like to discuss here.

1. Ive heard that for the 6-cyl engines, theyve beefed up the Charge Pipes on the later versions post LCI, but couldnt find anything relating to this on the 4-cyl. Does anyone know if the stock BMW Charge pipe is the same in a 328i vs 330i? with the N vs B engine designations.

2. After looking at and researching the B46/B48 FTP Charge Pipe (which is the least expensive option), I've seen some reports that it could increase temps slightly due to it being aluminum vs. plastic, which obviously conducts more heat. Anyone have any personal experience with this, or any other downsides with their aftermarket charge pipes?

3. Has anyone had CEL(s) after installing an aftermarket Charge Pipe on their otherwise stock cars? So far I've had no issues with my vehicle and would like to keep it that way. I have an ODB2 reader due to owning some older models as well so it does not worry me too much, but id rather not spend 350-400 CAD$ on a piece that ill need to change back out again to get peace of mind.

Sorry for the bunch of questions, I just want to make sure I'm making the right call. I've already contacted a local performance shop where I live and they can get the part, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Thanks in advance!
Cheers

[GreenF30N26]

The charge pipe on the N20/26 and B46/B48 engines does not suffer from the same defect as the N55. I have yet to hear of a single person on this forum blowing one on either of the 4-cyl engines. Some people will say it's a good piece of mind, but there are many people out there running stage 2 tunes with stock charge pipes. Save the money or use it elsewhere.

[sqwinny]

I have yet to blow any charge/boost pipe on my N20. Stage 2, 20-23 psi of boost. I personally am in the process of changing mine due to age (124k miles) and they cost the same as oem to prevent boost leaks and cracking with age. The n20 charge pipe is pretty sturdy. I can see it breaking if motor mounts become worn and you have excessive engine movement.

All things considered, if you have the funds and time to do so, might as well change it and never worry about it again as you are going from plastic to aluminum. The craking usually occurs at the bends or where the pipes attach at the ends. Conducting heat with coated aluminum isn't anything to worry about as the aluminum pipe is coated and resists heat absorption.

[alohasurftoad]

you don't need charge pipe or intake. i haven't read of any issues with b46/48 charge pipe failing and the stock intake is an excellent flowing cold air intake.

the only thing i'd upgrade for stage 1 flash is the intake(aka inlet) pipe and maybe a high flow drop-in panel air filter. you really don't even need the filter, though.

https://www.ftpmotorsport.com.tw/pro...ipe-inlet-pipe

[phdat28]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

you don't need charge pipe or intake. i haven't read of any issues with b46/48 charge pipe failing and the stock intake is an excellent flowing cold air intake.

the only thing i'd upgrade for stage 1 flash is the intake(aka inlet) pipe and maybe a high flow drop-in panel air filter. you really don't even need the filter, though.

https://www.ftpmotorsport.com.tw/pro...ipe-inlet-pipe

Stage 1, VRSF charge pipe sitting in storage. 3 months now. I'm just waiting til the day my OEM cp gives up l, but it hasn't yet.

Maybe I should resell it. Anybody interested?

[Avaley]

not sure why people keep going to the charge pipe as the first upgrade???

Should always be bm3 followed by downpipe.

Upgrades should always be made with consideration of horse power and torque gains per dollar.

[Avaley]

I would say do tune and intake first if you are keeping stage 1, and then when/if you decide to stage 2, downpipe and chargepipe together.

I recommend you speak to Mike @ extreme powerhouse and look at the B48 combo kits which will save you a lot of money.

[Avaley]

My recommendation:

https://x-ph.com/f-chassis-n20-n26-b...ue-combo-deal/

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by Avaley

My recommendation:
https://x-ph.com/f-chassis-n20-n26-b...ue-combo-deal/

op has a b46. it has a water/air intercooler which works fine and no issues of the oem cp failing(unlike N55 6cyl).

[Avaley]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

op has a b46. it has a water/air intercooler which works fine and no issues of the oem cp failing(unlike N55 6cyl).

too many variants and both n20/b48 in same forum...my bad, I bought this exact deal and it saved me quite a bit from individually buying parts.

https://x-ph.com/bootmod3-downpipe-c...48-combo-deal/

[Mad Max]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

op has a b46. it has a water/air intercooler which works fine and no issues of the oem cp failing(unlike N55 6cyl).

Yes exactly B46.

Unfortunately I dont see any package deals for B46 with BM3, only this one for Intake + Charge Pipes:

https://x-ph.com/ftp-f2x-f3x-b48-cha...e-intake-pipe/

So you guys would really just recommend BM3 + maybe an intake? And yes I do intend do just keep stage 1.

What would be the benefits / drawbacks vs. something like JB+?

[j.f.leonard]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Yes exactly B46.

Unfortunately I dont see any package deals for B46 with BM3, only this one for Intake + Charge Pipes:

https://x-ph.com/ftp-f2x-f3x-b48-cha...e-intake-pipe/

So you guys would really just recommend BM3 + maybe an intake? And yes I do intend do just keep stage 1.

What would be the benefits / drawbacks vs. something like JB+?

In my recent research on the same topic (but for an n20, same concepts) BM3 is alot safer for the car and alot smoother in the power delivery.

[Mad Max]

Originally Posted by j.f.leonard

In my recent research on the same topic (but for an n20, same concepts) BM3 is alot safer for the car and alot smoother in the power delivery.

Thanks!

600$ wouldnt be too back BUT since im in Canada, that would be 600 USD which is closer to 800-825 USD

Also, my warranty is up in march, so maybe would be best to wait till then?

[sqwinny]

Issue with the b46 is that it's not too common. chargepipe, downpipe are different and it would be hard to make a combo deal as its hard to work with the price on those from vendors by moving lots of volume. Reach out to mike or one of the forum sponsors and they can set something up for you personally.

Evolution raceworks makes all the downpipes those by hand and it depends by chassis as well as rwd/awd.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Yes exactly B46.

Unfortunately I dont see any package deals for B46 with BM3, only this one for Intake + Charge Pipes:

https://x-ph.com/ftp-f2x-f3x-b48-cha...e-intake-pipe/

So you guys would really just recommend BM3 + maybe an intake? And yes I do intend do just keep stage 1.

What would be the benefits / drawbacks vs. something like JB+?

If you do not see the combo deal you are looking for on the website, please feel free to send me a list of the parts you wish to get and i'll take care of it

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

So you guys would really just recommend BM3 + maybe an intake? And yes I do intend do just keep stage 1.

If you really want an intake, have at it.

IMO the bottleneck is at turbo inlet, so no matter how good your intake is flowing wont matter. I say a FTP inlet pipe and high flow filter in stock the stock airbox along with BM3 and you're set

[watermannc]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Hi Everyone!

This is my first thread on the forums, as I recently got 2017 F30 330ix this year and am starting to look into beginner mods such as Charge Pipe, Intake and Stage 1. I will specify that my car has the B46 engine.

I've read all over that the stock BMW Charge pipe is plastic and usually cracks when under increased boost (or even stock boost sometimes), so that would be the first mod for me. However, I have a few questions and uncertainties that id like to discuss here.

1. Ive heard that for the 6-cyl engines, theyve beefed up the Charge Pipes on the later versions post LCI, but couldnt find anything relating to this on the 4-cyl. Does anyone know if the stock BMW Charge pipe is the same in a 328i vs 330i? with the N vs B engine designations.

2. After looking at and researching the B46/B48 FTP Charge Pipe (which is the least expensive option), I've seen some reports that it could increase temps slightly due to it being aluminum vs. plastic, which obviously conducts more heat. Anyone have any personal experience with this, or any other downsides with their aftermarket charge pipes?

3. Has anyone had CEL(s) after installing an aftermarket Charge Pipe on their otherwise stock cars? So far I've had no issues with my vehicle and would like to keep it that way. I have an ODB2 reader due to owning some older models as well so it does not worry me too much, but id rather not spend 350-400 CAD$ on a piece that ill need to change back out again to get peace of mind.

Sorry for the bunch of questions, I just want to make sure I'm making the right call. I've already contacted a local performance shop where I live and they can get the part, just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Thanks in advance!
Cheers

I'm just gonna let you know, the chargepipe isn't AS necessary for our engines. For the b46 (I'm not sure about b48) we have an air to water cooling system. If I were you, I would rather go for an open air intake or an exhaust if you want better sound. This is assuming you don't want to void your warranty due to the fact that your car is a 2017 model. If you would like to live dangerously however, I would suggest going for an ER catless downpipe paired with a bm3 stage 2 tune. This is the best way to increase a lot of hp without using as much $$$ 👍

Also want to let you know, the FTP chargepipe is a great option if you would like to get rid of the cheap plastic one. It won't increase your temps so you won't have to worry about that 😂, quite the silly thing actually. I'm also using their chargepipe in my car but I am pushing a little bit more boost. All in all, it's a good product that will definitely be necessary if you want to upgrade your turbo or turn up the boost later down the line!

[Avaley]

Originally Posted by watermannc

I'm just gonna let you know, the chargepipe isn't AS necessary for our engines. For the b46 (I'm not sure about b48) we have an air to water cooling system. If I were you, I would rather go for an open air intake or an exhaust if you want better sound. This is assuming you don't want to void your warranty due to the fact that your car is a 2017 model. If you would like to live dangerously however, I would suggest going for an ER catless downpipe paired with a bm3 stage 2 tune. This is the best way to increase a lot of hp without using as much $$$ 👍

Also want to let you know, the FTP chargepipe is a great option if you would like to get rid of the cheap plastic one. It won't increase your temps so you won't have to worry about that 😂, quite the silly thing actually. I'm also using their chargepipe in my car but I am pushing a little bit more boost. All in all, it's a good product that will definitely be necessary if you want to upgrade your turbo or turn up the boost later down the line!

+1 this is solid advice.

ER makes a great chargepipe kit as well, its not as cheap as FTP, but i've always believed in buy once cry once and you get what you pay for.

I had a ER catless downpipe delivered with ceramic black coat and am impressed with the machining quality.

Will have some sound videos on for y'all in the future.

[Avaley]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

If you really want an intake, have at it.

IMO the bottleneck is at turbo inlet, so no matter how good your intake is flowing wont matter. I say a FTP inlet pipe and high flow filter in stock the stock airbox along with BM3 and you're set

some full intake kits replace the inlet pipe as well. there is a debate of heat soak but imo the best bang for buck intakes are either stock with K&N filter, the mentioned above, the MST closed box kit and the Injen open air intake.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Avaley

+1 this is solid advice.

ER makes a great chargepipe kit as well, its not as cheap as FTP, but i've always believed in buy once cry once and you get what you pay for.

I had a ER catless downpipe delivered with ceramic black coat and am impressed with the machining quality.

Will have some sound videos on for y'all in the future.

Looking forward to the videos

[chowser51]

Running BM3 stage 1 for almost a year. B46. Stock everything. No issues.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by chowser51

Running BM3 stage 1 for almost a year. B46. Stock everything. No issues.