[Icecph]

I did quite some research, and most of them comes to the conclusion of 'any' aftermarket FMIC would be better than OEM, as stock ones are underwhelming.
I also saw that CP is recommended at the same time, is this true?

Question is, does the brand matter a lot in terms of FMIC and CP?
Which brands are more preferable and would it be problematic if I bought a rather cheaper one?

Lastly, with no experience replacing any mechanic parts, is it risky to do the change yourself or is it better at Indy shops?
For 440i GC B58

Photo attached is G-Plus aluminum FMIC
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079P...EKSP&psc=1
For Bmw 3 Series F30 F31 / 4 Series F32 F33
Inlet / outlet size: 2 3/8"
50 % + More Volume Air Flow Then Oem Intercooler
Max Horsepower Capacity: 500hp+
Vehicle Tested. Perfect Fit. 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

[Tpriest7893]

Hey man,
You don't need to do the charge pipe at the same time but it's reccomended because of how the install goes. Your stock will fail. My stock failed at 70k miles with no tune or anything. So if you have the $ do it at same time.

In terms of brand, it matters. Depends on how the use of car will be and how far you will be pushing it. ER is great, ATM is great, AA is great, I personally went VRSF because I daily my car and don't do crazy pulls a lot and just wanted something better then stock that wasn't breaking the bank and it's doing the job.

Also, install isn't bad. I took my intercooler and charge pipe out just with Ramps under my car and did it in my drive way. Hardest part was just getting the charge pipe to angle correctly since it's 2 separate pieces connected with a silicone housing. I went VRSF 5" HD IC & BMS charge pipe. Both do the job and price was great. 350 & 219

[ronanz]

Originally Posted by Icecph

I did quite some research, and most of them comes to the conclusion of 'any' aftermarket FMIC would be better than OEM, as stock ones are underwhelming.
I also saw that CP is recommended at the same time, is this true?

Question is, does the brand matter a lot in terms of FMIC and CP?
Which brands are more preferable and would it be problematic if I bought a rather cheaper one?

Lastly, with no experience replacing any mechanic parts, is it risky to do the change yourself or is it better at Indy shops?
For 440i GC N55

Photo attached is G-Plus aluminum FMIC
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B079P...J92GEKSP&psc=1
For Bmw 3 Series F30 F31 / 4 Series F32 F33
Inlet / outlet size: 2 3/8"
50 % + More Volume Air Flow Then Oem Intercooler
Max Horsepower Capacity: 500hp+
Vehicle Tested. Perfect Fit. 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty

I'd first start with verifying your engine type....then re-research

.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by ronanz

I'd first start with verifying your engine type....then re-research.

+1

@Icecph, since you have a 440i, it means your engine is a B58.

it also means you do not need to change your charge pipe nor fmic, since you have a different type of intercooler altogether.

consider doing more research and becoming more informed about your B58 engine, here...https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=663

[Icecph]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

+1

@Icecph, since you have a 440i, it means your engine is a B58.

it also means you do not need to change your charge pipe nor fmic, since you have a different type of intercooler altogether.

consider doing more research and becoming more informed about your B58 engine, here...https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=663

Whoops my bad, I meant B58 LOL was a typo
And i guess there isn't any conventional mods available for it then, after looking up in general, as the intercooler is now integrated into the intake manifold.

[Icecph]

Originally Posted by ronanz

I'd first start with verifying your engine type....then re-research

.

Lol my bad, it was a typo. I do mean B58.
But i did own a N55 engine before on a different model in which I was researching. kinda lost track I guess. Hahaha

And just looked up, guess there ain't gonna be any changes as it's almost impossible to change. Even if there is available aftermarket intercooler, which I saw for 340i B58 during my search, it is very expensive...

[johnung]

Originally Posted by Icecph

Lol my bad, it was a typo. I do mean B58.
But i did own a N55 engine before on a different model in which I was researching. kinda lost track I guess. Hahaha

And just looked up, guess there ain't gonna be any changes as it's almost impossible to change. Even if there is available aftermarket intercooler, which I saw for 340i B58 during my search, it is very expensive...

Since B58 engine has a water to air intercooler, the way to enhance cooling on a B58 is to actually change the car's radiator to a larger capacity model. I believe Wagner and others make them. Check with Mike at X-PH since he would know the radiator options and if it would even be needed in your case.

The most obvious first mod might be a BootMod3 Stage1 tune which wouldn't require any hardware upgrades. You probably would want to drop in a better air filter such as an aFe Pro Dry. Later if you want to upgrade to a BM3 Stage2 tune, that would require an upgrade to a catted or catless high flow downpipe. Then you'll have things like cost, gasoline smell and emissions in your state to consider.

Hope this helps!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Icecph

Question is, does the brand matter a lot in terms of FMIC and CP?
Which brands are more preferable and would it be problematic if I bought a rather cheaper one?

Yes brands matter. Good intercoolers provide a balance between temp control, pressure air drop, temp recovery and weight.

You want an intercooler that keep temps down but also has a good pressure air drop to minimize turbo lag.