[Spammer]

Did a lot of research but did not find my exact car/charge pipe install anywhere so i figured i would post mine here. Hopefully it helps someone the way all the other posts of installs helped me. (Cross posted from n54 forums. Figured it would help here too.

Rhino stands work well for this. I have plenty of clearance to work under the car. 39.99 on Amazon. I used a floor jack as a backup in case one failed.


My blown charge pipe. 36k miles and JB4 Stage 2 Map 5.


The TB disconnect was easy. Had to remove the whole sensor first as it was quite the maneuver remove the OEM CP and didn't want to damage the map sensor. There is under bracing near the lower CP that has to be overcome to remove it from the top. Take your time there is some plumbing underneath you don't want to damage by forcing it.


I used a flat head screw drive to 'pop' off the black tabs that hold the lower charge pipe clip in. Don't worry about hurting the black tab fitting when you pop it off, it is not reused.

VRSF CP finally came.


Packaged pretty well.



Use a little silicone grease on the sensor o-ring to get it in there. Its very snug but some grease it goes on easily with soft steady pressure.


I had to go under the car with a piece of wood and wedge it between an engine brace and the top CP to get leverage to push it on the TB nice and snug. I could not do it by hand.


The bottom was exceptionally easier. Snugged right up and clipped on tight.


Took my time tighting both t-bolt clamps. It was easier for me to put everything on loose get both upper and lower clips on first and then tighten the t-bolts on the silicone.


And the last part of course, installing the BMS Intake. Was very easy no need for a write up.



All and all i used the ER Charge pipe PDF as a guide. I did it my own way but for the most part followed the guide located in this thread.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1151005



Car sounds great, only on Map1 right now, might do map 5 auto learn later on once im confident its broken in.

The BMS intake, WOW what a difference in sound. You can hear the turbo spooling up great now and the DV now sounds almost like a BOV its so predominant.

As far as the VRSF CP its great, it gets the job done. It doesn't LOOK as nice as the ER does, but its also almost 200 cheaper. Its got it where it needs it though.
Good fitment, super snug on TB and IC, quality clamps and stock OEM black look.

Tiago at vrsf was a great help, got the pipe out to me in 4 days and i couldn't be happier.

I hope this helps someone as you've all helped me alot already.

Thanks!

[ETexas335]

Did my CP over the weekend and had a similar experience. I still cant believe the crappy factory CP - mine blew out, totally stock at 54K miles. Car feels stronger than before, but I'm thinking I was starting to lose some boost before it blew so the gradual loss of power was probably masked somewhat.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Nice!

Thank you for the DIY guide

[Tiago@VRSF]

Great to hear you're enjoying the chargepipe! I'm glad we could be part of your build!

[f32alex]

what are the symptoms of a blown charge pipe?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by scuph

what are the symptoms of a blown charge pipe?

Boost leak

[wdeerfield]

do they have one for the xdrive yet? there are very few options for us xdrive guys.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Our XI chargepipes should arrive and ship in the next couple days

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Our XI chargepipes should arrive and ship in the next couple days

im out of new vehicle warranty so its time to place a few orders. pairing your CP with your FMIC is step one for me.

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

im out of new vehicle warranty so its time to place a few orders. pairing your CP with your FMIC is step one for me.

Do the DP too while you're under there

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

im out of new vehicle warranty so its time to place a few orders. pairing your CP with your FMIC is step one for me.

Very good start

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

Do the DP too while you're under there

+1

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

Do the DP too while you're under there

I'm in ny. Don't want to deal with figuring out how to pass emissions

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

I'm in ny. Don't want to deal with figuring out how to pass emissions

I am too

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by wdeerfield

I'm in ny. Don't want to deal with figuring out how to pass emissions

Returning to stock would be the easiest. Or $$$$ someone to look the other way

[wdeerfield]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Returning to stock would be the easiest. Or $$$$ someone to look the other way

Doesn't work that way. Swap back on xdrive is too much of a hassle and you need readiness monitors to pass. Can't "look the other way" like we can for tint on inspections

[oma3710]

Did u have to remove the big triangular brace? Below is the pic.

[oma3710]

Never mind. I got the chargepipe installed without taking the brace off. To install the intercooler you will have to take it off. Does anyone know the size of the torx that are on the front of the brace?

[heliskiier]

Originally Posted by oma3710

Did u have to remove the big triangular brace? Below is the pic.

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I have a convertible with that big brace. Is it just a matter of removing bolts to take it off? Just want to be sure before I get under the car and mess with those 20 screws to take off the bottom plate when I'm doing my intercooler. Also is it possible to work with only half the bottom pan down?

[SJLenz1340]

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

I am too

If emissions is of concern, as it was for myself, buy Active Autowerks catted down pipe. It is the only one I know of that is EPA certified and it will not throw a CEL, more importantly all monitors show as ready. Just passed my test in the peoples republic of Illinois.