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      04-06-2019, 05:14 PM   #1
skyactiv0
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N55 Charge Pipe - VRSF vs ER

So I'm planning on purchasing a new chargepipe for my 2014 435i xDrive. After doing some research, it appears that the VRSF chargepipe has an issue where the fitment is hit or miss.

Is this still the case? Or am I better off, just spending more for the ER chargepipe?

Thanks guys!
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      04-06-2019, 05:27 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skyactiv0 View Post
So I'm planning on purchasing a new chargepipe for my 2014 435i xDrive. After doing some research, it appears that the VRSF chargepipe has an issue where the fitment is hit or miss.

Is this still the case? Or am I better off, just spending more for the ER chargepipe?

Thanks guys!
I think its just a tight fit regardless. I have installed a VRSF CP on my F32 RWD and it slid right onto the TB. However, the ER CP on my old N54 was a pain due to the power steering pump as close as it was (E60).

As long as your patient and not forcing anything with a crowbar... and the biggest suggestions is, don't get discouraged and jump on a forum pissed off to find out there was something that you possibly overlooked during install.

***Side note that on my VRSF CP, the tmap was a very tight fit. Use a little lube or oil and press in. At least you know there wont be a boost leak there =)
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      04-06-2019, 06:07 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RSicks View Post
I think its just a tight fit regardless. I have installed a VRSF CP on my F32 RWD and it slid right onto the TB. However, the ER CP on my old N54 was a pain due to the power steering pump as close as it was (E60).

As long as your patient and not forcing anything with a crowbar... and the biggest suggestions is, don't get discouraged and jump on a forum pissed off to find out there was something that you possibly overlooked during install.

***Side note that on my VRSF CP, the tmap was a very tight fit. Use a little lube or oil and press in. At least you know there wont be a boost leak there =)
To clarify I didn't mean squeezing the pipe through the car, I've seen a few tutorials and it does look like it would be a tight fit. I think the issues that I've read about was that for some, the pipe wouldn't align properly or fit with the different inputs/ports that it needs to attach to. If that makes sense
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      04-06-2019, 06:58 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skyactiv0 View Post
To clarify I didn't mean squeezing the pipe through the car, I've seen a few tutorials and it does look like it would be a tight fit. I think the issues that I've read about was that for some, the pipe wouldn't align properly or fit with the different inputs/ports that it needs to attach to. If that makes sense
Ah, I think that was a X-drive thing. In that case, I am not too familiar. Never heard of anything as far as connections to the FMIC and charge pipe. However, I have heard about it being extremely close to the axle. Hopefully someone with a X-drive install will chime in, sorry I couldn't be more help
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      04-06-2019, 08:13 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skyactiv0 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by RSicks View Post
I think its just a tight fit regardless. I have installed a VRSF CP on my F32 RWD and it slid right onto the TB. However, the ER CP on my old N54 was a pain due to the power steering pump as close as it was (E60).

As long as your patient and not forcing anything with a crowbar... and the biggest suggestions is, don't get discouraged and jump on a forum pissed off to find out there was something that you possibly overlooked during install.

***Side note that on my VRSF CP, the tmap was a very tight fit. Use a little lube or oil and press in. At least you know there wont be a boost leak there =)
To clarify I didn't mean squeezing the pipe through the car, I've seen a few tutorials and it does look like it would be a tight fit. I think the issues that I've read about was that for some, the pipe wouldn't align properly or fit with the different inputs/ports that it needs to attach to. If that makes sense
I've got a VRSF cp and it fit my stock IC and my VRSF Race IC perfectly.

The tmap is a very tight fit as stated earlier so you can lube it a bit if you'd like, but I've made it fit without that.
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      04-06-2019, 08:55 PM   #6
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I have vrsf chargepipe on my xdrive. I had no issues with fitment. Some firm pressure while the engine was warm and it popped right on. I made sure to oil the o ring prior to install and it went right on. The c clip is holding it great. I've had it on over a year now.
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      04-06-2019, 09:24 PM   #7
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I've always run the ER myself and can confirm it's nice, but don't forget to checkout the BMS F30 pipe too. Fits nicely and is a pretty good value. Most vendors around here carry it too. Just note the Xi and RWD have different part numbers so make sure you get the right one!

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      04-06-2019, 09:56 PM   #8
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since you live in canada...

https://www.ctsturbo.com/product/cts...pe-set-xdrive/
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      04-06-2019, 11:33 PM   #9
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I have an ER and it works perfect. I did have a VRSF on my e90 and that was good as well just to add that.
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      04-07-2019, 12:46 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alohasurftoad View Post
+1; just installed mine today, quality is great, fitment is perfect and snug. No leaks, no issues.
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      04-07-2019, 01:45 AM   #11
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I just did an ER CP/TIC/FMIC all in the same day on an RWD. It took longer than anticipated but eventually got the pipes to connect. The fitment of the pipes was ok, but spend the time to align the pieces to the right orientation before installing in the engine bay.

I suspect what slowed me down is it was 42° F outside so everything was a tad stiff and the mounting the intercooler was just a pain from underneath for me. Really tight space for all of the pieces. Not as bad as the ER downpipe though.
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      04-07-2019, 09:31 AM   #12
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CTS Turbo makes great stuff just did their Intercooler and dp
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      04-07-2019, 01:28 PM   #13
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Go ER I just swapped my VRSF for ER and when it came it that shit was all destroyed from rubbing on the steering column. Although I've heard they've changed the design recently.
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      04-07-2019, 05:37 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by alohasurftoad View Post
Thanks for the heads up, haven't heard of this brand, but a few people here have spoken highly of your recommendation!
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      04-07-2019, 05:39 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by mikeycons View Post
Go ER I just swapped my VRSF for ER and when it came it that shit was all destroyed from rubbing on the steering column. Although I've heard they've changed the design recently.
Damn, that's frustrating, after using ER, have you had any issues with it? i.e. boost leak issues? Or popping out?
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      04-07-2019, 05:42 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skyactiv0 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeycons View Post
Go ER I just swapped my VRSF for ER and when it came it that shit was all destroyed from rubbing on the steering column. Although I've heard they've changed the design recently.
Damn, that's frustrating, after using ER, have you had any issues with it? i.e. boost leak issues? Or popping out?
Nope no problem
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      04-07-2019, 07:47 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by skyactiv0 View Post
Thanks for the heads up, haven't heard of this brand, but a few people here have spoken highly of your recommendation!
cts turbo is well known in the vw/audi world and getting more known in the bmw/mini world. high quality, no fitment issues and reasonable prices. they just had a tax season sale where the charge pipe price was a steal at $186.99 shipped. at $219.99 it's still a great deal.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...light=ctsturbo

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1586441&page=4
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      04-07-2019, 07:53 PM   #18
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I have a 2013 xdrive and went with ER black. love it. great fitment no issues.
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      04-09-2019, 10:21 PM   #19
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Quote:
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I have a 2013 xdrive and went with ER black. love it. great fitment no issues.
Congrats
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      04-09-2019, 10:53 PM   #20
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Decided to go with the CTS charge pipe, thanks for the inputs!
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      08-11-2019, 09:37 AM   #21
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N55 VRSF Charge Pipe

I have a VRSF on my E90 N55 and it rubs against the power steering reservoir hose. I think this has led to leaking at the throttle body end, so I'm looking to go with another brand.
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      08-11-2019, 12:52 PM   #22
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Here's my VRSF after about 10,000 miles. Poorly designed imo as it shouldn't be that close to the steering column.
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