[Bimmerman_87]

I have a 07 e90 335xi and just ordered the VRSF 7 inch intercooler with the lower charge pipe upgrade. My question is, is it easy instal or should I seek a shop to do it for me, if so any good shops in south jersey that won't break my wallet?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

If you have to ask...
I always say if you have to ask you should seek a professional shop.

[GetSomeE92]

Are you the DIY type? If so, it is doable. I installed mine by myself with the front of the car up on jack stands. Trimming the shroud with a Dremel isn't difficult (wear eye protection as the plastic melts and flies everywhere, and the cutting wheels can break). The most time consuming part was getting the upgraded lower charge pipe in place and the stock one out, as well as getting the clamps tightened due to the space constraints. Make sure you have the right size wrenches and it isn't that bad, though.

[stanlalee]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

If you have to ask...
I always say if you have to ask you should seek a professional shop.

Well I don't know about that. I mean if there is ever a DIY to explore beyond doing your own intake or charge pipe an intercooler has got to be it. Its easy to get to, easy to take the old out and beyond being able to use a dremel and fit hose clamps even a frustrated novice could get it done before throwing in the towel. Its more of a do I want to do it question than a can I do it question.

[Maniac0908]

What is the lower charge pupe upgrade? I want to order one/ wait for someone to sell theres.

[thaar]

I have yet to do it, but it certainly doesn't look like a difficult install. Let me see if I can find the video I watched...

Edit - here's the vid:

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by stanlalee

Well I don't know about that. I mean if there is ever a DIY to explore beyond doing your own intake or charge pipe an intercooler has got to be it. Its easy to get to, easy to take the old out and beyond being able to use a dremel and fit hose clamps even a frustrated novice could get it done before throwing in the towel. Its more of a do I want to do it question than a can I do it question.

Well I hate speaking for the OP. However, I do find the install quite simple myself.

However, when some people hear of possibly removing the bumper or even bringing out a socket set they quiver.

I think the biggest turn off with the 7" intercoolers is they need to trim some of the bumper shroud. It's not really a hard job necessarily but it could be tedious depending on what tools are being used.

There is at least 3 or 4 you tube videos on installation for intercoolers on this platform.

[Tiago@VRSF]

The install is pretty easy if you have average know how, shouldn't take more than 1.5-2 hours for a first timer with the correct tools. If you don't have at least a dremel or a reciprocating saw and patience, I'd have a shop install them.

[deadmn1337]

Definitely doable just make sure you have a dremel or something to cut the OEM connector off the hot side. Also i found it is way easier to fit in, when you have the bumper still attach, if you take the fan out which is only one screw on the top and hook half down on the opposite side.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The install is pretty easy if you have average know how, shouldn't take more than 1.5-2 hours for a first timer with the correct tools. If you don't have at least a dremel or a reciprocating saw and patience, I'd have a shop install them.

Good advice..

Mike

[Bimmerman_87]

Originally Posted by GetSomeE92

Are you the DIY type? If so, it is doable. I installed mine by myself with the front of the car up on jack stands. Trimming the shroud with a Dremel isn't difficult (wear eye protection as the plastic melts and flies everywhere, and the cutting wheels can break). The most time consuming part was getting the upgraded lower charge pipe in place and the stock one out, as well as getting the clamps tightened due to the space constraints. Make sure you have the right size wrenches and it isn't that bad, though.

Yes and no when it comes to DIY things. Like I know how to do my plugs and coil packs or my oil change, install lip kits, and taking off the bumper....I can do it I'm sure but I'm just worried about making that 7 inch intercooler fit properly. I really don't want to do a half assed job, if the price is right I'll just get a shop to do it.

[AlpineSwift]

If you can take off a bumper, coil packs, plugs, change your oil, etc. then this install should be easy. Just cover the fins and top section of the FMIC with painters tape or frog tape and test fit it while you're shaving the shroud down. I'd say removing and installing the intake manifold is a more complicated process than this and that's relatively simple as well.

[GetSomeE92]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

If you can take off a bumper, coil packs, plugs, change your oil, etc. then this install should be easy. Just cover the fins and top section of the FMIC with painters tape or frog tape and test fit it while you're shaving the shroud down. I'd say removing and installing the intake manifold is a more complicated process than this and that's relatively simple as well.

Don't bother shaving the shroud down little by little. I did one test fit to see how wide of an area I was going to have to hack off and then I just cut the whole thing off from the top so I didn't have to bother with it too long.