[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by CarAbuser

I decided to upgrade from my old BMS intercooler to a CSF one on my 335i. Followed the cutting guide and it fit in perfect without removing any more plastic than required. Thanks for taking the time to detail it so well.

Was a lot more hassle than the Z4 install bit worth it for the cooling power.

How do you like it performance wise?

[CarAbuser]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

How do you like it performance wise?

I've tried a few intercoolers and settled on the CSF one for both cars now. The performance is up there with 7.5" options but it's relatively compact and light for what it achieves. Fitment on the Z4 was a breeze, on the 335 it was more hassle but only because of the trimming. The coupler on the hot side needed a bit of finessing but the cold side was easy.

The build quality is also good. The welds are tidy and the paintwork has held up well on my first one for 18 months without any rock chips. The mounting solution is also a big improvement over the standard screws, you get more bite into the plastic fan shroud so less risk of stripping out.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by CarAbuser

I've tried a few intercoolers and settled on the CSF one for both cars now. The performance is up there with 7.5" options but it's relatively compact and light for what it achieves. Fitment on the Z4 was a breeze, on the 335 it was more hassle but only because of the trimming. The coupler on the hot side needed a bit of finessing but the cold side was easy.

The build quality is also good. The welds are tidy and the paintwork has held up well on my first one for 18 months without any rock chips. The mounting solution is also a big improvement over the standard screws, you get more bite into the plastic fan shroud so less risk of stripping out.

[bigchad93]

Old thread I know but I have a question for those that have installed the csf 5” stepped intercooler on an e90. Does it sit flush with the radiator support or does it hang down below by a bit? I want to snug it up more because I feel like it sits ridiculously low but it appears there’s no room with the radiator and I’m afraid to snug up on those studs as I did have to “squeeze” them inward to slide intercooler on.

[CarAbuser]

The mounting tabs of the intercooler should sit flush with the plastic support it screws into. You might need to trim more of the plastic shroud to get it to go higher.

Attached a photo of my car after replacing the front bumper. It's a SE bumper so not direct comparison but it's out of the way enough to get the undertray on.

[bigchad93]

Originally Posted by CarAbuser

The mounting tabs of the intercooler should sit flush with the plastic support it screws into. You might need to trim more of the plastic shroud to get it to go higher.

Attached a photo of my car after replacing the front bumper. It's a SE bumper so not direct comparison but it's out of the way enough to get the undertray on.

Awesome thank you! I’ll pull bumper cover today and see where it still needs trimmed.