[Slim415]

I know this topic has been discussed, but I've seen some conflicting info and would love input from Mike, Jeff or Tiago on this. I have a '11 335is and I don't plan on upgrading turbos unless they crap out on me in the future. This is my weekend fun car and I don't plan to track it or push the boost over 15-16. My mods are:

AFE intakes
VRSF catless DP's
VRSF charge pipe w/ BOV
Planning to get a tune in the immediate future.

[type-dRew]

buy the best intercooler you can afford, there are no downsides to a larger unit

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I know this topic has been discussed, but I've seen some conflicting info and would love input from Mike, Jeff or Tiago on this. I have a '11 335is and I don't plan on upgrading turbos unless they crap out on me in the future. This is my weekend fun car and I don't plan to track it or push the boost over 15-16. My mods are:

AFE intakes
VRSF catless DP's
VRSF charge pipe w/ BOV
Planning to get a tune in the immediate future.

5" for DD & spirited driving. 7" for track use

[Ricksosikh]

7.5 intercooler requires you to cut the guard out. It's a lot of work and retrofitting. If your not built for all that just but the 5 intercooler and call it a day.

[Smgs1992]

I went with the 7.5in competition(not the same as race) and it's been great I never see my iats more than 10degrees above ambient and they go down during a pull.
Install was easy enough. You have to remove the bumper and cut some plastic but that isn't hard and doesn't take that much longer.

[Slim415]

Also I want to mention that I live in San Francisco and rarely see temps above 65 degrees so outside temp causing heat soak wouldn't be an issue with my car.

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by Slim415

Also I want to mention that I live in San Francisco and rarely see temps above 65 degrees so outside temp causing heat soak wouldn't be an issue with my car.

Intercooler won't lower the temps below ambient it just prevents heat soak from the turbos getting hot during a pull. Meth would be what lowers temps below ambient.

[Fuel-It!]

If you don't mind a little trimming the BMS 7.5" Race intercooler is an excellent value and proven to handle as much power as you can throw at it. Has a nice flow diverter to retain even flow at lower boost levels and consistent build quality unlike some of the other options out.

[Silent9n54]

so you dont plan on going over 15-16 ?? LOL that almost NEVER happens. Once you get used to 15-16 psi its too easy to try 20 psi pull. And you would go upgraded turbos if yours die ?? Well you just answered your own question. 7.5 or dont upgrade at all

[Silent9n54]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Intercooler won't lower the temps below ambient it just prevents heat soak from the turbos getting hot during a pull. Meth would be what lowers temps below ambient.

not correct, the 7.5 FMIC heat soaks more than stock or the 5 inch. Try idling for 10 mins and tell me your IATs dont go up by a significant margin ?

Where it excels is when you do a pull the temps go drastically down, or if you are at a optimal temp. stay the same or barely move.

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by Silent11N54

not correct, the 7.5 FMIC heat soaks more than stock or the 5 inch. Try idling for 10 mins and tell me your IATs dont go up by a significant margin ?

Where it excels is when you do a pull the temps go drastically down, or if you are at a optimal temp. stay the same or barely move.

Where did I post incorrect information? When doing a pull it prevents heat soak yes? Where did I say anything about idling?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Slim415

Also I want to mention that I live in San Francisco and rarely see temps above 65 degrees so outside temp causing heat soak wouldn't be an issue with my car.

Get a VRSF 5" stepped or maybe an ARM 5" stepped. The price difference is about $70.00

VRSF will have a lower IAT ratio vs outside temps. It will not have OEM connections.

ARM's IAT's will be about 20 degrees higher than the outside air. It will have OEM connections.

The connection deal is debatable. I use OEM connections & get 19.6 psi, but I can see how the VRSF connection would/ could be better.

[alpnwss]

The real question: wait for VRSF to restock in June or just but a BMS/CSF etc.

[Silent9n54]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Where did I post incorrect information? When doing a pull it prevents heat soak yes? Where did I say anything about idling?

Well it doesnt prevent heat soak, it heat soakes even more than the smaller fmic, its just that it cools better at WOT. It gets rid of the heak soak faster.

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by type-dRew

buy the best intercooler you can afford, there are no downsides to a larger unit

This.....

It's never bad to go bigger than you might need....

[Slim415]

Originally Posted by iqraceworks

This.....

It's never bad to go bigger than you might need....

I agree and money is not the issue, I was just trying to avoid trimming the bumper or other parts

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I agree and money is not the issue, I was just trying to avoid trimming the bumper or other parts

Are you tracking your car..or is it just a fun daily driver. If just a daily...I would go with a 5"..... probably won't notice any difference at all.

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by type-dRew

buy the best intercooler you can afford, there are no downsides to a larger unit

This.

No one ever says, "I wish I had gotten a smaller less efficient intercooler"

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I agree and money is not the issue, I was just trying to avoid trimming the bumper or other parts

These won't be as efficient as a VRSF, but for the price point & if you are not tracking the car, you can't beat it.


https://www.armmotorsports.com/category-s/107.htm

[Smgs1992]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I agree and money is not the issue, I was just trying to avoid trimming the bumper or other parts

Well you don't trim the bumper just some plastic around the radiator and core support. It's pretty simple just cut it all out if you go with a 7.5in.
I'd say it depends on your driving. If you are just doing some spirited driving without much WOT. The 5in will probably be fine. If you plan to do multiple pulls go bigger.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I know this topic has been discussed, but I've seen some conflicting info and would love input from Mike, Jeff or Tiago on this. I have a '11 335is and I don't plan on upgrading turbos unless they crap out on me in the future. This is my weekend fun car and I don't plan to track it or push the boost over 15-16. My mods are:

AFE intakes
VRSF catless DP's
VRSF charge pipe w/ BOV
Planning to get a tune in the immediate future.

The answer is conflicting cause there is no right or wrong answer for 95% of people in the FBO range.

You will suffice with a quality 5" or 7.5" for sure.

VRSF 7.5" Competition FMIC is the more popular option. It's good for FBO or FBO + Upgraded Turbos.

[Saif2018]

Originally Posted by Slim415

I know this topic has been discussed, but I've seen some conflicting info and would love input from Mike, Jeff or Tiago on this. I have a '11 335is and I don't plan on upgrading turbos unless they crap out on me in the future. This is my weekend fun car and I don't plan to track it or push the boost over 15-16. My mods are:

AFE intakes
VRSF catless DP's
VRSF charge pipe w/ BOV
Planning to get a tune in the immediate future.

15-16 psi?

A good 5 inch intercooler is more than sufficient then.