[portlandareae28]

My car is due for vacuum lines, is it worth the extra money for OEM? or is a good 3.5mm silicone been determined to be just as good or better?

thank you

[iqraceworks]

I've been running the 3.5mm silicone lines for a few years now....no issues. I could be wrong, but I think the silicone ones are rated for higher temps vs the OEM rubber hoses.

[portlandareae28]

which 3.5 are you running?

[BSM n54iS]

Veracious 3.5mm or FCP Euro has good ones too

[iqraceworks]

Originally Posted by portlandareae28

which 3.5 are you running?

I got mine off of ebay. I'm sure they're all probably made by the same manufacturer anyway. They seem to work great.

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

I bought a 5 meter roll of CRP 3.5mm vacuum hose on FCP. Even used it in places where the stock was braided and no issues.

[whyzee125]

Verocious platinum cured silicone lines seem to be the go to. I ran them on my old car with good results.

They were out of stock when I bought some for my current n54 so I got some comparable ones from boost controller.com, I can't remember the brand but they seem equally nice and had good reviews. I actually haven't installed them yet though as my stock ones still look great.

[portlandareae28]

Alright, hose is ordered, be here tomorrow.. Those of you that have changed all lines, what kind of time should I assume I need to swap it all out?

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by portlandareae28

Alright, hose is ordered, be here tomorrow.. Those of you that have changed all lines, what kind of time should I assume I need to swap it all out?

Everything is pretty straight forward. Not more than an hour.

There is a thread on here with quite a bit of details from everyone that has done it. I suggest you go over it for various tips and tricks.

Do one line at a time. Remove old line, measure length and then replace.

For the front turbo, I hope you have minature hands and four joints in your wrist.


https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=894084

[portlandareae28]

Thank You very much for the link, appears to be pretty straight forward except a few tight areas. Will attack it this weekend first thing one morning after the car has been sitting overnight

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Yes the front is a bitch. First time I did wasn't to bad but second time I had to do it (different car), I probably wasted an hour alone for the front one and took breaks.

That said there is a trick a forum member has come up with that might be worth. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1440745

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by portlandareae28

Thank You very much for the link, appears to be pretty straight forward except a few tight areas. Will attack it this weekend first thing one morning after the car has been sitting overnight

Don't forget to change the vacuum lines that are coming out of diverter valves and air intake manifold.

[portlandareae28]

Originally Posted by Wolf 335

Don't forget to change the vacuum lines that are coming out of diverter valves and air intake manifold.

Thank you for all of the help, I will do that side of the engine tonight when I get home from work, and do the other side likely Saturday Morning so it can be completely cooled, I don't need any burns

I was going to attack that side tomorrow morning, but now reading guys spend 2 hours on that front turbo, I am not so sure I shouldn't wait until Saturday.

[etiger13]

If you need help, let me know. I’m in Fontana. I have no idea how to do it but willing to learn as I get started on mine