[tscdennab]

Hi,

In my preparation for GIAC Stage 2 I have ordered the Wagner Tuning intercooler kit. Someone on this forum mentioned this intercooler and I quickly realised that this is ideal for me.

What convinced me to get it:

- They used computerized testing of the air flow / temperature properties. This is what I expect from a quality intercooler.
- The endtanks are cast and computer-tested for airflow properties
- I figured that rougly twice the pressure (GIAC 16psi compared to 8.xpsi stock) requires roughly twice internal cooling volume because the high-pressure air spends half the time in the intercooler compared to stock (my dumb theory at least, I may be wrong )
- It is less tall than other stepped core intercoolers, so it covers less of the water radiator.
- The piping is extensive and includes bits that other intercoolers do not. I don't have to cut the original piping on my car. The accordion hose may have a role in the stock car (I am not sure which, but why would BMW use a more expensive accordion hose instead of a straight hose ?). The clamps are also high quality (Norma brand).
- It is already anodized ($100 option on other intercoolers).
- The price including shipping is the same as any other intercooler I could have oredered from the US.
- Located in Europe, fast shipping to where I live

Through some tax engineering and heavy negotiation I managed to get it for about $800 shipping included. But you can't get this price if you live outside EU, however.

Sorry if this post was useless. I will post a review as soon as I install it !

[tscdennab]

Reserved for review.

[enrita]

great choice, thats probably the best IC out there.

[Big Tom]

Originally Posted by tscdennab

Someone on this forum mentioned this intercooler and I quickly realised that this is ideal for me.

That one could be me...

Good luck with it! I really think this is a very good choice.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

That one could be me...

Yup ! Thanks

[Penn999]

Originally Posted by enrita

great choice, thats probably the best IC out there.

I beg to differ, check out the black anodized HPF.

[Big Tom]

Originally Posted by Penn999

I beg to differ, check out the black anodized HPF.

Too small frontal area.

[Fernflex]

Looks simillar to helix

[Bimmer This]

Originally Posted by Fernflex

Looks simillar to helix

+1. Not bad of an intercooler though.

[Aridk]

Go order their down pipes as whell, so we can see if it´s AR quality or just a copy

[enrita]

Their dps are 3 inch inner diameter.
Only one i think. Saw them live and they are bigger .

[forza1976]

wow, that is a very nice looking IC. Great choice!

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Certainly a good kit. I know of a few members in German BMW forums that have it installed and are satisfied. The first models had some fitting issues with the intercooler couplings, but that should be resolved by now.

And I'm sure you'll have loads of fun with the GIAC stage 2! I've been driving the race version of it for a few months and have just received the mapswitcher for it - a great combination.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[G.I.Joe]

Looking forward to your review, if it's as good as I expect, I will be ordering one as well.

Oh, and thanks to Big Tom for bringing the FMIC to our attention

[Penn999]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

Too small frontal area.

Haha its not all about how big you can make the frontal area. There are many factors that go into making a decision about which fmic is right for you. 1) Fitment 2) Overall size (cubic cm if im not mistaken) 3) effciency flow rate over stock 4) What kind of driving/racing you plan to do
Lastly, lets see how much of your radiator is exposed to fresh air with that BIG frontal area. While that is not a huge issue, it still should be addressed. Making a comment such as yours discounts your input to the OP or your lack of knowledge in the subject. But by all means, GO WITH WHAT HE SAID THE BIGGER THE BETTER RIGHT??!! LOL

[JoeyFiasco]

Originally Posted by Fernflex

Looks simillar to helix

indeed..

[cn555ic]

Originally Posted by Penn999

Haha its not all about how big you can make the frontal area. There are many factors that go into making a decision about which fmic is right for you. 1) Fitment 2) Overall size (cubic cm if im not mistaken) 3) effciency flow rate over stock 4) What kind of driving/racing you plan to do
Lastly, lets see how much of your radiator is exposed to fresh air with that BIG frontal area. While that is not a huge issue, it still should be addressed. Making a comment such as yours discounts your input to the OP or your lack of knowledge in the subject. But by all means, GO WITH WHAT HE SAID THE BIGGER THE BETTER RIGHT??!! LOL

I agree having a over large frontal area doesnt make it more efficient if the ENTIRE area doesnt see ambient flow of air....HPF while having less frontal area, has more depth to the intercooler which IMO makes it more efficient...Others will disagree ofcourse and no one is right or wrong, but its based on personal choice and until someone does a scientific test, its all about opinions

[triggz]

hpf ftw

[Penn999]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

I agree having a over large frontal area doesnt make it more efficient if the ENTIRE area doesnt see ambient flow of air....HPF while having less frontal area, has more depth to the intercooler which IMO makes it more efficient...Others will disagree ofcourse and no one is right or wrong, but its based on personal choice and until someone does a scientific test, its all about opinions

Exactly my point! Thanks! So big tom...how much of that fmic can you expose to the air. Are you riding with no front spoiler? Its all about the USEABLE FRONTAL AREA. Over time, your tall thin intercooler will heat soak while my heavy duty thicker design will retard heat for a much longer time.

[packinDSS]

Originally Posted by Fernflex

Looks simillar to helix

Almost looks like a clone

[klipseracer]

Originally Posted by packinDSS

Almost looks like a clone

Only so many ways to make an intercooler in a small space.

[tscdennab]

Originally Posted by Penn999

Haha its not all about how big you can make the frontal area. There are many factors that go into making a decision about which fmic is right for you. 1) Fitment 2) Overall size (cubic cm if im not mistaken) 3) effciency flow rate over stock 4) What kind of driving/racing you plan to do
Lastly, lets see how much of your radiator is exposed to fresh air with that BIG frontal area. While that is not a huge issue, it still should be addressed. Making a comment such as yours discounts your input to the OP or your lack of knowledge in the subject. But by all means, GO WITH WHAT HE SAID THE BIGGER THE BETTER RIGHT??!! LOL

Stay cool man...I know you just ordered a HPF intercooler (I incidentally read another intercooler thread). The frontal area was not the key selling point to me, and not even the fitment (it does require some trimming). But rather the whole package. Doesn't seem to have a lot of compromises. It's a high quality option for Europe-based owners, in my opinion.

Hopefully I will install it this weekend because they said they will send it via UPS which is fast across Europe