[D335I]

Does BMW make an upgraded FMIC, cant find one but I'm sure they probably want 2K.

[Javier]

no

[Constant.S]

Isnt the Intercooler loaded on their Twin Turbo V8 (550i) considered an Upgraded intercooler? Just a thought...
Edit: Nevermind ===> The engine uses air-to-water intercoolers, which is more efficient and provides a shorter air path than using a standard air-to-air intercooler.

[mase]

anyone make air-to-water intercoolers for our cars?

[ThreeseriesFTW]

Man I like this thread, I hope it takes off *subscribes*

[Constant.S]

An "Air to Water"" intercooler is similar with a "Air to Air" except that there is water passing through the core of the intercooler instead of air which is responsible for drawing the heat out of the intake air. A AWFMIC will require alot of other things to operate including a water pump, a reservoir, a redesigned air intake manifold and space to mount a heat exchanger with good airflow.
Unless BMW uses a different type Here's a basic AW FMIC setup:

This type of setup would be superb for drag races but wouldnt be recomended for daily driver usage due to heatsoak problems.
Here's som pro's and con's of AW type FMIC:
Pro’s
1. Really good efficiency, so the size of the intercooler can be reduced.
2. Efficiency can be exaggerated by using ice, or other chemicals to produce normally un-realistic temperatures for short amounts of time.
3. Can be mounted anywhere along the charge piping route.

Con’s
1. Requires a lot of other accessories to work.
2. Because it is more complex, it naturally causes more opportunity for problems, like leaks.
3. Can become heat soaked when used for long periods of hard driving and become terribly in-efficient.

Hope this helped.

[Bakeme521]

Originally Posted by Javier

no

this

[Constant.S]

Originally Posted by Bakeme521

this

Or that

[triggz]

It could be done frozen********** has everything you need to make it work. I brought this up awhile back

[Constant.S]

Originally Posted by triggz

It could be done frozen********** has everything you need to make it work. I brought this up awhile back

You mean cryogenic Carbon Dioxide cooling system?

[Bakeme521]

Originally Posted by Constant.S

You mean cryogenic Carbon Dioxide cooling system?

I have looked into this.

[tscdennab]

The FMIC from the X6 35i is bigger than the 135/335 N54 intercooler. You could try that. Someone on this forum bought it but I don't know if he managed to install it.

[Constant.S]

Originally Posted by Bakeme521

I have looked into this.

And that means?

[MKE_M3]

why would you want a bmw factory intercooler that is made for a differant car instead of a (likely) far superior quality aftermarket intercooler made for your car? This thread makes no sense IMHO.

[Constant.S]

Probably for preserving current or extended factory warranty and maintaining factory look?

[enrita]

Originally Posted by Constant.S

Probably for preserving current or extended factory warranty and maintaining factory look?

just because its a BMW IC does not mean it will preserve the warranty since its not the oem one installed on the car from the factory. Factory look? Is there a specific BMW look ? an IC its an IC.

[Constant.S]

Originally Posted by enrita

just because its a BMW IC does not mean it will preserve the warranty since its not the oem one installed on the car from the factory. Factory look? Is there a specific BMW look ? an IC its an IC.

I was talking theoritically of any potential dealer retrofit and yes, there is a specific BMW IC look, its the one of the OEM. By factory look i mean having an IC which is larger in volume and is manufactured by BMW just like the stock n54 IC (and not having some tuning companys logo all over it). Im not saying its the best solution im just stating options here, not trying to start a flame war about whats better or not either. Just options.

[zeenon53]

I had a custom s/c on my last car with an air to water intercooler and they are great, just don't forget to add antifreeze to your mixture when the temps start to drop like now. Also it is better to have a single pass core rather one that lop around like the stillen photo above. You can see in the pic below how the water enters one side of the IM and exits the other.



That's a tiburon BTW!

[Mr. 5]

There's no room for air/water IC with this car and i doubt it would be that much more efficient than a good IC.

[Bakeme521]

Originally Posted by Constant.S

And that means?

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/part...r_Chiller/2143

[rismo]

I have had the possibility to test a custom water to air ic on our cars...
Air to air performs better, period, especialy when tracking (Real track)...

Regarding a BMW IC, in general BMW has not to much issues with an aftermarkt one, at least not in Europe... It has only cons for the engine / turbo health so..... just discuss it with your dealer...

There are great IC's out there.... i'm quite happy with my Helix....

[zeenon53]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

There's no room for air/water IC with this car and i doubt it would be that much more efficient than a good IC.

For daily driving it won't make much of a difference at all. A set up like this with an icebox is best for drag racing where when packed with ice you will see +20whp throughout the entire powerband. You should see the condensation on the manifold after a run.