[jcalm002]

I installed the 5" ETS Intercooler in my car last night. Aside from a little fighting with the piping, it was a straightforward installation. After everything was put together, I took it for a test drive and noticed a very loud whistling noise. I pulled it back in the garage and re-tightened the clamps and checked all connections, etc.

I took it for another test drive and the whistling sound had decreased considerably. However, when I give it a little more gas I can hear a whistling sound that gets louder as I hit higher RPMs. Would that more than likely be the turbo spooling? I read that with a bigger intercooler, turbo spooling sounds get more noticelable. I don't notice much degradation in power so I'm thinking I should be OK?

Thoughts anyone? Should I test/check anything else to comfort my worries? I have the Dinan Stage 2 tune on my car and that is it. This is my first BMW so I am not familiar with typical sounds and "nature" of the beast.

[eyim1988]

do you have a tune?
I'm pretty sure its a tiny boost leak somewhere..
With more boost you will notice the loss of power.

[CJ421]

I have the ETS 5" intercooler and there's no extra whistling. Re-check the install, agreed it's probably a leak somewhere.

Might be worth it to check the charge pipe too ... those are known to crack in the N55.

[Slops]

I have one too and it is as quiet as a whisper

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

You need to make sure those couplers are seated fully and tighten them better. There should be no noises.

[jcalm002]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

You need to make sure those couplers are seated fully and tighten them better. There should be no noises.

Is it possible to over tighten the clamps? I have tightened them and the couplers are secure. I did tighten the factory clamp ( which I'm thinking of changing out to a better clamp) that connects the charge pipe and the whistle noise is pretty much gone. Should I tighten all clamps until they cannot be tightened anymore or would that be considered over tightened?

Jeff,
Thanks for the hookup and great service on the intercooler!

[Beemw335]

100% for sure its a boost leak.
Probaly at the couplers, but check everything, including the charge pipe.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by jcalm002

Is it possible to over tighten the clamps? I have tightened them and the couplers are secure. I did tighten the factory clamp ( which I'm thinking of changing out to a better clamp) that connects the charge pipe and the whistle noise is pretty much gone. Should I tighten all clamps until they cannot be tightened anymore or would that be considered over tightened?

Jeff,
Thanks for the hookup and great service on the intercooler!

If you dont hear any more noises give it a quick once over, not too much!

If you over tighten them it's possible to break the clamp or bend the pipe.

No problem!