Do you need to remove the front bumper when installing FMIC?

Fedorov · 06-24-2013, 11:08 AM

Hey guys,

Me and a friend are gonna install the 7" VSRF intercooler and I spent some time reading some DIYs about installing intercooler.

This DIY http://www.billswebspace.com/335HelixIntercoolerDIY.htm doesn't remove the front bumper but after reading some other DIY they removed the front bumper.

Has anyone installed the VSRF FMIC and can say whether it's necessary to remove the bumper?

Thanks

KMEninety335 · 06-24-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedorov

Hey guys,

Me and a friend are gonna install the VSRF intercooler and I spent some time reading some DIYs about installing intercooler.

This DIY http://www.billswebspace.com/335HelixIntercoolerDIY.htm doesn't remove the front bumper but after reading some other DIY they removed the front bumper.

Has anyone installed the VSRF FMIC and can say whether it's necessary to remove the bumper?

Thanks

Tiago on here might be able to help you out more but from what I've seen you do not have to remove the front bumper. It just makes it a bit easier is all.

foghat · 06-24-2013, 12:01 PM

I think my installer did, but no you do not have to remove the front bumper. If you are installing the 5" it will fit right in. If you are installing the 7", you will have to trim a bit of the shrouding in front of the bumper (between bumper and IC)

2000max · 06-24-2013, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foghat

I think my installer did, but no you do not have to remove the front bumper. If you are installing the 5" it will fit right in. If you are installing the 7", you will have to trim a bit of the shrouding in front of the bumper (between bumper and IC)

+1

I have the 7" intercooler and removal of the bumper made the trimming that was required a lot easier to accomplish.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 06-24-2013, 02:33 PM

Technically you can install it without the bumper removed but to some it makes installing the FMIC easier, especially when trimming is involved.

madgoat1 · 06-24-2013, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Technically you can install it without the bumper removed but to some it makes it makes installing the FMIC easier, especially when trimming is involved.

Thanks for the heads up!!

Greatdane84 · 06-24-2013, 03:17 PM

I did not remove the bumper. Ill be installing my friends in a month and will also NOT remove the bumper. The "extra work" needed to trim the 7" version from the bumper without removing is probably a lot less time then what it takes to remove and put a bumper back on. I can't use my ipad right now to show some pics but I have two circles on the areas I trimmed. There is of course the right side not shown in pic that is trimmed the same.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/377epfgm2m6p1k0/Trimmed-Plastic2.jpg

I will be removing my front bumper in the next week and will be curious to see how quick a job it is.

My advice would be that if you don't have proper cutting tools, to just remove the bumper for ease. Air tools ftw!

foghat · 06-24-2013, 03:48 PM

would seem if you have lift, there should be not need to remove the bumper - though it may still be a little easier if you do.

ken1137 · 06-24-2013, 03:54 PM

+1, if you have the larger FMIC and trimming is involved remove the bumper. It is really simple. My Forge FMIC did not involve trimming and was a direct fit so I installed with the bumper in place. GL

Fedorov · 06-24-2013, 04:39 PM

Thanks guys! Excellent information.

I ordered the 7" and since I have the BMW Aero Bumper I reckon I might have to take the front off but it would be awesome if I didn't have to... I guess I also get some sort of installation info packaged with the VSRF Intercooler.

Too bad that trimming is needed but the things you would do for power..

Cripple · 06-24-2013, 04:56 PM

The removal of the front clip should realistically only take 30 mins R&R. Saves a lot of hassle when really doing any work underneath there.

2000max · 06-24-2013, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cripple

The removal of the front clip should realistically only take 30 mins R&R. Saves a lot of hassle when really doing any work underneath there.

Not to mention, giving you more space to position the couplers and tighten the t-bolt clamps.

Pr335bob · 06-25-2013, 09:01 AM

Did you feel a power diff when installing the fmic. I also have a Cobb, thinking about getting a fmic

Rookie83 · 06-25-2013, 09:42 AM

I have the vrsf 7" and i never removed the bumper. What made it a really easy job was having a lift. This was my first time ever installing a fmic and the whole job from start to finish took me about 2hrs. As far as the trimming goes, i wouldnt even waste your time trying to cut a few inches, and then realizing you have a couple more to go. Just cut the whole piece out and save yourself alot of headache. I used a sawzall

Fedorov · 06-26-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rookie83

I have the vrsf 7" and i never removed the bumper. What made it a really easy job was having a lift. This was my first time ever installing a fmic and the whole job from start to finish took me about 2hrs. As far as the trimming goes, i wouldnt even waste your time trying to cut a few inches, and then realizing you have a couple more to go. Just cut the whole piece out and save yourself alot of headache. I used a sawzall

Do you have just the OEM bumper? I have the Aero Front (glued on the OEM) and am trying to figure out whether I could just leave the front on or if I'd be best of removing the whole front..

Rookie83 · 06-26-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedorov

Do you have just the OEM bumper? I have the Aero Front (glued on the OEM) and am trying to figure out whether I could just leave the front on or if I'd be best of removing the whole front..

ya i just have oem stock front bumper, but if you have a lift i wouldnt even bother taking the bumper off. It was a really easy install!

FirstBMWLA · 06-26-2013, 12:33 PM

I removed it when installing my 7" VRSF. Makes things much easier, bumper comes off in under 10min.
Good time to pop out lower grills and paint them as well.

dfjaws · 06-26-2013, 07:44 PM

I think it's worth it to remove it. It was easy to do and it make the job easier on my E90.

matty088 · 06-26-2013, 08:46 PM

Is removing the bumper difficult?

dfjaws · 06-26-2013, 10:26 PM

no

Fedorov · 07-06-2013, 12:25 PM

Ok, now me and my friend installed the new VRSF 7" intercooler and two pieces of advise that will save valuable time:

* Remove the front bumper. Don't even think about trying to fit the intercooler without removing the front bumper.

* You need to cut away the plastic behind the front bumper where the intercooler will be positioned. The VRSF 7" is to big to fit if you don't cut this section away (with I had a picture to show but I don't). There was no way in hell the intercooler was gonna fit like at 9:20 in this movie:

My friend also made two mounts as used at about 1:30 in this movie...:

...just because we felt it wouldn't harm to secure the intercooler from moving back/forth. Maybe such mounts should be included in when buying this intercooler.

It would have been awesome if there had come some sort of installation instructions with the package but we managed decently with the videos linked previously in this post.
No doubt you need to have access to the proper tools when doing this. There is no chance to install this thing just using a screwdriver and wrench

_ink · 07-06-2013, 12:29 PM

Depends on your bumper and IC combo. Msport with Helix did not need to be removed.

06-24-2013, 11:08 AM	#1
Fedorov Lieutenant 163 Rep 468 Posts Drives: BMW 330i G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 330i G20 [0.00]	Do you need to remove the front bumper when installing FMIC? Hey guys, Me and a friend are gonna install the 7" VSRF intercooler and I spent some time reading some DIYs about installing intercooler. This DIY http://www.billswebspace.com/335HelixIntercoolerDIY.htm doesn't remove the front bumper but after reading some other DIY they removed the front bumper. Has anyone installed the VSRF FMIC and can say whether it's necessary to remove the bumper? Thanks Last edited by Fedorov; 06-24-2013 at 04:21 PM.. Reason: added info about the size of the FMIC
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06-24-2013, 12:01 PM	#3
foghat Captain 62 Rep 913 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Great White North iTrader: (1)	I think my installer did, but no you do not have to remove the front bumper. If you are installing the 5" it will fit right in. If you are installing the 7", you will have to trim a bit of the shrouding in front of the bumper (between bumper and IC)
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06-24-2013, 02:33 PM	#5
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3474 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	Technically you can install it without the bumper removed but to some it makes installing the FMIC easier, especially when trimming is involved. Last edited by Jeff@TopGearSolutions; 06-24-2013 at 03:55 PM..
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06-24-2013, 03:17 PM	#7
Greatdane84 Leeeroy Jankins 31 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 335i e90 LCI Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 335i [10.00]	I did not remove the bumper. Ill be installing my friends in a month and will also NOT remove the bumper. The "extra work" needed to trim the 7" version from the bumper without removing is probably a lot less time then what it takes to remove and put a bumper back on. I can't use my ipad right now to show some pics but I have two circles on the areas I trimmed. There is of course the right side not shown in pic that is trimmed the same. https://www.dropbox.com/s/377epfgm2m6p1k0/Trimmed-Plastic2.jpg I will be removing my front bumper in the next week and will be curious to see how quick a job it is. My advice would be that if you don't have proper cutting tools, to just remove the bumper for ease. Air tools ftw! __________________ e90 LCI w/ -= VRSF 7" FMIC =- -= Cobb: Stg1 +FMIC Aggressive ST =- Last Install: BMS DCI + Caliper/Drum Paint "If you're not 1st, you're last" -Ricky Bobby
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06-24-2013, 03:48 PM	#8
foghat Captain 62 Rep 913 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Great White North iTrader: (1)	would seem if you have lift, there should be not need to remove the bumper - though it may still be a little easier if you do. Last edited by foghat; 06-24-2013 at 03:57 PM..
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06-24-2013, 03:54 PM	#9
ken1137 Brigadier General 90 Rep 3,731 Posts Drives: BMW S1000XR Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 e90 335i [6.40]	+1, if you have the larger FMIC and trimming is involved remove the bumper. It is really simple. My Forge FMIC did not involve trimming and was a direct fit so I installed with the bumper in place. GL __________________ BMWCCA member
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06-24-2013, 04:39 PM	#10
Fedorov Lieutenant 163 Rep 468 Posts Drives: BMW 330i G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 330i G20 [0.00]	Thanks guys! Excellent information. I ordered the 7" and since I have the BMW Aero Bumper I reckon I might have to take the front off but it would be awesome if I didn't have to... I guess I also get some sort of installation info packaged with the VSRF Intercooler. Too bad that trimming is needed but the things you would do for power..
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06-24-2013, 04:56 PM	#11
Cripple Captain 107 Rep 775 Posts Drives: 12' 335is Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Canada iTrader: (4)	The removal of the front clip should realistically only take 30 mins R&R. Saves a lot of hassle when really doing any work underneath there. __________________ 14' M235I \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMW Performance Diffuser \| BMW Performance Carbon Interior \| ER DP \| JB4 S2 \| BC Forged HB29's \| N54Tuning.com \| getBMWparts.com Current: 2015 Cayman S on HRE P101
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06-25-2013, 09:01 AM	#13
Pr335bob Captain 42 Rep 753 Posts Drives: Black on black e92 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Puerto Rico USA iTrader: (0)	Did you feel a power diff when installing the fmic. I also have a Cobb, thinking about getting a fmic
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06-25-2013, 09:42 AM	#14
Rookie83 First Lieutenant 15 Rep 380 Posts Drives: 2009 335i 6mt cpe Join Date: May 2011 Location: DFW iTrader: (1)	I have the vrsf 7" and i never removed the bumper. What made it a really easy job was having a lift. This was my first time ever installing a fmic and the whole job from start to finish took me about 2hrs. As far as the trimming goes, i wouldnt even waste your time trying to cut a few inches, and then realizing you have a couple more to go. Just cut the whole piece out and save yourself alot of headache. I used a sawzall __________________ 09 tasman 335 6mt cpe, jb4 g5, bms dci, bms 3" catless dp's, 7"vrsf fmic, e85+93
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06-26-2013, 12:33 PM	#17
FirstBMWLA Major 193 Rep 1,109 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dallas,TX iTrader: (11)	I removed it when installing my 7" VRSF. Makes things much easier, bumper comes off in under 10min. Good time to pop out lower grills and paint them as well.
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06-26-2013, 07:44 PM	#18
dfjaws Lieutenant 59 Rep 535 Posts Drives: E90 M3 / E86 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA iTrader: (5)	I think it's worth it to remove it. It was easy to do and it make the job easier on my E90. __________________
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06-26-2013, 08:46 PM	#19
matty088 Major 371 Rep 1,206 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Ct iTrader: (1)	Is removing the bumper difficult?
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06-26-2013, 10:26 PM	#20
dfjaws Lieutenant 59 Rep 535 Posts Drives: E90 M3 / E86 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA iTrader: (5)	no __________________
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07-06-2013, 12:25 PM	#21
Fedorov Lieutenant 163 Rep 468 Posts Drives: BMW 330i G20 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW 330i G20 [0.00]	Ok, now me and my friend installed the new VRSF 7" intercooler and two pieces of advise that will save valuable time: * Remove the front bumper. Don't even think about trying to fit the intercooler without removing the front bumper. * You need to cut away the plastic behind the front bumper where the intercooler will be positioned. The VRSF 7" is to big to fit if you don't cut this section away (with I had a picture to show but I don't). There was no way in hell the intercooler was gonna fit like at 9:20 in this movie: My friend also made two mounts as used at about 1:30 in this movie...: ...just because we felt it wouldn't harm to secure the intercooler from moving back/forth. Maybe such mounts should be included in when buying this intercooler. It would have been awesome if there had come some sort of installation instructions with the package but we managed decently with the videos linked previously in this post. No doubt you need to have access to the proper tools when doing this. There is no chance to install this thing just using a screwdriver and wrench
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07-06-2013, 12:29 PM	#22
_ink Jedi samurai ninja turtle 636 Rep 3,021 Posts Drives: X3 M40i 2018 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 M40i [0.00]	Depends on your bumper and IC combo. Msport with Helix did not need to be removed.
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