2007-2012 BMW 135i/335i/X1 N54 & N55 Performance Intercooler Upgrade Kit
Replace your overheated factory intercooler with the VRSF upgraded intercooler kit to get the most out of your N54/N55. We designed this kit to be one of the best performing, direct bolt on intercoolers available for your BMW with special attention to quality and performance while maintaining a reasonable price. Our intercoolers allow for higher HP gains, mainly due to their ability to keep intake temps down while preventing heat soak which is a common problem with the factory intercooler. This results in a more power and increased reliability with reduced chances of pre-detonation & knock.
Intercooler Core
The most important component of any intercooler is the core. The core cools the charged air from the turbo before it enters the engine and the OEM BMW tube and fin intercooler is designed to support low boost levels and air flow. Once boost levels and air flow are increased, the OEM unit is easily overwhelmed and can not keep up with the cooling demands of a tune running more than OEM boost levels. This results in heat soak which will result in a power loss and a higher potential for pre-detonation in the upper RPM range.
We remedy this problem with our custom bar and plate core designs which utilizes a staggered and offset high density internal and external fin pack. Our cores have been carefully tuned to provide the the best intake temperature reduction while maintaining minimal pressure drop. Our bar & plate core is also much more durable than the OEM tube and fin core, with a better ability to withstand rocks and other debris.
The VRSF 5″ Performance Stepped HD and 7.5″ Competition Stepped HD Intercoolers are the most cost effective options to lower intake temps on a full bolt on car without compromise. With the 5″ Stepped HD intercooler you can expect to see a 2-3 degree rise during a 3rd gear pull on the stock turbos. In comparison, the OEM intercooler rises about 32 degrees during the same 3rd gear pull. If you’re upgrading turbos, our new 7.5″ Stepped Competition HD Intercooler is the best option available on the market. The VRSF 7.5″ Competition HD FMIC utilizes a larger core as well as a much denser fin pack both internally and externally which offers better heat absorption internally as well as heat dissipation externally without sacrificing flow. It’s not uncommon to see intake temperatures drop at the end of a 2 - 4 gear pull due to the Competition HDs larger overall surface area. For anyone looking to run larger upgraded turbos above 850whp, we recommend our 7.5″ Race core.
Our VRSF N54/N55 FMICs has been involved in many record breaking builds and is currently featured on the current world’s highest horsepower N54 @ 861WHP.
Installation
Both VRSF intercoolers feature tabs that allow the retention of the factory fan shroud. We also include additional mounting hardware for extra support. We include everything required to replace the OEM intercooler, including custom molded couplers and stainless steel t-bolt clamps necessary for installation.
The 5″ stepped core unit does not require trimming of the black plastic shroud (minimal trimming may be required on some models) . The 7.5″ Stepped Competition HD intercoolers require trimming of the black plastic shroud behind the bumper. The bumper does not require trimming with either models. Each VRSF intercooler is hand finished and pressure tested to ensure a high quality, leak free experience. Our intercoolers fit both Left Hand Drive (LHD) & Right Hand Drive (RHD) Models as well as all XI models.
Every VRSF product includes our lifetime warranty & our “No Hassle” satisfaction guarantee which includes fitment & defects.
Features
High Density Bar & Plate Core
Cast Aluminum End Tanks
Easy install, less than 2.5 hours
Includes lower charge pipe
Includes lifetime warranty
Fits the following BMWs
2007-2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 BMW 335i/xi
2011-2013 E92 BMW 335is
2008-2013 E82 BMW 135i
2012-2015 E84 BMW X1 35i