Need C clip

[gazz]

Hi guys. Long time no post.

Well it finally happened to me - I blew the charge pipe off the throttle body at Lakeside raceway. Done a few track days and the car usually runs well but not this time. I've dropped the undertray and unfortunately no clip rattling around down there.

So does anyone have a spare clip as nearly all of the aftermarket charge pipes require this clip for installation and, stupidly, they don't include one in their kits.
BMW doesn't sell this clip as a separate part so if you want one from them you have to buy the complete charge pipe. I don't want to go back to the OEM pipe given its unreliability so I'm on the scrounge.

I may as well get new diverter valves while I'm at it so I would welcome your recommendations.

[BMW86]

That's unfortunate Gazz. I doubt the OEM charge pipe would be much cheaper than an aftermarket one either, and you only need it of the factory c clip.

What concerns me is that you blew the CP off at the throttle body end. The ER charge pipe utilises the same factory c clip so in theory the same thing should happen. My ER charge pipe has never blown off though and I run a lot of boost.

[gazz]

They always come off the throttle body end. Mine fractured and part of the end broke away hence the loss of c-clip. BMW OEM part is weak plastic, ER charge pipe is alloy so you shouldn't have a problem. Local price for a charge pipe $667 - Pelican parts price $324 US, about $410 AU plus delivery. No wonder I buy everything from OS.
May have a solution. I'll buy a BMR charge pipe for $299, get some wire to the same gauge as the c-clip wire, or to put it another way, a thickness that will fit neatly in the slots of the charge pipe end where it fits over the throttle body flange, fold the wire into the slots and clamp them into place with a T bolt clamp. This, in theory, would have the same result as a c-clip in holding the pipe onto the throttle body flange.

Credit to Stuart at Advan for this suggestion. Thanks Stuart.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

^ losing the original C clip is a bitch. Been doing the ring around and BMW only sells the C clip with a new charge pipe.

I have not heard of an original C clip blowing off when used with an aftermarket charge pipe.

Looks like it's time to get some aftermarket C clips fabbed up

[Griffster]

Originally Posted by gazz

May have a solution. I'll buy a BMR charge pipe for $299, get some wire to the same gauge as the c-clip wire, or to put it another way, a thickness that will fit neatly in the slots of the charge pipe end where it fits over the throttle body flange, fold the wire into the slots and clamp them into place with a T bolt clamp. This, in theory, would have the same result as a c-clip in holding the pipe onto the throttle body flange.

Credit to Stuart at Advan for this suggestion. Thanks Stuart.

I wonder if you could use a wire twister in the same manner?

[DR-JEKL]

I have a mate who could easily fab some clips up, but getting him to do stuff like this is like getting blood out of a stone!

Definately would be doable, and I'm sure if advan knocked up a dozen or so they could sell them for $50 each easily!

[Griffster]

Originally Posted by Stuart@BMRAutowerkes

^ losing the original C clip is a bitch. Been doing the ring around and BMW only sells the C clip with a new charge pipe.

I have not heard of an original C clip blowing off when used with an aftermarket charge pipe.

Looks like it's time to get some aftermarket C clips fabbed up

Easy to get them made if someone has a sample, or can draw it in CAD and specify the type of metal they want it made from and coated with. Would take.. oh 5 minutes of work on Alibaba and probably cost less than a cent each.

[PermanentCraving]

How likely is my charge pipe to blow? The car is my daily and I'm wondering whether I should preemptively get an aftermarket charge pipe to have on standby.

Also, these clips sound intentionally difficult to acquire.. It seems like a way to deter using after market parts, if you can only get the C clip with the OEM charge pipe. Im pretty sure we've all come to that conclusion already though.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by PermanentCraving

How likely is my charge pipe to blow? The car is my daily and I'm wondering whether I should preemptively get an aftermarket charge pipe to have on standby.

Also, these clips sound intentionally difficult to acquire.. It seems like a way to deter using after market parts, if you can only get the C clip with the OEM charge pipe. Im pretty sure we've all come to that conclusion already though.

IMHO, if you're running more boost than standard or you do track days it's a must.

[PermanentCraving]

Originally Posted by BMW86

IMHO, if you're running more boost than standard or you do track days it's a must.

Hmm thanks, I guess it's going to the top of my list haha

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by PermanentCraving

Hmm thanks, I guess it's going to the top of my list haha

It's definitely considered to be one of the weak points of the car. Fortunately, it's a straight forward fix. If your charge pipe doesn't blow off, usually the stock diverter valves will which is an indication that you will need to upgrade.

[PermanentCraving]

Originally Posted by BMW86

It's definitely considered to be one of the weak points of the car. Fortunately, it's a straight forward fix. If your charge pipe doesn't blow off, usually the stock diverter valves will which is an indication that you will need to upgrade.

Well, I guess I'll order both and not drive too hard in the meantime.

ER seems to be a pretty highly regarded brand around here, what do you think?

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by PermanentCraving

Well, I guess I'll order both and not drive too hard in the meantime.

ER seems to be a pretty highly regarded brand around here, what do you think?

I recommend the ER Charge Pipe. It's probably the most popular charge pipe for the N54. I would recommend ordering the 09 version aka the long version as it replaces the plastic factory elbow section as well (also a known weakpoint) and I think it's an extra $50. It doesn't hurt to get a bung or two to future proof it for methanol injection, but that's entirely up to you. Anodizing isn't necessary but it looks a lot more stealth. But to answer your question, yes go with Evolution Raceworks

[PermanentCraving]

Originally Posted by BMW86

I recommend the ER Charge Pipe. It's probably the most popular charge pipe for the N54. I would recommend ordering the 09 version aka the long version as it replaces the plastic factory elbow section as well (also a known weakpoint) and I think it's an extra $50. It doesn't hurt to get a bung or two to future proof it for methanol injection, but that's entirely up to you. Anodizing isn't necessary but it looks a lot more stealth. But to answer your question, yes go with Evolution Raceworks

Hmm brilliant.

I was considering getting a bung or two but I'm not 100% sure I want to run meth as it's completely illegal here in Aus, isn't it?

EDIT: completely illegal assuming you don't jump through all of the hoops.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by PermanentCraving

Hmm brilliant.

I was considering getting a bung or two but I'm not 100% sure I want to run meth as it's completely illegal here in Aus, isn't it?

EDIT: completely illegal assuming you don't jump through all of the hoops.

Technically the BOV isn't legal either.

[TS135i]

.........or simply buy one from ECS for $9
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ntake/ES39182/

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by TS135i

.........or simply buy one from ECS for $9
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ntake/ES39182/

This is the clip that secures the intercooler to the piping. But it looks very similar. It couldn't hurt to give it a try.

[TS135i]

Ok just checked it again, here's another view, might need a second/third opinion.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by TS135i

Here's another view.

I hope it works. But the C-clip at the throttle body is quite large, I'm not sure if this is the same size. If it is, I'm not sure why vendors don't charge another $10 and include these C-clips in their charge pipe kits.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by TS135i

.........or simply buy one from ECS for $9
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ntake/ES39182/

Good thinking Rocco, but unfortunately I've been down this route and can confirm they are different.

Originally Posted by BMW86

I hope it works. But the C-clip at the throttle body is quite large, I'm not sure if this is the same size.

^ you are correct sir

[gazz]

Here's my home made c-clip alternative. Took a little while to get the profile right and shape the hooked ends, grind to just above flush with the outer diameter of the pipe then bolt clamp into place. The smaller wire is a filler piece that sits on top of the inner wire to stop the inner wire from bowing out. The two bits of wire shown weren't the final shape but you get the idea. Works so far.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by gazz

Here's my home made c-clip alternative. Took a little while to get the profile right and shape the hooked ends, grind to just above flush with the outer diameter of the pipe then bolt clamp into place. The smaller wire is a filler piece that sits on top of the inner wire to stop the inner wire from bowing out. The two bits of wire shown weren't the final shape but you get the idea. Works so far.

Nice work Gazz. You saved a few $ by the looks of things. I was going to suggest something similar. I think from memory the Stett charge pipe utilises a sleeve and t-clamp so I was thinking you could do something along those lines.