Tested VK Motorwerks Direct Mount FMIC for the 135i (DIY inside)

[Vince@ V K Motorwerks]

I see that there was already a thread started by another member but wanted to start our own thread to go over some of the details of the FMIC. Our FMIC was test fitted on a 135i yeasterday and it is confirmed that it does not require any cutting or additional modifications. Just plug and play.



Key benefits of the VK Motowerks intercooler:
• Approximately 82% Thermal Efficiency
• 40% increase in core volume over stock
• Installs in 15 minutes with basic hand tools
• No cutting, trimming, or any other modification required
• Bar and plate design for consistent high performance
• Internally staggered core increases the surface area that the charge air passes through resulting in better volumetric efficiency and lowers intake air temperature.
• Utilizes stock plumbing and mounting points
• Aluminum end tanks with CNC machined Inlet pipes
• Precision welded components
• Compatible with any tuning software
• Lifetime warranty against any defects provided to original owner

We were able to do some dynos at AMS (yes the Evo guys) on their dynojet dyno. The temps were 20f so there was an unfair advantage for the stock FMIC since its very tough to get heat soak in 20f temps with large fans blowing right at the IC. Still we were able to make some very respectable gains.

We did 5 back to back pulls with the stock IC and 8 back to back pulls with the VK IC. The IATs are in Celsius.

16whp and 22lb/ft! remember in 20f temps
Here is the log for the stock IC:

Here is the VK IC:

You will notice that the stock IC starts at 46C (114f) by the 5th run and raises to 57C (135f) a 21f variance in temps. The VK IC starts at 25C (77f) and raises to 27C (81f) a 4 degree variance after 8 pulls with hardly any cool down.

Here is a spread sheet showing all the runs respective data:

And finally is is the DIY for the VK FMIC:

Step 1: Remove all screws holding in the undertray:
Step 2: Remove undercover of the stock IC:

Step 3: Loosen fastening clips on the IC plumbing:

Step 4: Remove two screws with holding in the IC:

Step 5: Remove stock IC:

Step 6: Remove stock clips from stock IC and install on VK IC (sorry no pic)
Step 7: Install VK IC:

Step 8: Connect plumbing, use a pry bar to ensure that the plumping is locked in place with the clips you should hear a click sound (sorry no pics)
Step 9: Install the two mounting screws to hold up IC:

Step 10: Install undertray:

All done!


For sale for only $875 for a limited time!

[Zoominrex]

wow! I might have to get in on this after my Dinan upgrade.

[MadMan77]

Nice set up there. I do like a plug & play option out there. I know it was asked over on E90post but can you show us a picture comparison of the OEM and your intercooler? Also, what programming were you running for those Dyno pulls?

[Vince@ V K Motorwerks]

[MadMan77]

Thanks for the comparison. Looks like a decent increase in core size while not having to cut up your bumper.

What kind of pressure drop are you seeing with this core on both stock and modified programs. Also, what programming were you using in those dyno pulls?

[audi2bmw1]

it would be nice to have comparison pics of all the companies cores....i love this direct bolt on tho and no front bumper removal is SWEET major PITA to remove...price is decent...lowest on the market currently

[TPLSM3]

Seriously, the hardest part about the install was removing & installing the UNDERTRAY!!! I believe we counted 25 screws holding our undertray on. The intercooler fit nice & snug! I was very happy with what I saw. This is THE fmic if you don't want to waste time cutting & trimming. Definitely a good option if you want something ireversible like I do.

[F10 TTV8]

Very Nice! Placed my order! What is the ETA?

[Si-M240i]

Originally Posted by Vince@ V K Motorwerks

Can you ship to the UK ?
If so, How much for shipping to the UK ?
What is the pressure drop ?
Do I need a ramp to do the install ?
What BHP gain should I see with stock boost ?

I also have the BMW Performance Exhaust and the Riss racing DDV kit fitted

I tried to email an enquiry on your wesite but it won't work (bounces back)

[BMW-driver]

I am driving with the VK. Great product. You can feel some powerincrease. But more important, I cannot feel powerloss (with the stock IC you can). Here is a recent dyno form my AC Schnitzer tuned car. On paper the car should give 355 BHP (SAE) and 530 Torque (Nm). It did give 380 BHP (SAE) and 565 Torque (NM). All cranck numbers.

Much more interesting is the great liniair powerdelivary form the ACS1.

Dynochart:

[matt]

dude if i order, how long does it take you to ship that thing after i paid?
dont wanna pay and wait 4 months..

[BMW-driver]

hi matt, you know the answer. Call VK, they can tell you much better!

[zamm3k]

is there ever a possibility of a group buy on this thing? that would be nice

[Si-M240i]

If I don't hear back from VK soon on if they ship to the UK and if so, how much. Then I will probably Buy the FORGE Intercooler upgrade (OEM FIT, no cutting). It performed well during development and is about to be released to buy.

[///M ichael]

+1 for Forge FMIC....

[M3R1]

Originally Posted by Si-135i

If I don't hear back from VK soon on if they ship to the UK and if so, how much. Then I will probably Buy the FORGE Intercooler upgrade (OEM FIT, no cutting). It performed well during development and is about to be released to buy.

More info please...

[Si-M240i]

Originally Posted by M3R1

More info please...

If you look at the Forge website it has an update for June 09 on this.
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/

It will be available in 6 - 10 weeks (I was told this yesterday).
On a stock car it produced 17BHP and 20Ft/Lbs.

The kit includes new intake and outlet pipes too and is a direct replacement fit with no cutting required. Apparently the exsisting pipes are slightly restrictive too.

All going well, I think my mind is made up on which intercooler I will get now

[M3R1]

Originally Posted by Si-135i

If you look at the Forge website it has an update for June 09 on this.
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/

It will be available in 6 - 10 weeks (I was told this yesterday).
On a stock car it produced 17BHP and 20Ft/Lbs.

The kit includes new intake and outlet pipes too and is a direct replacement fit with no cutting required. Apparently the exsisting pipes are slightly restrictive too.

All going well, I think my mind is made up on which intercooler I will get now

Thank you sir...

[matt]

Originally Posted by Si-135i

If you look at the Forge website it has an update for June 09 on this.
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/

It will be available in 6 - 10 weeks (I was told this yesterday).
On a stock car it produced 17BHP and 20Ft/Lbs.

The kit includes new intake and outlet pipes too and is a direct replacement fit with no cutting required. Apparently the exsisting pipes are slightly restrictive too.

All going well, I think my mind is made up on which intercooler I will get now

looks like good quality, price?

[Si-M240i]

Originally Posted by matt

looks like good quality, price?

No price yet as it's still in the latter stages of development.

Release date expected to be 6 - 10 weeks form now

[Upgrade+]

Guys, wait on vince. He is in the works of getting a Group buy set up in the next couple of weeks. I was on the GB for the downpipe and will probably get in on the IC one next. Pricing should be between $500-$600. Be patient if you can....

[M3R1]

Originally Posted by Upgrade+

Guys, wait on vince. He is in the works of getting a Group buy set up in the next couple of weeks. I was on the GB for the downpipe and will probably get in on the IC one next. Pricing should be between $500-$600. Be patient if you can....