VRSF N54/N55 FMIC Intercooler E90 335i, 135i, X1 | 2007-15

The VRSF front mount intercooler kit replaces the small factory intercooler on the BMW 135i, 335i, 335is and X1 xDrive35i with a far larger bar-and-plate unit. It works on both the twin-turbo N54 and the single-turbo N55, in sedan, coupe and convertible form, and it is offered with two core sizes so you can match it to your power goals.

What It Does

BMW sized the stock tube-and-fin cooler for factory boost. Once a tune raises boost, it heat soaks quickly. Intake temperatures climb with every gear, timing gets pulled, and power fades just when you want it. VRSF logged the factory unit rising about 32 degrees over one third-gear pull. With the VRSF core, intake temperatures often stay flat on that same pull, and they can even drop over several gears. Cooler air means more consistent power, and the engine has a bigger safety margin against knock.

Choosing a Core

The 5-inch Performance HD core is VRSF's pick for stock-turbo cars and is rated to about 550 wheel horsepower. Its fin pack is unusually dense, so it cools very well in the factory space. The 7.5-inch Competition HD core is rated to about 850 wheel horsepower and has the largest core in its class, for upgraded-turbo and E85 builds.

Materials and Construction

Both cores use a staggered, offset high-density fin pack inside and out. The bar-and-plate build also stands up to stones and road debris better than the factory core. The cast aluminum end tanks were shaped with flow modeling, and every unit is hand finished and pressure tested before it ships.

Features

• Bar-and-plate core with high-density internal and external fins
• Two sizes: 5in Performance HD or 7.5in Competition HD
• CFD-designed cast aluminum end tanks
• Bolt-on; the bumper cover stays on for install
• Fits RWD and xDrive cars
• VRSF lifetime warranty

What Is Included

• VRSF front mount intercooler (5in or 7.5in core)
• Lower charge pipe
• Silicone couplers and clamps
• Mounting hardware

Required Parts

• None. The kit includes everything needed to replace the factory intercooler.

Specs

• Part numbers: 10903070 (5in Performance HD), 10903040 (7.5in Competition HD)
• Brand: VRSF
• Core: bar and plate, aluminum
• End tanks: cast aluminum
• Rated power: up to 550 whp (5in) / 850 whp (7.5in)
• Shipping dimensions: 33 x 12 x 10 in (84 x 30 x 25 cm) for the 5in, 33 x 13 x 10 in (84 x 33 x 25 cm) for the 7.5in
• Shipping weight: 26 lb (11.8 kg) for the 5in, 33 lb (15.0 kg) for the 7.5in

Fitment Notes

• The 7.5in core needs the black plastic shroud trimmed. The 5in core needs no trimming.
• The bumper cover does not need to be removed for either kit.
• See more in our VRSF intercoolers and intercoolers collections.