FMIC installed in 535i xDrive

I purchased an ETS 5" FMIC for a 135/335 almost 6 months ago and finally decided to install it yesterday. It took me a total of 2.5 hours while I was "working from home" and I did it with no help, so I'm sure without any distractions from work and with help, it can be done in under 2 hours.

The installation didn't require the removal of the bumper or relocation of the transmission oil cooler, which is one of the reason I lagged on the install. Very minor trimming of plastic was required and I was able to reuse the tray that holds the stock intercooler in place. Overall, I'd say the installation is clean and just as good if not better than paying a shop to do it. At least I know it was done right and to my satisfaction.

I haven't had a change to test it out fully yet, but I'm sure I will soon.

Now this is interesting. Let us know how it tests out. I am vey keen to install one of these.

It felt like a 25-30 hp gain when i installed mine. Also the car was much more responsive off the throttle, less turbo lag due to improved flow.
It's easier to do with the front bumper off so everything is fully exposed and accessible. The bumper is held by 5 screws in top center, below a black plastic strip you remove right below the nose of the hood. Then a few screws in each wheelwell. Bumper slides forward and comes off. 1-2 hours max for the whole job, it's really straightforward and DIY.
The new FMIC slides into a cavity and you connect the tubing on both ends with silicone couplings. Then lift the oilcooler and attach it to the aluminum reinforcement bar above the FMIC using plastic ties. Done!

Originally Posted by Oceans10

It felt like a 25-30 hp gain when i installed mine. Also the car was much more responsive off the throttle, less turbo lag due to improved flow.
It's easier to do with the front bumper off so everything is fully exposed and accessible. The bumper is held by 5 screws in top center, below a black plastic strip you remove right below the nose of the hood. Then a few screws in each wheelwell. Bumper slides forward and comes off. 1-2 hours max for the whole job, it's really straightforward and DIY.
The new FMIC slides into a cavity and you connect the tubing on both ends with silicone couplings. Then lift the oilcooler and attach it to the aluminum reinforcement bar above the FMIC using plastic ties. Done!

Thanks a mil.

Oceans10, did you end up doing the install yourself too? What thickness is the core of the ER FMIC? The ETS one was thicker by about an inch, so there was no need to relocate oil cooler, which saved some time as well. Because of that, there was really no benefit of removing the bumper, as the plumbing is all behind the intercooler. Also, the ETS intercooler came with 2 couplers. I only needed to use one. I reused the stock coupler on the hot side by removing it to cut off the permanent clamp, which was pretty easy to do. I also used lube on the inside of the couplers, so sliding the pipes in was a breeze.

I'm might end up getting DPs like you. Did you end up doing that install by yourself? I hear the space is pretty tight and can be a pain to install.

The Evolution Racewerks FMIC is a 20"x5.5"x6" core with another 3.5" per end tank. Volume is 660 cubic inches vs 424 for stock.
A shop helped me do it as I had some other items to tackle. I worked with a tech as I like to learn how to do my own projects. Besides we have two 535s in the family :-).
One is a bit more overhauled than the other, but certain ideas get transferred over time.

The DPs on the 535 is a major PITA. Try to get a fixed fee for the job. It is a very tight fit and there are no shortcuts. Even Andrew at AR Design says it's much harder than on a 1 or 3 series.
Mine took 5 hours total, but you do it once and it's worth it for the gains. I would only use an experienced tuning shop for this job, pretty much everything else is doable DIY. Oh except larger turbos, same problem as DPs. Some shops drop the whole engine to get to them.