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      09-28-2017, 09:00 PM   #1
batlin
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Charge Pipe replacement DIY?

I searched and couldn't find anyone on here that has done a Charge Pipe for the X3 by themselves. Looks like on other BMWs it is fairly easy but wanted to confirm it is easy on the X3 before I order the part.

Thank!
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      09-29-2017, 10:47 PM   #2
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Hey! I just had the charge pipe on my 35i fixed at the dealer under warranty after it burst under WOT.

Apparently it's not so easy on this car. I'll post the info from the invoice below.

"Removed belly pan, air filter housing, Air intake tube, drive belt, and separated air conditioning compressor. Removed and replaced charge air pipe between intercooler and throttle body."

Sounds like a lot of work.
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      09-29-2017, 10:54 PM   #3
batlin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stridenttube View Post
Hey! I just had the charge pipe on my 35i fixed at the dealer under warranty after it burst under WOT.

Apparently it's not so easy on this car. I'll post the info from the invoice below.

"Removed belly pan, air filter housing, Air intake tube, drive belt, and separated air conditioning compressor. Removed and replaced charge air pipe between intercooler and throttle body."

Sounds like a lot of work.
F***.... ok thanks! I think I'll pay the 2 hours of labor Thank you!
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      09-30-2017, 08:18 AM   #4
batlin
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Do you all think it is safe to drive my car 3 miles to the shop with a blown boost pipe?
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      10-01-2017, 10:15 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
Do you all think it is safe to drive my car 3 miles to the shop with a blown boost pipe?
I think it will be fine if it's just 3 miles, can't be sure though.
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      10-02-2017, 06:44 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
Do you all think it is safe to drive my car 3 miles to the shop with a blown boost pipe?
It’ll be fine don’t worry, I had to drive 20 miles to my dealer when mines got broken.
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      10-02-2017, 08:56 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by stridenttube View Post
I think it will be fine if it's just 3 miles, can't be sure though.
THank you! I took a look and found the gasket just sitting at the opening of the throttle so I pulled that out so it didn't get sucked in
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      11-13-2017, 08:02 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
I searched and couldn't find anyone on here that has done a Charge Pipe for the X3 by themselves. Looks like on other BMWs it is fairly easy but wanted to confirm it is easy on the X3 before I order the part.

Thank!
I changed mine this past weekend. I upgraded from stock to aftermarket aluminum. At first I thought it might be impossible but I kept working at and it wasn't bad at all. You have to come out of the top though. You don't need to remove the compressor. I removed the intercooler and the airbox. The aftermarket was a split design (as stock should have been) and it was very easy to install. It will be so easy to remove as well if I ever need to.
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      11-14-2017, 12:49 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
I searched and couldn't find anyone on here that has done a Charge Pipe for the X3 by themselves. Looks like on other BMWs it is fairly easy but wanted to confirm it is easy on the X3 before I order the part.

Thank!
I replaced mine with FTP ones. Black aluminum charge and boost pipes..

It's relatively simple bolt on process.

I changed just in case the stock CP decides to blow.
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      11-14-2017, 01:11 PM   #10
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http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...ht=Charge+pipe
Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
I searched and couldn't find anyone on here that has done a Charge Pipe for the X3 by themselves. Looks like on other BMWs it is fairly easy but wanted to confirm it is easy on the X3 before I order the part.

Thank!

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...ht=Charge+pipe

Last edited by E90705; 11-14-2017 at 01:27 PM..
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      11-14-2017, 01:24 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by batlin View Post
I searched and couldn't find anyone on here that has done a Charge Pipe for the X3 by themselves. Looks like on other BMWs it is fairly easy but wanted to confirm it is easy on the X3 before I order the part.

Thank!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTP-Charge-...5Y2Hj6&vxp=mtr

I used the FTP kit. it bolted right up. good replacement since not many companies make CP for our n55 F25 x3's
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      01-30-2018, 10:24 AM   #12
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do you guys know where I can get a cold air intake for my 2013 28i?
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      09-10-2018, 05:21 PM   #13
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FTP Kit or just FTP Charge pipe?

Do I need both for an MHD Stage 1 tune or just the charge pipe?

This one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTP-Charge-...5Y2Hj6&vxp=mtr

or this one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BAR-Autotec...MAAOSwhQhY2H7g

Trying to save some cash if it's not needed.
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      09-10-2018, 07:19 PM   #14
E90705
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbaylis View Post
Do I need both for an MHD Stage 1 tune or just the charge pipe?

This one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTP-Charge-...j6&vxp=mtr

or this one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BAR-Autotec...MAAOSwhQhY2H7g

Trying to save some cash if it's not needed.
Sir, just the charge pipe side is the necessary one, however I went ahead and did the boost pipe also.

Simple process just can be tricky getting stuff out of tight spaces.
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      09-10-2018, 07:29 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by E90705 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbaylis View Post
Do I need both for an MHD Stage 1 tune or just the charge pipe?

This one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTP-Charge-...j6&vxp=mtr

or this one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BAR-Autotec...MAAOSwhQhY2H7g

Trying to save some cash if it's not needed.
Sir, just the charge pipe side is the necessary one, however I went ahead and did the boost pipe also.

Simple process just can be tricky getting stuff out of tight spaces.
Quote:
Originally Posted by E90705 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbaylis View Post
Do I need both for an MHD Stage 1 tune or just the charge pipe?

This one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FTP-Charge-...j6&vxp=mtr

or this one?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BAR-Autotec...MAAOSwhQhY2H7g

Trying to save some cash if it's not needed.
Sir, just the charge pipe side is the necessary one, however I went ahead and did the boost pipe also.

Simple process just can be tricky getting stuff out of tight spaces.
Thank you!
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      09-10-2018, 07:31 PM   #16
E90705
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Charge pipe 1st pic vs stock one

Charge pipe installed in 2nd pic

Last is boost pipe compared to stock.
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      09-12-2018, 07:59 AM   #17
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I like that those are painted black, don't need a lot of extra bright metal down in the depths of my wife's car. Aside from the longevity, have you noticed any other direct benefit from having the solid pipes?
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      09-12-2018, 10:08 AM   #18
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I did this a few months back. If you were on the edge of buying, I would definitely do it and go for the FTP kit. The added peace of mind that your charge pipe wont explode at WOT is pleasing.

Theoretically there wont be much of a difference in the feel of the car because you're just replacing pipes. I do feel like throttle response and the boost noise is a bit better but that very well could just be placebo.

The 'better' throttle response could be from the lack of ridges and bumps in the solid pipes that the stock pipes have in the flex part, or again, just placebo.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bufalo View Post
I like that those are painted black, don't need a lot of extra bright metal down in the depths of my wife's car. Aside from the longevity, have you noticed any other direct benefit from having the solid pipes?
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      09-12-2018, 04:27 PM   #19
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There will be zero change in performance, it's just a mod for reliability.
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      09-12-2018, 08:47 PM   #20
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On some older turbo cars, solid intercooler pipes could improve throttle response simply because they didn't blow up like balloons when boost came on!
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      09-13-2018, 12:19 PM   #21
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The boost pipe/outlet pipe does appear to allow better air flow as the stock rubber was pretty thin as I imagine it may balloon under wot/load.

My guess ftp pipe =2.5 inch vs oem 2-2.25?
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      09-13-2018, 12:27 PM   #22
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I did mine a few weeks back and it wasnt too bad. As others have said, i removed the intercooler and air box, and then it was just a bunch of twisting, pulling and wiggling to get it out. The FTP stuff is much nicer, although i will say their instructions werent a ton of help. Step 4 i think was basically "Put everything back together and your finished". But great quality product.
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