[Jweise26]

Hey everyone, I own a 2016 M235i auto that has 53k miles at the moment. It still has the oem charge pipe and I want to replace it before anything happens. This week I actually ordered the vrsf charge pipe in anticipation that it would be in stock 8/3 as the website page said, but come that day nothing happened. So I emailed them and they said it had been delayed and I might not ship it till their 8/20 shipment. So I cancelled my order because I want one quick. Now I am looking into other brands like CTS, ER(expensive), and FTP. Any recommendations or advice on these brands or any other too? Is the ER charge pipe worth the extra $$$ or will cheaper like CTS do the job fine? Thank you!

[atek]

I have the BMS chargepipe and its been great.

[Kernel Kurtz]

Not sure why fulfillment speed is that important for something you say is purely preventative. Do you have reason to believe your current one won't last another month or two?

[atek]

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

Not sure why fulfillment speed is that important for something you say is purely preventative. Do you have reason to believe your current one won't last another month or two?

when it goes, it goes. With no warning, and will leave you stranded. Best to get one on hand asap if he's still got stock. just do the math on the age of that already brittle plastic pipe. literal ticking time bomb of suck, that will leave you stuck on the side of the road. No one wants that.

[DBinOC]

I also installed the BMS charge pipe (also did the intercooler). I like both pieces and feel they are well-made. Extreme Powerhouse (x-ph.com) is a forum vendor and got things to me quickly.

Good luck.

DBinOC

[Kernel Kurtz]

Originally Posted by atek

when it goes, it goes. With no warning, and will leave you stranded. Best to get one on hand asap if he's still got stock. just do the math on the age of that already brittle plastic pipe. literal ticking time bomb of suck, that will leave you stuck on the side of the road. No one wants that.

Pretty sure you can still drive in limp mode with a charge pipe failure. Would be a pain on a long trip, and I totally get replacing it proactively, but I don't think I would live in fear unless it is replaced no later than tomorrow.

[atek]

Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz

Pretty sure you can still drive in limp mode with a charge pipe failure. Would be a pain on a long trip, and I totally get replacing it proactively, but I don't think I would live in fear unless it is replaced no later than tomorrow.

It throws a hard Drivetrain malfunction code, and you would think you can limp it, but no you can't limp it home (especially if your 10+ miles out). I have experience trying, didn't make it out of the parking lot I coasted into.

[Jweise26]

Originally Posted by atek

It throws a hard Drivetrain malfunction code, and you would think you can limp it, but no you can't limp it home (especially if your 10+ miles out). I have experience trying, didn't make it out of the parking lot I coasted into.

I ended up buying the Evolution Racewerks charge pipe. Higher price but I dont mind paying for the quality and high regards they receive. To answer why I cant wait for the VRSF, just like atek mentioned the pipe can go any moment, especially around my mileage. And Id rather not wait 2+ weeks for something I just paid over $200 for, originally expecting it within a week!

[pikcachu]

The FTP is pretty good and good price also

[ggggbmw]

I installed the ER pipe this spring. High quality and fits well.

Getting the old pipe out is the hardest part of the job. I would suggest just cutting it. It's going in the trash anyway. Once it's cut even half way in the middle, you can fold it into an L shape and it will slide right out. Just be careful cutting, as there is an AC hose and the power harness for the steering rack in the vicinity. Use a sharp utility knife. The OEM pipe is polyethylene, like a very thick milk jug.

Getting the clamps oriented is a little tricky too. I had to pull the top pipe out twice before I got them in right. The best position for me was to have the clamp bolts on the bottom, with the bolt heads pointing down at a slight angle toward the driver side brake caliper. Plenty of clearance from the AC hose above the pipe, and easy access to tighten the bolts from beneath the car.

[pikcachu]

a little trick I saw on videos online is to put some rubber friendly lube like the SilGlide used for the brake boots on the pipe and the middle fitting that allows you to easily rotate either side of the upper and lower pipes with little effort for perfect adjustment and prevents leaks, as well as on the rubber O rings against the intercooler and throttle body.... do not use oil.... make sure is lube rubber friendly

[MadJonny]

I have always used FTP charge pipes but they are the cheapest quality ones here in europe

[mike@x-ph.com]

We offer FTP, MAD, BMS, AA, and CTS. Any of these options will work without any issues.

Evolution Racewerks is the best option if you do not mind paying more for a US-made product. It also got the best finish quality.

[Jweise26]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

We offer FTP, MAD, BMS, AA, and CTS. Any of these options will work without any issues.

Evolution Racewerks is the best option if you do not mind paying more for a US-made product. It also got the best finish quality.

I ended up ordering the ER charge pipe from you! Planning on getting it installed next week!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Jweise26

I ended up ordering the ER charge pipe from you! Planning on getting it installed next week!

Congrats