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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N55 (M235i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning Stage 2 - FMIC A Must?

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      12-03-2018, 09:40 AM   #1
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Stage 2 - FMIC A Must?

I am looking to bump my car from a Stage 1 Tune (Active Autowerke Flash) to a Stage 2 Tune. I know I will need a DP and charge pipe... BUT how necessary is the FMIC and turbo inlet pipe? This is my daily driver and I'm not going to be tracking the car or putting it under any real duress; I'm simply wanting to bump the power for some occasional highway pulls and around town fun.


Thanks in advance for the help!
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      12-03-2018, 10:27 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AggieM235i View Post
I am looking to bump my car from a Stage 1 Tune (Active Autowerke Flash) to a Stage 2 Tune. I know I will need a DP and charge pipe... BUT how necessary is the FMIC and turbo inlet pipe? This is my daily driver and I'm not going to be tracking the car or putting it under any real duress; I'm simply wanting to bump the power for some occasional highway pulls and around town fun.


Thanks in advance for the help!
The FMC is a must if you want to make consistent power. The inlet seems to help, but there is very little data. I would do both if you can, there is no downside.
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      12-07-2018, 07:36 AM   #3
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I brought my car in to a reputable tuner a few months back for a custom dyno tune. I have a Fabspeed sport cat. After a few....days...on the dyno, they came to the conclusion that an intercooler was mandatory. Without it, the IAT's were all over the place after just a pull or two. They were willing to do a super conservative tune, but in the end the power gains just were not worth it. Flashed back to stock and now I'm waiting to upgrade the intercooler before adding ANY kind of tune back in (thinking of going the BM3 route...).
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      12-08-2018, 09:00 AM   #4
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Here's a graphic representation of what an intercooler can do for you. First one is pre IC and IAT's rose about 35 degrees during the pull. Second one is with the IC and IAT's rose about 5 degress. IC's are your friend.

No IC

With IC
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      12-08-2018, 12:27 PM   #5
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Anyone living in a warm climate its a must. Up here I can probably get away without one for 6-8 months a year, but I installed one so it makes consistent power in the summer. I have the inlet as well, but mostly installed it because I live at high elevation and the turbo was maxxed.
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      12-08-2018, 06:37 PM   #6
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maybe I'm alone here, but I'm not planning on doing the fmic. I just did the do this weekend and am more than happy. will I have heat soak in the summer? sure. am I tracking the car? nah. it's my DD and I'm clearly not making money off it.

I've also read that fmic only really helps a high gear high rpm. that makes is not a must in my book. especially considering the price tag...
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      12-15-2018, 04:23 AM   #7
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I went to the MHD stage 2 tune with only a downpipe. But seeing as it is only winter here i dont think it will pose a problem until summer gets here. on the hottest day so far its been 72 degrees ambient and ive seen 95 degree intake temps.
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      12-15-2018, 08:27 AM   #8
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you dont need it as long as you know you will loose power with heat soak.

That being said, don't half ass your project.

Get a fmic. Get better brake pads, change out your fluid, schedule a hpde with an instructor. Get better tires. Change your charge pipe.
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      12-15-2018, 02:25 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
you dont need it as long as you know you will loose power with heat soak.

That being said, don't half ass your project.

Get a fmic. Get better brake pads, change out your fluid, schedule a hpde with an instructor. Get better tires. Change your charge pipe.
You’re not my real dad, don’t tell me what to do! (This is all good advice though)
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      12-16-2018, 09:09 AM   #10
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don’t tell me what to do! (This is all good advice though)
now i know how my wife feels when i say this to her every hour..
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      12-17-2018, 09:58 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
now i know how my wife feels when i say this to her every hour..
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      12-19-2018, 03:22 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AggieM235i View Post
I am looking to bump my car from a Stage 1 Tune (Active Autowerke Flash) to a Stage 2 Tune. I know I will need a DP and charge pipe... BUT how necessary is the FMIC and turbo inlet pipe? This is my daily driver and I'm not going to be tracking the car or putting it under any real duress; I'm simply wanting to bump the power for some occasional highway pulls and around town fun.


Thanks in advance for the help!
FMIC is a big help, especially with a tune and in hotter climates. Turbo inlet not as much but you'll want to at least replace the charge pipe as it will eventually blow.

On the stock FMIC, you'll be prone to heat soak, which causes inconsistent performance.
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      12-19-2018, 09:50 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
now i know how my wife feels when i say this to her every hour..
My wife wouldn't know the difference between an FMIC and the FDIC!
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      12-21-2018, 10:32 PM   #14
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Quote:
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My wife wouldn't know the difference between an FMIC and the FDIC!
Gotta love those invoices.. "Yes dear, the FMIC had to be replaced, it's maintenance"
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      12-26-2018, 05:28 PM   #15
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Just blame the repair that an inanimate object hit your stock one on the road and it needed to be replaced...
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      12-27-2018, 06:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions View Post
Just blame the repair that an inanimate object hit your stock one on the road and it needed to be replaced...
I'm looking for an excuse to do a turbo upgrade, any ideas?
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      01-04-2019, 06:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AggieM235i View Post
I am looking to bump my car from a Stage 1 Tune (Active Autowerke Flash) to a Stage 2 Tune. I know I will need a DP and charge pipe... BUT how necessary is the FMIC and turbo inlet pipe? This is my daily driver and I'm not going to be tracking the car or putting it under any real duress; I'm simply wanting to bump the power for some occasional highway pulls and around town fun.


Thanks in advance for the help!
FMIC is a must, preferably 6" but you can get away with a 5" if you do not push your car much
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      01-17-2019, 04:01 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wjjkoevoets View Post
I'm looking for an excuse to do a turbo upgrade, any ideas?
Sure but I'd need to know what it's the common push back you may receive so I can manipulate your excuse accordingly
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      01-18-2019, 08:16 PM   #19
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Sure but I'd need to know what it's the common push back you may receive so I can manipulate your excuse accordingly
My current turbo not dying and me pretending to be financially responsible when it comes to mods
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      01-21-2019, 10:14 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by delvec03 View Post
maybe I'm alone here, but I'm not planning on doing the fmic. I just did the do this weekend and am more than happy. will I have heat soak in the summer? sure. am I tracking the car? nah. it's my DD and I'm clearly not making money off it.

I've also read that fmic only really helps a high gear high rpm. that makes is not a must in my book. especially considering the price tag...
Quote:
Originally Posted by delvec03 View Post
maybe I'm alone here, but I'm not planning on doing the fmic. I just did the do this weekend and am more than happy. will I have heat soak in the summer? sure. am I tracking the car? nah. it's my DD and I'm clearly not making money off it.

I've also read that fmic only really helps a high gear high rpm. that makes is not a must in my book. especially considering the price tag...

You don't just get less power from heatsoak....you risk detonation if you push your car. FMIC is a must if you're running a tune and you risk damaging your car without it.
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      01-22-2019, 03:44 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wjjkoevoets View Post
My current turbo not dying and me pretending to be financially responsible when it comes to mods
I think I found your excuse, dying turbo... Does she know how to diagnose and repair it? Nope? Looks like you need a new one
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      01-27-2019, 02:17 PM   #22
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I'm stage 2 currently on stock intercooler. I'm dynoing the car tomorrow morning. Then I'm installing the upgraded vrsf intercooler, then going back to dyno again Friday. (and doing 0-60 and quarter mile runs with Dragy before/after each, starting from baseline) On stock intercooler, I feel a lot more torque low and mid range but the top end feels about the same as when I was stage 1. (and the extra low end isn't helping acceleration numbers due to lots of wheelspin now) I hope IC helps top end a bit because the stock turbo needs it lol

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