forcefedfreak

<center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/uberhare/Picture012.jpg"></center><p>I seem to be stuck removing the driver's side intercooler. Can someone provide some direction on how this is done without removing the fender? I've got the small radiator removed from the back of the intercooler but I can't get seem to wiggle the IC out.

I've circled the area where the mounting tabs are preventing the IC from dropping down. The arrow points to the cross member that prevents the IC from moving forward enough to let it drop down.

absolutcq20v

...remove the two Torx bolts from the top at the fender, and one from the side...then loosen the larger three Torx holding the bumper support arm.

Also, maybe search some tuner sites for install instructions.

forcefedfreak

I didn't want to hear that. I was hoping it would be a simple swap.

audikillsbmw

Or is there not enough space to do that?

forcefedfreak

Goddamn German engineers....

4.2ballsack

REMOVE FRT BUMPER, THEN REMOVE INTERCOOLER

mpw

From where you are, it's only another 10 minutes max to loosen the core support - 13 bolts!

rageman

What intercoolers are you installing? If it is AWE or ER you will probably have to do some trimming anyway.

So, you remember those long bolts you have from the bumper (torx ones)? Pull the bumper support bolts, replace a top one with that (it screws in a bit), then use those to support the radiator/core but allow it to pull out a bit - you'll have to unbolt the whole support - it is only 6 or so bolts; not hard. I can't remember where I saw this trick; might be a tech article (but I can't find it right now). YMMV; this is what worked for me.

Sean

forcefedfreak

I figured the only other option was to loosen and/or remove the core support. My only concern was screwing up alignment of the fenders, hood, etc.

forcefedfreak

Read my first post idiot.