Description
"It's about time!" was the resounding response from the industry when CSF announced the release of their high-performance BMW N54 intercooler. With over a decade since the N54 platform's introduction, this intercooler aims to address the shortcomings of not just the OEM unit but also other aftermarket options. Following the overwhelming success of CSF's BMW N55 intercooler, the N54 counterpart is designed to meet the industry's demand for a reliable, efficient, and affordable cooling solution.
The CSF BMW N54 intercooler comes packed with sought-after features and is available at an unbeatable price point of just USD $499. This high-performance intercooler is undeniably the best value on the market today.
BMW's N54 engine has gained a reputation as one of the most reliable and high-performance engines globally, especially when it comes to tuning. Many owners are now pushing over 500hp from these engines, with some reaching over 700hp on big single turbo setups and a few nearing or surpassing the 1000hp mark. With proper components from quality high-performance companies, impressive performance can be achieved, including a high-performance intercooler to handle the increased intake air temperatures (IATs) associated with these built vehicles.
When comparing the CSF intercooler to OEM and other competitors, there are several factors to consider. The OEM intercooler's plastic endcaps can become weak and brittle over time, while the tube/fin core design has performance limitations. The N54 engine's direct injection system also leads to oil buildup in the charge piping, intercooler, and intake manifold, further reducing intercooler performance.
CSF's BMW N54 intercooler offers a superior alternative with its stepped core design, bar/plate construction, rounded bar/plate core design, and TIG-welded aluminum cast end tanks. This "drop-in fit" intercooler requires no modifications to install and is built to withstand even the most advanced N54 engine builds, handling up to 1000hp with ease.
When it comes to price, performance, size, fitment, and quality, the CSF BMW N54 intercooler outshines the competition. With its BMW-style "Quick-Connect" machined fittings, OEM mounting locations, and no need for cutting or trimming, it is the only true plug-and-play solution on the market. Manufactured by an ISO-certified Tier-1 OEM supplier, CSF intercoolers are meticulously hand-welded and finished in a durable semi-gloss black or silver finish. Each intercooler is individually packaged with a hardware kit, instructions, and CSF logo stencil.
Upgrade your BMW's cooling performance with the CSF E Chassis N54/N55 Intercooler and experience the ultimate high-performance cooling solution for your N54 engine build.
Intercooler Design
The OEM intercooler is made from plastic end tanks that are crimped on to an aluminum tube/fin core that is ~4 inches thick (105mm core width) and is 5 inches in height (127mm). This may be enough to keep IAT’s in check on a completely unmodified / stock vehicle, but once users to start increase power through bolt-on modifications, tuning, and built engines, the OEM intercooler will become the Achilles heel of the system with IAT’s skyrocketing out of the optimal range and drastically lowering the performance capabilities of the vehicle.
Enter CSF with their new, stepped core design, bar/plate high performance BMW n54 intercooler. This “drop-in fit” intercooler, which requires no modifications to install, has a bottom / larger section that is 5.5 inches thick (140mm) with a front face that is massive ~8.25 inches tall (210mm). A huge improvement over the OEM unit, and enough to handle even the most advanced n54 engine builds. Good for 1000hp no problem!
Core
The OEM, and some higher-price aftermarket units, are made out of a tube/fin style core. While lightweight, this type of core is prone to heat soaking under high boost levels and prolonged use. Also, the core is susceptible to bursting (or bulging) due to increased boost levels as tube/fin cores can not take the higher boost pressures of a high performance system.
CSF’s new BMW N54 intercooler is made from it’s industry exclusive rounded bar/plate core design. The rounded front face of the cooling bars allows for better airflow into the core. Airflow hits the core surface, and rather than scattering like it does with hitting the face of a flat bar that all competing products have, it travels around the face of the round bar and into core for much better performance than both the OEM design (flat face) and all other aftermarket competitors (all have flat face tubes or bars).
CSF has also wind-tunnel tested (in-house) and optimized the size of the core and fin density of the intercooler core to ensure low pressure drop and proper airflow into the rest of the system, including the radiator which is known to be another shortcoming of the cooling system. (Check out CSF’s high performance radiators to complete the ultimate cooling solution – CSF #7045 (manual / #7046 automatic).
See how CSF’s high performance N55 intercooler with same style rounded bar/plate core design compares to a more expensive aftermarket offering that uses tube/fin. The same type of performance benefits can be expected from CSF’s new BMW N54 intercooler – Click here!
With CSF’s high performance bar/plate style core, you never have to worry about spikes in pressure or failure due to higher boost pressures, the CSF intercooler is pressure tested to 120psi!
Endtanks
Compared to the OEM style plastic crimped on end tanks, the CSF unit is vastly improved. The all-aluminum cast end tanks are 100% TIG welded to the high performance core for better durability, reliability, and longevity. The CSF intercooler comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects or failure due to normal / intended use.
Just like the OEM design, the CSF intercooler integrates the factory style “Quick-Connect” inlet/outlet fittings. CSF has CNC machined and welded these fittings to the core for perfect factory-level fitment. (new high performance locking spring clip included)
CSF VS THE COMPETITION
Price
Don’t be fooled by cheaper alternatives on the market. Yes, you can find an advertised “high-performance” intercooler for much cheaper, but what you end up buying may only be marginally better than the OEM unit you’re replacing. For the serious high-performance enthusiast, CSF offers the best value when deciding on a high-quality high-performance intercooler solution.
Performance and Size
Again, don’t be fooled by extremely large intercoolers. There are some options available that are 7inches or larger in core thickness. Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to proper sizing and performance benefits of a high-performance intercooler. No one should consider hanging off the front of their “performance” car an intercooler that is more than ~30 pounds. When CSF decided on a proper sizing, the biggest intercooler possible was developed with a max weight of 30 pounds. Some larger options on the market are way over 40 pounds! Way too much to hang off the front of the car, the last place you want to add weight in a small performance sedan or coupe like the vehicles the N54 motor is found in. Also, intercoolers with thicker cores or options that say they have a “denser” core are not taking into account the negative effects on airflow into the rest of the cooling system. There is little to no true performance benefit if you have a cooling system with a massive intercooler resulting in very low IAT’s, but with very high water temperatures because of the lack of airflow, often resulting in the engine going into limp mode, especially when driving on the race track.
Fitment
CSF’s new BMW N54 intercooler is the only TRUE plug and play solution compared to the rest
No cheaper silicon hose clamp system, only BMW style “Quick-Connect machined fittings
OEM mounting locations w/ fitment kit and instructions included
Clears OEM crash bar / no modification to install with no cutting or trimming required.
Quality
When purchasing a CSF intercooler, you’re purchasing from a cooling system manufacturer that is an ISO-certified Tier-1 OEM supplier that has designed, built, and tested the entire intercooler in-house. Competitors source their cores from overseas factories, and either weld the coolers themselves (not factory level production), or simply purchase an intercooler from a supplier source. Also, CSF intercoolers are meticulously hand welded by expert TIG welders and finished in a semi-gloss black or silver finish that is much more durable to damage than uncoated intercoolers. Finally, each intercooler is individually packaged with hardware kit, instructions, and CSF logo stencil.
CSF BMW High-Performance N54 Intercooler
Part Numbers
Semi Gloss Black – #CSF8127B
Brilliant Silver – #CSF8127
OEM Part Number
7517540035
Fitment Specifications
Bottom Section: 140mm thick (5.5 inches)
Top Section: 61mm (2.4 inches thick)
Total Height of Front Face: 210mm (~8.27 inches)
Highlights
CNC Machined OEM Style Quick Connect Fittings
Rounded Bar and Plate Core
Stepped Intercooler Design
OEM Mounting locations
Direct Plug and Play
What’s Included?
CSF BMW High-Performance N54 Intercooler
CSF Logo Stencil
Hardware Kit, including high boost locking spring clips
Instructions
Application Chart
BMW 335i
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Adjustment of Mirror Polished Finish Due to health concerns for our employees, increasing government restrictions in regards to social distancing of employees within our manufacturing facility, as well as an unfortunate break-out of Covid-19 within our polishing center, CSF has adjusted the finish of some of its radiators from our mirror-polished finish to our high-luster satin finish. Same great quality, same great performance, same great customer support
