VRSF Charge Pipe Review: A Must Have for a Tuned BMW N55?

If you have a turbocharged BMW engine like the N55, you probably know that there are numerous aftermarket upgrades for it.

Among these upgrades, the charge tube is a crucial, albeit often overlooked, component.

The VRSF charge pipe upgrade kit is designed to replace the plastic OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) charge pipe that can easily crack under pressure, especially after tuning your car.

I decided to install it in my F20 BMW M135i and I will share my experience below!

Overview: VRSF Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit (for BMW N55)

First things first: A charge pipe is a component in your turbocharged engine that carries air from your intercooler to the engine.

Now you might be thinking, “It’s just a whistle, how important can it be?”

Well, the stock boost pipe that comes with your BMW is made of plastic, which is not the most durable material to say the least, especially when you start tuning your car and giving it more boost pressure.

And that’s the main thing the VRSF Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit fixes:

The VRSF charge pipe is made from T6061 grade aluminum, which is a fancy way of saying it’s tough, durable, and built to handle whatever your turbo throws at it.

Unlike the stock plastic tube, this aluminum tube won’t crack or burst under pressure, which is the last thing you want when you’re cruising the highway with it.

Here is an example of what can happen with the OEM charge pipe:

But it’s not just about durability.

The VRSF charge pipe is designed to improve airflow, resulting in better throttle response and less turbo lag.

Now you might be thinking, “Will this fit my car?”

If you have a 2012-2018 M135i, M2, M235i, 335i or 435i, you’re in luck.

This kit was designed specifically for these models, although VRSF also offers charge pipes for most other BMWs.

The VRSF charge pipe features a black powder coat finish that looks great and blends seamlessly into your engine bay.

In the next sections I will share my experience installing this kit and its benefits in my M135i.

Installing the VRSF charging tube

Let’s get our hands dirty and talk about installing the VRSF Charge Pipe into a BMW N55 engine.

First of all, I have to be honest: the installation is not a walk in the park, but it is definitely doable, especially if you have some patience and basic mechanical skills.

For comparison, I also installed the VRSF HD Intercooler and the VRSF Catless Downpipe on the same day, and I would say that installing the charge pipe was the most difficult of the three.

But don’t worry if you’re not an experienced mechanic. With some careful steps you can achieve this.

The main challenge is to position the loading tube correctly.

Because the kit includes a flexible silicone coupling, there is some wiggle room to adjust and rotate for the perfect fit:

While this flexibility is great for achieving a good fit, it also means you’ll have to experiment a bit to find the best configuration.

Removing the OEM charger tube is straightforward. Simply remove the TMAP sensor and release the two C-clips, one on the engine side and one on the intercooler side:

As you have already seen, the VRSF charging tube consists of several individual parts:

When installing the VRSF charge tube, I tried different configurations to get it to fit.

For example, first install the pipe from the intercooler, then the coupling and then the upper part.

However, after a few tries I wasn’t completely happy with the fit.

Ultimately, what worked best was a bit counterintuitive.

I started by first assembling the top pipe, then adding the loose silicone coupler, then fitting the intercooler pipe into the loose coupling and attaching it to the intercooler, and lastly attaching the silicone coupler clamps.

I found that this method resulted in an excellent VRSF loading tube fit.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Attach the top tube. Start by assembling the upper part of the charging tube and securing it with the C-clip.
2. Position the silicone coupling. Next, attach the silicone coupling to the top tube, but leave it loose. This part offers some flexibility, so you don’t need to secure it yet.

Note: The additional black adapter between my TMAP sensor and the charge pipe is part of my boost-operated exhaust valve system and is not needed for a typical charge pipe upgrade.

3. Connect to the intercooler. Now take the lower part of the tube (the longer tube) and insert it into the loose silicone coupling. Once it’s in, attach the other end to the intercooler using the C-clip. This requires a bit of adjustment to get everything aligned perfectly.
4. Attach the T-bolt clamps. When all parts are connected, go back and tighten the T-bolt clamps around the silicone coupling. Make sure every connection is secure to avoid boost leaks.

This is how the longer pipe should fit:

Remember, the kit includes all the necessary components, so you don’t have to worry about running to the store for extra parts.

However, there are no instructions included with the kit. So take your time and perhaps have a laptop or phone ready to refer to online guides or videos if you get stuck.

Although it is not completely visible, here is what the VRSF charge tube looks like after installation:

5 advantages of a VRSF charging cable

Installing the VRSF Charge Pipe on your BMW should give you the following benefits:

1. Security and reliability. Since we know that the OEM plastic charge tube is a common source of failure, especially after tuning, upgrading to a VRSF aluminum tube significantly improves reliability. It’s reassuring to drive without fear of a sudden charging line failure!
2. Improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag. Due to the optimized airflow, you may notice slightly improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag.
3. Superior construction. I could feel the quality of the T6061 aluminum holding the VRSF Charge Pipe in my hands. It appears robust and designed to last. The mandrel bending process ensures the tube maintains a consistent diameter throughout, improving airflow. TIG welding increases the strength of the pipe and ensures that it can withstand higher pressures.
4. Great finish. The charging tube has a high-quality Wrinkle Black powder coating. Not only does it look great, but it also protects the aluminum from corrosion and wear. Additionally, the included 4-layer silicone connectors and stainless steel T-bolt clamps ensure a secure fit.
5. 1/8″ NPT, dude. This little feature is a big deal if you’re considering water injection for additional cooling and power or need to perform a boost leak check.

FAQs about upgrading your charging line

If you are in doubt about upgrading your charging line, here are some frequently asked questions:

Diploma

After installing this kit on my own BMW M135i, I learned firsthand that the VRSF Charge Pipe is not just a piece of metal connecting two points.

It’s a well-thought-out upgrade that addresses the weaknesses of the OEM setup.

With its mandrel-bent and TIG-welded construction made from T6061 aluminum, it offers a durable solution that is built to last.

Yes, installing the VRSF Charge Pipe may require some patience and effort, but the payoff is undeniable!