OVERVIEW

The aFe Power BladeRunner cold-side intercooler tube replaces the factory charge piping on the N20/N26 2.0L turbo BMW with mandrel-bent aluminum tubing that steps from 2-1/2" to 2-3/4". aFe measured a 21% flow increase over the factory intercooler tube. The smooth transition mandrel bends decrease turbulence, which increases horsepower and torque.

Both the throttle body and intercooler connections use factory-style quick connects machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, so the assembly attaches exactly like the OE piping and works with either the factory intercooler or an aFe unit. Two 1/8" NPT ports are provided for connecting pressure sensors or water-methanol injection.

The tubing is powder-coated wrinkle black, which insulates it from engine heat and protects against corrosion, and a laser-cut aluminum aFe Power logo plate is welded on for an aggressive look. A heavy-duty 5-ply reinforced silicone coupling and premium stainless-steel clamps deliver a leak-free seal, and all necessary hardware is included.

SPECS

Outflows the factory intercooler tube by 21%
Tubing: 2-1/2" to 2-3/4" cold-side mandrel-bent aluminum
Finish: wrinkle-black powder coat for heat and corrosion resistance
Throttle body and intercooler connections: factory-style quick connects machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum
Two 1/8" NPT ports for pressure sensors or water-methanol injection
Coupling: 5-ply reinforced silicone
Premium stainless-steel clamps
Works with both the factory and the aFe intercooler
Welded-on laser-cut aluminum aFe Power logo plate
Available finishes: wrinkle black (-B) and red (-R)
Not CARB exempt

PARTS INCLUDED

Cold-side intercooler tubes — 2
Coupling — 1
Clamps — 2
O-rings — 2
Plugs — 2
Screws — 2

TECH RESOURCES

Additional Parts Required

None. aFe Power specifies no additional hardware for this charge pipe — it connects to the factory intercooler and throttle body and includes all necessary hardware.
Installer supplies basic hand tools: metric sockets and wrenches, a nut driver for the hose clamps and a trim tool for the engine cover and underbody panel clips.
Optional: 1/8" NPT sensor fittings or a water-methanol injection nozzle if you intend to use the provided ports. The supplied plugs seal them if you do not.

Installation

aFe Power 46-20229-B / 46-20229-R BladeRunner intercooler tube — installation instructions (PDF)

Notes

Note: This intercooler tube is not CARB exempt at this time and is not legal for sale in California or use on vehicles registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
aFe Power's installation instructions summarize coverage as 2012–2018 BMW 1/2/3/4 Series with the 2.0L turbo four. Confirm fitment with Speed Logic if your car is a borderline model year, a B48 car or a non-US market variant.

PART NUMBER

46-20229-B — BladeRunner cold-side intercooler tube, wrinkle black
46-20229-R — same tube in red

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS

Make	Model	Chassis	Engine	Years
BMW	228i	F22 / F23	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	228i xDrive	F22 / F23	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2015–2016
BMW	320i	F30	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2012–2015
BMW	320i	F30	B48 2.0L Turbo I4	2016–2018
BMW	320i xDrive	F30	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2013–2015
BMW	320i xDrive	F30	B48 2.0L Turbo I4	2016–2018
BMW	328i	F30	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2012–2016
BMW	328i xDrive	F30 / F31	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2013–2016
BMW	328i GT xDrive	F34	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	420i (non-US model)	F32 / F33	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	420i Gran Coupe (non-US model)	F36	N20 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	428i	F32 / F33	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	428i xDrive	F32 / F33	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2014–2016
BMW	428i Gran Coupe	F36	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2015–2016
BMW	428i xDrive Gran Coupe	F36	N20 / N26 2.0L Turbo I4	2015–2016