aFe BladeRunner GT Intercooler 46-20221 – BMW 328i / 428i (F30 / F32, N20)

OVERVIEW

The aFe POWER BladeRunner GT Series intercooler replaces the restrictive factory unit on the turbocharged BMW F2x/F3x platform with a far larger bar-and-plate core. Where the factory intercooler uses a small tube-and-fin core, the BladeRunner uses a 5" bar and plate core that is 29% larger than stock, allowing greater airflow and far better heat dissipation. In aFe testing the unit showed flow gains of up to 17% over the factory intercooler while lowering manifold intake air temperature.

The end tanks are formed from 3/16" thick aluminum plate and TIG-welded inside and out by certified craftsmen for strength and resistance to stress cracking. Each end tank carries two 1/8" NPT ports for pressure sensors or water-methanol injection, and 2-1/2" billet aluminum inlet and outlet fittings retain the factory-style quick connections for the intercooler tubes. The complete assembly is pressure tested to 200 psi.

The intercooler uses the factory mounting locations, so no cutting or modification of the vehicle is required for installation.

SPECS

• Outflows the factory intercooler by up to 17%
• Lowers manifold intake air temperature
• 5" bar-and-plate core, 29% larger than the factory core
• End tanks formed from 3/16" thick aluminum plate
• 2-1/2" billet aluminum inlet and outlet
• Retains factory-style quick connections for the intercooler tubes
• Two 1/8" NPT ports on the intercooler and tube for pressure sensors or water-methanol injection
• 100% TIG-welded inside and out
• Pressure tested to 200 psi
• Uses the factory mounting locations; no cutting or modification required
• Not CARB exempt; not legal for sale or use in California

PARTS INCLUDED

• BladeRunner GT Series intercooler
• Intercooler tube (1)
• Plugs (2)
• Trim seal (2)
• Bill of materials per aFe installation instructions 06-86229

TECH RESOURCES

Additional Parts Required

• None. aFe specifies no additional hardware for this part — it mounts in the factory locations and uses the factory-style quick connections, with no cutting or modification of the vehicle.

Installation

• aFe POWER 46-20221 installation instructions (PDF)

Notes

• Note: This intercooler kit 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’s installation instructions list this intercooler for the 2012–2016 BMW 328i (F3x) N20 as the primary application; the additional models above are from aFe’s published fitment data. Confirm your exact chassis and engine code with Speed Logic before ordering.

PART NUMBER

• 46-20221

VEHICLE APPLICATIONS