aFe BladeRunner Charge Pipe – BMW 328i / 428i (F30 / F32, N20)

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