Phoenix Racing Charge Air Cooler | HD Photo Review

[FriedPiston]

Since a lot of members are under the impression that Phoenix Racing and xRSF are the same exact copies as the S55 charge air cooler units sold on Alibaba. While true that they are ALL likely produced out of the same factory in China, including xSF, I wanted to share the photos below to show the difference in packaging, fin pack, core brackets, as well as, paint and weld quality.

Link to Alibaba unboxing: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1620185

Link to XRSF unboxing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zu94vOXJUng

[Phoenix Racing breakdown]

Packaging Quality:
+ Double-corrugated cardboard
+ High density foam
+ Plastic yellow end caps
+ Plastic sleeve over sensor hole

Comments: Unit arrived in one whole piece with ZERO bent or dented sections.

Paint/Welding:

As Terry@BMS mentioned himself, the paint quality is cheap as expected from Made in China stuff. However, there is no highly noticeable difference from Alibaba and xRSF units. Perhaps the welds are a bit smoother...

Core/Fin Pack:
+ Core Brackets look more durable than Alibaba, unable to compare with xRSF
- Slightly bent fins located inside the cold side outlet, nothing major.

Final Comments:
I opted to purchase the Phoenix Racing charge air cooler unit from Burger Tuning, because I wanted to be able to rely on their excellent customer service in case I ever needed to do a return, or had any technical questions.

In my case specifically, Burger Tuning is sending me a no-questions-asked replacement, because of the few bent fins, along with slightly improved fitting design.

[Spun Pornhub]

This doesn't look that bad. I'm still waiting to see how the VRSF and Wagner intercoolers turn out, but there doesn't appear to be much independent photos floating around.

How hard is it to do the install? Do you have any installation photos?

[4everkidd]

Well packaged... but man that's ugly

[FriedPiston]

Originally Posted by stillmatic

This doesn't look that bad. I'm still waiting to see how the VRSF and Wagner intercoolers turn out, but there doesn't appear to be much independent photos floating around.

How hard is it to do the install? Do you have any installation photos?

I don't think Wagner is completely out yet. Post installation or installation photos are on hold until the replacement unit arrives.

I would say the installation is quite easy, however. You can find a few DIY videos on YouTube.

Originally Posted by 4everkidd

Well packaged... but man that's ugly

She's definitely not the best looker. Though, I'm more after a decent non-OEM replacement for my MY15 that is not heavily overpriced.