Just one glance at the BMW M2 Coupe and you can immediately recognize it as a member of BMW’s powerful, renowned M family. With dynamic styling cues, impressive performance, and intelligent connectivity, the M2 Coupe is nothing less than extraordinary. It truly encompasses all the ingredients to make “the ultimate driving machine”. And in a world where technology has seemingly taken over, BMW remains true to its DNA to ensure drivers can still experience true driving pleasure.
The newly developed 3.0-liter six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW F87 M2 Coupe deploys the latest M TwinPower Turbo technology to deliver 370 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The M2’s peak torque of 343 pound-feet can be increased to as much as 369 pound-feet in short bursts under overboost. Together with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission and Launch Control, the M2 Coupe is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The M2 is also keen to emphasize its remarkable efficiency with fuel consumption reported at 7.9 liters per 100 km (30 mpg) with CO2 emissions of just 185 g per 100 km.
Turbo systems, like the one on the BMW F87 M2 Coupe, include parts such as an intercooler, intercooler piping, turbocharger, wastegate, blow-off valve or diverter valve, turbo inlet/outlet pipe, and more! That being said, one of the popular mods among BMW enthusiasts is to upgrade their vehicle’s intercooler. Installing a larger intercooler on your BMW M2 can lower the temperatures of its charged air and opening the door to unleash more potential power. As forced induction BMWs become more popular, intercoolers are becoming somewhat of a staple among owners who catch the mod bug.
Why upgrade your BMW’s intercooler? Well, the intercooler is an integral part of your coupe’s performance and worthwhile part to look into when seeking more power. The job of the intercooler is to cool down the air after it has been compressed by the turbo and before it enters the engine. In short, it makes sure that the heat that builds up under the engine bay does not negatively affect the air that your vehicle engine breathes in. By keeping your engine temperatures down, you are simultaneously improving its overall efficiency and functionality.
One could say that an intercooler is quite similar to a cold air intake in some ways, but the two mods can also be used together to enhance each other’s performance. To get you started, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best intercoolers you can choose for your BMW F87 M2 Coupe. Of course, there are numerous other options out there as well, which you can check out right here.
#1 aFe Power BladeRunner GT Intercooler w/ Tube
The aFe Power BladeRunner GT Series Intercooler with Tube is a top choice among BMW enthusiasts for a number of reasons, including its overall solid construction and proven results. The unique BladeRunner end tanks are carefully crafted from top-grade 3/16-inch thick aluminum plates and include two 1/8-inch NPT ports for sensors or water-methanol injection. It also uses a 5-inch bar-and-plate core design that is 25 percent larger than the stock unit. This quality design allows for greater airflow and improved heat dissipation over the much smaller tub-and-fin design used by the factory. This intercooler is 100 percent TIG welded from the inside out by certified craftsmen for the ultimate in strength, durability, and longevity. After all, the TIG welding process is widely recognized for delivering the strongest welds possible while also reducing stress cracks.
The BladeRunner GT Series Intercooler for the BMW M2 is constructed from 2-1/2-inch to 3-inch cold-side mandrel-bent aluminum tubing and is powder-coated wrinkle-black for the ultimate in heat resistance. The smooth transition mandrel bends decrease turbulence which consequently increases horsepower and torque. The high-temp powder-coating not only looks great, but also insulates the tube from engine heat and protects it from corrosion. The intercooler also features a unique aluminum laser-cut aFe Power logo plate that is welded on for an aggressive look. What’s more, the aFe BladeRunner Intercooler is test pressure rated at 200psi.
This intercooler outflows the factory BMW F87 M2 intercooler by 21 percent and also lowers intake air temperature for optimal performance gains. It incorporates the factory-style quick connections for intercooler tubes and retains the factory-style throttle body made from 6061-T6 billet aluminum. The aFe intercooler also includes 5-ply silicone couplings for added strength, premium stainless-steel clamps for a leak-proof seal, and all the necessary hardware needed for a seamless installation. There is absolutely no cutting or modifications needed to install this product.
#2 Dinan High-Performance Dual Core Intercooler
The Dinan High-Performance Dual Core Intercooler is a solid choice for your BMW F87 M2. With a larger turbo and more boost to elicit bigger gains, the heat starts to become a big issue. That’s because more heat will rob some of the power that you just achieved, which is counterproductive and not what you would want. How can you change that? Well, a larger high-performance intercooler can combat the heat and protect the power gains from your engine and any other mods you may have installed.
The Dinan dual core intercooler provides a 278 percent increase in face area along with an equally impressive increase in volume, thus substantially reducing the pressure drop to 0.8 psi. In addition, it provides for more efficient heat exchange and more consistent output power. Dinan’s unique dual-core design allows two separate cores to be working together with one another at all times. This doubling of resources directly results in a 39 percent improvement in the delta from charge air temperature to ambient temperature. The cooldown time is also reduced allowing the M2 to produce full power under varying driving conditions like stop-and-go traffic. Such eliminates the susceptibility of heat soak.
This intercooler is reported to deliver max gains of 7 horsepower and 5 pound-feet of torque on a stock car. The increased thermal efficiency provided will also enhance turbocharger reliability in addition to overall power. Installation is fairly easy as well as the Dinan intercooler system has been engineered to be a direct replacement for your M2’s stock unit. It requires only minor modifications for a clean, factory-like installation.
#3 Agency Power Intercooler Upgrade
Agency Power has established itself as one of the core aftermarket brands for niche tuner products, and is constantly developing new, functional, and race-proven parts for your car. The Agency Power intercooler upgrade for your BMW N55 turbocharged engine will drastically improve its performance both on and off the track with immediately noticeable results. BMW enthusiasts are aware that the N55 engine featured in popular F Series models like the M2 can produce a lot of horsepower with basic mods like an intake, tune, and exhaust. Even so, with the increase in power, it can be difficult for the stock intercooler to keep temperatures low and have the turbo running at max efficiency. That’s where Agency Power’s upgraded intercooler comes in.
The new Agency Power intercooler features a step design to maximize space required in the already narrow bumper location. A larger intercooler, boasting an increase in size and a change in volume, will help to reduce temperatures by up to 40 degrees. In addition, it can add nearly 20 horsepower on modified cars when compared to the factory core. This intercooler spotlights a bar-and-plate design for maximum efficiency and performance. It includes high-flow cast end tanks that are TIG welded for added durability. Each end tank features precision CNC-machined hose fittings that work with the M2’s stock intercooler hoses. Installation is very simple as this is a direct replacement part. The Agency Power intercooler upgrade for the BMW F87 M2 is available in a sleek and stealthy black finish.
#4 Mishimoto Performance Intercooler
The Mishimoto BMW performance intercooler will take your “Ultimate Driving Machine” to the next level. While the N55 engine demonstrates the prowess of German engineering straight from the factory, the stock intercooler unit is taking away from your turbocharged M2’s ultimate potential. The tube-and-fin design paired with plastic end tanks makes for an ideal environment for heat to live and throttle the power of your coupe, especially for vehicles running a tune.
Have no fear, though, as Mishimoto is here to unlock the full potential of your N55 engines with its performance intercooler specifically designed for your F87 Bimmer chassis. Mishimoto’s unique 6-inch thick step-core design adds a 115-degree angle to the top section to allow for additional charged air cooling without fully obstructing other heat exchangers. Leave tubes and fins in the past with this expertly engineered intercooler featuring a bar-and-plate construction to optimize the intercooler for heat dissipation with a minimal pressure drop to boot.
The strategic design of this BMW F87 M2 intercooler drops outlet temperatures by 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and adds 10 wheel horsepower and 8 wheel torque on the stock tune of Mishimoto’s 2017 M2 test car. Other results show that intercooler core volume is increased by 96 percent and external fin surface area is increased by 130 percent. This intercooler is available in silver or black and is covered by the Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty.
#5 Active Autowerke F-Chassis Intercooler
While the M2’s factory intercooler may be sufficient for the stock power figures, with more boost comes more heat to dissipate. The solution to this issue is a larger intercooler. The Active Autowerke BMW F-Chassis N55 intercooler offers factory-like fitment and lets you experience the true meaning of. BMW power. On the dyno, Active Autowerke has seen temperature differences of up to 42 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the factory intercooler after repetitive runs. This intercooler also helps to maintain power over extended periods of time and will yield gains of 15 to 20 wheel horsepower on stock cars, with modified M2’s seeing increases of 25-plus wheel horsepower.
The Active Autowerke intercooler was designed for performance and to deliver numerous benefits. It boasts the largest swept area that could have possibly been fitted within the narrow space allotted. What’s more, the stepped design of this intercooler takes advantage of more area closer to the front of the M2’s factory bumper cover. The result? This BMW intercooler performs and provides consistent, reliable power during each run time and time again without power-robbing heat soak compared to the factory unit. It also delivers substantially more internal airflow than the M2’s factory intercooler.
The Active Autowerke BMW N55 intercooler features the industry standard of a bar and plate core design for a rugged and durable construction. It also has seamless cast end tanks that accept the original BMW charge pipe connectors. Proper OEM placement of heavy-duty mounting tabs guarantees a precise fitment without any permanent modifications or cutting required for installation. Apart from being easy to install, this intercooler can also be easily reversible if and when needed.