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Description
CSF High-Performance Intercooler (N54, N55) - E8x, E9xThe Racing & High Performance Division of CSF Inc. strives to build and engineer the most advanced, efficient, and reliable cooling systems in the world. CSF manufacturers a wide variety of sophisticated cooling systems with more than 117 different applications ranging from high performance all aluminium direct fit replacement radiators, to complete custom applications for race cars, power sports, off road, marine, and industrial uses. Product
The Racing & High Performance Division of CSF Inc. strives to build and engineer the most advanced, efficient, and reliable cooling systems in the world. CSF manufacturers a wide variety of sophisticated cooling systems with more than 117 different applications ranging from high performance all-aluminium direct-fit replacement radiators, to complete custom applications for race cars, power sports, off-road, marine, and industrial uses.
Product Information
THE BEST BMW N54/N55 INTERCOOLER ON THE MARKET
“It’s about damn time!” That’s what the industry shouted back when they found out that CSF would be releasing the world’s best BMW E-Series N54/N55 intercooler. Late to the party considering the platform is now over ten years old, but after the overwhelming success of the CSF’s newer BMW F-Series N55 intercooler, CSF had to answer the call and supply an industry-leading design to address all the shortcomings of not just the OEM unit, but also other aftermarket intercoolers.
The BMW N54 engine has become known as one of the best built, most reliable engines in the world, especially from a high performance tuning standpoint. Many owners are now pushing well over 500hp out of these motors, some getting in the 700’s on big single turbo set ups, and a few now inching near or over the 1000hp mark! Truly amazing performance can be achieved when using the proper components from quality high performance companies, including needing a worthy high performance intercooler to handle the increased Intake Air Temperatures (IAT’s) generated from more power and higher boost pressures associated with these built vehicles.
Direct replacement for BMW part number 17517540035.
FEATURES
The only TRUE Plug-and-Play solution compared to the rest.
No cheaper silicone hose clamp System, BMW style “Quick-Connect” machined fittings.
OEM mounting locations with fitment kit and instructions included.
Clears OEM crash bar, no modification to install with no cutting or trimming required.*
Bottom (larger) section: 5.5” thick (140mm).
Massive front face: ~8.25” Tall (210mm).
Good for Over 1000 HP!
SPRAY PAINT STENCIL PROVIDED FOR PERSONAL CUSTOMIZATIONS.
CSF VS OEM
IS IT TIME TO REPLACE YOUR OEM INTERCOOLER?
The weak plastic endcaps can become weak & brittle over time with repeated heat cycle use and normal wear. Keep in mind the model range of 2004-2013 so the original OEM intercooler can be anywhere from 5 to almost 15 years old at the time of writing this article.
The OEM style tube/fin core has many performance limitations (keep reading below), and may also become full of debris from typical road use effecting performance of an already limited intercooler. Also, being mounted in the front fascia of the vehicle, small rock chips or debris may cause small punctures in the tubes of the core, causing small boost leaks which users may not realize, further reducing intercooler performance.
The direct injection system of the N54 engine causes massive amounts of oil build up in the charge piping, intercooler, and intake manifold. This further reduces the performance of the intercooler.
Before purchasing another OEM replacement intercooler for ~$530USD, potential buyers should realize that there is a much better alternative (at an even better price point!) with CSF’s new BMW N54/N55 intercooler.
INTERCOOLER DESIGN
The OEM intercooler is made from plastic end tanks that are crimped on to an aluminum tube/fin core that is ~4 inches thick (105mm core width) and is 5 inches in height (127mm). This may be enough to keep IAT’s in check on a completely unmodified / stock vehicle, but once users to start increase power through bolt-on modifications, tuning, and built engines, the OEM intercooler will become the achilles heel of the system with IAT’s skyrocketing out of the optimal range and drastically lowering the performance capabilities of the vehicle.
Enter CSF with their new, stepped core design, bar/plate high performance BMW n54 intercooler. This “drop-in fit” intercooler, which requires no modifications to install, has a bottom / larger section that is 5.5 inches thick (140mm) with a front face that is massive ~8.25 inches tall (210mm). A huge improvement over the OEM unit, and enough to handle even the most advanced n54 engine builds. Good for 1000hp, no problem!
CORE
The OEM, and some higher-price aftermarket units, are made out of a tube/fin style core. While lightweight, this type of core is prone to heat soaking under high boost levels and prolonged use. Also, the core is susceptible to bursting (or bulging) due to increased boost levels as tube/fin cores can not take the higher boost pressures of a high performance system.
CSF’s new BMW N54 intercooler is made from it’s industry exclusive rounded bar/plate core design. The rounded front face of the cooling bars allows for better airflow into the core. Airflow hits the core surface, and rather than scattering like it does with hitting the face of a flat bar that all competing products have, it travels around the face of the round bar and into core for much better performance than both the OEM design (flat face) and all other aftermarket competitors (all have flat face tubes or bars).
CSF has also wind-tunnel tested (in-house) and optimized the size of the core and fin density of the intercooler core to ensure low pressure drop and proper airflow into the rest of the system, including the radiator which is known to be another shortcoming of the cooling system.
ENDTANKS
Compared to the OEM style plastic crimped on end tanks, the CSF unit is vastly improved. The all-aluminum cast end tanks are 100% TIG welded to the high performance core for better durability, reliability, and longevity. The CSF intercooler comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects or failure due to normal / intended use.
Just like the OEM design, the CSF intercooler integrates the factory style “Quick-Connect” inlet/outlet fittings. CSF has CNC machined and welded these fittings to the core for perfect factory-level fitment. (new high performance locking spring clip included)
CSF VS THE COMPETITION
PRICE
Don’t be fooled by cheaper alternatives on the market. Yes, you can find an advertised “high-performance” intercooler for much cheaper, but what you end up buying may only be marginally better than the OEM unit you’re replacing. For the serious high-performance enthusiast, CSF offers the best value when deciding on a high-quality high-performance intercooler solution.
PERFORMANCE AND SIZE
Again, don’t be fooled by extremely large intercoolers. There are some options available that are 7inches or larger in core thickness. Bigger is not always better, especially when it comes to proper sizing and performance benefits of a high-performance intercooler. No one should consider hanging off the front of their “performance” car an intercooler that is more than ~30 pounds. When CSF decided on a proper sizing, the biggest intercooler possible was developed with a max weight of 30 pounds. Some larger options on the market are way over 40 pounds! Way too much to hang off the front of the car, the last place you want to add weight in a small performance sedan or coupe like the vehicles the N54 motor is found in. Also, intercoolers with thicker cores or options that say they have a “denser” core are not taking into account the negative effects on airflow into the rest of the cooling system. There is little to no true performance benefit if you have a cooling system with a massive intercooler resulting in very low IAT’s, but with very high water temperatures because of the lack of airflow, often resulting in the engine going into limp mode, especially when driving on the race track.
FITMENT
CSF’s new BMW N54/N55 intercooler is the only TRUE plug and play solution compared to the rest.
No cheaper silicon hose clamp system, only BMW style “Quick-Connect machined fittings.
OEM mounting locations w/ fitment kit and instructions included.
Clears OEM crash bar / no modification to install with no cutting or trimming required.
QUALITY
When purchasing a CSF intercooler, you’re purchasing from a cooling system manufacturer that is an ISO-certified Tier-1 OEM supplier that has designed, built, and tested the entire intercooler in-house. Competitors source their cores from overseas factories, and either weld the coolers themselves (not factory level production), or simply purchase an intercooler from a supplier source. Also, CSF intercoolers are meticulously hand welded by expert TIG welders and finished in a Semi-Gloss Black or Silver finish that is much more durable to damage than uncoated intercoolers. Finally, each intercooler is individually packaged with hardware kit, instructions, and CSF logo stencil.
Models
1 Series / E82 / E88 (2007-2013) / 1 Series M (1M)
I avoided purchasing this product for a while due to the bad reviews. However, it is still highly recommended by several dermatologist for skin barrier repair. Upon doing my own research, the product can separate if it is stored in cold temperatures (41 degrees or less). This can be fixed people!! It literally says it on the bottle/box and there’s even a video that Amazon posted saying this can happen. It does not affect the product. It’s just the thermal spring water and some oil separating but it can be reincorporated.
So I took the risk and ordered this. I’m a first time purchaser. It was already at my door when I was leaving for the gym at 5:30am so I let the package sit in my car for about 1.5 hours (temp was about 70s). I put the tube in a glass of hot sink water for 10 minutes when I got home. I rolled the tube in my hands for a few minutes to mix everything together. Guess what. It came out like a CREAM. No liquid shot out at me. If you can read, do a little research, and can follow instructions, you can get a working product.
I have sensitive skin. It’s been a struggle healing my skin barrier but it was getting better. I decided to do something dumb and try dermaplaning. My cheeks have been very red and irritated since. I did avoid active products for a few days after dermaplaning but it was still irritated. Just with the first time use of this product, it was nearly instant relief of some of the redness. It’s fragrance less which is great. It is currently on sale so I think the value is good for what it is right now. I only used two pea-sized amount for my whole face so I think it will last awhile.
This can significantly help your skin barrier! Do your own research and read the instructions!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
S. Lewis
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 3
Samples great, purchased product not
Style: Restorative Protective Cream-1.3 Fl Oz
My dermatologist recommended this cream after a laser procedure, and gave me some samples to take home. I found the thick, smooth cream calming and protective for my irritated skin. The zinc oxide leaves a whitish cast at first, which does tend to fade after it sinks in, but it could be problem if you have darker skin. Not an issue for me since I’m pale.
Because I liked the samples, I ordered two full-size tubes. Both arrived with the product inside completely separated. The texture was nothing like the samples. I opened the first tube and clear, watery liquid spilled everywhere. I quickly recapped it, shook and squeezed the tube as much as possible to try to re-emulsify the product, and it remained stubbornly separated, with chunky white paste suspended in thin liquid. I’ve thoroughly shaken the second tube and continue to hear the sloshing of thin liquid. So apparently once the cream has separated, it will not re-mix.
I don’t know what caused the unacceptable condition of the product—manufacturing variation, storage conditions prior to shipping, or conditions during shipment. Whatever it was, I would not buy this product in this way again. The samples were a five star product. The full size product I received was zero stars.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2026
N
Verified Purchase
Najma Ahmed
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
Helped calm my damaged skin barrier, but expect stinging on very raw skin
Style: Restorative Protective Cream-1.3 Fl Oz
I bought this because I severely damaged my skin barrier and needed something gentle that would help my skin calm down and heal. My skin was extremely sensitive, raw, irritated, tight, and honestly uncomfortable even with water touching it.
This did help, but I do want to mention that if your skin is VERY damaged or raw, there can be some stinging at first. I experienced that myself during the first few applications. The stinging didn’t last long for me, but I think it’s important to mention because people with damaged barriers are usually desperate for relief and can panic when products sting.
What ended up helping me most was using this as part of a simple barrier repair routine instead of using it alone.
What I personally did:
* Wet my face first with either water or Avène Thermal Spring Water so my skin was damp but not soaking wet
* Applied the Avène Cicalfate onto the damp skin
* At night, I sealed everything in with CeraVe Healing Ointment (Aquaphor would probably work too)
I repeated this every night before bed and sometimes during the day if I was staying home.
If I was leaving the house during the day, I would do the same steps but use sunscreen instead of sealing with ointment. I honestly think sunscreen is extremely important when your skin barrier is damaged and trying to heal because irritated skin feels even more sensitive when exposed to sunlight.
I used this day and night, very easy to use, and didn’t experience breakouts from it. The texture is thick but comforting once applied, especially when your skin feels dry and stripped.
Overall, I would buy this again. I don’t think it’s some overnight miracle product, but it genuinely helped my skin calm down and recover when my barrier was damaged. I personally didn’t notice any strong fragrance, which I appreciated since my skin was already extremely irritated. I also like how versatile this product is. Even though I originally bought it for barrier damage, I can see why people use it for irritation from retinol, over-exfoliating, dry patches, or skin that just feels compromised in general.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Taylor Ashley
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Holy Grail of Moisturizers
Style: Restorative Protective Cream-3.3 Fl Oz
I bought this after hearing a dermatologist on Instagram rave about this cream and now I see why. As someone who suffers from pretty severe eczema this is my go to holy grail for flair ups. Perfect for sensitive skin and can be used daily. It is very thick so provides a thick layer of moisture on your skin. I will say I have bought 2 sizes in this and the smaller size (1.3fl oz) did separate and had a liquid part that would come out. I have bought numerous tubes of the larger size (3.3fl oz) and never had an issue with separation with the larger size. I’m learning as I get older that more expensive does not mean better quality skincare. This is one that is not only affordable, but will also give you noticeable results. I have everyone in my whole family using this product!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2026
E
Verified Purchase
Elizabeth Browning
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
I Just Want to Help People With Skin Problems!
Style: Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
I so wish I had known about this skincare line a long time ago, but just glad I did find it at all. I have rosacea (including ocular rosacea) diagnosed by a dermatologist. I had been through all the typical stores and websites, trying so many things over the last 15 years. Yes, most were supposed to be for people with skin problems. EVERY SINGLE TIME I tried something, within five minutes, my skin was bright red. My skin reacted to EVERYTHING. I started to believe there was not one single product on the entire planet that my skin would not react to! It was so frustrating. Purchase, fail, repeat. Thing is, I had tried their spring water spray. I sort of ignored all the other products until I was talking to someone randomly and they asked if I had tried Avene. Honestly I decided maybe this was providence and that I had better try it just to be on the safe side. What would life be like if I had ignored their advice and not tried it? If this company ever goes out of business, I will have to live with terrible skin because I already know there is nothing else out there. I had read a review whereby someone said their doctor told them the longer they used the products, the better their skin would get. This is completely true. But even initially, all I cared was that I could relieve the dryness with SOMETHING that did not turn my skin RED IMMEDIATELY! Even THAT, I would have been happy with! Now for the rest of the benefits. I had the good intuition to purchase two of these when they were on sale. I am so glad I did. I use it like crazy every chance I get. It just feels so good going on and I like touching my skin even after the product dissipates. No redness, no irritation, it actually CALMS my skin. And makes it like, well, "real skin." I'm glad I also got the thicker version in the tube, Cicalfate. This is my go-to for dryer areas and in the winter. The two together along with the water spray, if you like to use something like that, are a great overall program. Definitely other things I would like to try. Again, my goal was to help others who have skin problems because everything else out there has no concept whatsoever of calming the skin, but the exact opposite -- irritating it worse (even if those products are supposed to help with redness or irritation). And I felt the company truly deserves a shout-out because they GET IT when it comes to skincare products. Whatever they've done, they are experts, far more than all the other skincare lines and I don't care how long those have been around. If it doesn't immediately tell you your skin "likes it" and shows it by not reacting or immediately getting better, why on earth would you pay your hard-earned money to buy it and keep using it? It's worth every penny, don't bat an eyelash, your skin is worth that and more. If it's on sale, get a lot of it because trust me, you are going to want and need it. You will be so glad you got more than one. I definitely am! THANK YOU, AVENE, WE LOVE YOU HERE IN AMERICA! YOU UNDERSTAND SKINCARE LIKE NO OTHER COMPANY!
Update: Wanted to comment that I'm still so grateful for a product that does FAR MORE than what you expect! I recently bought more. I watch my skin calm down the minute I put it on. I don't know entirely how the ingredients do what they do, but to the company ... please don't fix what isn't broken! Too many companies have a good thing and then change it. Please don't, the products are perfect and far beyond expectation! I also wanted to mention it seems the Tolerance tube will get EVERY LAST BIT out, you won't be wondering if there is anything left you are discarding. The Cicalfate tube is a bit different, it's more like a squeeze tube. But I feel I can still get the product out to use it all. That said, you get your money's worth. I'm also starting to use the Cicalfate on my hands in the winter, too (which are sadly starting to show my age). But this product line has literally CHANGED MY LIFE! BUY IT, it's the REAL DEAL!
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