I have purchased a GP intercooler and was going to install it on my 05 JCW MCS when I get around to upgrading the cylinder head and headers (which is soon). However I do not have the rear mounting brackets for the intercooler - should I get them or are they not required? Will the intercooler be ok just with the front factory brackets ?
Cheers

 

I didn't need the brackets at all. All you will need are a couple of nuts for the screws that hold down the rear of the intercooler cover. The intercooler is locked in place very well without the brackets.

 

And yet, the BMW engineers deemed it necessary to make and install those brackets.

 

My thoughts as well. I would use the brackets if you have them and find/make a set if you don't. They are definitely there for a reason.

 

Being how the engine rocks a bit I'd bet it's only a matter of time before the front mountings get weak and possibly shear. There was a good reason the rear mounts are on the GP and the standard OEM IC. BMW is not known for just tossing brackets on a car for no reason. The costs time and money to design, build and they take up space in parts systems. If it can done without I have a sneaking suspicion they would have.

 

Never used those rear brackets or any mounting points on my Alta IC. I removed the rears and re directed some hoses and wires to open the area for better air exit flow. Ground down the front mounting points on the intake manifold so I could lower the front of the IC while raising the back, .. tilting it. All to increase air flow.
Tracked the car a ton and a lot of hard street driving here in the country. Never had a single issue with this setup.
So, my vote is to no worry about the rear brackets in the least.

 

Good tip, thanks!

 

The brackets are less then 1.5mm thick by 2.0mm wide by 3.0cm long. Are you telling me that something that flimsy is necessary for locating and stabilizing the intercooler? Not very likely, it is there to provide a threaded surface like the aformentioned nuts.