Downpipes

[RockinPA]

Questions...

I am considering putting on some downpipes. I currently have a Magnaflow Sport system and have removed my secondary cats. I'm looking for a bit more sound (and the added power would be nice, too).

My question(s) are...
1. How risky is this as far as my warranty is concerned?
2. If I took them off (apparently they are bolt on/ bolt off, would BMW be able to tell they were ever even there?
3. Will they throw CEL's?
4. What downpipes are everyone running/ average cost for parts/install? (I have been given a decent quote from SSR performance for their downpipes-- its a reputable shop her in southern CA).

I know pretty much ANYTHING can void my warranty. I know it's best to have a service writer that is "mod-friendly" which I currently do. However, that being said, I'd rather not have to go down that road.

Anyone's thoughts/inputs are much appreciated.

Cheers!

Mike

[rr006rbc]

1. It's only risky if the installer doesn't know what they're doing and they damage something. Also, if you take it to a dealer don't bring it in for a check engine light bc they'll most likely deem the downpipes the culprit; which it probably is.
2. Any reputable dealership should be able to tell that the catalysts have been molested. There will be tool marks, possible rerouting of the oxygen sensor lines, orientation of the clamps, etc.
3. It most likely will throw CEL if you don't have equipment installed to nullify them or lie to your DME.
4. Most people run the downpipes that cost in the $800-$1200 range bc apparently everyone here is ballin'. But you can find some $350 VRSFs that do the same job and apparently have great build quality. You can research the brands on your own quite easily; just hit the search button.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by rr006rbc

1. It's only risky if the installer doesn't know what they're doing and they damage something. Also, if you take it to a dealer don't bring it in for a check engine light bc they'll most likely deem the downpipes the culprit; which it probably is.
2. Any reputable dealership should be able to tell that the catalysts have been molested. There will be tool marks, possible rerouting of the oxygen sensor lines, orientation of the clamps, etc.
3. It most likely will throw CEL if you don't have equipment installed to nullify them or lie to your DME.
4. Most people run the downpipes that cost in the $800-$1200 range bc apparently everyone here is ballin'. But you can find some $350 VRSFs that do the same job and apparently have great build quality. You can research the brands on your own quite easily; just hit the search button.

Great info! Thank you. I don't have anything nullify/ lie to the DME. The CEL would def bother me.

I have faith the shop would do a nice job on install but I suppose it makes sense that there would be evidence of tampering in that area.

Decisions... decisions... so tempting but that fear of what could happen... lol

[mike@x-ph.com]

Most popular for us are the VRSF and AR Design
Other really good options, Active Autowerke and Evolution Racewerks

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Most popular for us are the VRSF and AR Design
Other really good options, Active Autowerke and Evolution Racewerks

Downpipe will throw a code unless you have a JB4, BM3 or O2 spacers

Thanks for the reply.

I hadn't really thought about that until now reading people's replies. I guess I'd have to tune it if I'm going down the downpipes road which makes sense in hindsight.

The JB4 does sounds pretty solid from many people's reviews...

So damn tempting. Warranty shmarranty. lol

[Justin.AutoTalent]

1. How risky is this as far as my warranty is concerned?

You're at risk if anything actually does go wrong, cars are flagged at the dealer ship if they're ECU is flashed and if it is plugged into their command unit. Typically, cars are never plugged in, if they are doing maintenance or service - Brakes, Oil Change, etc.

2. If I took them off (apparently they are bolt on/ bolt off, would BMW be able to tell they were ever even there?

No, they would not be able to tell. Most dealerships actually do not have any problems with downpipes. They do throw a CEL though if you do not opt for a tune (JB4 or ECU flash) or the Macht Schnell EVC.

It's typically a 2 hour job for the downpipes, prices vary with shop labor rates.

3. Will they throw CEL's?

Yes

4. What downpipes are everyone running/ average cost for parts/install? (I have been given a decent quote from SSR performance for their downpipes-- its a reputable shop her in southern CA).

A lot of people are running a VRSF, ER, Gintani, FI, and Akrapovic. These are the most common brands that we see come through our shop.

I know pretty much ANYTHING can void my warranty. I know it's best to have a service writer that is "mod-friendly" which I currently do. However, that being said, I'd rather not have to go down that road.

Charlie@McKennaBMWService is pretty close to you. I've known Charlie for years and can vouch that he will take care of your car, stock or modded.

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by Justin.AutoTalent

1. How risky is this as far as my warranty is concerned?

You're at risk if anything actually does go wrong, cars are flagged at the dealer ship if they're ECU is flashed and if it is plugged into their command unit. Typically, cars are never plugged in, if they are doing maintenance or service - Brakes, Oil Change, etc.

2. If I took them off (apparently they are bolt on/ bolt off, would BMW be able to tell they were ever even there?

No, they would not be able to tell. Most dealerships actually do not have any problems with downpipes. They do throw a CEL though if you do not opt for a tune (JB4 or ECU flash) or the Macht Schnell EVC.

It's typically a 2 hour job for the downpipes, prices vary with shop labor rates.

3. Will they throw CEL's?

Yes

4. What downpipes are everyone running/ average cost for parts/install? (I have been given a decent quote from SSR performance for their downpipes-- its a reputable shop her in southern CA).

A lot of people are running a VRSF, ER, Gintani, FI, and Akrapovic. These are the most common brands that we see come through our shop.

I know pretty much ANYTHING can void my warranty. I know it's best to have a service writer that is "mod-friendly" which I currently do. However, that being said, I'd rather not have to go down that road.

Charlie@McKennaBMWService is pretty close to you. I've known Charlie for years and can vouch that he will take care of your car, stock or modded.

Thanks man. I actually take it to Charlie. I text him just now inquiring his input...

Thanks so much for the input!!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by RockinPA

Thanks for the reply.

I hadn't really thought about that until now reading people's replies. I guess I'd have to tune it if I'm going down the downpipes road which makes sense in hindsight.

The JB4 does sounds pretty solid from many people's reviews...

So damn tempting. Warranty shmarranty. lol

Just remove it before your dealership visit, totally worth it

[JoeyBananas]

Im getting Downpipes put on in two weeks and I thought the CEL would bother me but its prob just as annoying as the MDM/TC light?

I have the JB4 and dont feel like messing with the MAPS just yet but maybe Ill throw it in to Clear the DP Code.

Dumb question but I have AA Full exhaust will adding DPs give me any more HP? (doing it for Sound anyway)

[RockinPA]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananas

Im getting Downpipes put on in two weeks and I thought the CEL would bother me but its prob just as annoying as the MDM/TC light?

I have the JB4 and dont feel like messing with the MAPS just yet but maybe Ill throw it in to Clear the DP Code.

Dumb question but I have AA Full exhaust will adding DPs give me any more HP? (doing it for Sound anyway)

Nice, which did you go with?

What exhaust set up do you have?

[JoeyBananas]

Originally Posted by RockinPA

Nice, which did you go with?

What exhaust set up do you have?

ER Downpipes and I currently have the AA Midpipe As well as their Exhaust

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananas

Im getting Downpipes put on in two weeks and I thought the CEL would bother me but its prob just as annoying as the MDM/TC light?

I have the JB4 and dont feel like messing with the MAPS just yet but maybe Ill throw it in to Clear the DP Code.

Dumb question but I have AA Full exhaust will adding DPs give me any more HP? (doing it for Sound anyway)

Downpipes will add a little bit of power, and a lot more sound. The stock cats are huge. AA with stock dp is around 105 decibels, adding downpipes will bump it up to around 115-116.

You'll feel a bit more throttle response as well.

[JoeyBananas]

Originally Posted by Justin.AutoTalent

Downpipes will add a little bit of power, and a lot more sound. The stock cats are huge. AA with stock dp is around 105 decibels, adding downpipes will bump it up to around 115-116.

You'll feel a bit more throttle response as well.

Ok thanks, not unbearably loud is it? Its my daily and dont want an obnoxiously loud/drone type of sound

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananas

Ok thanks, not unbearably loud is it? Its my daily and dont want an obnoxiously loud/drone type of sound

I don't think it's too loud. It picks up sound on throttle. Cruising isn't bad at all

[JoeyBananas]

Originally Posted by Justin.AutoTalent

I don't think it's too loud. It picks up sound on throttle. Cruising isn't bad at all

Ok perfect, thanks

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananas

Ok perfect, thanks

No problem

[mquatro]

Go for it! DP+JB4 is a perfect combo

[Dwdrums00]

Any negligible reduction in 1/4 time if you add DP's to a car already running JB4 MAP 2 w/ 100 Octane? I am running 11.34's and wonder if I can shave a tenth with DP's?

[schnell325]

I have never experienced a CEL with my VRSF DPs. Though my mechanic is knowledgeable enough to run a spark plug non-fouler ✔️

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by Dwdrums00

Any negligible reduction in 1/4 time if you add DP's to a car already running JB4 MAP 2 w/ 100 Octane? I am running 11.34's and wonder if I can shave a tenth with DP's?

Absolutely. I ran a 11.25 with ER downpipes and 3gal E85 on JB4 map2, stock mpss, and stock everything else.

Originally Posted by schnell325

I have never experienced a CEL with my VRSF DPs. Though my mechanic is knowledgeable enough to run a spark plug non-fouler ✔️

I didnt throw a code with my ER downpipes until like 3k miles later

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by mquatro

Go for it! DP+JB4 is a perfect combo

+1

[itrocks4u]

How are you guys living with the CEL. It would really annoy me! But I do want to make ZCP exhaust louder