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      07-29-2020, 09:25 AM   #1
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X5 M50i Catted/catless downpipes options

Has anyone tried these out?
These seems to be the only catted/catless option I was able to find for the M50i

https://brondexshop.com/products/bmw-x5m-g05-downpipes

https://www.supersprint.com/ww-en/bm...system.aspx#!/
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      07-29-2020, 12:34 PM   #2
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3000 Euros!!!

Never..... in a million years would I spend that much on downpipes.

It would be cheaper to have a custom exhaust builder make you a set, and ceramic coat them.... and install them.

Wait a year or so, there will be a dozen manufacturers on the market selling a catless set for $500, and a catted set for around $1000
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      07-29-2020, 01:40 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim2189 View Post
Has anyone tried these out?
These seems to be the only catted/catless option I was able to find for the M50i

https://brondexshop.com/products/bmw-x5m-g05-downpipes

https://www.supersprint.com/ww-en/bm...system.aspx#!/
There are sets out there MUCH cheaper. My opinion is to wait a short amount of time. VRSF believes their pipes fit out truck. They are in the process of test fitting, but seem to have fallen off the grid. I actually offered to test them on my truck since I can do the work myself, but they have a local that is going to test fit them. For what it is worth, VSRF has a good reputation in my many of the N54/55 crowd. I think it may be the best option if we find they fit for sure.

Right now, we do know that the ARM pipes do fit the M50i and are very reasonably priced. The downside is that there is only one downpipe mounting bracket versus stock with 2. Does that make a difference? I am not sure I have a valid opinion yet.

Last edited by 130FeetDeep; 07-29-2020 at 04:13 PM..
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      07-29-2020, 03:28 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
There are sets out there MUCH cheaper. My opinion is to wait a short amount of time. VRSF says they pipe that fits out truck. They are in the process of test fitting, but seem to have fallen off the grid. I actually offered to test them on my truck since I can do the work myself, but they have a local that is going to test fit them. For what it is worth, VSRF has a good reputation in my many of the N54/55 crowd. I think it may be the best option if we find they fit for sure.

Right now, we do know that the ARM pipes do fit the M50i and are very reasonably priced. The downside is that there is only one downpipe mounting bracket versus stock with 2. Does that make a difference? I am not sure I have a valid opinion yet.
I've been trying to get VSRF on the phone for the past 2 days and no one is picking up.
I have resonator delete (Straight pipe, not X pipe) and would like something a bit louder. That is why I am looking into DP's, preferably catted pipes either 100 or 200 cell.
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      07-29-2020, 04:07 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
3000 Euros!!!

Never..... in a million years would I spend that much on downpipes.

It would be cheaper to have a custom exhaust builder make you a set, and ceramic coat them.... and install them.

Wait a year or so, there will be a dozen manufacturers on the market selling a catless set for $500, and a catted set for around $1000
Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
There are sets out there MUCH cheaper. My opinion is to wait a short amount of time. VRSF says they pipe that fits out truck. They are in the process of test fitting, but seem to have fallen off the grid. I actually offered to test them on my truck since I can do the work myself, but they have a local that is going to test fit them. For what it is worth, VSRF has a good reputation in my many of the N54/55 crowd. I think it may be the best option if we find they fit for sure.

Right now, we do know that the ARM pipes do fit the M50i and are very reasonably priced. The downside is that there is only one downpipe mounting bracket versus stock with 2. Does that make a difference? I am not sure I have a valid opinion yet.
Am I crazy for wanting it louder? haha
once the car warms up it, its not as loud and not that many pops from the exhaust

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      07-29-2020, 04:15 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim2189 View Post
I've been trying to get VSRF on the phone for the past 2 days and no one is picking up.
I have resonator delete (Straight pipe, not X pipe) and would like something a bit louder. That is why I am looking into DP's, preferably catted pipes either 100 or 200 cell.
Just know you will have a CEL if you go downpipes with 100/200 cell cats too without a tune. I do understand the desire for catted, but just mention that will be a need.

I don’t get what’s going on at VSRF? Testing the fitment should be easy.
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      07-29-2020, 04:17 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
Just know you will have a CEL if you go downpipes with 100/200 cell cats too without a tune. I do understand the desire for catted, but just mention that will be a need.

I don’t get what’s going on at VSRF? Testing the fitment should be easy.
Yeah I spoke to a local shop here and they recommend tuning it as well to take the light off, they did mention customer purchased downpipes for 850i and it fit with some modifications to the heat shield.
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      07-29-2020, 04:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim2189 View Post
Yeah I spoke to a local shop here and they recommend tuning it as well to take the light off, they did mention customer purchased downpipes for 850i and it fit with some modifications to the heat shield.
You have a flash option? Most require you to send in your DME for bench flashing now. That is not realistic for most of us.
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      07-29-2020, 04:54 PM   #9
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I have been researching downpipes almost daily. The more I listen to resonator delete sound clips the more I think it’s not the sound I want, it’s that high rasp that I just don’t think is right for my car. I want a deep V8 rumble like my Panamera had.
I would like to hear the sound produced from just swapping out the down pipes and opening the aquator flaps. If that doesn’t do it then it’s X-Flow.
I know a tune will be required so might as well go for the 680bhp version and be done with it
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      07-29-2020, 05:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim2189 View Post
Yeah I spoke to a local shop here and they recommend tuning it as well to take the light off, they did mention customer purchased downpipes for 850i and it fit with some modifications to the heat shield.
You have a flash option? Most require you to send in your DME for bench flashing now. That is not realistic for most of us.
Yes they tune it on the spot so I'm guessing it's their own tune? I didn't really ask details
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      07-29-2020, 05:08 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
VRSF believes their pipes fit out truck.

Right now, we do know that the ARM pipes do fit the M50i and are very reasonably priced.
Anyone care to post a link to either or both of these companies please
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      07-29-2020, 05:24 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Addbuyer View Post
Anyone care to post a link to either or both of these companies please
https://www.armmotorsports.com/produ...less-downpipes

https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-stainl...i-g30-g31.html

We do know that the ARM fit because we have members running them. We know nothing about fitment of the VRSF because they were using a local tester, but no one has heard back from them.
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      07-30-2020, 04:33 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
https://www.armmotorsports.com/produ...less-downpipes

https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-stainl...i-g30-g31.html

We do know that the ARM fit because we have members running them. We know nothing about fitment of the VRSF because they were using a local tester, but no one has heard back from them.
Looking at ARM and VRSF prices, why the huge price premium for the Supersprint downpipes? Maybe because they have been manufactured specifically for the M50i whereas the ARM & VRSF are not M50i model specific and with some fettling they fit the M50i

You guys over the pond don't have the noise regulations we have and so your motors already sound half decent. The Nissan LEAF sounds better that my M50i so we are starting improvements from a disadvantage even though we are supposed to have what BMW are calling an M-Sport Exhaust .

So do I start with just downpipe replacement and should they be catless or sports cats, along with some type of control over the actuator valves flaps or do I also go with resonator delete with X-flow
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      07-30-2020, 04:41 AM   #14
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Stock exhaust with 200cell downpipes from Fi.
I believe supersprint uses huge HJS cats that costs $600 each, one of the reason why it's so expensive.
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      07-30-2020, 05:49 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babyghost View Post

Stock exhaust with 200cell downpipes from Fi.
I believe supersprint uses huge HJS cats that costs $600 each, one of the reason why it's so expensive.
Another possible route to go and the sound clip sounds good thanks mate.

Stock exhaust, no resonator delete or valve touched then?

I cant see any mention of the M50i on FI's website? No wonder my searching has been fruitless. Any chance you could pm me the item numbers and their costs of the parts you installed please.

This is starting to come together now thanks to all you guys who know where to look and share the info
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      07-30-2020, 06:50 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Addbuyer View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
https://www.armmotorsports.com/produ...less-downpipes

https://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-stainl...i-g30-g31.html

We do know that the ARM fit because we have members running them. We know nothing about fitment of the VRSF because they were using a local tester, but no one has heard back from them.
Looking at ARM and VRSF prices, why the huge price premium for the Supersprint downpipes? Maybe because they have been manufactured specifically for the M50i whereas the ARM & VRSF are not M50i model specific and with some fettling they fit the M50i

You guys over the pond don't have the noise regulations we have and so your motors already sound half decent. The Nissan LEAF sounds better that my M50i so we are starting improvements from a disadvantage even though we are supposed to have what BMW are calling an M-Sport Exhaust .

So do I start with just downpipe replacement and should they be catless or sports cats, along with some type of control over the actuator valves flaps or do I also go with resonator delete with X-flow
The reason I am looking to go with a 200 cell DP is mostly due to the smell you'll get from the exhaust if you go catless. I had Wagner 400 cell downpipes on my 435 before and it still smelled at times so I definitely won't be going catless.
If you are looking for a deep noise, I would first change the downpipes and then play around with the resonator as it is easier and cheaper to put back on if you don't like the noise.
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      07-30-2020, 09:02 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Addbuyer View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by babyghost View Post

Stock exhaust with 200cell downpipes from Fi.
I believe supersprint uses huge HJS cats that costs $600 each, one of the reason why it's so expensive.
Another possible route to go and the sound clip sounds good thanks mate.

Stock exhaust, no resonator delete or valve touched then?

I cant see any mention of the M50i on FI's website? No wonder my searching has been fruitless. Any chance you could pm me the item numbers and their costs of the parts you installed please.

This is starting to come together now thanks to all you guys who know where to look and share the info
I bought the M850i's downpipes, 2020+ M550i, M850i, X5 M50i all has same downpipes. I got them from Justin at Autotalent. I think the stock exhaust sounds bad, maybe it's the cheap material, no bass and a little raspy. I'm waiting for my full exhaust from Meisterschaft, once I have them I will share how it sounds.
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      08-04-2020, 10:55 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babyghost View Post
I bought the M850i's downpipes, 2020+ M550i, M850i, X5 M50i all has same downpipes. I got them from Justin at Autotalent. I think the stock exhaust sounds bad, maybe it's the cheap material, no bass and a little raspy. I'm waiting for my full exhaust from Meisterschaft, once I have them I will share how it sounds.
How was the fit and finish on the install?
was it direct fit or had to make alterations?
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      08-05-2020, 04:37 PM   #19
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So today I took a trip to an exhaust specialist (https://www.torqueflow.co.uk) who are next door to a tuning specialist (https://mslperformance.co.uk) to discuss installing Supersprint down pipes with catalytic’s, removing the OPF filters that plague European cars, and getting the car tuned to prevent the CEL warnings. The resonator would stay and the valves maybe welded in the open position.
I believed the two chambers located mid way along the exhaust system, just in front of the resonator, was the OPF’s but it turns out the OPF’s are located on the down pipes immediately after the catalytic’s and those chambers in the middle are secondary catalytic’s.
Immy at Torqueflow suggested I just chop out the secondary cats and resonator and replace with straight pipes. A second option is to gut the secondary cats and resonator so it all looks standard but should I have to revert it back to standard, it’s a very expensive process.

As the OPF’s won’t be touched (for now) I no longer need any kind of tune.
Not sure I’m going to achieve any great sound improvement with those bloody OPF’s left in the system. Praying supersprint brings their full exhaust system for the M50i to market soon.
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      08-10-2020, 10:19 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Addbuyer View Post
So today I took a trip to an exhaust specialist (https://www.torqueflow.co.uk) who are next door to a tuning specialist (https://mslperformance.co.uk) to discuss installing Supersprint down pipes with catalytic’s, removing the OPF filters that plague European cars, and getting the car tuned to prevent the CEL warnings. The resonator would stay and the valves maybe welded in the open position.
I believed the two chambers located mid way along the exhaust system, just in front of the resonator, was the OPF’s but it turns out the OPF’s are located on the down pipes immediately after the catalytic’s and those chambers in the middle are secondary catalytic’s.
Immy at Torqueflow suggested I just chop out the secondary cats and resonator and replace with straight pipes. A second option is to gut the secondary cats and resonator so it all looks standard but should I have to revert it back to standard, it’s a very expensive process.

As the OPF’s won’t be touched (for now) I no longer need any kind of tune.
Not sure I’m going to achieve any great sound improvement with those bloody OPF’s left in the system. Praying supersprint brings their full exhaust system for the M50i to market soon.
Just ordered Fi 200 cell downpipes, should be about 3 weeks for delivery
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      08-10-2020, 01:52 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim2189 View Post
Just ordered Fi 200 cell downpipes, should be about 3 weeks for delivery
Perfect. I might not be that far behind you if the resonator and secondary cat delete doesn’t give me the sound I want.
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      08-10-2020, 03:10 PM   #22
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Quote:
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Just ordered Fi 200 cell downpipes, should be about 3 weeks for delivery
Tim, PM me what you paid.
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