[redefined]

Installed VRSF downpipes last weekend and had a leak, but figured I would during the install. I couldn't get the stock bolts back in the v-bands so ended up using longer ones. There was still 1-1.5" between the ends of the v-band when tight so I figured it'd leak, yup sure did.

Today I took the bolts back out of the downpipes and put the stock bolts back in, yay! Well only 1 I could get the ends of the clamps to go almost together, like stock. The other I turn a handful of times and it gets super tight. Guessing that the v-band just isn't fully seated somehow. With the bolt out I grab the clamp and shake but it doesn't budge at all.

Any suggestions? Trying to not fully uninstall the entire downpipe (if so hopefully I don't have to take BOTH back out!!)

Tomorrow afternoon I'll be working on her again, hopefully leak free!

PS - thanks to NiVeDh for the help/advice on the install! Next up, FMIC!

[zeenon53]

Sounds like you know what you need to do. Just take your time, breath, and think logically. Sometimes it can be frustrating, but the end will justify the means.

[FirstBMWLA]

You have to simultaneously spread the clamp and twist it around to seat it.

I believe it was the front turbo that I had a skinny arm friend actually help twist it into place from above the car.

They were a nightmare though.

Good luck.

[redefined]

But do you think I have to unbolt this one from the midsection?

[JamesM3M5]

At least loosen the DP to midpipe connection. Get the V-bands close to tight, make sure the DP flanges are aligned with the midpipe, and then tighten the V-band clamps, then the midpipe bolts/nuts. It's hard to do on your back, just take your time and rest your arms and fingers if needed.

[redefined]

So i've taken the bolt all the way out and tried to move the vband around but I can only get 1 side of the vband to release. The other is stuck. Here is a picture of how far the bolt will screw in, it's tight in this picture. It's the one on the left, the one on the right seems to be good.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Stick a screw driver into one end and hit the other with a hard object to release it

The front pipe looks great, that rear one is definitely still too far. I'd remove the bolt completely when trying to adjust them. Once you have a good seat, a good squeeze will keep the clamps in place. They should be less than an inch away from each other when squeezing by hand if they are correctly seated.

I'd also be very wary of what bolts you use (looks like you're using a non-oem bolt) on the clamps. I just spent 2 hours under a customers car where the bolt seized in the clamp and it took forever to remove due to the unreachable position.

Hit me up if you need any help

[redefined]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Stick a screw driver into one end and hit the other with a hard object to release it

The front pipe looks great, that rear one is definitely still too far. I'd remove the bolt completely when trying to adjust them. Once you have a good seat, a good squeeze will keep the clamps in place. They should be less than an inch away from each other when squeezing by hand if they are correctly seated.

I'd also be very wary of what bolts you use (looks like you're using a non-oem bolt) on the clamps. I just spent 2 hours under a customers car where the bolt seized in the clamp and it took forever to remove due to the unreachable position.

Hit me up if you need any help

I'll try, I tried to use a prybar but couldn't get a good angle. For sure am using stock bolts. The bottom one has the stock one it in, the top one doesn't for the moment since the stock wouldn't reach to pull them together. 100% will use stock bolts for the final one though.

Tiago, think I should be able to get that one to seat without having to remove the bolts from the midsection?

[Tiago@VRSF]

I don't think you will but it honestly can't hurt to loosen them up a bit. I'd focus more on getting that clamp fully unseated before loosening the rear bolts.

[redefined]

UGH

I just took the bolt all the way out and was able to get the vband free. So i rotated it around and back, wiggled it, took it so it was off the turbo and back on... same thing. Can only get it tight to about 1". No matter how hard I squeeze (not much room) I can't get it tight enough to put the stock bolt in without first tightening it with a longer bolt.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Loosen up the mid section. Make sure you tweak the downpipes the correct direction and allow for clearance on the sub frame.

Also make sure when you install that v band clamp that is allows for clearance from the wastegate actuator.

Try some wd-40 to get the v band clamp to move a bit. It will probably smoke a little on start up but will go away.

Not sure what else to recommend without just being there. IF the V band is not as tight as the front turbo you will definitely leak.

[cn555ic]

That clamp also behave me such a hard time. Go into the car head first to get better leverage as you can use you right arm to spread the v clamp open. Going in head first you get a horrible angle at it and left hand is not as strong as right hand

[jb's335]

I have done a few downpipe installs now. Sometimes, especially when you are on the lift and holding up your arms for so long, I just have to close my eyes and not even look where I am working. Just take a deep breath and stay calm, things will go together you just can't get frustrated. Its the most frustrating part of modding...not getting angry!

[redefined]

WAHOOO got it. So the bottom of the bracket is where it wasn't sealing. As you know you can't really reach that part. I took the vband off the dp a few times and finally while wiggling the dp and the band it popped on... finally! I was so excited that I tightened it up and started the car.... HUGE LEAK...forgot to re-tighten the midsection bolts...hahahahha.

All is well now! How frustrating. Time for a drink.

[jb's335]

Congrats! Gotta love that well-deserved beer/liquor drink...

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by redefined

WAHOOO got it. So the bottom of the bracket is where it wasn't sealing. As you know you can't really reach that part. I took the vband off the dp a few times and finally while wiggling the dp and the band it popped on... finally! I was so excited that I tightened it up and started the car.... HUGE LEAK...forgot to re-tighten the midsection bolts...hahahahha.

All is well now! How frustrating. Time for a drink.

Been there man, glad you got em on!

All that hard work will pay off once you rev it out a bit the first time

[NiVeDh]

Good work! Glad you got it resolved. Now on to the next mod!

[redefined]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

Good work! Glad you got it resolved. Now on to the next mod!

Up for ER FMIC install?

[hasta la pasta 27]

just ran into this problem. im gonna get under the car now to try and fix it.

[dirtypickle]

Hate to raise this thread, but My shop asked if I could bring NEW V band clamps for installing my DP's. What size should i buy? 2010 335I N54

[SingleturboVert]

Since the thread is here, damn that vband can be a pain. Glad I never have to deal with that again.

[RVA_MR2]

google 'n54 downpipe v band' and it's the first link on ECS's website