X5M Downpipe install

[JeST]

Originally Posted by m3 guy

Jest, how's the heat in the bay with those?

Drastically less! I'm sure catless would be that much better but the difference between the stock setup and what I have now with the powdercoating I'm not worried about heating/cooling issues for the hoses anymore.

[Toneaero]

I'm 80% done installing my catless downpipes. I bought all new exhaust gaskets in hopes to eliminate the potential gas fumes.

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by Toneaero

I'm 80% done installing my catless downpipes. I bought all new exhaust gaskets in hopes to eliminate the potential gas fumes.

Nice man! I was able to get all the heat shields back on so i recommend you do so as well.

[Toneaero]

Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i

Nice man! I was able to get all the heat shields back on so i recommend you do so as well.

I was planning on it but it took too much effort and time to get the bottom screws back onto the heat shields. I just left them off like the instructions mentioned from AA's DP installation manual. I wouldn't think it would have any adverse effect since catless runs tons cooler than a catted DP.

The first thing I noticed is that I can hear the turbos spool and whistle now. Which I think is very very cool. The 2nd thing I noticed is that my gutted muffler now sounds very very different. My CEL hasn't tripped yet. How many miles will it take to trip the CEL?

I commute 80 miles a day round trip in rush hour traffic so I will report out later if their is a drone or any gas fumes in the cabin.

So far...im digging it! Can't wait to dyno it.

[Cattivo]

This is so tempting to get a set of DP's, but 1-3 g's for some piping and flex is ridiculous! That's without labor, I wouldn't even attempt this install with my giant sausage fingers lol. But in all seriousness, I got to hear and feel the difference between stock on JeSTs' beast and all I can say is wow! I guess I'll just wait for 1 of you to get sick of them and buy them for half price lol

[JeST]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

This is so tempting to get a set of DP's, but 1-3 g's for some piping and flex is ridiculous! That's without labor, I wouldn't even attempt this install with my giant sausage fingers lol. But in all seriousness, I got to hear and feel the difference between stock on JeSTs' beast and all I can say is wow! I guess I'll just wait for 1 of you to get sick of them and buy them for half price lol

Stefano, get the catless downpipes from ultimate-racing.com (I purchased their high flow catted version). Quality of the welds and the bung I had added on was very good. Install was smooth, no fitting issues whatsoever.

Their price is very reasonable compared to some of the other distributers.
http://store.ultimate-racing.com/col...m-x6m-downpipe

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by JeST

Stefano, get the catless downpipes from ultimate-racing.com (I purchased their high flow catted version). Quality of the welds and the bung I had added on was very good. Install was smooth, no fitting issues whatsoever.

Their price is very reasonable compared to some of the other distributers.
http://store.ultimate-racing.com/col...m-x6m-downpipe

Trust me Pete, my fingers itching to push checkout on that page, but I'm in the middle of renovating my house and my wife would beat me over the head with a DP if I ordered them right now lol Between reading StatenEyes review, hearing them on your truck, and everybody else on here saying how much they like the upgrade, youz are all killin me lol

[JeST]

lol, cause theyre worth it. I didn't want to see you spend more $$ on another brand when they produce the same end result.

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by JeST

lol, cause theyre worth it. I didn't want to see you spend more $$ on another brand when they produce the same end result.

In due time I will eventually buy them...their already in the shopping cart lol

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

In due time I will eventually buy them...their already in the shopping cart lol

Hopefully a used set pops up on the forums. Pricing for exhaust parts on the X5M is outrageous. I purchased Macht Schnell pipes for my 335i back in 2009 for $400 new. The D Pipes were the same size as the X5M/// aftermarket pipes and the quality was top notch. Somehow exhaust parts receive an insane M/// tax and its deemed acceptable. 5-7k exhaust systems and 1-2k for scrap metal it absolutely outrageous.

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i

Hopefully a used set pops up on the forums. Pricing for exhaust parts on the X5M is outrageous. I purchased Macht Schnell pipes for my 335i back in 2009 for $400 new. The D Pipes were the same size as the X5M/// aftermarket pipes and the quality was top notch. Somehow exhaust parts receive an insane M/// tax and its deemed acceptable. 5-7k exhaust systems and 1-2k for scrap metal it absolutely outrageous.

It really is outrageous, I installed a set of AR DP's and a used Remus exhaust on my old 335 for a total of $650. I really can't justify spending 5-7k on an exhaust and over 2k on DP's. For $430 i'm sure the Megan race exhaust i bought will probably sound similar. I'll eventually buy a set of DP's, but not for those crazy prices

[gixxerboy63]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

Trust me Pete, my fingers itching to push checkout on that page, but I'm in the middle of renovating my house and my wife would beat me over the head with a DP if I ordered them right now lol Between reading StatenEyes review, hearing them on your truck, and everybody else on here saying how much they like the upgrade, youz are all killin me lol

Man, youz are killing me too!
I already have a tune and I'm just itching to get a set of DPs to take it to the next performance level.
I also want a carbon front spoiler and rear diffuser too!

Gixxer - has to wait on one or the other, so is wondering what element to focus on first - Performance or appearance?

[gixxerboy63]

Hey StatenEye... whats the verdict? My DPs arrived yesterday from Active Autowerkes... anxious to hear your review!

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

Hey StatenEye... whats the verdict? My DPs arrived yesterday from Active Autowerkes... anxious to hear your review!

Sorry missed your post! The pipes are outrageous.

Its very very loud for 45 seconds on the idle cycle but then it tames down to a acceptable decibel level.

The truck feels incredibly responsive and savage. I more than recommend catless pipes for the performance alone. That being said the sound is incredible... rev matching sounds great and the car just rumbles when under load. When im cruising at normal speeds the sound isnt too loud, very comfortable. Dont hesitate to install these, you will not regret it. Also the smell is unnoticeable for me. Some times is get a whiff of odor but nothing obnoxious, i think the other guys are a little sensitive to the smell ha.

[mhkm]

I agree 100% and can confirm everything that StatenEye just said.
Simply incredible.

[gixxerboy63]

So neither of you two (StatenEye or the Dr.) would go back, now that you have experienced catless downpipes? Am I also correct to say that you can actually feel a significant performance difference?

Gixxers new AA downpipes awaiting install for about a month now....

[infamousdiz]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

Trust me Pete, my fingers itching to push checkout on that page, but I'm in the middle of renovating my house and my wife would beat me over the head with a DP if I ordered them right now lol Between reading StatenEyes review, hearing them on your truck, and everybody else on here saying how much they like the upgrade, youz are all killin me lol

I can tell you i hated them, much too loud.

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

So neither of you two (StatenEye or the Dr.) would go back, now that you have experienced catless downpipes? Am I also correct to say that you can actually feel a significant performance difference?

Gixxers new AA downpipes awaiting install for about a month now....

I wouldn't drive any turbo car with cats, too laggy. In this case; the performance and sound are just awesome. Cold start is insanely loud but it doesn't even make me consider removing the pipes.

[mhkm]

I would also say that there is no way I would consider going back...
You just can't beat such a significant boost in performance while at the same time reducing stress (back pressure, ...) on the turbos and reducing engine room temps, improving MPG, .. etc.

Besides, sometimes you really enjoy that ROAR when you get on the gas to totally blow away some ricer who pulls up next to you!

In contrast to infamousdiz, I do not find the exhaust note obnoxiously loud... maybe diz has a complete catback exhaust system too? My exhaust is stock and I strongly advise against any modification of the stock system.

Finally, believe it or not, if I were to choose between just a tune and DP's, I would go DPs, but then you would have to deal with the CEL. Therefore, tune + DPs is the way to go, no doubt about it.

[m5james]

I agree with a few posts on there that the ///M tax is stupid, so I've been spending more time on F10 M5 boards to see what they're doing to mod cars, prices they're paying (assuming they mod more, therefore prices may be cheaper) and came across pipes that are actually priced they way something so simply should be. While the buyer said they had minor fitment issues, they installed the resonator style pipes, but I'm going with the non-resonator style - http://www.ebay.com/itm/131535510483...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT I'm sure it's nothing that couldn't be solved by an exhaust shop can't adjust as needed when they're doing the mandrel bent piping for my muffler delete. At $225, 5 +/- hours of my own time, I think they're worth a try vs their $1600+ counterparts. Damn that ///M tax!! Now to find an intake system much like what MSR makes for the F10 M5 with that ///M tax...

[Toneaero]

Fitment is very very important. Even with the catless downpipes that were made for the S63, it still took me a very long time to line everything up. Its a very tight area to work in so be prepared for bruised knuckles along with tons of swearing. Some of the bolts holding the OEM downpipes are not visible so you will need to go by feel and a swivel socket joint. I hope this doesn't discourage anyone from attempting to DIY but be warned to set aside at least 4 hours to do the job. Maybe faster if you have a 4 post lift and can completely walk underneath the car.

[m5james]

4 jackstands at the stock locations will also get the height needed to do just about anything. I did a coilover install as well as a full suspension and cooling system rebuild this way just before Bimmerfest.