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      04-11-2016, 02:01 PM   #1
XX5Monster
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Cats vs. Catless downpipes?

I'm currently looking at adding downpipes to my M and wanted to get some feedback from people that are using either one. From what I hear the catless are louder but that's all I know.
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      04-12-2016, 09:23 AM   #2
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The biggest advantage to a catless system is the immediate relief from the engine bay heat that destroys all the plastic tubes and vent lines that cross over the engine. Cattless downpipes also provide a unique sound that is a bit louder and more "M" sounding. I was considering doing the exhaust mod or going with an aftermarket exhaust, but once I installed downpipes, I really didn't feel the need to upgrade the exhaust other than adding 3.5" Dimisa tips.... Most think that it is a performance exhaust because of the sound and the tips.

There may also be a small performance upgrade, but I couldn't really feel any difference other than the sound.
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      04-12-2016, 11:05 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gixxerboy63 View Post
The biggest advantage to a catless system is the immediate relief from the engine bay heat that destroys all the plastic tubes and vent lines that cross over the engine. Cattless downpipes also provide a unique sound that is a bit louder and more "M" sounding. I was considering doing the exhaust mod or going with an aftermarket exhaust, but once I installed downpipes, I really didn't feel the need to upgrade the exhaust other than adding 3.5" Dimisa tips.... Most think that it is a performance exhaust because of the sound and the tips.

There may also be a small performance upgrade, but I couldn't really feel any difference other than the sound.
You have any sounds clips of your car with the downpipes and just tips? This seems to an ideal way to get a more aggressive sound without having to buy a $4k exhaust plus pipes.

Thanks!
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      04-12-2016, 12:09 PM   #4
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Smell & hear the turbos more, vs no smell.
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      04-12-2016, 12:22 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Omar@VelosDesignwerks View Post
Smell & hear the turbos more, vs no smell.
Omar is it a placebo effect that i feel like the car is quicker to spool? I always go catless with turbo BMWs and they all felt more responsive.

Thanks
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      04-14-2016, 07:52 PM   #6
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Omar, which one will give you no smell? I keep hearing that no matter if you get a tune with the downpipe option you will still get the smell.
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      04-14-2016, 07:54 PM   #7
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From what I've been hearing the catless will be louder too.
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      04-15-2016, 09:23 AM   #8
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the smell is BAD, and its loud, You will wake up everyone if you try and leave at 5am
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      04-15-2016, 11:26 AM   #9
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I have high flow catted AR Designs DP's with an Eisenmann race exhaust. Cold start is loud then it quiets down. Punch the gas pedal and it is loud with that beautiful "blip" between shifts. No smell. No CEL tripping.
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      04-15-2016, 01:11 PM   #10
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Ok thanks denaliman! Does anyone have catless downpipes and have smell or none?
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      04-15-2016, 02:59 PM   #11
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i've got catless downpipes. it does smell, but doesn't bother me. Reminds me of an old muscle car. smells like my 71 Camaro when it actually has an engine in it lol

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      04-15-2016, 06:37 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by denaliman View Post
I have high flow catted AR Designs DP's with an Eisenmann race exhaust. Cold start is loud then it quiets down. Punch the gas pedal and it is loud with that beautiful "blip" between shifts. No smell. No CEL tripping.
This is exactly what I want to setup. Thank you for the info!
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      04-16-2016, 12:17 AM   #13
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If smell is a concern you can always add cats into the section 1. That way you have all the benefits of a catless downpipe, flow and heat, with none of the drawbacks, smell.
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      04-16-2016, 10:39 AM   #14
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Thanks m5 guy! Fabspeed does have catted sport downpipes too but they are a lot more money
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      04-16-2016, 10:40 AM   #15
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than the catless downpipes
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      04-16-2016, 02:50 PM   #16
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I'm not talking about the downpipes. I'm talking about the first part of the mid pipes where the resonators are. Replace the resonators with cats.
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      04-16-2016, 05:21 PM   #17
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Ahhhhh gotcha!! Thanks M5 guy
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      04-18-2016, 01:54 PM   #18
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I'm running catless and love the sound / power it picked up. My tuner was able to modify cold start so noise is not an issue. If your exhaust retains the valves/flaps it's pretty tame. I posted a few vids in a thread comparing the sound if you're interested: http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1174565
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Last edited by Creamo3; 04-21-2016 at 11:04 AM..
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      04-20-2016, 10:09 AM   #19
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I went through that decision making process too. I went with Catless downpipes. I've had no smell or CEL lights at all. Everyone including women love the sound it makes. It's really only loud for 15 seconds on a cold start and when you push good on the pedal. Otherwise quite tame. I have stock exhaust otherwise. Happy with the downpipes.
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      04-21-2016, 11:05 AM   #20
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Fixed my link: http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1174565
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      05-31-2016, 01:16 AM   #21
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Your setup sounds really nice! I think the reason mine was so insanely loud was due to the meisterschaft. I have a tune and catless downpipes just like you but when i had the meisterschaft cold start was ear piercingly loud. Having the stock axle back tamed it down to basically a stock sound.
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      04-02-2018, 02:55 PM   #22
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Recently picked up a modified E70M.

Came with FI Exhaust and not quite sure on the DP. My biggest concern with the M is the smell inside the cabin is there a way to detect the smell? I do notice I don't feel to well after a 30min drive or so even with the windows up. I have never owned a after market catless DP car before so I'm not sure what to expect. Or even if my car has a exhaust leak? I am guessing my best option is to swap the DP to a catted one.

Thanks for the help!
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