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      05-18-2015, 10:56 AM   #1
StatenEye
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X5M Downpipe install

Hey guys,

I'm halfway through the DP install. Sunday we pulled the pipes from the truck. I had to order 4 knurled bolts to press into the AA downpipes to make the install and removal of the pipes in the future easier... so I couldn't install the AA pipes Sunday. All I can say is this install is not easy like the n54 and n55 engines were. I was able to do a DP install on previous cars in a couple of hours tops, this engine with the heat shields and wide v engine makes the install a real pain. The DIY's provided by AA and Akropovic are limited and leave out many important steps. Anyone else install their X5M pipes themselves? Here are a few pics...
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Last edited by StatenEye; 05-18-2015 at 02:38 PM..
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      05-18-2015, 11:18 AM   #2
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I was wondering how much labor is involved to get this done, and it doesn't look super simple. Those of you that have had downpipes installed by shops, how much did your installer charge?
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      05-18-2015, 11:42 AM   #3
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This is not an easy task

I do not know just how mechanically inept you are, but this is no easy task. My mechanic had my truck on a lift and it took him 4 hours to do (he is very skilled). He charged me $250. bucks for the install.

Good luck
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      05-18-2015, 11:46 AM   #4
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Yeah proper tools and a lift would help immensely. Started at 1 and had the pipes out in 3 hours. I figure it should take another 2 to get AA pipes these back in. $250 is a great price for this install.
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      05-18-2015, 12:37 PM   #5
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$250 is cheap! Dont know the exact figure since there were some other odds and ends found when my shop (elite motors, NJ) did it. OP, if its still apart its a good opportunity to check the hoses. How the hoses get clipped/secured plays a huge role in how long they're going to last (off of the heatshield).
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      05-18-2015, 02:36 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeST View Post
$250 is cheap! Dont know the exact figure since there were some other odds and ends found when my shop (elite motors, NJ) did it. OP, if its still apart its a good opportunity to check the hoses. How the hoses get clipped/secured plays a huge role in how long they're going to last (off of the heatshield).
Yea i was inspecting all the lines but i'm going to have to do a more thorough check. $250 is dirt cheap but 4 hours is a great time for this process.

Anyone able to snap a pic of a completed install? I'm wondering why the heat shields will be left off and if they are indeed always left off.
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      05-18-2015, 03:22 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i View Post
Yea i was inspecting all the lines but i'm going to have to do a more thorough check. $250 is dirt cheap but 4 hours is a great time for this process.

Anyone able to snap a pic of a completed install? I'm wondering why the heat shields will be left off and if they are indeed always left off.
Here's a pic the shop took for me...



They said it was a pain in the ass but they were able to reuse the stock heatshields for my install. I originally thought the stock heatshields weren't going to work also so I bought exhaust wrapping but after they made the stock shields work (in conjunction with the powder coating) I left the wrapping off.
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      05-18-2015, 03:28 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeST View Post
Here's a pic the shop took for me...



They said it was a pain in the ass but they were able to reuse the stock heatshields for my install. I originally thought the stock heatshields weren't going to work also so I bought exhaust wrapping but after they made the stock shields work (in conjunction with the powder coating) I left the wrapping off.
Nice man good to know they were able to use the stock heat shields. I was thinking of going the wrapping route regardless of the heat shields bc of the flex portion of the pipe. I'm hoping to reduce the gas odor in the cabin. How is the smell for you?
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      05-18-2015, 04:37 PM   #9
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I have highflow cats installed and I really dont notice a difference in smell from stock. Whether im at idle or driving. Did you get straight pipes or highflow?
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      05-18-2015, 04:39 PM   #10
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Nvm, just saw catless in your pics. I had mine powder coated since I still have cats and was worried about the heat it might still generate.
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      05-18-2015, 06:02 PM   #11
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I did this myself with a friend, it was doable, took us just under 5 hrs in the garage, having a lift would make doing the bottom section easier, also having the exhaust out would make accessing the bottom of the downpipe much easier. We did it without taking off the exhaust and it was a bit of fiddling
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      05-18-2015, 06:14 PM   #12
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4 hours the first time, then 2 to take them out and put stockers back in.

would have cost me 300ish to get it done
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      05-18-2015, 09:08 PM   #13
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Looking forward to progress and review of catless DPs.

-Did you have a tune prior to installing DPs?
-If so, what difference does the DPs actually make?
-Do you experience gaseous odor with DPs?
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      05-19-2015, 12:15 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by infamousdiz View Post
4 hours the first time, then 2 to take them out and put stockers back in.

would have cost me 300ish to get it done
Which bolts did you use to mount the aftermarket pipes?
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      05-19-2015, 12:17 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gixxerboy63 View Post
Looking forward to progress and review of catless DPs.

-Did you have a tune prior to installing DPs?
-If so, what difference does the DPs actually make?
-Do you experience gaseous odor with DPs?
Yes I have a tune currently but i'm still waiting on replacement bolts to install the new pipes.
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      05-19-2015, 12:25 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i View Post
Which bolts did you use to mount the aftermarket pipes?
stock clamps

my down pipes came with there own bolts welded on
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      05-19-2015, 02:54 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeST View Post
Here's a pic the shop took for me...



They said it was a pain in the ass but they were able to reuse the stock heatshields for my install. I originally thought the stock heatshields weren't going to work also so I bought exhaust wrapping but after they made the stock shields work (in conjunction with the powder coating) I left the wrapping off.
What sort of modifications had to be made to the heat shield?
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      05-19-2015, 09:21 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by denaliman View Post
What sort of modifications had to be made to the heat shield?
I didn't ask. I would assume bending and manipulating it around the downpipes.
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      05-19-2015, 10:05 PM   #19
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Jest, how's the heat in the bay with those?
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      05-20-2015, 05:50 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m3 guy View Post
Jest, how's the heat in the bay with those?
there is actually less heat, no build up from the restricted flow at the catalytic converter
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      05-20-2015, 08:22 AM   #21
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i was charged 700
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      05-20-2015, 12:38 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JeST View Post
I didn't ask. I would assume bending and manipulating it around the downpipes.
Im thinking it has to be easier to reinstall the heat shields over the smaller catless dps but with the limited space and laying on my back nothing is really easy hah.
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