VRSF Downpipes-Buy something else

[Autobacs]

Gave them a shot, after getting the go ahead from my shop who specializes in BMW and MB performance mods (DUDMD). They based it on their experience with their down pipes for a 335. The picture says it all. I contacted VRSF and sent them the picture while invoking their fitment guaranty. At first VRSF said the shop made a mistake of bolting the bottom flange first before the top. I relayed to them that DUDMD already tried putting the top first and the picture was for illustration purposes on how far off the fitment was on the top of the passenger side downpipe, with the midsection hitting the engine. I thought things were taken care of when on Monday, APR 8 I get an apology from VRSF and agreed to send a return label ASAP. They first asked for my VIN then asked for my order number (which was already on the subject line). Gave them both and now they have been MIA since then even after follow up emails on the 9th and 11th. So I've done my due diligence posting this for the sake of the forum.

[TwinSnailz]

Is yours the slip on or flanged on the exit side? Also wouldn’t the flex section allow a bit of play.

[Autobacs]

Flanged. The amount of play on the flex section is inadequate for the gap in the fitment.

If I had seen this beforehand, I would not be posting about this: https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show...light=Downpipe

[TwinSnailz]

Ahh same resemblance. Goodluck with returning.

[9vapors]

Despite everything mentioned in both threads, I was able to get mine to fit. When I say fit, I mean bolted up. Since then, they've leaked from top and bottom and at the bottom the space that was created while I assume they bent into place, was so large that the lower gasket is gone. I assumed this was normal for downpipe fitment as I've heard stories from most downpipes and finessing them into place. I thought this was that part, but now I see that it's not the case. I wonder what stress this is putting on my parts in place now... I had to use two pry bars and pull one towards me and another pushing. Like a reverse scissor to align the v band. Unlike others, mine seemed to have nice welds, and look pretty damn good. Quite honestly, these fit like shit and if you do manage to get them on, don't expect them to not leak from one flange or another or for you to break parts getting them to fit.

Bottom line, it seems that based on fitment and customer service, stay away from them. The price point is nice, but really at what cost.

[Autobacs]

Originally Posted by TwinSnailz

Ahh same resemblance. Goodluck with returning.

I filed my charge back, which I thought I would not have to. Up to them to send the return label they said they would send.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Sorry to see they didn't work but I've heard that they were a nightmare to work on the n63/s63. I myself picked up a set of cheapy flanged OBX downpipes and cut the slip fit tubes and welded them on to work with my 50i. They have built in resonators which it I thought would be a good thing but instead made it sound like absolute SHIT. Definitely picked up a nice boost in HP and love all the turbo noises but the exhaust note sounds like a beater 60's Chevy truck....you know that out of tune shit sound. So strange as car absoultly hauls but sounds like ass.... .soooo I ordered and just got the ARM downpipes made for the 550i. Looks like it should fit th E70....the turbo to downpipe connection should be just fine but the slip fit section might be different.....but hey good excuse to buy a new Mig and plasma cutter....I'll report back on how they work, installing this weekend. The pipes themselves look awesome, Tig welding on them looks great, now to see if they actually fit...

[ncbimma]

I've got the VRSFs on the X5M- had my shop do it since it was already in for a broken axle.

They mentioned nothing on the poor alignment. I've not had any leaking top or bottom besides the bottom bolts coming loose on the bottom flange. I upgraded them to a heftier nut to hold and everything has been fine for about a month now.

Welds for mine were also nice- I wonder if these poor experiences are due to rushed installs (not that I doubt anyone's capabilities) or rushed build quality on the pipes themselves. Seems like there are heavy factors on both sides- especially on this part where we all know it sounds its going to be a challenging install due to space. Do other brands have similar pain points on the s63? I've never researched bc I couldn't ever stomach dropping over 1K for gutted pipes.

[ryansbmw]

Damn. I was looking at VRSF for my downpipes as well (N55). Hopefully I dont run into the same problems

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by ncbimma

I've got the VRSFs on the X5M- had my shop do it since it was already in for a broken axle.

They mentioned nothing on the poor alignment. I've not had any leaking top or bottom besides the bottom bolts coming loose on the bottom flange. I upgraded them to a heftier nut to hold and everything has been fine for about a month now.

Welds for mine were also nice- I wonder if these poor experiences are due to rushed installs (not that I doubt anyone's capabilities) or rushed build quality on the pipes themselves. Seems like there are heavy factors on both sides- especially on this part where we all know it sounds its going to be a challenging install due to space. Do other brands have similar pain points on the s63? I've never researched bc I couldn't ever stomach dropping over 1K for gutted pipes.

Nah the pipes cant really be adjusted due to a bracket on both pipes that bolts to the back of the engine so there is really only one way to put them in. If you look at his pics, its so far off on the right side turbo the only cause is they welded the pipe wrong when made as it looks like if he tried to bolt to the turbo first then it would not line up with the bottom section or the bracket. Even if you cut off the bracket, our exhaust system is so ridged that I doubt you could tweak it enough to fit unless you cut the welded brackets in the center section of the exhaust the tie to the two sides together unless he has a slip fit and not the flange on the bottom, then you could slip it up enough to make it work but again would have to cut bracket....something we shouldn't have to do.

The ARM motorsports down-pipes I just bought dont have a flexible section between the bracket and the turbo so if these are not made with absolute precision, then they are not going to work. But if they do, then its going to be an awesome choice as they are only 347 dollars. I too have problem paying 1000+ (Agency power wants 1600!!!!) for a pair of hollow pipes.. I will make a new thread if they do for all those interested.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by ryansbmw

Damn. I was looking at VRSF for my downpipes as well (N55). Hopefully I dont run into the same problems

I dont think they have this issue on the N55, just the N63/S63 from what I have gathered on the forums

[9vapors]

Mine fit the same as in the pic, I used the flex section to bend and stretch them into place. This still had the vband line up about 1/4 off, so I had to loosen the bottom again and use the pry bars to get it lined up. Then when I tightened the bottom, it felt like it was tightened all the way, but there was that 1/4 gap. Which leaked and gave me issues. Over some miles, it caused my bolts to loosen and eventually my gasket flew out of the opening. Like SR said, it doesn't take much to throw things off and needs to be precise based on the amount of room behind the engine. I'm going to try the Ultimate Racing ones as they made amazing parts with perfect fitment for Subaru's, Evos and GTRs...

[Autobacs]

Originally Posted by ncbimma

I've got the VRSFs on the X5M- had my shop do it since it was already in for a broken axle.

They mentioned nothing on the poor alignment. I've not had any leaking top or bottom besides the bottom bolts coming loose on the bottom flange. I upgraded them to a heftier nut to hold and everything has been fine for about a month now.

Welds for mine were also nice- I wonder if these poor experiences are due to rushed installs (not that I doubt anyone's capabilities) or rushed build quality on the pipes themselves. Seems like there are heavy factors on both sides- especially on this part where we all know it sounds its going to be a challenging install due to space. Do other brands have similar pain points on the s63? I've never researched bc I couldn't ever stomach dropping over 1K for gutted pipes.

DUDMD and I go way back and is a highly regarded shop, BMW and MB wise. I can assure you it was not a rushed install. I have seen reviews of AA and the down pipes made in Poland and Russia having no issues.

[0-60Motorsports]

The ones made in Poland And Russia are actually quiet nice and so are the AA ones.

[pdX5M]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

The ones made in Poland And Russia are actually quiet nice and so are the AA ones.

+1 on quality of the AA downpipes. Fitment and welds are great.

[IN-FLT]

http://mikes-custom.ru/index.php/com...e70?Itemid=618

These might be worth looking into... $750ish USD + intl. shipping + 2 week wait. Has anyone installed these?

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by IN-FLT

http://mikes-custom.ru/index.php/com...e70?Itemid=618

These might be worth looking into... $750ish USD + intl. shipping + 2 week wait. Has anyone installed these?

0-60 claims lots of folks are using them overseas...

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by IN-FLT

http://mikes-custom.ru/index.php/com...e70?Itemid=618

These might be worth looking into... $750ish USD + intl. shipping + 2 week wait. Has anyone installed these?

Originally Posted by 9vapors

0-60 claims lots of folks are using them overseas...

Yes, a lot of Russian, Middle-Eastern guys are using them. They always have positive reviews about the guy and he is always responsive on email. If I didnt have this at the bottom of the list I would have gotten them already. Stage 1 tune first for me along with Power dome hood, exhaust and BMW Perf Front lip.

[9vapors]

Originally Posted by 0-60Motorsports

Yes, a lot of Russian, Middle-Eastern guys are using them. They always have positive reviews about the guy and he is always responsive on email. If I didnt have this at the bottom of the list I would have gotten them already. Stage 1 tune first for me along with Power dome hood, exhaust and BMW Perf Front lip.

I wrote him yesterday about shipping to the US, he responded immediately, $90...

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by 9vapors

I wrote him yesterday about shipping to the US, he responded immediately, $90...

Good deal

[Autobacs]

So I thought this nuisance of an experience is over already but is not quite over yet. So VRSF apologized to me about my experience, while citing their 18 "confirmed" installs on an X5M. They sent me a return label after a week of waiting and ranting on this forum. I send the downpipes back to them ASAP and FEDEX confirmed to me they delivered back to them on APR 19th. You would think that they would promptly send back my money, as any self-respecting business would, but here we are over a week already and they have not sent back my money. I sent them an email last night asking about the status of my refund and nothing. Not only do their parts suck, their business practices suck as well.

[snowild]

Did you ever get different downpipes? I just paid $1500 on meisterschaft down pipe just to find out they're half inch short. Do these comapanies not do R&D anymore