[korie83]

Hey Guys,

Thinking of installing a catless downpipe on my 2011 e90 335xi, I'm curious how difficult this is with the xdrive system? I'm not a mechanic by any means, but I can usually figure out most thing. But I want to know if its worth doing myself, or how many shop hours I can expect to pay for to get it done.

Also I'm thinking of the BMS downpipe, seems like the best priced out there. Is there any significant advantages with other brands?

[Sidewinderpb]

Just installed BMS downpipe on my 2011 e92 335i xDrive. What a pain in the ass. The main issue was that the V-Clamp bolt was unreachable. Took the wheel off, dropped the subframe, jacked up the motor (i think) and finally got it. Took about 4 hours. I had my uncle help on his lift; he owns a Land Rover specialty repair shop.

Edit: Totally worth it though. Pretty sure a shop would charge you more than the BMS dp costs.

[korie83]

Hmm, might be more than I want to take on, especially without a lift. How many hours do you think a shop would need?

[Sidewinderpb]

They'd probably take around 3 hours. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

If you can manage to do it yourself with a few friends/beers, I'd say go for that. The amount that shops charge for this is a big deterrent for me. Well worth it though, however you manage to get it done!

[Markus8291]

Originally Posted by Sidewinderpb

They'd probably take around 3 hours. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

If you can manage to do it yourself with a few friends/beers, I'd say go for that. The amount that shops charge for this is a big deterrent for me. Well worth it though, however you manage to get it done!

I'm trying to get mine in too and have been thinking about doing it myself vs having a shop do it. Problem is that most shops won't touch it, at least not in the US because there's a huge fine for messing with the emission system (i.e. taking out the cat) so finding a shop to do it is tricky. Not sure if it's the same in Canada though. A buddy of mine got his done at a shop and was charged $160 but he's got an N54 non Xdrive and those are a bit easier as far as I know. I'm gonna call up the same guy and ask him what he'll charge me and if he'll do it.

[Sidewinderpb]

Originally Posted by Markus8291

I'm trying to get mine in too and have been thinking about doing it myself vs having a shop do it. Problem is that most shops won't touch it, at least not in the US because there's a huge fine for messing with the emission system (i.e. taking out the cat) so finding a shop to do it is tricky. Not sure if it's the same in Canada though. A buddy of mine got his done at a shop and was charged $160 but he's got an N54 non Xdrive and those are a bit easier as far as I know. I'm gonna call up the same guy and ask him what he'll charge me and if he'll do it.

If you're referring to my area, I'm from Connecticut - not Canada . Just tell them that you still have secondary cats; provided you have xDrive. I've never had an issue with tuning shops regarding cats. I would understand if run-of-the-mill exhaust and service shops wouldn't touch it though.
The xDrive models are more difficult to swap the dp on. But, xDrive or not, $160 is an amazing price! You should definitely shoot that guy a call and get a quote!

Edit: just realized OP is from Canada. Whoops!

[firemanjust1]

I had my xi done in 3 -4 hrs with the help of local shop, it does depend xdrive is going to be longer install than rwd, you def need to drop the subframe. This will all be worth it the first time you hear the turbo spool also dropped 2 tenths at local 1/8 mile track after ar dp install.

[birry335]

The outcome is worth the few hours of anger...

[Jacblack]

I paid a shop to do mine once I looked it up. I looked it up was too much a pain to diy, especially my old car which the downpipe could be done in 15 mins.

[Sidewinderpb]

Yeah it's a f'ing nightmare, but well worth it!

[chronos6]

Originally Posted by Jacblack

I paid a shop to do mine once I looked it up. I looked it up was too much a pain to diy, especially my old car which the downpipe could be done in 15 mins.

How much did the shop charge to put it in?

[TeinBMW]

I've got a vrsf dp on my 2011 335xi e92. No problem at all and did the install myself.

[CoolHandLuke]

Originally Posted by TeinBMW

I've got a vrsf dp on my 2011 335xi e92. No problem at all and did the install myself.

how bad was it?

[TeinBMW]

Originally Posted by CoolHandLuke

how bad was it?

Took me awhile to install it but it's doable over a weekend with ramps and right tools. I wouldn't pay a mechanic to do it cause it will be like 4 hours of labour! Which is like 400 bucks.

[Markus8291]

I paid to have mine done a couple weeks ago because I decided I didn't wanna hassle with it. Cost me $160 bucks