[drmdvl]

Been searching the forums and thinking about adding a DP since 2011. Lease ended on my 2011 and I never did it. Ended up getting the same car but built to my specs in 2013.
Still wanted a catless DP but could not find many reviews from XI guys who have a catless DP with a stock exhaust. Most have changed exhausts, added BMW PE, done muffler deletes, or deleted the midcats. These are all great options, but I personally did not want the in your face exhaust sound all the time. I wanted aggressiveness when I got on it and non-obtrusive when cruising. I also wanted to know about the smell and service at the dealership.
I've seen a couple of other XI owners asking similar questions as me, so if you're thinking about doing the same, then this info is for you.

Finally bit the bullet and added a 4" catless AR DP. The quality appears to be high end - but Im not a welder so its not really my place to say... I just know AR gets a ton of positive reviews and this thing fit right up with no problems. The O2 sensor bungs are perfectly built and threaded.

The sound this thing makes is intoxicating. Cold starts are almost obnoxiously loud but cool, then it settles to a nice deep rumbling burble at idle. Acceleration sounds fantastic and the turbo spool is really awesome.
At all speeds, there is absolutely no drone in the cabin.
I really love the crackling sound it makes when you lift off.
Had a friend do a take off for me... sounds pretty exotic actually.
The butt dyno definitely feels power gains. The turbo spools way faster and throttle response is quick and precise.

There is a slight increase in smell on first start in the mornings, but as soon as you leave the garage... no biggie. Don't notice a thing in stop and go traffic with windows down - I think this is an advantage of keeping the midcats.

As far as dealer service goes - my SA doesn't care. In fact, one of their lead CA's was very inquisitive when he heard what I had done. He asked a lot of questions and even said he's trying to source one for one of his clients buying an M235i.

Lastly - the crew at the AR shop are fantastic. Cool guys, great service, and nice looking shop. They had the install done pretty fast.

Here are some before and after video clips... if you want to skip the stock stuff FF to a little under a minute.

If you're an XI owner and thinking about doing the same - don't wait three years like I did - it's awesome.

[turbotoy4me]

Thanks for the post. Looks and sounds great. Enjoy!

[hybridel]

Thanks for the video

I've been thinking of going back to my stock exhaust with catless downpipes, and after seeing this video I more then likely will

[Jacblack]

I did the same thing for mine. I went with the VRSF but it gives me enough tone. I love when I drive in garages or downtown and it echos off buildings.

[trohde78]

Thanks for the detailed write-up, and the car sounds great! However, this is going to make it that much harder for me to wait until the Spring!

[forza1976]

I had a very similar setup on my 2008 xi E92. The sound was a lot of fun!