DP install in Chicago

chronopete · 09-16-2015, 10:25 PM

I need help finding a good shop with reasonable labor rate to install my new catless VRSF downpipes. I live in Aurora, IL. I own a 335 x-drive, so I know it can be a pain. I was thinking hard whether I wanted to do it myself, but the thought of removing engine mounts scared me off (unless I don't have to?). The best quote I got so far was $550. Is this a good deal?

I would greatly appreciate feedback!

Game · 09-16-2015, 11:05 PM

Nope. Talk to LukeG (search his name here). He just installed mine for alot less than that. (although mine is RWD)

He's located in Roselle.

Cloud9blue · 09-16-2015, 11:23 PM

A good shop can do it at $200-300 range. Luke runs a great shop, would recommend.

chronopete · 09-17-2015, 12:34 AM

Awesome. Thanks for suggesting Luke. I will reach out to him.

bmwmike89 · 09-17-2015, 01:31 PM

Just remember you get what you pay for.

trohde78 · 09-17-2015, 03:35 PM

I had mine installed (non-xdrive) for under $200.

moreno8a · 09-17-2015, 03:51 PM

I had mine put in ,also non xi in aurora as well I believe, for 150.
Haven't had any problems.

chronopete · 09-18-2015, 12:27 AM

I believe labor hours on xi are more than twice longer than non-xi. I would hate to take a chance on an unknown shop. Seems like Luke is legit from what I've heard so far.

Cloud9blue · 09-18-2015, 01:15 AM

oh OP has an xi.

$550 is reasonable then... But get it done from a shop that is familiar with N54.

chronopete · 09-20-2015, 09:38 PM

Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback!

sirdaft1 · 09-22-2015, 12:36 AM

It's been said already, but another +1 on LukeG. Solid solid dude.

Give_Em_The_DD · 09-22-2015, 01:38 PM

Performance solutions In Schaumburg

sales@performance-solutions.net

They've built my xi- and have an awd dynojet if u wanna play with that a bit

Cloud9blue · 09-22-2015, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Give_Em_The_DD

Performance solutions In Schaumburg

sales@performance-solutions.net

They've built my xi- and have an awd dynojet if u wanna play with that a bit

Was that still run by the same people that were in A-spec; they are in their old location from what I can tell. If yes, I am not sure I can honestly recommend them again after how they f up my friend's car after I recommended them to him...

Edit: nvm, according to their Facebook, they have no affiliation with A-spec (so new owner I guess), but they did keep the BMW tech on board. https://www.facebook.com/performance...ns2?fref=photo

chronopete · 09-22-2015, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

It's been said already, but another +1 on LukeG. Solid solid dude.

Im taking my car to Luke on Thursday. He seems solid and the pricing is very reasonable.

sirdaft1 · 09-22-2015, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloud9blue

Was that still run by the same people that were in A-spec; they are in their old location from what I can tell. If yes, I am not sure I can honestly recommend them again after how they f up my friend's car after I recommended them to him...

Edit: nvm, according to their Facebook, they have no affiliation with A-spec (so new owner I guess), but they did keep the BMW tech on board. https://www.facebook.com/performance...ns2?fref=photo

Ehhhhh... If there is any affiliation w/ the old A-Spec (whether Sean or Brad from A-Spec are still onboard), I would pass. Before I knew about LukeG I brought my car to them for a walnut blast, dp install, and to try and install my ER Dual OC's - and was seriously disappointed with their communication (or lack thereof). Lots of excuses. Zero need to risk it, as 5 minutes away is LukeG's Werkshop.

Cloud9blue · 09-22-2015, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

Ehhhhh... If there is any affiliation w/ the old A-Spec (whether Sean or Brad from A-Spec are still onboard), I would pass. Before I knew about LukeG I brought my car to them for a walnut blast, dp install, and to try and install my ER Dual OC's - and was seriously disappointed with their communication (or lack thereof). Lots of excuses. Zero need to risk it, as 5 minutes away is LukeG's Werkshop.

Exactly, their communication and quality of their work seems to declined significantly over the few months I dealt with them last year... But I do believe the owner, Sean, was the main source of problem with the old A-spec.

bmwmike89 · 09-23-2015, 10:43 AM

There have been bad things said about both a-spec and lukeG but not going to get into that. But it is only a downpipe install. Only real thing they can do wrong unless they have no idea what they are doing is not align them properly and you will have downpipes rattling. But good luck with whoever you choose to do the install. What I don't understand here is you own a bmw. You get what you pay for! Don't shop around for just the cheapest price. Pick a place you trust and go there for all your work and services. I hate seeing people just price shop. That will bite you in the butt.

chronopete · 09-24-2015, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwmike89

There have been bad things said about both a-spec and lukeG but not going to get into that. But it is only a downpipe install. Only real thing they can do wrong unless they have no idea what they are doing is not align them properly and you will have downpipes rattling. But good luck with whoever you choose to do the install. What I don't understand here is you own a bmw. You get what you pay for! Don't shop around for just the cheapest price. Pick a place you trust and go there for all your work and services. I hate seeing people just price shop. That will bite you in the butt.

I don't see anything wrong with shopping around. That's why I'm posting on here, to see what would people recommend based on their past experience. I received several quotes, from sub-$400 to $900. Doesn't matter how rich you are, there is always a satisfaction in saving money and choosing a reliable shop at the same time.

chronopete · 09-24-2015, 08:29 PM

I got the DPs installed today by LukeG. Luke was very prompt to respond to my questions and was very professional. He even took pictures of the DPs while being installed and emailed them to me. He's a very nice guy, I am happy with his work. He also looked over other things and told me the car is in good shape. Was honest and didn't try to sell me anything.

trohde78 · 09-25-2015, 09:48 AM

Enjoy!

sirdaft1 · 09-25-2015, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chronopete

I got the DPs installed today by LukeG. Luke was very prompt to respond to my questions and was very professional. He even took pictures of the DPs while being installed and emailed them to me. He's a very nice guy, I am happy with his work. He also looked over other things and told me the car is in good shape. Was honest and didn't try to sell me anything.

How does it feel now that they're installed?

chronopete · 09-25-2015, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirdaft1

How does it feel now that they're installed?

Feels good! The car pulls definitely harder. I need to get pro tuned next. Gotta do some research.

09-16-2015, 10:25 PM	#1
chronopete Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335xi Coupe & 01 Z3M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	DP install in Chicago I need help finding a good shop with reasonable labor rate to install my new catless VRSF downpipes. I live in Aurora, IL. I own a 335 x-drive, so I know it can be a pain. I was thinking hard whether I wanted to do it myself, but the thought of removing engine mounts scared me off (unless I don't have to?). The best quote I got so far was $550. Is this a good deal? I would greatly appreciate feedback!
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09-16-2015, 11:05 PM	#2
Game ------ 8270 Rep 10,728 Posts Drives: G80 LCI, G87 (sold) Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Chicago'ish iTrader: (26)	Nope. Talk to LukeG (search his name here). He just installed mine for alot less than that. (although mine is RWD) He's located in Roselle. __________________ Last edited by Game; 09-16-2015 at 11:11 PM..
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09-16-2015, 11:23 PM	#3
Cloud9blue Brigadier General 719 Rep 3,253 Posts Drives: around the potholes Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NY/NJ/MA iTrader: (13)	A good shop can do it at $200-300 range. Luke runs a great shop, would recommend.
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09-17-2015, 12:34 AM	#4
chronopete Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335xi Coupe & 01 Z3M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	Awesome. Thanks for suggesting Luke. I will reach out to him.
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09-17-2015, 01:31 PM	#5
bmwmike89 Private First Class 26 Rep 149 Posts Drives: e90 m3, f10 m5 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI iTrader: (0)	Just remember you get what you pay for.
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09-17-2015, 03:35 PM	#6
trohde78 Captain 79 Rep 726 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 M50i, 2007 335i 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago Suburbs iTrader: (6)	I had mine installed (non-xdrive) for under $200.
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09-17-2015, 03:51 PM	#7
moreno8a Private 1 Rep 57 Posts Drives: JB 335i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: chicago iTrader: (1)	I had mine put in ,also non xi in aurora as well I believe, for 150. Haven't had any problems.
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09-18-2015, 12:27 AM	#8
chronopete Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335xi Coupe & 01 Z3M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	I believe labor hours on xi are more than twice longer than non-xi. I would hate to take a chance on an unknown shop. Seems like Luke is legit from what I've heard so far. __________________ SOLD - Daily 09 335xi AT- VRSF 7" FMIC, VRSF DPs, VRSF DCI, VRSF Lower CP, ER upper CP, PTF Tune 93 octane, 19" Bayern, Pirellis, LUX H8 160. 2001 Z3M Roadster S54. Black on Black. Completely stock.
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09-18-2015, 01:15 AM	#9
Cloud9blue Brigadier General 719 Rep 3,253 Posts Drives: around the potholes Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NY/NJ/MA iTrader: (13)	oh OP has an xi. $550 is reasonable then... But get it done from a shop that is familiar with N54. __________________ 09 BMW E92 335i: [I] Top Mount EFR 7670 / Dinan / AP Racing / Wavetrac / TC Kline 07 BMW R1200S: Shine Yellow / Akrapovic / Ohlins 19 Volvo V90 T6: R-Design / Bowers & Wilkins / Polestar Optimization 08 Porsche 997 Carrera S: 6MT / CXX / PSE / Tractive DDA
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09-20-2015, 09:38 PM	#10
chronopete Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335xi Coupe & 01 Z3M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, I appreciate your feedback! __________________ SOLD - Daily 09 335xi AT- VRSF 7" FMIC, VRSF DPs, VRSF DCI, VRSF Lower CP, ER upper CP, PTF Tune 93 octane, 19" Bayern, Pirellis, LUX H8 160. 2001 Z3M Roadster S54. Black on Black. Completely stock.
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09-22-2015, 12:36 AM	#11
sirdaft1 Brigadier General 2267 Rep 3,353 Posts Drives: F85 X5M Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Chicago West Burbs iTrader: (9) Garage List 2016 BMW X5M [9.00] 2012 BMW X5 35i (SOLD) [9.67] 1989 BMW 325i Track ... [10.00] 2007 E90 WTCC Wideb ... [8.50]	It's been said already, but another +1 on LukeG. Solid solid dude.
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09-22-2015, 01:38 PM	#12
Give_Em_The_DD Banned 260 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2010 black 335xi coupe Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: IL iTrader: (2)	Performance solutions In Schaumburg sales@performance-solutions.net They've built my xi- and have an awd dynojet if u wanna play with that a bit
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09-23-2015, 10:43 AM	#17
bmwmike89 Private First Class 26 Rep 149 Posts Drives: e90 m3, f10 m5 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Menomonee Falls, WI iTrader: (0)	There have been bad things said about both a-spec and lukeG but not going to get into that. But it is only a downpipe install. Only real thing they can do wrong unless they have no idea what they are doing is not align them properly and you will have downpipes rattling. But good luck with whoever you choose to do the install. What I don't understand here is you own a bmw. You get what you pay for! Don't shop around for just the cheapest price. Pick a place you trust and go there for all your work and services. I hate seeing people just price shop. That will bite you in the butt.
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09-24-2015, 08:29 PM	#19
chronopete Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 335xi Coupe & 01 Z3M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Aurora, IL iTrader: (0)	I got the DPs installed today by LukeG. Luke was very prompt to respond to my questions and was very professional. He even took pictures of the DPs while being installed and emailed them to me. He's a very nice guy, I am happy with his work. He also looked over other things and told me the car is in good shape. Was honest and didn't try to sell me anything. __________________ SOLD - Daily 09 335xi AT- VRSF 7" FMIC, VRSF DPs, VRSF DCI, VRSF Lower CP, ER upper CP, PTF Tune 93 octane, 19" Bayern, Pirellis, LUX H8 160. 2001 Z3M Roadster S54. Black on Black. Completely stock.
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09-25-2015, 09:48 AM	#20
trohde78 Captain 79 Rep 726 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 M50i, 2007 335i 6MT Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago Suburbs iTrader: (6)	Enjoy!
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