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      02-27-2014, 08:02 AM   #1
Gunzaro
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Installed AR Downpipes - a short review

Just finished and tested. Time to install : 4.5hours with 2 persons but no hoist. Bought the Catted ones as I have heard many catless downpipes and they make the car too loud in a bad way...too raspy for my liking.

Have ESS tune Stage 2 on 35is which is apparently compatible with the downpipes. I'm told it should adapt to the new flow.

The install went OK. Need to undo the steering rod to gain proper access. Also the bolts AR supplied were far too long. Had to use about 5 washers to space it so that the end of the bolt did not hit the pipe and wear a hole in it!

Car is slightly louder and the exhaust has a slight 'edge' to it - more racy. A little more burbles too. No drone or extra vibrations etc.

Response is up and engine seems to rev more freely. One of the first things I noted. Power feels increased, especially torque. But nothing major. I think I have to let the DME adapt to the downpipes. Either that or I will need to get a Cobb and have it pro-tuned.

All in all my aims have been satisfied: 1. A little more sound with the stock 35is exhaust (Did not want any rasp or drone or a car that is too loud) 2. Extra power and torque.
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      02-27-2014, 02:10 PM   #2
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Sounds good, any pictures of the install?
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      02-28-2014, 04:04 AM   #3
Gunzaro
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Just tested the car with the top down. Wow. Speechless. The new sound with the 35is stock exhaust is intoxicating.

I'm sorry but I don't have any install pics as we installed in on the floor and space was limited. The AR fitment was spot on. Initially it looks like one of the downpipes is longer than the stock but once you install it's perfect (I think the bank 1-3 one which is the longer out of the two).

Also note that my installers who are trained BMW mechanics unbolted the entire exhaust system including the muffler and moved it back to allow for extra space to remove the stock downpipes which have fixed bolts (makes it easier). This is what the official BMW service description for removing the dps states.

Also need to remove the right steering rod arm for access.

All in all it took about 4 hours but that including jacking the car and putting it on stands etc.

I highly, highly recommend this upgrade.

I wonder if switching to a COBB tune will give more gains over the ESS stage2?
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      02-28-2014, 10:03 PM   #4
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awesome Gunzaro!
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      03-01-2014, 02:59 AM   #5
Gunzaro
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Thanks Vintage.

As a side effect I also note a lot less soot on my tailpipes. I am not sure what this means - perhaps a leaner running engine, maybe it's collecting inside the new cats?
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      03-02-2014, 10:57 PM   #6
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I agree, and I am know mechanic but it is easier to clean!
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      04-21-2014, 03:17 AM   #7
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Just had someone drive the car while I listened to it for the first time. And this is actually the FIRST time I have ever heard my car from the outside.

It sounds....very, very good....extremely happy.
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      04-21-2014, 08:53 AM   #8
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a dumb question do you have the catless one or the with one with the cat, and did it give you engine check light after install?
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      04-21-2014, 10:26 AM   #9
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OP stated in his first post that he has catted DP's.
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      04-21-2014, 04:02 PM   #10
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i got the check engine but getting a JB4 will take care of that...
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      05-02-2014, 04:52 AM   #11
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Any sound clip ?
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      05-04-2014, 09:59 PM   #12
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I had AR DPs installed on our car and no lights came on - all is normal.
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      05-05-2014, 12:24 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TMR-Carbon View Post
Any sound clip ?
+1 please
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      05-05-2014, 01:42 PM   #14
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I would love to do something like this, but I have a few years left on my factory warranty, and I'd be worried about that.
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      05-05-2014, 02:21 PM   #15
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There is not much to hear. I have had catless DP's on my car for the past 15 months and I can't honestly tell any difference in sound. Turbo whine is a little more evident and the exhaust might be slightly louder but that is it.
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      06-07-2018, 06:05 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunzaro View Post
Just finished and tested. Time to install : 4.5hours with 2 persons but no hoist. Bought the Catted ones as I have heard many catless downpipes and they make the car too loud in a bad way...too raspy for my liking.

Have ESS tune Stage 2 on 35is which is apparently compatible with the downpipes. I'm told it should adapt to the new flow.

The install went OK. Need to undo the steering rod to gain proper access. Also the bolts AR supplied were far too long. Had to use about 5 washers to space it so that the end of the bolt did not hit the pipe and wear a hole in it!

Car is slightly louder and the exhaust has a slight 'edge' to it - more racy. A little more burbles too. No drone or extra vibrations etc.

Response is up and engine seems to rev more freely. One of the first things I noted. Power feels increased, especially torque. But nothing major. I think I have to let the DME adapt to the downpipes. Either that or I will need to get a Cobb and have it pro-tuned.

All in all my aims have been satisfied: 1. A little more sound with the stock 35is exhaust (Did not want any rasp or drone or a car that is too loud) 2. Extra power and torque.
Do you still have the secondary cat ON?
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