[Jimmy Splash]

How long on average should it take for a good tune shop to install the downpipe and JB4 without worrying about creating a custom map, dyno testing, etc.?

[Dylan484]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Splash

How long on average should it take for a good tune shop to install the downpipe and JB4 without worrying about creating a custom map, dyno testing, etc.?

I installed both my downpipe and jb4 on my own. If I were you I'd install the jb4 yourself and save some money. You'd also get the feeling of doing something yourself on your car. As for the downpipe I would guess maybe 2-3 hours? I'm not real positive though someone else could better answer that question.
Goodluck, Dylan

[mike@x-ph.com]

3 hours max for both ... You should save money and just install the JB4 yourself its pretty straightforward

[JETmn]

Yeah, I can do the JB4 in 20 minutes now, it is pretty easy. Since you are Xdrive the DP is a bit harder, but still less than 5 hours.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I'd agree with 3 hours max too

[Jimmy Splash]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

I'd agree with 3 hours max too

I already had the modifications made since my 335 is xdrive for the VRSF catback and the shop that works on my car said we shouldn't have any issues with installing the down pipe. They said they should need my car for 1-2 days but i'm hoping they can get it done within the same day (dropping it off in the am and picking it up early evening) since its my only vehicle on a day where they aren't as busy.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Splash

I already had the modifications made since my 335 is xdrive for the VRSF catback and the shop that works on my car said we shouldn't have any issues with installing the down pipe. They said they should need my car for 1-2 days but i'm hoping they can get it done within the same day (dropping it off in the am and picking it up early evening) since its my only vehicle on a day where they aren't as busy.

I'd question a shop that needs to take 2 days to install 1 downpipe. Even on the N54 Xi it's 2 pipes with the sub frame drop and can be done in 4 hours comfortably. If they are just busy and will get to it over a day or so that is different. I like to recommend shops that frequently work on these particular vehicles. They tend to install that much faster and things typically go right.

[JLGM4]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Splash

I already had the modifications made since my 335 is xdrive for the VRSF catback and the shop that works on my car said we shouldn't have any issues with installing the down pipe. They said they should need my car for 1-2 days but i'm hoping they can get it done within the same day (dropping it off in the am and picking it up early evening) since its my only vehicle on a day where they aren't as busy.

Yeah 1-2 days is crazy for a DP install unless they're holding your car until they can get to it. JB4 is an easy install if you just read the instructions closely.

[Jimmy Splash]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

I'd question a shop that needs to take 2 days to install 1 downpipe. Even on the N54 Xi it's 2 pipes with the sub frame drop and can be done in 4 hours comfortably. If they are just busy and will get to it over a day or so that is different. I like to recommend shops that frequently work on these particular vehicles. They tend to install that much faster and things typically go right.

They are typically a pretty booming shop, I live in western PA near Pittsburgh and if you drive a BMW, Mitsubishi, Subaru, GTR, etc.. in our area you take it to them. They do exceptional work, but due to how much business they take I guess it can slow them down sometimes. Hopefully one day next week they can do it in a 3-6 hour time span.

[Jimmy Splash]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

Yeah 1-2 days is crazy for a DP install unless they're holding your car until they can get to it. JB4 is an easy install if you just read the instructions closely.

I would like to experiment and install it myself, but the shop ordered it plus the DP so i might as well just let them install it. I'd feel kind of awkward saying yeah install my DP but I want to do the JB4 on my own when they can do it within 10-15 minutes probably you know what I mean?

[orteeze]

An experienced mechanic should be able to do this in 2hrs; 3hrs tops on their first try!! I just replaced my VRSF with a Cobb on my back in the garage in a little over 2hrs.

Agreed, install your own JB4.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by orteeze

An experienced mechanic should be able to do this in 2hrs; 3hrs tops on their first try!! I just replaced my VRSF with a Cobb on my back in the garage in a little over 2hrs.

Agreed, install your own JB4.

+1 it gets a lot easier once you install it a couple of times

[ShaneN55]

Took me about an hour and a half on first JB4 install (Had issues so took awhile to fix those, not install issues) I took my Downpipe to a shop and they took roughly hour and a half-hour 45.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

RWD is a lot easier when it comes to the downpipe. OP has Xi.

[orteeze]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

RWD is a lot easier when it comes to the downpipe. OP has Xi.

Ah! Can't say I've done an Xi

[Jimmy Splash]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

RWD is a lot easier when it comes to the downpipe. OP has Xi.

Should I have problems installing the DPs for Xi even though I already had modifications done when i had the VRSF catback installed to fit the stock downpipes for Xdrive? From what the shop said after i took care of that I shouldn't have a problem with installing the downpipes but thought i'd just ask for another reference.

[prima_materia]

Took me around 2.5 hours for the dp. This was while on a lift and taking my time. I have xDrive, so I partially dropped the subframe [left the bolts about 1/4 of the way in] just enough to be able to wiggle the stock cat out, what'a big sucker that stock cat is. The catless dp was a million times easier to put up in there and fit, like a toothpick compared to the stock cat.

Also the V-band clamp was at a slightly odd angle, and I could barely get my hand in there from the passenger side fender well [took passenger wheel off], just took a bit of patience and lots of short turns of the wrench.

[Wksk]

Hi Guys,

I did the downpipe install over the weekend on my e92 RWD. Installed the VRSF catless (Thanks Mike at x-ph!). Took me probably 4 hours to do by myself. I started the removal at night which probably wasn't the best idea. Also, i really should have had a deepwell socket and a better wrench to assist with popping the transmission bolts. Having the right tools would probably have gotten me around 3 hours. I used a jack and two stands.

Dropping down the o2 sensors cables were very easy especially if you have installed a jb4 before. I could not imagine trying to undo these on the stock dp due to space limitations.

Removing the old dp is pretty easy.... except the clamp. Getting to that damn clamp bolt was a nightmare but I did it without removing anything extra or lowering sub frame. Once you learn the secrets and spots of where to put your hands and tools it goes fairly smoothly. The VRSF one goes in easier because its smaller and allows more work space. However, putting the clamp back on the VRSF pipe was a pain too but i used my jack to help lift it into place while i aligned the two.

I never would have imaged how heavy the stock one is, i dread the day if i ever have to put it back in.

Since the install I have not done any open high way driving but did take it around the area on map 2. It pulls harder and feels smoother. The sound is much meaner and deeper. Now its starting to sound like a race car! Super happy so far. My only complaint is the smell, for people who say it doesn't smell I need what you are smoking. My fiance comes back from a vacation today and I just cant wait to hear what she has to say when she smells it

In the end ii recommend you do it yourself. When you are down there you you get a nice glimpse of the engine and its parts. You start to understand it and you realize it is not so complicated. This will give you the confidence to wrench and fix your future issues or mods.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Wksk

Hi Guys,

I did the downpipe install over the weekend on my e92 RWD. Installed the VRSF catless (Thanks Mike at x-ph!). Took me probably 4 hours to do by myself. I started the removal at night which probably wasn't the best idea. Also, i really should have had a deepwell socket and a better wrench to assist with popping the transmission bolts. Having the right tools would probably have gotten me around 3 hours. I used a jack and two stands.

Dropping down the o2 sensors cables were very easy especially if you have installed a jb4 before. I could not imagine trying to undo these on the stock dp due to space limitations.

Removing the old dp is pretty easy.... except the clamp. Getting to that damn clamp bolt was a nightmare but I did it without removing anything extra or lowering sub frame. Once you learn the secrets and spots of where to put your hands and tools it goes fairly smoothly. The VRSF one goes in easier because its smaller and allows more work space. However, putting the clamp back on the VRSF pipe was a pain too but i used my jack to help lift it into place while i aligned the two.

I never would have imaged how heavy the stock one is, i dread the day if i ever have to put it back in.

Since the install I have not done any open high way driving but did take it around the area on map 2. It pulls harder and feels smoother. The sound is much meaner and deeper. Now its starting to sound like a race car! Super happy so far. My only complaint is the smell, for people who say it doesn't smell I need what you are smoking. My fiance comes back from a vacation today and I just cant wait to hear what she has to say when she smells it

In the end ii recommend you do it yourself. When you are down there you you get a nice glimpse of the engine and its parts. You start to understand it and you realize it is not so complicated. This will give you the confidence to wrench and fix your future issues or mods.

Awesome, congrats!!