Red Star Exhaust review

[adamsar]

I'd been looking around the internet and on the forums for upgrades to my F85 and came across Red Star Exhaust out of Moscow along with several other companies out there. I figured with what I planned on doing I might as well make a comprehensive thread, and hopefully it helps a few people out, it might take a couple of weeks, but I plan on putting videos of the progress, decibel readings, and as much technical information along with my general impressions. Feel free to ask questions or make comments.

A little about the project, taking my 2016 X5M and the plan is to take the Red Star Exhaust HJS 200 cell catted downpipes and valve controlled axle-back exhaust system (going to black chrome tips) installed by Mike's Performance Exhaust, downpipe by Auto Talent, and go with the BPM Sport (Mike Benvo) Stage II setup all out of Los Angeles.


First things first, I started looking in early June made quite a few calls and emails and ended, videos and reviews I ended up talking to Dmitry at Red Star Exhaust. The team at RSE is very knowledgable and responsive, any question or configurations I wanted to try they went over differences in details. The quality (welds look immaculate) and the sound for being over speakers sounded great. The price was very competitive compared to similar systems were near double for valve-controlled systems.

I had some reservations about purchasing from Russia and shipping, but that was a breeze, I used PayPal so it was covered and they provided tracking so I never lost sight of it. Shipping took about a week and three days for the exhaust and 5 days for the downpipe, and for us all being caught up in Amazon Prime, it felt forever but wasn’t that bad at all. After opening the box, the size and weight were excellent, the finish and attention to detail were definitely there. As soon as I ordered the exhaust, I said the hell with it and ordered the 200cpsi HJS Tuning catalytic converters with heat shields as soon as they arrive it's off to Auto Talent!

To be continued…

[donut_boi]

Thanks for sharing, looking forward to your initial review for fitment, sound and overall performance especially with HFC downpipe

[theone_06]

Damn sick mods! We need a video of this

[ajgraham]

Thanks for posting so many details. I'd also look forward to see and hear a review of the finished product.

How much roughly was the exhaust and shipping to the US? Was the delivery trackable? Do they only do this axle back version, no full system?

[adamsar]

Originally Posted by ajgraham

Thanks for posting so many details. I'd also look forward to see and hear a review of the finished product.

How much roughly was the exhaust and shipping to the US? Was the delivery trackable? Do they only do this axle-back version, no full system?

They are only doing axle backs for now, I installed the exhaust today and it went on smooth will put the videos up later tonight. The setup I got cost $2500 for the exhaust and about $2800 for the high flow cats with the heat shielding built-in.

The downpipes made it today so if I can get a window to put them in this weekend this will be a quick write up!

[iembeastmode]

Hello! That's an awesome find with those Downpipes! I have been considering the G-Power ones which come with the same 200 cell HJS Cats, though they are considerably more expensive... so these ones are giving me much to think about!!

I wanted to tell you to consider the Power Plus Engineering Tune, they seem very reputable and experienced, plus they have some great videos of an X6M that they worked on along with the G-Power Downpipes, and it something else!

Here is a link:
https://power-plus.be/site/?p=3668

Please do post videos and updates! We are all very interested in seeing how your project progresses!

[adamsar]

First video up, so far it's sounding pretty good a little louder and more aggressive when valves are closed, when opened it sounds throaty and the burbles are more pronounced.

[iembeastmode]

Originally Posted by adamsar

First video up, so far it's sounding pretty good a little louder and more aggressive when valves are closed, when opened it sounds throaty and the burbles are more pronounced.

What happened to the black chrome tips?

[adamsar]

Originally Posted by iembeastmode

What happened to the black chrome tips?

I have to take them off and get them refinished, originally I ordered the brushed stainless since they came with it either that or matte black. As soon as they have an opening I'll send them to get finished.

[Phara]

Originally Posted by adamsar

First video up, so far it's sounding pretty good a little louder and more aggressive when valves are closed, when opened it sounds throaty and the burbles are more pronounced.

How does it feel inside the car? Isn't it too noisy?

[gman_newyork]

Originally Posted by adamsar

First video up, so far it's sounding pretty good a little louder and more aggressive when valves are closed, when opened it sounds throaty and the burbles are more pronounced.

Hi, does your clip have the DP'S installed as well or just the exhaust? Definitely wakes up the exhaust note. Nice setup!! Congratulations

Originally Posted by adamsar

First video up, so far it's sounding pretty good a little louder and more aggressive when valves are closed, when opened it sounds throaty and the burbles are more pronounced.

[adamsar]

The first two videos are just with the exhaust, I'll have the downpipes on Wednesday. As far as interior noise it's not bad at all a slight increase, but since the tone is deeper I'm not as bothered as I was compared to when it had catless downpipes on it. I'll put up some more videos today one from the cabin windows up and down.

[Phara]

Originally Posted by adamsar

The first two videos are just with the exhaust, I'll have the downpipes on Wednesday. As far as interior noise it's not bad at all a slight increase, but since the tone is deeper I'm not as bothered as I was compared to when it had catless downpipes on it. I'll put up some more videos today one from the cabin windows up and down.

Thanks. I have gesi sport downpipes, it's not noisy until I accelerate

[adamsar]

Had to go to BMW for a rear differential leak, will be back with updates Thursday...

[gman_newyork]

Originally Posted by adamsar

Had to go to BMW for a rear differential leak, will be back with updates Thursday...

Appreciate you sharing your experience and taking the time to update the original thread. Looking forward to hearing the vehicle with DP'S and your tune. Happy Tuesday!!

[adamsar]

Few more delays than expected, but the downpipes are in and they sound mean!

[Phara]

Originally Posted by adamsar

Few more delays than expected, but the downpipes are in and they sound mean!

I thought it would be mean with the downpipes. Still quit inside the car?

[adamsar]

Originally Posted by Phara

I thought it would be mean with the downpipes. Still, quit inside the car?

At Idle its quiet, but I don't have cold start idle. At throttle above 3k it's noticeably different, at WOT it's crazy! I have one more issue to work out but I'm compiling videos to make a good post.

[F85MTuNED]

Not sure if I missed it but quick question do the valves on this exhaust system still work off the factory button on the steering wheel?

[iembeastmode]

Well just ordered the catted downpipes with HJS cats and the heatshield from Red Star. I have to say that thus far I am VERY impressed with the customer service. They answered promptly to their business whatsapp and answered every question, even outside business hours.

Plus they asked me to pay only a USD 500 deposit, while they manufacture the downpipes, and when they are ready to ship I will pay the rest, which I think that is VERY transparent and a great sign (this is their procedure not my request).

In comparison, the german manufacturers I had been talking to for a purchase of similar HJS catted downpipes (all the brands priced the DP at almost 6k USD), have stopped responding to my emails and never even proceeded to send me the payment procedures (thankfully!).

Will update as things progress on my end as well, and would like to sincerely thank the OP for posting this, as I had no idea that these downpipes were an option until I saw his thread.

Next up: finding a tune for my X6M while running 95 Octane (RON) fuel.

[adamsar]

Originally Posted by F85MTuNED

Not sure if I missed it but quick question do the valves on this exhaust system still work off the factory button on the steering wheel?

Yes, they still open with the M button or engine setting button in the center console. They did relocate the actuator and use a different spring.

[adamsar]

Figured I throw a couple of raw videos up today.