Downpipe fitment issue (v-clamp won't close) - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

blaze739 · 01-12-2013, 10:43 PM

So I finally got around to installing my downpipes but I am having a issue with the longer downpipe (front turbo). I can't get the v-clamp to close on the pipe/turbo flanges because the Downpipe flange doesn't sit flush against the turbo. On one side it is flush, but on the other side there is a small gap about halfway around the pipe. Even though the v-clamp grabs both, it does not close because the flanges are not tight enough.

Has anyone encountered this? Are there any suggestions or do I need to replace the downpipe because of a poor fit? I will try posting pictures tomorrow. Thanks in advance for the help.

saxon · 01-13-2013, 11:09 AM

could possibly deck the flange on the new downpipe for a better fit

Red_Bean_Bun · 01-13-2013, 12:16 PM

Heard that part is tough for some people here ...... which DP is this ?

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 01-13-2013, 01:50 PM

If the V band is out of round or warped it will likely never fit. Perhaps you want to contact the manufacturer and tell them.

blaze739 · 01-25-2013, 09:28 AM

turned out to be a defective pipe. i swapped it out for a different one and everything it great now. v-clamp is closed to about 1/4" with nothing touching. No noises or vibrations and im loving the new feel. i never realized the sound of the turbos would become so much more noticable. can't wait to test the additional power once it gets above 10 degrees in NY

Eric335 · 01-25-2013, 09:47 AM

I had a similar issue, the clamp was slightly warped and was very close to starting to thread but wouldnt. After 3+ hours i ended up making sure it was completely on, then using pliers to close it. It worked perfectly and without much resistance. No exhaust leak after several hundred miles

subbie79 · 01-25-2013, 12:42 PM

Did the same thing. Used pliers to close the gap, no exhaust leak so far (~10,000 miles)

blaze739 · 01-25-2013, 01:18 PM

any smells in the cabin at all? the awful new downpipe smell went away after 2 days, but i still get a burning smell when i park in the garage. i'm thinking it might need a few more days unless i have a leak. everything sounds good tho.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 01-25-2013, 01:20 PM

Did you clean the pipes before you were done?

E90Company · 01-25-2013, 04:01 PM

What pipes were these for reference?

blaze739 · 01-25-2013, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Did you clean the pipes before you were done?

Nope. I wasn't looking for any extra steps to the install lol. That could be it

Eric335 · 01-25-2013, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Did you clean the pipes before you were done?

Uhm what????? We were supposed to?

spool twice · 01-26-2013, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric335

I had a similar issue, the clamp was slightly warped and was very close to starting to thread but wouldnt. After 3+ hours i ended up making sure it was completely on, then using pliers to close it. It worked perfectly and without much resistance. No exhaust leak after several hundred miles

Small vice grips work too

Eric335 · 01-26-2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spool twice

Small vice grips work too

Very true. At that point of the install i was about to kick the damn car off the jack stands and sell it hahahah

jspecvtec · 01-29-2013, 11:59 PM

Had same problem. Got new v clamps from dealer for $16 each and fit perfect. Old ones got warped

01-12-2013, 10:43 PM	#1
blaze739 Private First Class Drives: E92 2008 335i - AW/CR Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 155 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [4.67]	Downpipe fitment issue (v-clamp won't close) So I finally got around to installing my downpipes but I am having a issue with the longer downpipe (front turbo). I can't get the v-clamp to close on the pipe/turbo flanges because the Downpipe flange doesn't sit flush against the turbo. On one side it is flush, but on the other side there is a small gap about halfway around the pipe. Even though the v-clamp grabs both, it does not close because the flanges are not tight enough. Has anyone encountered this? Are there any suggestions or do I need to replace the downpipe because of a poor fit? I will try posting pictures tomorrow. Thanks in advance for the help.
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01-13-2013, 01:50 PM	#4
Jeff@TopGearSolutions BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: C6 Z06, GSXR-750, 09 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TopGearSolutions.com Posts: 12,465 iTrader: (25)	If the V band is out of round or warped it will likely never fit. Perhaps you want to contact the manufacturer and tell them. __________________ Latest Specials!! Email Me! Jeff@TopGearSolutions.Com Evolution Racewerks Charge Pipes and FMIC Sale ETS FMIC INTERCOOLER SALE! Cobb AP for BMW N54 & N55, Lowest Price! Like Us On Facebook For Discounts!

01-25-2013, 09:47 AM	#6
Eric335 Colonel Drives: 2007 E92 SG 335i 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: SW Florida Posts: 2,460 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [3.83]	I had a similar issue, the clamp was slightly warped and was very close to starting to thread but wouldnt. After 3+ hours i ended up making sure it was completely on, then using pliers to close it. It worked perfectly and without much resistance. No exhaust leak after several hundred miles __________________ My ///Mods (clickable):Procede Rev2.5 SE, Active Autowerke DPs, AlpineMSS HID AEs, Black Kidneys+Lower Grill, Golf-tee Mod, M3-Style Spoiler

01-25-2013, 01:20 PM	#9
Jeff@TopGearSolutions BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: C6 Z06, GSXR-750, 09 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: TopGearSolutions.com Posts: 12,465 iTrader: (25)	Did you clean the pipes before you were done? __________________ Latest Specials!! Email Me! Jeff@TopGearSolutions.Com Evolution Racewerks Charge Pipes and FMIC Sale ETS FMIC INTERCOOLER SALE! Cobb AP for BMW N54 & N55, Lowest Price! Like Us On Facebook For Discounts!

01-25-2013, 04:01 PM	#10
E90Company Major General Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SFL Posts: 5,550 iTrader: (2)	What pipes were these for reference? __________________ FBO N54 6AT

01-13-2013, 11:09 AM	#2
saxon First Lieutenant Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: pa Posts: 321 iTrader: (2)	could possibly deck the flange on the new downpipe for a better fit

01-13-2013, 12:16 PM	#3
Red_Bean_Bun Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wilmington, DE Posts: 272 iTrader: (2)	Heard that part is tough for some people here ...... which DP is this ?

01-25-2013, 09:28 AM	#5
blaze739 Private First Class Drives: E92 2008 335i - AW/CR Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 155 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [4.67]	turned out to be a defective pipe. i swapped it out for a different one and everything it great now. v-clamp is closed to about 1/4" with nothing touching. No noises or vibrations and im loving the new feel. i never realized the sound of the turbos would become so much more noticable. can't wait to test the additional power once it gets above 10 degrees in NY

01-25-2013, 12:42 PM	#7
subbie79 New Member Drives: 2007 335i Sedan Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bellevue WA Posts: 14 iTrader: (0)	Did the same thing. Used pliers to close the gap, no exhaust leak so far (~10,000 miles)

01-25-2013, 01:18 PM	#8
blaze739 Private First Class Drives: E92 2008 335i - AW/CR Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Yonkers, NY Posts: 155 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [4.67]	any smells in the cabin at all? the awful new downpipe smell went away after 2 days, but i still get a burning smell when i park in the garage. i'm thinking it might need a few more days unless i have a leak. everything sounds good tho.

01-29-2013, 11:59 PM	#15
jspecvtec Private First Class Drives: s2000 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: United States Posts: 106 iTrader: (2)	Had same problem. Got new v clamps from dealer for $16 each and fit perfect. Old ones got warped

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