N55 Downpipe DIY?

Ghostryder · 05-14-2013, 09:09 PM

Will be doing my BMS DP on thursday myself, should be fun with my gorilla hands lol

JcLusso · 05-15-2013, 01:49 AM

when i did it back a year ago it wasn't too bad. I have an xi too haha

TeinBMW · 03-07-2014, 06:04 PM

Not to bad. It's straight forward when you get under the car.

4lss · 10-09-2014, 01:41 PM

Do you have to drop the subframe for a n55 335xi?

JETmn · 10-09-2014, 03:01 PM

I am swapping my turbo on a 335xi and I don't think the DP area will be affected. The axles are farther forward, under the compressor of the turbo.

aren93 · 10-10-2014, 03:12 PM

I installed the VRSF Downpipe a few days ago and let me tell you it was a bitch removing the stock one. It was my friend and I and it was our first time doing it but he had a lift and all the tools. Took like 4 hours though.

Schmidty335i · 10-10-2014, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren93

I installed the VRSF Downpipe a few days ago and let me tell you it was a bitch removing the stock one. It was my friend and I and it was our first time doing it but he had a lift and all the tools. Took like 4 hours though.

DAMN! i dont have a lift i just have ramps and i took me about half that lol. only part that was kinda a pain for me was breaking loose the clamp that held the dp on. after that it was a breeze. but hey at least you got it on and you got your hands dirty, thats what really matters!

aren93 · 10-10-2014, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidty335i

DAMN! i dont have a lift i just have ramps and i took me about half that lol. only part that was kinda a pain for me was breaking loose the clamp that held the dp on. after that it was a breeze. but hey at least you got it on and you got your hands dirty, thats what really matters!

Yeah I learned a thing or two lol

Jgcdude1 · 10-11-2014, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren93

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidty335i

DAMN! i dont have a lift i just have ramps and i took me about half that lol. only part that was kinda a pain for me was breaking loose the clamp that held the dp on. after that it was a breeze. but hey at least you got it on and you got your hands dirty, thats what really matters!

Yeah I learned a thing or two lol

By installing the DP and removing the cat, are there any check engines codes that will be thrown?

Jsoboti · 10-12-2014, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgcdude1

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren93

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidty335i

DAMN! i dont have a lift i just have ramps and i took me about half that lol. only part that was kinda a pain for me was breaking loose the clamp that held the dp on. after that it was a breeze. but hey at least you got it on and you got your hands dirty, thats what really matters!

Yeah I learned a thing or two lol

By installing the DP and removing the cat, are there any check engines codes that will be thrown?

Yep! And unfortunately for us N55 dudes there is no actual fix like there is for the N54. A JB4 or a Cobb will auto clear the code for us though so it doesn't pop up and annoy you.

Jgcdude1 · 10-12-2014, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsoboti

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jgcdude1

Quote:

Originally Posted by aren93

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmidty335i

DAMN! i dont have a lift i just have ramps and i took me about half that lol. only part that was kinda a pain for me was breaking loose the clamp that held the dp on. after that it was a breeze. but hey at least you got it on and you got your hands dirty, thats what really matters!

Yeah I learned a thing or two lol

By installing the DP and removing the cat, are there any check engines codes that will be thrown?

Yep! And unfortunately for us N55 dudes there is no actual fix like there is for the N54. A JB4 or a Cobb will auto clear the code for us though so it doesn't pop up and annoy you.

Yep. Read through the entire thread, does the auto clear feature help with state emission inspections, or did I read things correctly, and you have to install the original down pipe to pass emissions test?

NoImDirtyDan · 10-14-2014, 09:23 AM

You must install OEM cats to pass smog. You will fail automatically with the JB4 on and a catless downpipe due to OBD communication interferences as well as the O2 sensors not coming up as "ready". But I'm pretty sure they'd fail anyone on the spot for the smell it produces. However, I do live in California, where emissions laws aren't strict at all...

:

Dan_Q · 10-26-2014, 04:28 PM

I am in the middle (end actually) of pulling my stock cat out but I need to disconnect the O2 sensors. Where do they plug in so I can locate the connection and disconnect them?

Dan_Q · 10-26-2014, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan_Q

I am in the middle (end actually) of pulling my stock cat out but I need to disconnect the O2 sensors. Where do they plug in so I can locate the connection and disconnect them?

I located the electrical connections for the O2 sensors. You have to remove the engine cover, intake, strut brace and engine under cover and they are attached to a bracket. I disconnected them and dropped them down then disconnected and lowered the stock cat out.

I performed everything for the removal and reinstallation that is shown on post #15 in the order described. That post also has a link to N54 dp removals and I had to use that in order to understand where everything was. Once I got the cat out, the O2 sensors were so tight there would have been no way I could have loosened them while the cat was on the car. I was only able to get the upstream one out after multiple dousings with PB Blaster and switching to a second O2 sensor tool used in conjunction with a breaker bar. In total it took me 5 hours of continuous work and I did it on ramps. No single task was terrible but virtually every task sucked to some degree. Everything worked find except I ended up about a quarter inch short from meeting up with the midpipes (I am using a Wagner catted down pipe). I struggled and strained and got one bolt in then one by one was able to get them in and pull the catback portion of the exhaust forward to close the gap. It felt kind of hokey so I may look into if there is a way to adjust the entire rear exhaust portion forward so it lines up a little better and there isn't so much strain on those flanges.

It was more challenging than I anticipated and I wouldn't want to have to do it again anytime soon.

4lss · 11-03-2014, 11:29 AM

Did mine last week. Took me 4 hours using ramps, jackstands and manual/hand tools. My car is a 2011 355xi sedan. My advice to you:
Lots of CRC Freeze off, a nice set of ratchet, socket and universal joints and a 02 sensor wrench with flexible head.

Hind · 11-10-2014, 01:09 PM

I just installed my n55 catted dp using the info from this thread. thank you!

It's not technically difficult but its "room constraint" difficult. Every bolt, wiggle, turn of a wrench was a pita. I had to take my oem dp to a local muffler shop to remove the o2 sensors (they torched around them to warm the threads up for easier removal). Save yourself some headache and enlist a second person for holding maneuvers.

Car sounds amazing now, totally worth it.

Jeef · 11-10-2014, 06:06 PM

Get yourself an o2 sensor tool guys!

Hind · 11-10-2014, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef

Get yourself an o2 sensor tool guys!

Yea it prob would have been much easier with the right tools. It was impossible to hold the dp still while trying to wrench the hell out of it, need a vice also. BTW the muffler shop got it out for free.

I also FWIW i omitted replacing the metal bracket that connects the tranny to the dp, the aftermarket didn't quite line up. Even still with the vband/exhaust attached it was super stiff.

Jeef · 11-10-2014, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hind

Yea it prob would have been much easier with the right tools. It was impossible to hold the dp still while trying to wrench the hell out of it, need a vice also. BTW the muffler shop got it out for free.

I also FWIW i omitted replacing the metal bracket that connects the tranny to the dp, the aftermarket didn't quite line up. Even still with the vband/exhaust attached it was super stiff.

Vice for what?

Unscrew the O2 while DP is still attached next time, I don't think that bracket is needed if I remember correctly... What DP do you have? Some dp's don't have the spot to mount to the bracket anyway!

dcaron9999 · 01-04-2015, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef

Vice for what?

Unscrew the O2 while DP is still attached next time, I don't think that bracket is needed if I remember correctly... What DP do you have? Some dp's don't have the spot to mount to the bracket anyway!

What's the general conscensus on disconnecting the O2 sensors in the engine bay prior to removing the N55 downpipe? Needed ot not?

Im trying to save some time, and I will definitely PB blast the sensors and downpipe bolts several times prior to doing this job. I will also buy or rent the O2 sensor tool ...

Jsoboti · 01-04-2015, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeef

Vice for what?

Unscrew the O2 while DP is still attached next time, I don't think that bracket is needed if I remember correctly... What DP do you have? Some dp's don't have the spot to mount to the bracket anyway!

What's the general conscensus on disconnecting the O2 sensors in the engine bay prior to removing the N55 downpipe? Needed ot not?

Im trying to save some time, and I will definitely PB blast the sensors and downpipe bolts several times prior to doing this job. I will also buy or rent the O2 sensor tool ...

It can be done without unplugging from above first. That being said its a pretty big pain. Save yourself some frustration and spend the extra 15 minutes you'll be happy you did. Just don't forget to label which is which for reinstall

Venoml2k · 10-06-2015, 05:06 PM

Thanks for the links and tips. Took me a few hours, but we'll worth it. The v-band clamp was the biggest pain to get back on, but realized if you bolt the downpipe to the tranny mount it holds it perfectly In place giving you that extra hand. Btw no removal of engine mount or subframe was necessary. FYI .14mm metric socket worked where the reverse torque 18 was needed for me down by the transmission.

05-14-2013, 09:09 PM	#45
Ghostryder Private First Class 9 Rep 117 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Coupe LMB M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: WPB iTrader: (0)	Will be doing my BMS DP on thursday myself, should be fun with my gorilla hands lol
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05-15-2013, 01:49 AM	#46
JcLusso i build cool shit 579 Rep 712 Posts Drives: 2018 Individual SMB F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Long Island, New York iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 M [0.00] 2016 BMW i3 [0.00]	when i did it back a year ago it wasn't too bad. I have an xi too haha __________________ Current: 2018 Individual San Marino Blue M3 \| 2022 BSM X5 MC Previous: 2018 BSM X5 M
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03-07-2014, 06:04 PM	#47
TeinBMW Lieutenant Colonel 133 Rep 1,945 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi Msport, Conv, Tech Join Date: May 2013 Location: Calgary iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 335xi [7.00]	Not to bad. It's straight forward when you get under the car. __________________ \|11 335XI N55 \| M SPORT \| VRSF CP \| BMW PE \| BMS INSTAKE \| VRSF 7" IC \| MHD STAGE 2+ \| ER CP \|
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10-09-2014, 01:41 PM	#48
4lss Private First Class 17 Rep 103 Posts Drives: 2014 F30 335i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Marietta, GA iTrader: (0)	Do you have to drop the subframe for a n55 335xi?
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10-09-2014, 03:01 PM	#49
JETmn Lieutenant Colonel 245 Rep 1,595 Posts Drives: 2011 335i xDrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Orlando iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 335Xi [0.00]	I am swapping my turbo on a 335xi and I don't think the DP area will be affected. The axles are farther forward, under the compressor of the turbo.
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10-10-2014, 03:12 PM	#50
aren93 First Lieutenant 34 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 2012 335i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	I installed the VRSF Downpipe a few days ago and let me tell you it was a bitch removing the stock one. It was my friend and I and it was our first time doing it but he had a lift and all the tools. Took like 4 hours though. __________________ MHD- VRSF Catless Downpipe - VRSF Charge Pipe - VRSF 7" FMIC - aFe Intake - Alpina Flash - Pure Stage 2 - Pure Inlet - Fuel it! PI - Fuel it! Stage 2 LPFP - N20 3.5bar Tmap sensor - N20 spark plugs -
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10-14-2014, 09:23 AM	#56
NoImDirtyDan First Lieutenant 298 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 [0.00]	You must install OEM cats to pass smog. You will fail automatically with the JB4 on and a catless downpipe due to OBD communication interferences as well as the O2 sensors not coming up as "ready". But I'm pretty sure they'd fail anyone on the spot for the smell it produces. However, I do live in California, where emissions laws aren't strict at all... :
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10-26-2014, 04:28 PM	#57
Dan_Q Second Lieutenant 117 Rep 241 Posts Drives: F80 M3, F15 X5 50i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Colorado Front Range iTrader: (5) Garage List 2018 M3 [9.50] 2015 X5 xDrive50i [10.00]	I am in the middle (end actually) of pulling my stock cat out but I need to disconnect the O2 sensors. Where do they plug in so I can locate the connection and disconnect them?
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11-03-2014, 11:29 AM	#59
4lss Private First Class 17 Rep 103 Posts Drives: 2014 F30 335i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Marietta, GA iTrader: (0)	Did mine last week. Took me 4 hours using ramps, jackstands and manual/hand tools. My car is a 2011 355xi sedan. My advice to you: Lots of CRC Freeze off, a nice set of ratchet, socket and universal joints and a 02 sensor wrench with flexible head.
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11-10-2014, 01:09 PM	#60
Hind ///Mmmm 78 Rep 796 Posts Drives: '09 BMW 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i LCI [0.00]	I just installed my n55 catted dp using the info from this thread. thank you! It's not technically difficult but its "room constraint" difficult. Every bolt, wiggle, turn of a wrench was a pita. I had to take my oem dp to a local muffler shop to remove the o2 sensors (they torched around them to warm the threads up for easier removal). Save yourself some headache and enlist a second person for holding maneuvers. Car sounds amazing now, totally worth it. __________________ Current: E90 LCI 335i JetBlack - BMS OCC, JB4 w/ E85, ETS Charge Pipe, Vishnu Catted DP Retired:///E82 135i LeMans - 12.710 @ 108 MPH Riss Racing OCC, Shadowline Grills, Magnaflow Axle-Back, JB4, ETS FMIC, BMS DCI, BMW Perf Sideskirts, BMS 12/10 Spacers, E93 Front Sway PDC Flickr YouTube
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11-10-2014, 06:06 PM	#61
Jeef Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,945 Posts Drives: AW E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (6)	Get yourself an o2 sensor tool guys!
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10-06-2015, 05:06 PM	#66
Venoml2k Enlisted Member 2 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the links and tips. Took me a few hours, but we'll worth it. The v-band clamp was the biggest pain to get back on, but realized if you bolt the downpipe to the tranny mount it holds it perfectly In place giving you that extra hand. Btw no removal of engine mount or subframe was necessary. FYI .14mm metric socket worked where the reverse torque 18 was needed for me down by the transmission.
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