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DPs: AA installed for $750 or VRSF installed myself...
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11-21-2012, 04:21 PM | #23 | |
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Also, im somewhat mechanically inclined, would you recommend i do the install myself on jack stands? Ive watched ARs video, and it seems its simply removing O2 sensors on both ends, removing cat-back bracket, loosening the Vband clamps, and unbolting both downpipes. Reverse for re-install. Im sure it'll take me 6 hours, but at least ill know how to take them in/out and get familiar with my car If i decide to tackle this myself, what should i use to raise the car? I dont have anything currently, but i could borrow my friends jack and stands. Or should i invest in some ramps?
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11-21-2012, 04:23 PM | #24 | |
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It's a bit more involved than that really. It's recommended that you unbolt the steering rack, then bend the heat shield out of the way so you have room to work with. If you have time and can afford a bit of downtime, do it yourself but otherwise I'd take it to a shop Took me a bout 4-5 hours my first time. Now it takes me about 1.5-2 hours depending on the conditions of the car/clamps. |
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11-21-2012, 04:25 PM | #25 | |
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If i decide to tackle this myself, what should i use to raise the car? I dont have anything currently, but i could borrow my friends jack and stands. Or should i invest in some ramps?
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11-21-2012, 04:29 PM | #26 |
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If you have confidence in your mechanical abilities then you shouldn't have a problem given you have enough time.
Ramps help, jack and jackstands are also a good choice. You can generally lift the car a bit higher on jackstands than you can with ramps though. |
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11-21-2012, 04:30 PM | #27 | |
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If i decide to invest in a set myself, what would be a good jack/jackstands? My friends all use Harbor Freights, but ive heard horror storries about those jacks...
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11-21-2012, 05:19 PM | #28 | |
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At the end of the day, it's your call & if that extra cost justifies the product quality. But if I had a choice between these specific products, I'd be making an appointment with that shop to get the Active Autowerke DPs installed. Last edited by benzy89; 12-05-2012 at 10:11 PM.. |
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11-21-2012, 08:05 PM | #29 |
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I would get the VRSF and install them yourself.
I previously had a 135i. I have zero mechanical skills. I installed a set of AR pipes in a parking lot on Rhino ramps. It was not so bad. I don't think it would have been much easier on a lift. The lift would not give you any more space in the tight areas and you would have to have your hands above your head which would get tiring. Over the couple of years I had the car I uninstalled and re-installed them a few times. I would have spent a lot if I had to pay someone for all that. After the first install I got a set of the flex head gear wrenches. These will save you a lot of time! The hard bolts are the ones that secure the DP to the back exhaust and the ones that tighten the clamp that holds the front part of the pipe to the turbo. I think they are either 12mm or 13mm (check the DIY guides). Trust me, get the flex head gear wrench in this size (I got mine at Lowes) and it will save you a few hours. When i sold my 135i, i sold off my AR pipes. I recently got a 335i. I have always thought the ARs are the best DPs on the market. That said, I could not resist the incredible price of the VRSFs. I just got a set of VRSFs delivered today and to my delight they are basically the same as the AR's I haven't installed them yet, but i think I will be very happy with my choice. |
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11-21-2012, 08:36 PM | #30 |
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Thanks for all the opinions people! VRSF and ActiveAutowerkes are both fantastic companies. Ill be making a decision within the next couple days, and cant wait to get my future DPs. Id like to thank everyone who has posted in this thread!
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11-21-2012, 08:37 PM | #31 | |
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11-21-2012, 08:55 PM | #32 | |
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11-21-2012, 10:33 PM | #33 | |
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11-21-2012, 10:39 PM | #34 | |
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They went right in like OEM & I ended up wishing I bought them from the start. |
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11-22-2012, 07:11 PM | #35 | |
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11-22-2012, 07:15 PM | #36 |
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11-22-2012, 07:21 PM | #37 | |
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http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316974 |
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11-22-2012, 07:30 PM | #38 |
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If we're gonna waste our time arguing over 5-10 HP, the power/weight is going to have a more significant impact. My car is a street/DD 335, not a racecar/track build If it was a race build, I've spend the money & have a custom build straight pipe setup instead of buying "off the rack" parts. |
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11-22-2012, 07:31 PM | #39 | |
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AA's have been ordered. Picking up a floor jack, jack stands, torx kit, stubby drive socket, and swivel head drivers tomorow at Sears for the BlackFriday sale! Anything odd i need in order to install the pipes? Ive got a 220-pc toolset and a slew of random tools to sort through.
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