[Bimmer_Bro]

Hello!, I am about to install some VRSF catless downpipes on my 2010 335xi.
My question is, should I be tracking down new V-band clamps before install? Some venders have said to just re-use the old hardware when others have advised to replace if the car is over 40k miles.
I noticed the BMW ones range from 40-50 each for a stupid clamp.
Has anyone had success with other brands or should I not bother? Some Brand called HJS are around 20 bucks.
Just curious to hear what other users have done when installing these DPs. Car currently has about 136k km (84k miles)

thanks!

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

Hello!, I am about to install some VRSF catless downpipes on my 2010 335xi.
My question is, should I be tracking down new V-band clamps before install? Some venders have said to just re-use the old hardware when others have advised to replace if the car is over 40k miles.
I noticed the BMW ones range from 40-50 each for a stupid clamp.
Has anyone had success with other brands or should I not bother? Some Brand called HJS are around 20 bucks.
Just curious to hear what other users have done when installing these DPs. Car currently has about 136k km (84k miles)

thanks!

I'd probably install new seals where the turbo meets the downpipes. It's usually a good idea to put on new V clamps. Make sure you put on new bolts & gaskets at the mid-pipes.

I didn't pay $40 to $50 each. I know that.


https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/259085_x800.jpg

[Bimmer_Bro]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I'd probably install new seals where the turbo meets the downpipes. It's usually a good idea to put on new V clamps. Make sure you put on new bolts & gaskets at the mid-pipes.

I didn't pay $40 to $50 each. I know that.


https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/259085_x800.jpg

Thanks ! Its a little tricky being in Canada, with shipping and the exchange, its about what it works out to. I will have to hunt around. Afraid to buy no name brand ones that don't fit properly. BMW dealer wanted 55 each LOL.

[Rube]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

Thanks ! Its a little tricky being in Canada, with shipping and the exchange, its about what it works out to. I will have to hunt around. Afraid to buy no name brand ones that don't fit properly. BMW dealer wanted 55 each LOL.

I reused my stock v band clamps and turbo to downpipe seals, they had 110k miles on them and no issues. If the clamps look fine id Save the money.

[Bimmer_Bro]

Originally Posted by Rube

I reused my stock v band clamps and turbo to downpipe seals, they had 110k miles on them and no issues. If the clamps look fine id Save the money.

Thanks that's good to know! Maybe I will inspect them and see if its needed or not.

[bimmerguy1210]

I found oem clamps on amazon for $20. Honestly, not worth the extra potential problems, just replace them while your down there. My bmw tech also highly recommended replacing them along with the gaskets b/c he’s seen instances where old clamps get frozen/stuck.

[stewbets]

One of the bolts on my v-bands was frozen when I installed dp's, but since I'm so cheap/stubborn/impatient, I bought a nut and bolt and welded the new nut on.

[mweisdorfer]

$15.99 -


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.uro...63-11657620508

[Bimmer_Bro]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

$15.99 -


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.uro...63-11657620508

Thanks! That's the brand I was referring to that is a lot cheaper. Anyone have first hand experience with these? If they fit or as strong as OEM?

[IllSic_Design]

I'm at 208k with the OEM clamps and have taken them off tons of times, still working fine. Wouldn't hurt to replace though as a buddies clamp did break at the connection point of the 2 clamp halves.