DIY: Downpipe (DP) installation for E90 335i (1/3)

hiter202 · 04-11-2012, 02:08 PM

does anyone have a guide for the N55 downpipe install/swap?

revmybimmer · 04-13-2012, 09:07 AM

Great Post. Thank helps alot.

TOS_335i · 04-14-2012, 11:37 AM

Any advice for getting the rear dp v-band on? Nevermind... Persistence got it done.

robc1976 · 04-15-2012, 10:54 PM

I did this 2 weeks ago and want to know how tight you guys get the V band clamp on the turbo to down pipes...do the tips touch, mine arn't touching. I had one clamp put on upside down ( my buddy did this) but it is in the same place it needs to be just upside down. One other problem is there is a bolt on the flange in the rear that I can not get a wrench on to fully tighten it...I have 3" AR and there is not a Way I can see to get that last bolt that is farthest on the passenger side on the flange. I was luck enough to get a socket on one side of the flange on this bolt and tighten it a bit but holding it in place with a wrench/socket from the other side I can not? Anyone have this problem/problems lol!

I think mine may have a small leak.

GREAT TUTORIAL!!!!

abee20 · 04-20-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swoosh69

i'm scared shitless to do this install (thou i've installed all the mods on my car, including lowering springs)

the one part that scares me the most is the steering rack part...... would be perfect if there was some more details and pictures on that part... or maybe i just need to read this DIY 50 more times

have also looked at this video 20 times...

catless DP install

Extremely helpful video!

SpartanGA · 04-20-2012, 01:14 PM

great video. If I had access to a lift, I would be all over this. But to do it on ramps.....I have a N55 which is apparently easier given there is one large downpipe vs. 2. Still they show you unbolting the steering rack, but not why or if/how you move it for access.

It appeared the clearance for the clamps and mount to turbo and front o2 sensors are the really difficult tight spots. The rear setup seems easy.

robc1976 · 04-20-2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpartanGA

great video. If I had access to a lift, I would be all over this. But to do it on ramps.....I have a N55 which is apparently easier given there is one large downpipe vs. 2. Still they show you unbolting the steering rack, but not why or if/how you move it for access.

It appeared the clearance for the clamps and mount to turbo and front o2 sensors are the really difficult tight spots. The rear setup seems easy.

I just did this on ramps and I am 6'4 270 lbs lol!! The steering rack is just 2 bolts, hex and a 16mm end wrench...and it will move back a inch to give you the very small room you need....I have big hands and arms and I got access. The heat shield I just removed all but one bolt and slid out of the way. This was on the N54.

SpartanGA · 04-20-2012, 01:39 PM

ahhhhh...so tempting.

BADS335 · 04-29-2012, 01:03 PM

How did you guys loosen the front O2s? I can not get the wrench on it to a point that I can turn them.

robc1976 · 04-29-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BADS335

How did you guys loosen the front O2s? I can not get the wrench on it to a point that I can turn them.

Go to a autozone or advanced autoparts & get a O2 señor socket....you rent it, bring it back and you get your money back

BADS335 · 04-29-2012, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robc1976

Go to a autozone or advanced autoparts & get a O2 señor socket....you rent it, bring it back and you get your money back

Thanks for the response. I have one and it will not fit. It won't clear the bend between the "wall" and the cat. And I can not wire into the socket any other area.

robc1976 · 04-29-2012, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BADS335

Thanks for the response. I have one and it will not fit. It won't clear the bend between the "wall" and the cat. And I can not wire into the socket any other area.

Have you loosened he steering rack for more room..it was easy for me to get o the front O2 sensors.

BADS335 · 04-29-2012, 05:36 PM

I did. Got them out. What I did was gave slack to the O2s from up top, then lowered the DPs which gave me room to get the wrench on it, and after a soak in WD40 came right off.

robc1976 · 04-29-2012, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BADS335

I did. Got them out. What I did was gave slack to the O2s from up top, then lowered the DPs which gave me room to get the wrench on it, and after a soak in WD40 came right off.

Awesome! When putting them back in the wire will twist and I took mine completely loose so this didn't happen.

johej · 05-08-2012, 03:36 AM

Thank you very much for this DIY

I did this using your DIY.
I have very limited experience of this type of jobs, but it went well.

Total work time 4+4+2 hours.
4h first install. (The right downpipe was rubbing against the frame of the car.)
4h attempt to make clearance between the DP and the frame of the car.
2 h second attempt. Success.

/Magnus, Uppsala, Sweden

Mischa335i · 05-08-2012, 05:06 AM

Hey magnus can you give some tips how i can avoid this rubbing of the downpipe on the frame of the car?

I going to install the VRSF Downpipes bext week and never did this types of job.

Thanks
Mischa

jacobniell · 08-07-2012, 12:17 PM

Any additional pictures are appreciated to help with the job. I am also about to do this swap and would of cause love to get as many tips and tricks as possible before the actual work ;o)
Great DIY!!

LeMansBMW335i · 09-29-2012, 08:26 AM

Great DIY. The V-bands were the hardest part for me. Such a PITA.

I removed the sway bar. By far worth doing for the couple minutes it takes. It gives you a lot more room.

soontobe · 09-30-2012, 07:00 PM

Very well written and thorough review. Might be taking a stab at installing my pipes very soon. Glad I came across this. Props to the op!

BabyZ · 03-19-2013, 12:12 PM

thank yoU!!

F80Mmm · 09-15-2013, 10:52 AM

I used this for my VRSF DP install yesterday and it worked out perfect, no major issues minus some bolts just being a PITA and tight space. I don't have much wrenching experience so its definitely doable if u have the right tools and extensions...it was a full day commitment for me and it feels like I got my a** kicked yesterday, but definitely worth it for the experience. VRSF fitment was definitely SPOT ON! I was shocked at how perfectly they fit after hearing downpipe horror stories and rattling/pipes touching. After the downpipes were bolted on I did double check to make sure there was no exhaust leaks before putting everything back on, my front O2 sensor that connected to the rear was steaming a bit and looked like there was a lil pressure coming out. I managed to get the wrench back on it and gave it one more strong tighten and we were good to go!

Danface88 · 09-16-2013, 09:24 AM

Nice, pics, thanks for taking the time to make an awesome DIY!

04-11-2012, 02:08 PM	#67
hiter202 Captain 35 Rep 733 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (6)	does anyone have a guide for the N55 downpipe install/swap?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-13-2012, 09:07 AM	#68
revmybimmer New Member 0 Rep 14 Posts Drives: Light Blue 335i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Nevada iTrader: (0)	Great Post. Thank helps alot.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-14-2012, 11:37 AM	#69
TOS_335i bs_335i 4 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Shavertown, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [0.00]	Any advice for getting the rear dp v-band on? Nevermind... Persistence got it done. __________________ Cobb Stage 2+FMIC \| CP-e DPs \| CP-e DCI \| ETS 5" FMIC
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-15-2012, 10:54 PM	#70
robc1976 DIYER 614 Rep 5,521 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Illinois iTrader: (14)	I did this 2 weeks ago and want to know how tight you guys get the V band clamp on the turbo to down pipes...do the tips touch, mine arn't touching. I had one clamp put on upside down ( my buddy did this) but it is in the same place it needs to be just upside down. One other problem is there is a bolt on the flange in the rear that I can not get a wrench on to fully tighten it...I have 3" AR and there is not a Way I can see to get that last bolt that is farthest on the passenger side on the flange. I was luck enough to get a socket on one side of the flange on this bolt and tighten it a bit but holding it in place with a wrench/socket from the other side I can not? Anyone have this problem/problems lol! I think mine may have a small leak. GREAT TUTORIAL!!!! __________________ JB4 G5, Stage 3 LPFP, Stage 2 MOTIV PI, VM 6466 ST, Custom OCC W/ SS lines, ER FMIC, ER CP W/HKS BOV, M3 control arms, M3 guide rods, M3 upper links, M3 front & rear sway-bars, HPA rear toe arms, Wavetrac LSD, HPF Gen 2, DEFIV kit, KW clubsport, Delrin solid SF bushings, stoptech rotors, Rogue Tranny Mounts, 1M bumper, M3 CF hood, M3 fenders, M3 OEM sideskirts, Mtech rear bumper, CSL trunk, MORR VS8.2 rims 245/295
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:14 PM	#72
SpartanGA Captain 97 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M4 Comp F83 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	great video. If I had access to a lift, I would be all over this. But to do it on ramps.....I have a N55 which is apparently easier given there is one large downpipe vs. 2. Still they show you unbolting the steering rack, but not why or if/how you move it for access. It appeared the clearance for the clamps and mount to turbo and front o2 sensors are the really difficult tight spots. The rear setup seems easy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2012, 01:39 PM	#74
SpartanGA Captain 97 Rep 643 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M4 Comp F83 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	ahhhhh...so tempting.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2012, 01:03 PM	#75
BADS335 Lieutenant 28 Rep 408 Posts Drives: Montego 335i E90 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	How did you guys loosen the front O2s? I can not get the wrench on it to a point that I can turn them.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-29-2012, 05:36 PM	#79
BADS335 Lieutenant 28 Rep 408 Posts Drives: Montego 335i E90 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (2)	I did. Got them out. What I did was gave slack to the O2s from up top, then lowered the DPs which gave me room to get the wrench on it, and after a soak in WD40 came right off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-08-2012, 03:36 AM	#81
johej New Member 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Coupé Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Sweden iTrader: (1)	Thank you Thank you very much for this DIY I did this using your DIY. I have very limited experience of this type of jobs, but it went well. Total work time 4+4+2 hours. 4h first install. (The right downpipe was rubbing against the frame of the car.) 4h attempt to make clearance between the DP and the frame of the car. 2 h second attempt. Success. /Magnus, Uppsala, Sweden
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-08-2012, 05:06 AM	#82
Mischa335i New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Hey magnus can you give some tips how i can avoid this rubbing of the downpipe on the frame of the car? I going to install the VRSF Downpipes bext week and never did this types of job. Thanks Mischa
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-07-2012, 12:17 PM	#83
jacobniell Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 236 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Denmark iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Any additional pictures are appreciated to help with the job. I am also about to do this swap and would of cause love to get as many tips and tricks as possible before the actual work ;o) Great DIY!! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-29-2012, 08:26 AM	#84
LeMansBMW335i Based on a true story 16 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (7)	Great DIY. The V-bands were the hardest part for me. Such a PITA. I removed the sway bar. By far worth doing for the couple minutes it takes. It gives you a lot more room. __________________ 2009 335i M-Sport: BMW Performance SSK/pedals/ spoiler/suspension/rear diffuser, 650i clutch, 35% tint, JB4, AFE DCI, Meth Injection, Ceramic coated VRSF Downpipes, ER Chargepipe, DTEC Angle Eyes, LED Interior and Reverse Lighting, Shift Light & Low Meth Light inside Rear View Mirror Clown Nose
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2012, 07:00 PM	#85
soontobe Lieutenant 23 Rep 457 Posts Drives: '24 X5 xDrive50e M Sport Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	Very well written and thorough review. Might be taking a stab at installing my pipes very soon. Glad I came across this. Props to the op!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-19-2013, 12:12 PM	#86
BabyZ Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 226 Posts Drives: 335 -- M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: cali iTrader: (0)	thank yoU!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-15-2013, 10:52 AM	#87
F80Mmm Private First Class 72 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 18 F80 M3 ZCP, 09 E90 335i 6MT Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (3)	I used this for my VRSF DP install yesterday and it worked out perfect, no major issues minus some bolts just being a PITA and tight space. I don't have much wrenching experience so its definitely doable if u have the right tools and extensions...it was a full day commitment for me and it feels like I got my a** kicked yesterday, but definitely worth it for the experience. VRSF fitment was definitely SPOT ON! I was shocked at how perfectly they fit after hearing downpipe horror stories and rattling/pipes touching. After the downpipes were bolted on I did double check to make sure there was no exhaust leaks before putting everything back on, my front O2 sensor that connected to the rear was steaming a bit and looked like there was a lil pressure coming out. I managed to get the wrench back on it and gave it one more strong tighten and we were good to go!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-16-2013, 09:24 AM	#88
Danface88 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2008 335Xi e92 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Houston, Tx iTrader: (1)	Nice, pics, thanks for taking the time to make an awesome DIY!
	Appreciate 0 Quote