[MPoweredAuto]

Question:

If one were to ONLY remove the cats on an N54 engine and put downpipes, would that cause the seals in the turbos to fail prematurely? Thank you for your input.

[E90Company]

No, it would actually prolong the life of the turbos. Less backpressure

[MrRetep]

Nope. It will actually help them.

[shortseller]

^So then why are DPs such a "sticky wicket" when one has that unpleasant conversation with a BMW service MGR?

[MPoweredAuto]

I am trying to prove a point, so the more people that post their answers of my question, the better. Keep them coming please.

[CaptainInsano]

Cats create back-pressure, causing the turbo to work harder and creating more heat, which kills turbos.

This is common knowledge.

[Gugs]

Originally Posted by shortseller

^So then why are DPs such a "sticky wicket" when one has that unpleasant conversation with a BMW service MGR?

Cause anything aftermarket is.

And downpipes free up the air flow no matter how u slice it.
Less restriction, less resistance on all parts. Less wear, Less heat, its a win win.
Only downside is your mpg will go down from the excessive flooring

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Manny_World

Because their job is to find something to blame for every issue so they (BMW) wouldn't have to pay to get it fixed.

Not quite as black and white as that. You see, they get paid for work they do and in keeping a happy customer you return for more services, the proverbial win/win for everyone. But there is something about DPs that make service techs freak and I'd like to know what it's all about, especially if they make our little turbos run easier.

I can see air intakes might raise eyebrows forcing more air in, over working the turbos but anything after the turbos should be welcome, no?

[joec500]

Originally Posted by MrRetep

Nope. It will actually help them.

+1

Less Back pressure, Less Heat...HEAT KILLS

[EJ_3]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Not quite as black and white as that. You see, they get paid for work they do and in keeping a happy customer you return for more services, the proverbial win/win for everyone. But there is something about DPs that make service techs freak and I'd like to know what it's all about, especially if they make our little turbos run easier.

I can see air intakes might raise eyebrows forcing more air in, over working the turbos but anything after the turbos should be welcome, no?

... I was being sarcastic... hint why I deleted that post.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by Manny_World

... I was being sarcastic... hint why I deleted that post.

Oops sorry. Try a Smilies next time.

[jmb85]

Originally Posted by CaptainInsano

Cats create back-pressure, causing the turbo to work harder and creating more heat, which kills turbos.

This is common knowledge.

+1

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by shortseller

Not quite as black and white as that. You see, they get paid for work they do and in keeping a happy customer you return for more services, the proverbial win/win for everyone. But there is something about DPs that make service techs freak and I'd like to know what it's all about, especially if they make our little turbos run easier.

I can see air intakes might raise eyebrows forcing more air in, over working the turbos but anything after the turbos should be welcome, no?

You guys have to remember downpipes alter emissions equipment. I believe the dealer can get a heavy fine or in big trouble by the EPA, if they are aware the cars they work on have their emissions equipment altered with, and don't take action.

[Gugs]

Originally Posted by E90Company

You guys have to remember downpipes alter emissions equipment. I believe the dealer can get a heavy fine or in big trouble by the EPA, if they are aware the cars they work on have their emissions equipment altered with, and don't take action.

This is also true,or used to be. I remember like 10 years ago shop refused work on my car cause i had straight pipes.... Seems like things are more easy going since the whole "cel" light = emissions ready rule regardless of equipment.

[themyst]

The BMW techs are only qualified to diagnose issues for vehicles in stock form, not modified.

Kind of like jailbreaking an iPhone and going to the apple store for support as to why the phone is freezing.

[seanarms]

Originally Posted by themyst

The BMW techs are only qualified to diagnose issues for vehicles in stock form, not modified.

Kind of like jailbreaking an iPhone and going to the apple store for support as to why the phone is freezing.

+1

[cn555ic]

Benjamins can make any tech work on a car!

[MPoweredAuto]

This is for a carmax warranty. They said they r denying a leaking turbo bc the car has downpipes. Just goes to show they try to cover as little as possible.

[shortseller]

Originally Posted by E90Company

You guys have to remember downpipes alter emissions equipment. I believe the dealer can get a heavy fine or in big trouble by the EPA, if they are aware the cars they work on have their emissions equipment altered with, and don't take action.

Adhering to the strict EPA thing makes sense.

[danniexi]

as mentioned above, messing with catalytic converters is a federal offense. you can be fined up to $20,000. that's a huge liability for anyone (dealer or independent shop) to mess with.

[JamesM3M5]

Also the moral of this story is: return the car to stock before trying to get any kind of warranty coverage.

No matter how many opinions you get here on the good or bad of downpipes, the warranty company doesn't care. They can deny your claim due to nonstandard modifications.

[E92TTKING]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Benjamins can make any tech work on a car!