BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
M2 Technical Topics > N55 Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust / Bolt-ons / Tuning > Varying prices on catted DPs

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      09-18-2017, 10:41 PM   #1
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Varying prices on catted DPs

Just perusing the ol extreme powerhouse website here and finding many more downpipe options than I thought. With cats, and without fancy finishes, here's a list of prices.
  • Remus $1350
  • Fabspeed $1135 (fan favourite?)
  • Frequency Intelligence $1000
  • AFe $900
  • Wagner $800
  • Evolution Racewerks $800
  • AR $700

Can anyone shine some light on any particular strengths of these guys? Weaknesses? I really just do not want a CEL but plan on picking a DP at some point. Would be nice to save a few hundred bucks if quality doesn't suffer.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 1
Seagull287.50
      09-19-2017, 02:29 AM   #2
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

I think, Downpipes are pretty much the same.
They all have a inlet 4' diameter, what your looking for it fitment, the better the fitment the better it will be as there should be a full seal to prevent any leak. Also one that has less bends is more advantages for more free flowing.

As for a no CEL. I highly recommend Fabspeed as they have had great feedback from USERS. (Word of mouth is extremely truthful and useful).

Other then that, it will come down the material they use (Stainless 316 is better than 304). and how good the weld is.
Other then that, downpipes are FAIRLY similar (Short pipe lol)
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 04:27 AM   #3
TT1351
Captain
TT1351's Avatar
508
Rep
929
Posts

Drives: 135, GTS, E30 M3+
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Massachusetts

iTrader: (2)

My father used to say, "do it right the first time". So you initially save some money by cheaping out, we all do it and never seem to learn, so you get a great price initially, but by the time you figure how to solve getting rid of the CEL, passing emissions tests you most likely have invested more money trying to solve the issue. The reason I went with Fabspeed was the fact that pretty much no one has gotten a CEL with these, maybe bordering on 100% no CEL. Did catted downpipes on my 135i (N54), supposedly won't throw a code, they did, had to install O2 simulator to fix it. The installed JB4 would clear the codes on auto clear, but also clears the memory so there was no history on the ECU which the testing computer would find unacceptable and reject the car. The dilemma was In order to get the history to show all systems go you had to drive the car to create a new history, but with auto clear off, and chances are the magic CEL would reappear in the process. Eliminating the code with a code reader would clear the fault and the history. Wish I had had the Fabspeed option available in 2008.
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 06:11 AM   #4
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

Every downpipe will eventually throw a CEL even stock, as they get older the Cells in the cat eventually become dust and you'll have no cats which will trigger CEL with the O2 sensors.
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 07:40 AM   #5
QM
First Lieutenant
United_States
287
Rep
312
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2CS 6MT
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Illinois

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by iQuiet View Post
Every downpipe will eventually throw a CEL even stock, as they get older the Cells in the cat eventually become dust and you'll have no cats which will trigger CEL with the O2 sensors.
So the real question is then how long until a sport cat downpipe eventually throws a CEL vs stock, correct?
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 07:46 AM   #6
Z3787
Enlisted Member
No_Country
11
Rep
34
Posts

Drives: E30 M3,E86 Z4M,F87 M2,E82 123d
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Ist.

iTrader: (0)

If it is a reputable brand like HJS cats, there wont be any problem I guess.
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 09:46 AM   #7
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

Yes this is correct. HJS are renounced for their high quality Cells within cats, less prone to breaking down. However eventually all cars do. But it may be like 8-10 years+ depends on the quality of OEM and also how hard the cells have to work to filter stuff out, but that stuff all depends on how hard you drive the car too!

However, by the time that happens warranty is over and the CEL wont cause the car to go into limp mode (limited power) so you'll be fine, there are many ways to clear CEL, including o2 simulators, clearing code apps, tuning etc etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by QM View Post
So the real question is then how long until a sport cat downpipe eventually throws a CEL vs stock, correct?
Appreciate 1
QM287.00
      09-19-2017, 04:07 PM   #8
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

My E39 M5's OEM HJS cats were done for at 130,000km. It didn't throw codes but it smelled awful and actually reduced performance. So that's nothing new to me.

But IIRC only the Fabspeed has HJS cats and yet the prices are all over the place. There's negative feedback outside of this forum as well towards Fabspeed. So I am not 100% convinced Fabspeed is the defintive name in quality and isn't overpriced. That said if it's the only one replicating OEM quality, I guess that's what I'll go with.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 04:26 PM   #9
TT1351
Captain
TT1351's Avatar
508
Rep
929
Posts

Drives: 135, GTS, E30 M3+
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Massachusetts

iTrader: (2)

I had my Performance Edition in for the 1200 mile first service and the tech was impressed with the Fabspeed, and was amazed at the exhaust note, stating it was incredible and further commented it was the best sounding exhaust he had heard on any BMW, fwiw.
Appreciate 1
JimmyS70.00
      09-19-2017, 08:48 PM   #10
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

IMO.

Go with a Fi Exhaust (Catless) + tune.
Because its valved it can make it as quiet as stock, or as loud as you want! Even an auto mode when it surpasses 3,500 RPM the valves auto open.

Best sound + more power gain too!
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 09:45 PM   #11
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by iQuiet View Post
IMO.

Go with a Fi Exhaust (Catless) + tune.
Because its valved it can make it as quiet as stock, or as loud as you want! Even an auto mode when it surpasses 3,500 RPM the valves auto open.

Best sound + more power gain too!
Catless isn't worth the smell over hiflow cats IMO. Is FI any good? I have a decent quote in my inbox here from a vendor. HJS?
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      09-19-2017, 11:58 PM   #12
Archie Bunker
Private First Class
165
Rep
99
Posts

Drives: M2
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
Catless isn't worth the smell over hiflow cats IMO. Is FI any good? I have a decent quote in my inbox here from a vendor. HJS?
All catted down pipes mentioned will produce the same type of sound to whichever exhaust they mate with: fuller, deeper, and slightly increased volume especially from the turbo.

Any of the above prices amortized daily over the life of the performance will yield very little money spent per day. How much do people spend on Starbucks daily? I say try a cheaper one first, and then get a more expensive one if that fails.... just cut out the Starbucks and you'll be coming out ahead!

A vendor has told me Wagners have had as few issues as Fabspeed and surely way less drama.
Appreciate 0
      09-20-2017, 12:03 AM   #13
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

Well, the full Fi Exhaust is what can I say..
LOUD and WOW. its definitely on the louder side of things for exhausts.
It's a jaw dropping exhaust system.

Thats what I like, but depends on the user!

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
Catless isn't worth the smell over hiflow cats IMO. Is FI any good? I have a decent quote in my inbox here from a vendor. HJS?
Appreciate 0
      09-21-2017, 06:25 AM   #14
SeanWRT
Colonel
SeanWRT's Avatar
3179
Rep
2,577
Posts

Drives: E90 M3 & F87 M2
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Shanghai

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TT1351 View Post
I had my Performance Edition in for the 1200 mile first service and the tech was impressed with the Fabspeed, and was amazed at the exhaust note, stating it was incredible and further commented it was the best sounding exhaust he had heard on any BMW, fwiw.
He didn't work for BMW very long.
__________________
Lemania 2320
Appreciate 3
Z378710.50
JTO245246.50
AndrewC198910903.50
      10-10-2017, 01:55 PM   #15
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by iQuiet View Post
Well, the full Fi Exhaust is what can I say..
LOUD and WOW. its definitely on the louder side of things for exhausts.
It's a jaw dropping exhaust system.

Thats what I like, but depends on the user!
That's where I'm leaning. Would you happen to know who makes the cats?
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      10-11-2017, 07:11 PM   #16
iQuiet
Private First Class
iQuiet's Avatar
Australia
52
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 2017 AW M2
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Melbourne

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
That's where I'm leaning. Would you happen to know who makes the cats?
I presume they are inhouse built cats, they are not HJS to my knowledge.

However I went catless, smell is subordinate.. the Sound is where it's at!

Like gun shots pew pew pew.
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2017, 11:32 AM   #17
XutvJet
Major General
5488
Rep
5,335
Posts

Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Kansas City

iTrader: (-1)

I plan on going with the HJS Euro 6 catted downpipe. It's quite pricey, but looks very OEM and very high quality. It has a 300 cell HJS cat vs the 200 cell HJS cat used on the Fabspeed DP. The higher cell count will reduce exhaust volume compare to the Fabspeed and other catted DP setups. The extra $200-300 is worth it to me.

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1339166
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2017, 06:32 PM   #18
lax01
Major
793
Rep
1,366
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post
I plan on going with the HJS Euro 6 catted downpipe. It's quite pricey, but looks very OEM and very high quality. It has a 300 cell HJS cat vs the 200 cell HJS cat used on the Fabspeed DP. The higher cell count will reduce exhaust volume compare to the Fabspeed and other catted DP setups. The extra $200-300 is worth it to me.

http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1339166
Did anyone ever post a link to actually buy that one?
Appreciate 0
      10-12-2017, 07:30 PM   #19
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lax01 View Post
Did anyone ever post a link to actually buy that one?
I've looked around. I really like the finish/build of that downpipe. Looks very OEM. Prices are insane though.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      10-13-2017, 01:10 PM   #20
lax01
Major
793
Rep
1,366
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
I've looked around. I really like the finish/build of that downpipe. Looks very OEM. Prices are insane though.
How much and where?
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2017, 12:13 PM   #21
XutvJet
Major General
5488
Rep
5,335
Posts

Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Kansas City

iTrader: (-1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lax01 View Post
How much and where?
Fabspeed sells it. $1,500. http://www.fabspeed.com/bmw-m235i-f2...tted-downpipe/
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2017, 12:54 PM   #22
lax01
Major
793
Rep
1,366
Posts

Drives: 2017 M2
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by XutvJet View Post
Thanks! $1600 is pricey...might just do the 200 cell in the future
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
downpipe, n55

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:26 PM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST