[freezerdoctor]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at DIYing my Active Autoworkes downpipe into my 2022 G05 40i.

Does anyone have access to a general instruction/procedure guide (BMW or otherwise) for downpipe removal and installation?

It doesn't have to be AA specific, just vehicle model specific.

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[KLCC]

https://youtu.be/1p5lTyW3qMY

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by KLCC

https://youtu.be/1p5lTyW3qMY

Thank you KLLC!
My searches did not come up with this video.

Saw some others that were not as well put together so they confused me quite a bit. The confusion led me to get a quote for a shop to do it.

This looks like a pretty straightforward install.


Wonder why my local Indy shop wanted over $800 for this??


Thanks!

[AlpineG05]

Install is pretty simple and straightforward. I had a local shop do it for $100.

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by AlpineG05

Install is pretty simple and straightforward. I had a local shop do it for $100.

Yeah, it doesn't look difficult. I hope to get it installed tomorrow evening.

[AlpineG05]

Originally Posted by freezerdoctor

Yeah, it doesn't look difficult. I hope to get it installed tomorrow evening.

I installed the downpipes on my 335i years ago using my buddies lift. The first time was a bit tricky especially since there were 2. This motor has much more space to maneuver.

[freezerdoctor]

Ok, so I am prepping for the install of the downpipe, and it looks like I need to remove the box below to get to the top clamp of the downpipe.

It looks like it should just pop out of the tubes, but seems like it takes a lot of pressure to remove, so I wanted to ask the brain trust first.

Am I going about the wrong? With this box in place, I cannot get my arm down to reach the clamp.

[weinerbarn]

This is for removing the whole exhaust but should get you sorted. First couple pages should help.

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by weinerbarn

This is for removing the whole exhaust but should get you sorted. First couple pages should help.

This is excellent, and exactly what I needed. Thank you very much!

[freezerdoctor]

I was able to get it installed successfully. Tried to minimize how many things I disassembled during the process. I only loosened the airbox (this gave me enough wiggle room to get my arm through to the turbo clamp), and removed the chassis stiffener plate.

Took me about 4 hours, but that time included reading the instructions, waiting for my friend to bring his ramps over, watching some playoff football in between and cleaning up everything after. So - about 2-2.5 hours of actual work. Could definitely do it quicker next time.

[Spiker01]

Nice work. I hope you update us with your thoughts and opinions of your upgrade. I am thinking about doing this for the extras in hp/tq, but don’t want to negativity affect the luxury part of the X5 experience.

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by Spiker01

Nice work. I hope you update us with your thoughts and opinions of your upgrade. I am thinking about doing this for the extras in hp/tq, but don’t want to negativity affect the luxury part of the X5 experience.

Will do. Here are my initial thoughts:

I feel that start up is much louder and throatier/raspier (if those are really words) than before, and while driving it’s just a little louder than it was before. So, I don’t feel it takes away from the luxuriousness of the X5.

My neighbor practically broke his neck when he heard it start in the garage the morning after I installed it. (I back in, so my garage is like an echo chamber). Haven’t caught up to him yet, but will ask his thoughts on the sound for an outside review.

I can hear the turbo spooling more or more loudly maybe, and it feels like the power comes in sooner than it used to.

Could all just be my mind telling me these things, because that’s what I was expecting.

[Spiker01]

I can just imagine the smile you must of had at start up. Thanks for posting and pls let us know the neighbours thoughts if it’s too loud or not.
It’s pretty quick already so sometimes hear it can make it feel even faster

[elite-fusion]

Wish there was a vid for the x5 M50i lol

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by elite-fusion

Wish there was a vid for the x5 M50i lol

I saw a few on YouTube for the m50i, but they were more focused on the before and after, and didn’t go into detail on the install.


Not sure what they look like underneath? I imagine there are similarities. The MOST helpful thing for the 40i was removing the stiffener plate underneath. It was about 10-12 bolts. This gave me full access to the exhaust system.

It could be taken off in about 10 minutes. May be worth doing for an inspection of difficulty.

I would just recommend re-torquing to proper spec when you put it back on.

And use ramps. Makes moving around under there easy and safe.

[KLCC]

Originally Posted by freezerdoctor

I saw a few on YouTube for the m50i, but they were more focused on the before and after, and didn’t go into detail on the install.


Not sure what they look like underneath? I imagine there are similarities. The MOST helpful thing for the 40i was removing the stiffener plate underneath. It was about 10-12 bolts. This gave me full access to the exhaust system.

It could be taken off in about 10 minutes. May be worth doing for an inspection of difficulty.

I would just recommend re-torquing to proper spec when you put it back on.

And use ramps. Makes moving around under there easy and safe.

Have you seen any CEL so far?

[freezerdoctor]

Originally Posted by KLCC

Have you seen any CEL so far?

No CEL. I bought the catted versions though, and I read that they wouldn’t produce a CEL.

No issues at all so far.

[yoandry]

Anyone found one for the M50i yet? Mine are coming today and will do it on the weekend. I think the difference is that the turbo outlet part has to be done from top/back on the engine bay. Has to be the same as x5m.

[elite-fusion]

Originally Posted by yoandry

Anyone found one for the M50i yet? Mine are coming today and will do it on the weekend. I think the difference is that the turbo outlet part has to be done from top/back on the engine bay. Has to be the same as x5m.

Please take pics, video, or whatever else to help us out

[weinerbarn]

For the 50i. Should be similar on M50i

[yoandry]

Originally Posted by weinerbarn

For the 50i. Should be similar on M50i

Thanks, Yes, I saw a couple of videos on the 550i to have an idea. Im good to go.

[elite-fusion]

Originally Posted by yoandry

Thanks, Yes, I saw a couple of videos on the 550i to have an idea. Im good to go.

hey, any updates on your progress?