Downpipes / charge pipe diy?

[bassrebel]

Hey guys! Does anyone have any info regarding how diy’able is it to install DP and CP? I have a VRSF ser that I’m looking to install.

Anyone in New England / Tri-state area knows how to?

[solidsleeper]

For N55, just follow the e90 post DIY, same engine layout. If you are comfortable doing minor work on your car, this should be very doable.

LOL i responded to your other post....lazy haha. If you're able to do your own pulley replacement, than this should be E Z

[bassrebel]

Lmao! Hey I’m very inquisitive! I’ve just read that because of the xdrive the downpipe is a pain in the ass to install. Not afraid of getting dirty if it means saving money lmao!

On my previous e90 I did all the work myself including starter (biggest pain in the ass), radiator, thermostat, etc...

[bassrebel]

Where on earth is that e90 thread? lol been looking everywhere and haven't been able to find it!

[solidsleeper]

Oh sorry I misread your post, I thought you just said Chargepipe. Chargepipe is easy, but DP sounds like a pain with xDrive. DP still the same as a N55 E9X or E8X - I've seen some threads say they had to loosen the subframe, while other people have managed to squeeze it out without touching the subframe. Any shop that's familiar with BMW should have no issue with DP install, but they probably will loosen the subframe to make their lives easier.

There is a post on this forum for it, just Google 'downpipe DIY x1 35i'

[proteus290]

Originally Posted by bassrebel

Where on earth is that e90 thread? lol been looking everywhere and haven't been able to find it!

Dealer mechanic said access DP from RF wheel well pull tire inner fender liner?

loosen ox sender and disconnect sensor wires from fire wall passenger side fuse box under hood trace wires
Use PB Blaster on all threaded band and fittings use ox sensor socket from HF try to break loose while still attached?

Band nut might twist off and soak senders threads too

loosen band kick it hard or mallet it will pop loose

could use heat on ox fitting on oem pipe if necessary to make it grow a little dont burn sensor or wire wrap in wet rag

use a little anti seize to threads reinstall ox sensors if needed


so have a new back up band with 2 turbo big gaskets VRSF kit



install new band and gaskets also

[d-A-w]

I just changed the downpipe on mine, so it's fresh in my mind.
It's more scary than it is, and it's doable if you have the basic tools.

Here are some tips that may save you some time I lost:

- If you find a way to remove the left brace, you'll save some times removing the engine cover. I just disconnected the left brace from the tower, but it was still too tight.
- Disconnect the oxygen sensors connectors, and loose them down
- Remove the center midpipe support, and the back support with 8 bolts (this way, you can lower the mid pipe, and the downpipe will come out over it).
- Disconnect the 2 midpipes from downpipe
- Remove the lower oxygen sensor while the downpipe is connected (with it in place, there is no way it will all come out, because of the downpipe support tabs)
- Reach the V-band clamp to turbo from the wheel arch with a 13mm flex socket, or with a flex joint. Spread it and remove it.
- Remove the 2 downpipe support bolts
- It will then come out, with a twist or two, from the back.

[proteus290]

im workin up to this project also cts turbo down pipe and its coming up the project list also