Catless Downpipes - Easy Installation?

James35i

James35i

Member
Hello All,

Recently purchased a 2011 35i, and looking to take it to Stage 2+ with MHD. Taking a look at the website, it suggested that downpipes were required, but I struggled to find a catless downpipe from a UK seller, I'm not sure if I'm just blind!

Thought I'd take a look on eBay last night and found one in Germany for c.£250.00 including postage which I thought was a pretty good deal! So I've gone ahead and purchased it.

I've seen a few videos suggest that it's a bit of a ball ache install on RHD cars but that appears to be people who are trying to squeeze in the American VRSF downpipe, the one I've purchased states it's designed for RHD.

How did you find the install?
 

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In fact scratch those ones I purchased, appear to be AliExpress downpipes.

If anyone can point me in the right direction of some RHD Catless Downpipes that would be appreciated.
 
I had VSRF ones but they had to be modded to suit ..
 
B21 said:
I had VSRF ones but they had to be modded to suit ..
Click to expand...
I've spoken with a company called NForcd who have one:
https://www.nforcd.com/products/bmw-3-cast-stainless-catless-downpipes-v2-e89-z4-35i-35is-n54-2010-next-day-delivery?srsltid=AfmBOopnPanBxvCRNoPONJ32pqGdwjjWt1OPN2qJwAaf0ovw1eIJzVK2

I sent them a quick email to ask where it was produced and they confirmed it's from a UK supplier and not a Chinese product. So I believe I will be going with that one!
 
Interesting yeah let me know too as couldn’t find any for RHD, intreagued how these claim to fit both? Maybe as they are adapted to RHD they fit the LHD too if you know what I mean…
 
Avityesboy said:
Interesting yeah let me know too as couldn’t find any for RHD, intreagued how these claim to fit both? Maybe as they are adapted to RHD they fit the LHD too if you know what I mean…
Click to expand...

The way I'm looking at it is they claim it can fit a RHD car so if it doesn't it will be an easy refund procedure. I'm interested in the 'V2' section of the name, which suggests there was a V1 that they've since improved. Fingers crossed!
 
Busterboo said:
The N54 with cats in Sport+ is quite noisy. Is it legal catless?
Click to expand...

The Z4 35i comes with secondary cats, which are good enough to handle the emissions side of legality. As for the noise, I can't imagine it will have a profound change, perhaps slightly raspier? Only one way to find out I suppose...
 
James35i said:
Busterboo said:
The N54 with cats in Sport+ is quite noisy. Is it legal catless?
Click to expand...

The Z4 35i comes with secondary cats, which are good enough to handle the emissions side of legality. As for the noise, I can't imagine it will have a profound change, perhaps slightly raspier? Only one way to find out I suppose...
Click to expand...
Enjoy. :)
 
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
 
mcbutler said:
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
Click to expand...

But you had to move the lambda sensor plug no…?
 
mcbutler said:
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
Click to expand...
Wondering the same as John, the VRSF just went straight in? Even being designed for LHD? Great news if so.
 
James35i said:
mcbutler said:
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
Click to expand...
Wondering the same as John, the VRSF just went straight in? Even being designed for LHD? Great news if so.
Click to expand...
Did for me although my mte at my local indy said they can be a bit of a buggar, leaks once in due to poor alignment.
WELL worth the troube though
 
john-e89 said:
mcbutler said:
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
Click to expand...

But you had to move the lambda sensor plug no…?
Click to expand...
Can't remember John to be honest, a few years back now
 
mcbutler said:
James35i said:
mcbutler said:
Sounds great with the cats gone, lovely tickover sound, VRSF on mine went straight in, no issues at all.
A bit tight but i guess each car is not EXACTLY the same...
A difficult day on your back to fit them but it can be done.
Far better idea to let your local indy do it though
Click to expand...
Wondering the same as John, the VRSF just went straight in? Even being designed for LHD? Great news if so.
Click to expand...
Did for me although my mte at my local indy said they can be a bit of a buggar, leaks once in due to poor alignment.
WELL worth the troube though
Click to expand...
Very interesting! I'll keep that in mind.

I'm in the midst of maintenance and some other niggly bits at the moment, so performance has taken a back seat, though I have changed the charge pipe and installed and Evo 1 intercooler.

Unfortunately, my AC Compressor has failed so I've got to get that sorted, especially with the improving weather.
 
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