535_ECOBOOST

Well with AR Design downpipes being around 900 bucks and every shop giving me an install price of around 600+, im trying to explore other options for downpipes. I currently am looking at trying to run an e90 xi dp and having a shop fab a flange/pipe to make it fit. Ive thought about having my OEM dowpipe modified to fit a 3.5" pipe in the middle of the 2 oem flanges, but I feel like it would be poor solution, even if it was TIG welded. Any ideas?

texasmr2

AR's 535i downpipe's are slightly over $1K ( ar design - fabrication perfected ar design BMW 535i / 535xi 3" Hi-Flo Catless Downpipes - Exhaust - E60 / E61 - BMW - Select Your Vehicle ) so if you can get the set for $900 tax included you would be making a great deal. I may not have any BMW turbo experience but I have 20+yrs of personal turbo experience so with that being said do not be a "cheap skate"! AR DP's are PnP and if you know how to turn a wrench and have access to a lift you can save on the installation cost.


$900 is not bad at all for two DP's of such quality. The 3" DP for my single turbo Miata I wanted to build was $600+ tax but it would have been a PnP for the turbo system and custom exhaust manifold, you pay for quality which is something that has not changed since the first "horseless carriage".


That is my opinion, good luck.

Booyaazaa

Just bit the bullet and get the ARD's. Why deal with trying to make it fit when you can get something that will fit with no issues. Keep an eye out on the classified section of the forums for part outs. Maybe you'll get lucky and find a set for a good deal.

texasmr2

This ^^^^ .

535_ECOBOOST

thanks for the advice everyone. You all essentially said what I figured, if I want a good set of DPs for my car I need to suck it up and get the ARs.

rice_rocket88

I think the biggest issue is cost and labor. You still need to get the e90 DP.. and all the pieces. After that, you still need the labor cost of getting it in/up there.. and then welding it.

In the end of the day I wouldn't even be surprised if the cost is more than if you were to buy the AR ones

texasmr2

Wise decision my friend. Modifying vehicles with quality upgrades/parts is by no means inexpensive but in the long run you will reap the benefits and rewards. Using the AR DP's as an example yes the materials are kinda inexpensive but the labor, research and development for such a very critical part is enormous for any shop, that is something that a lot of people forgot to take into consideration.


I look forward to hearing if you get a deal on a set, the labor cost if you do not perform the installation and your initial impressions after installation.