X Drive Downpipe install?

Tweedle335

Private
Dec 1, 2016
29
7
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Illinois
I've been looking around and I've seen a bunch of install guides for downpipes on RWD cars, but I haven't been able to find one on xdrive cars. I have a 335xi and obviously I want to do downpipes, but I don't want to pay a shop to install them. Are there any good guides out there for the install on an xdrive car?
 
Nov 14, 2016
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North Wilkesboro
I've been looking around and I've seen a bunch of install guides for downpipes on RWD cars, but I haven't been able to find one on xdrive cars. I have a 335xi and obviously I want to do downpipes, but I don't want to pay a shop to install them. Are there any good guides out there for the install on an xdrive car?
While you're doing those you might as well install inlets, you will have to drop the subframe in order to remove the stock DPs

http://www.bummerboost.com/showthread.php?19372-Downpipe-install-335xi-subframe-method
 
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b1mmr

Corporal
Jan 17, 2017
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It took me 7 hours on ramps for my xi.. when you get to the part where you have to clamp the dp's I suggest a friend.

It is critical that you thread all of the sub frame bolts before tightening them down when you are done. In my experience the sub frame didn't line up enough for the last bolt to go in cleanly and I had a shop clean the threads for 140.. exhaust shop wanted 800 for the job so I considered it a lesson learned and 660 dollars saved .

Harbor freight has an 02 wrench or you can try a crowfoot for the sensors.. I used neither of these but the tools are out there. Try not to twist these cables too much.
 

Reaper0995

Specialist
Jan 10, 2017
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I'll donate 20$ to whoever does a really in-depth guide. :) I would feel more comfortable doing the job with a more detailed guide than what I could find.

Really that link is pretty good, it's what I followed doing my xi and that was the first thing I had done to my car. Literally bought it, drove one tanks worth of gas, then did all the fbo mods. Overall it's pretty self explanatory once you get into the thick of it. Drop the subframe, but understand that does not mean remove the subframe. Like an idiot I didn't do inlets while it was apart, then later did it... without dropping the subframe and it was a huge pain! I would not recommend doing it the way I did, just buy them and put them in at the same time.
 
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doublespaces

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Oct 18, 2016
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Really that link is pretty good, it's what I followed doing my xi and that was the first thing I had done to my car. Literally bought it, drove one tanks worth of gas, then did all the fbo mods. Overall it's pretty self explanatory once you get into the thick of it. Drop the subframe, but understand that does not mean remove the subframe. Like an idiot I didn't do inlets while it was apart, then later did it... without dropping the subframe and it was a huge pain! I would not recommend doing it the way I did, just buy them and put them in at the same time.

Except an official AWD guide would look so nice here: https://bmw.spoolstreet.com/resources/
 

Tweedle335

Private
Dec 1, 2016
29
7
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Illinois
While you're doing those you might as well install inlets, you will have to drop the subframe in order to remove the stock DPs

http://www.bummerboost.com/showthread.php?19372-Downpipe-install-335xi-subframe-method
I like the guide, but I feel like the dropping the subframe part needs more detail. I don't wanna mess anything up when I have to drop it, and that part of the guide is a little light on details.
 

b1mmr

Corporal
Jan 17, 2017
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I like the guide, but I feel like the dropping the subframe part needs more detail. I don't wanna mess anything up when I have to drop it, and that part of the guide is a little light on details.
If memory serves me right, all you need to do is be prepared for it to drop with a jack, it doesn't just fall out but it detaches from the frame. You need another jack for the engine.
 

Babybluebeems

New Member
Mar 31, 2020
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If memory serves me right, all you need to do is be prepared for it to drop with a jack, it doesn't just fall out but it detaches from the frame. You need another jack for the engine.
Hey there, im literally in the middle of this xi DP install and I took the 6 subframe bolts and 4 motor mount bolts out but the fram didnt drop. Do I have to remove anything else or shoukd I force it to drop a bit?.
Tha ks
 

335insanity

New Member
Apr 11, 2019
7
1
0
Ride
09 335XI
I've been looking around and I've seen a bunch of install guides for downpipes on RWD cars, but I haven't been able to find one on xdrive cars. I have a 335xi and obviously I want to do downpipes, but I don't want to pay a shop to install them. Are there any good guides out there for the install on an xdrive car?
I did xi down pipes when i did my Oil Pan gasket took me about a week on a lift with access to all tools needed. i also had issues with the sub frame lining up and cross threaded the body so i had to get an $8 tap and fixed the thread. make sure to be careful with the body bolts especially if its a higher miles car. install honestly wasn't rocket science just time consuming lots of small spaces and with bigger hands it was quite aggravating at times. i honestly would not recommend it if you are not mechanically inclined. if you are gonna do it hit as many maintenance items while your down there. Water Pump, oil pan gasket, turbos if you have the$ ETC. it will be easier to just get everything done and do this once i am about to do it all again due to blown turbos and am dreading it. Side note, oil pan is very confusing first time through the axles run through the pan you will need a gear/ axle puller to get them out and take the oil pan down.
Best Luck!
 

335insanity

New Member
Apr 11, 2019
7
1
0
Ride
09 335XI
Hey there, im literally in the middle of this xi DP install and I took the 6 subframe bolts and 4 motor mount bolts out but the fram didnt drop. Do I have to remove anything else or shoukd I force it to drop a bit?.
Tha ks
power steering rack had to come out when i did it as well as axles. i do not remember every step its been about a year since i did it.
 

ajpagosa

Specialist
Feb 10, 2017
51
30
0
Ride
e92 335xi
To just do downpipes on an XI you shouldn't have to remove more than the subframe and motor mount bolts. You may need to pry a bit but it will eventually hang down a few inches which is enough. Make sure the motor is adequately supported (obviously). I used a lift from Harbor Freight, one of those across the fender ones. I've done it from below (supported the engine) with a jack and stands just not enough room.

There are detailed DIY's on other forums.
 

Hjp

New Member
Jun 26, 2020
2
0
0
Greetings from Finland. I'm planning to do the dp upgrade in my 335xi. Why everybody is dropping the subframe when Bmw ista docs doesn't say anything about it when removing or installing dps?


To just do downpipes on an XI you shouldn't have to remove more than the subframe and motor mount bolts. You may need to pry a bit but it will eventually hang down a few inches which is enough. Make sure the motor is adequately supported (obviously). I used a lift from Harbor Freight, one of those across the fender ones. I've done it from below (supported the engine) with a jack and stands just not enough room.

There are detailed DIY's on other forums.
 

Hjp

New Member
Jun 26, 2020
2
0
0
Actually, I checked what exactly Ista+ says how to remove downpipes from 335xi and it's about like this, no subframes no nothing, just a lot of pre-work:

Removing and installing/replace catalytic converter for cylinders 1-3 (N54, N54T

- Remove underbody protection
- Remove exhaust system
- Remove cable clip on side of transmission for control sensor/monitoring sensor


- Remove right output shaft

Remove track rod end from swivel bearing.
Remove guide joint from swivel bearing.
Remove wishbone from swivel bearing only
Remove anti-roll bar link from spring strut
Press output shaft out of wheel hub and tie up


- Remove right bearing support
- Remove oxygen sensors

- remove both downpipes

So is this wrong method and you have tried this way and its not working?
 

NoQuarter

Major
Nov 24, 2017
1,662
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Indiana, USA
Ride
Z4 35is, 535xi, X5 35i
I would say this is the BMW method and the easier method is to lower the subframe and leave all that other stuff attached?

I just did my 535xi a couple weeks ago.