[Tiago@VRSF]

Typical aFe, we've returned more aFe exhaust parts than we've successfully installed. Their intake's are really good but anything involving a pipe seems to be a hassle with them.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Typical aFe, we've returned more aFe exhaust parts than we've successfully installed. Their intake's are really good but anything involving a pipe seems to be a hassle with them.

When do you guys plan on releasing a downpipe for the N20?

[Tiago@VRSF]

In the works now

We picked up a 328xi but it turns out its a n26 so we'll have to pickup an oem DP to make an adjustment.

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Typical aFe, we've returned more aFe exhaust parts than we've successfully installed. Their intake's are really good but anything involving a pipe seems to be a hassle with them.

I've decided I'm going to send this one back to aFe for a replacement. If the new one has the same issue, I'm going to ask for a refund and buy another brand. Although, I'm not sure who the refund would come from since I bought it from one of their resellers.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by TurboM

I've decided I'm going to send this one back to aFe for a replacement. If the new one has the same issue, I'm going to ask for a refund and buy another brand. Although, I'm not sure who the refund would come from since I bought it from one of their resellers.

Contact the reseller, they should be handling this for you and they will be held responsible for the refund in any case.

[rustyminded]

Originally Posted by TurboM

I barely notice mine being any louder than stock.

Tried the car last time and I can barely notice any drone as mentioned

[cubanismo]

Was about to pull the trigger on the DP until I saw this thread.

Wondering if age has fixed the problem with the fitment?

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by cubanismo

Was about to pull the trigger on the DP until I saw this thread.

Wondering if age has fixed the problem with the fitment?

Hopefully you'll have better luck than me, although renting a tailpipe expander from Autozone did the trick pretty easily. Now its just dealing with the sound of the exhaust leak that has been the biggest pain.

[cubanismo]

Originally Posted by TurboM

Hopefully you'll have better luck than me, although renting a tailpipe expander from Autozone did the trick pretty easily. Now its just dealing with the sound of the exhaust leak that has been the biggest pain.

Yeah, I'd really rather not have to deal with having to expand the tailpipe. Can't believe they emphasize easy install with stock fitment, charge $400, and then luckily I found this thread. Thanks for the reply. Hopefully they fix the issue, or another company makes a similar DP for the n20's with good fitment.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by TurboM

Hopefully you'll have better luck than me, although renting a tailpipe expander from Autozone did the trick pretty easily. Now its just dealing with the sound of the exhaust leak that has been the biggest pain.

I've found that most tailpipe expanders never produce a fully round result which makes it very difficult to take care of a leak. If you want a quick solution they offer different high temp liquid gasket solutions like RTV or you could even use thermal wrap underneath the band clamp

[rustyminded]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

I've found that most tailpipe expanders never produce a fully round result which makes it very difficult to take care of a leak. If you want a quick solution they offer different high temp liquid gasket solutions like RTV or you could even use thermal wrap underneath the band clamp

you mean like exhaust wrap, I did mine with exhaust wrap but on the clamp.. so If there is a leak the wrap should be enough?

[Tiago@VRSF]

I'd do the exhaust wrap underneath the clamp. If you're combating a leak, the RTV combined with the thermal wrap does a great job of sealing.

Over the clamp won't really help you.

[marcoac14]

I have a N20 320 and just purchased the ER downpipe.
I'm thinking of replacing it myself.

How difficult is it to replace the stock downpipe? How long?
Is there write up on this?

Do I need a lift? I only have jack stands.

Thanks!

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by marcoac14

I have a N20 320 and just purchased the ER downpipe.
I'm thinking of replacing it myself.

How difficult is it to replace the stock downpipe? How long?
Is there write up on this?

Do I need a lift? I only have jack stands.

Thanks!

Not sure if there is a write up but it should take less than 2 hours for a first timer with good hand tools. You definitely do not need a lift although it always makes things easier. Hardest part is getting the lower O2 sensor out/in. It also helps quite a bit to have a second set of hands when aligning the downpipe/v-band to the turbo. Overall its a pretty easy job, I'd give it a 3 or 4 out of 10 in difficulty.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by TurboM

Not sure if there is a write up but it should take less than 2 hours for a first timer with good hand tools. You definitely do not need a lift although it always makes things easier. Hardest part is getting the lower O2 sensor out/in. It also helps quite a bit to have a second set of hands when aligning the downpipe/v-band to the turbo. Overall its a pretty easy job, I'd give it a 3 or 4 out of 10 in difficulty.

Thanks man!

I'll do it next saturday and I'll have a second set of hands
Any need to remove major parts to reach the downpipe?

Cheers

[TurboM]

Originally Posted by marcoac14

Thanks man!

I'll do it next saturday and I'll have a second set of hands
Any need to remove major parts to reach the downpipe?

Cheers

You have to unbolt the entire exhaust to be able to slip it off of the downpipe, only 4 nuts/bolts though. Caught me off guard initially but it was really easy. Be sure to unplug the valve on the muffler before unbolting the entire exhaust. Everything is else very straight forward assuming you've worked with v-band clamps before.

[MiszBimmer]

Hey everyone.

Just wondering if there was ever a solution to the AFE downpipe fitment issue ?

[mike@x-ph.com]

I would not recommend the AFE N20 downpipe, we have had a lot of issues

Try the Wagner or Evolution Racewerks DP