[Smlee3]

(Originally posted this in the General section, posting here also) Hey guys, so I paid a local shop to install the AA catted downpipe on my F30 340i. After 500ish miles, I got a CEL. I have MPPSK, no other tunes or mods. Just MPPSK and Active Autowerke’s catted downpipe. Anyone else experience a CEL? I’m really bummed because I spent $1k because of the no CEL guarantee... yet I still got one, and I’m short $300 on the install.

I’m open to any ideas on how to get rid of the CEL. I’m seeing mixed reviews on the O2 spacer (L and straight) on the B58. Some say it works, other say it doesn’t...

The car has 47k miles and seems perfectly normal, no rough idling or misfires. By normal I mean since the CEL came on I can’t tell a difference in anything. And if anyone is curious, the catted downpipe makes the car significantly louder in sport mode and the burbles are almost too much/loud. The pops were pretty loud with just the MPPSK, with the AA catted downpipe they’re stupid loud. Sounds great though, and I love the exhaust note... just wish the pops aren’t as aggressive. Comfort mode is still pretty quiet.

I also just ordered an OBD2 scanner so that I can diagnose the code, says it’ll arrive in a week.

[mike@x-ph.com]

I think you are jumping the gun here by posting a thread about the downpipe when you do not even know what the code is and whether it was caused by the downpipe or not

the CEL normally pops up within 100 miles, you have been running with the pipe for 500 miles without any issues.

Im not saying its impossible for the problem to happen after 500 miles but i recommend waiting till you get the OBD scanner before creating threads about it (you also posted about it on the AA downpipe thread)

[pauli18c]

Stop by an auto zone or something. They'll scan it for you...

[Smlee3]

Understood. I just wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience with the AA catted downpipe. Good point on not knowing the actual cause until I get a diagnosis. Will keep the thread updated with my findings.

[Astute]

Originally Posted by Smlee3

Understood. I just wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience with the AA catted downpipe. Good point on not knowing the actual cause until I get a diagnosis. Will keep the thread updated with my findings.

No CEL with this DP - had it on since Jan/Feb of this year.

[thatBimmerBloke]

Were you able to scan the code?

[Smlee3]

UPDATE 19 Aug: scanned the code, it’s P0420 (cat system efficiency below threshold).... this is exactly what AA guaranteed wouldn’t happen.

Any suggestions anyone?

[Genieman]

Originally Posted by Smlee3

UPDATE 19 Aug: scanned the code, it's P0420 (cat system efficiency below threshold).... this is exactly what AA guaranteed wouldn't happen.

Any suggestions anyone?

1. Ensure proper installation?
2. If you bought it new from a vendor, contact vendor.
3. Contact AA.

[WolfGTI]

I got the same code on my AA catted downpipe - I cleared it and it has not returned. If does I will be contacting AA.

[SflBimmer8484]

I suggest clearing the code and seeing how it goes. If there are any air leaks pre o2 sensor this can also cause a check engine light as well. Make sure its installed properly and everything is tight and sealed.. Any future issues just give me a call 305-233-9300 ext 227 and we will gladly help you out.

[pauli18c]

did the shop use a new gasket from turbo to DP or reuse the old one?

[Smlee3]

They used to new gasket that came with the downpipe. They reused the original v-clamp but there were no issues with that so I can’t imagine that would cause a leak. How you do even check for leaks? The car drives perfectly fine, and the installation looks spec perfect.

Btw, I cleared the code, and it came back within 200 miles... I’m going to try an L shaped spacer next. If that doesn’t work, I’m gonna replace the 2nd o2 sensor.

[SflBimmer8484]

Originally Posted by Smlee3

They used to new gasket that came with the downpipe. They reused the original v-clamp but there were no issues with that so I can’t imagine that would cause a leak. How you do even check for leaks? The car drives perfectly fine, and the installation looks spec perfect.

Btw, I cleared the code, and it came back within 200 miles... I’m going to try an L shaped spacer next. If that doesn’t work, I’m gonna replace the 2nd o2 sensor.

I'd prefer to send you a new whole new downpipe and cat. Obviously there is something not quite right with the one you have installed.

[GA/\/\/\/\A_CT]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

I'd prefer to send you a new whole new downpipe and cat. Obviously there is something not quite right with the one you have installed.

That is why you deal with Active Autowerkes folks! I have zero affiliation and don’t currently own any AA products, but I dealt with Mike and Karl Hugh (owners) in the early 2000’s on e36 M3 mods and they were pure class act. Great products that they stand behind and service to match.

[FirstBMWLA]

Are you gonna pay for his installer to swap the new downpipe as well?

[Smlee3]

Originally Posted by Andrew@ActiveAutowerke

I'd prefer to send you a new whole new downpipe and cat. Obviously there is something not quite right with the one you have installed.

Please check your inbox. I will take you up on your offer and send back the AA catted DP I have now for inspection. Also am interested in installation cost reimbursement or other options e.g. if there are any affiliate shops in my area I am willing to take it there for installation.

I have not yet installed the spacer, but have reset the same CEL (P0420) twice now and it seems to come back every couple hundred miles.

[kianf22]

OP please update as you find a resolution! I recently installed this DP too because of the No CEL Guarantee. Good to see that Active has contacted you but seems like you're not the only one..... and for a $900 downpipe I really hope I don't have any issues with it either. I'm running it without tune and plan to keep it that way for a while.

[kianf22]

Originally Posted by WolfGTI

I got the same code on my AA catted downpipe - I cleared it and it has not returned. If does I will be contacting AA.

Please update if you get it again

[BMWApp]

Originally Posted by kianf22

OP please update as you find a resolution! I recently installed this DP too because of the No CEL Guarantee. Good to see that Active has contacted you but seems like you're not the only one..... and for a $900 downpipe I really hope I don't have any issues with it either. I'm running it without tune and plan to keep it that way for a while.

The no CEL guarantee is one of the main reasons I bought the AA catted downpipe as well. I've had it on my car for a month now with no CEL. My 340 also just passed NC inspection as well. So far it's been great.

[kianf22]

Originally Posted by BMWApp

The no CEL guarantee is one of the main reasons I bought the AA catted downpipe as well. I've had it on my car for a month now with no CEL. My 340 also just passed NC inspection as well. So far it's been great.

Good to hear! How many miles have you had it on for?

[BMWApp]

Originally Posted by kianf22

Good to hear! How many miles have you had it on for?

Probably around 500 or so.

[kianf22]

Anyone experiencing lots of smell during cold start? Not happy with how much my DP smells. Bought this with the belief that it would BARELY smell if smell at all because it's a 300cel. I think my dealer will definitely notice it during service and that can be a source of a warranty claim denial for me...