03-16-2018, 08:33 PM | #1 |
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Buy new V-band clamps before downpipe install?
Hey all,
I'm planning on putting in a new CTS downpipe into my 2014 335xi (EWG) this spring and I've been having the internal debate about purchasing new v-band clamps as part of the install. It seems like some do but a lot don't. Any feedback from you guys that have done in the install? My car has 40k on it and I'm in the northeast so I wouldn't be surprised if its a bit crusty down there. It's about $60 for 2 new clamps so If I could avoid the added cost that be great but if not I'd rather be safe then sorry. Thanks! |
03-16-2018, 08:45 PM | #2 |
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I didn't buy one for the first 2 times I had my downpipe on and off ( for emissions) now that I'm about to reinstall it again, I bought a new gasket/Vband combo from ECS tuning.
The old one gets a little bent up after it goes on and off a few times. |
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03-16-2018, 09:04 PM | #3 |
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its a small price to pay for added security against leaks. At the very least get a bottom clamp with the integrated gasket.
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03-16-2018, 09:12 PM | #4 |
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I think the concern is this piece getting mangled up:
[IMG]https://i0.wp.com/*************/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG-20180208-WA0004.jpeg[/IMG] Inside the vband: [IMG]https://i2.wp.com/*************/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG-20180208-WA0002.jpeg[/IMG] Check out my install guide in the link below, I personally didn't change it, but the next time I think I will have to.
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BreadsBMW on Youtube Last edited by badbread; 03-19-2018 at 10:48 AM.. |
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03-16-2018, 10:29 PM | #6 |
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This is partially my concern also. I’ll have to take my downpipe off in a year. Maybe I’ll look to replace them then.
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03-16-2018, 10:34 PM | #7 |
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I have taken my DP on and off a couple times and will say the lower clamp should be replaced each time but the upper one is re-usable.
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2013 335i Msport Black sapphire/Coral red. MHD. stage 2--e30 VRSF DP, ER CP, Dinan Shockware. VRSF 12mm/15mm spacers. Cobra dashcam. Various codings.
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03-16-2018, 10:44 PM | #8 |
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I'll let you know tomorrow when I pull everything apart! I bought a new lower clamp because of the likelihood of those little tabs getting bent out of shape, but I plan to reuse the upper clamp
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03-16-2018, 11:11 PM | #9 |
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Yeah, those little tabs get all bent up...one time I took my new lower clamp back off because it didn't look right and they were bent, so I bent them back in place and no exhaust leak. Pretty simple stuff, but like a CP more labor intensive.
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2013 335i Msport Black sapphire/Coral red. MHD. stage 2--e30 VRSF DP, ER CP, Dinan Shockware. VRSF 12mm/15mm spacers. Cobra dashcam. Various codings.
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03-17-2018, 07:41 PM | #10 | |
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Car on lift at 10 am, off the lift at 4:30 with a new inter cooler, charge pipe and down pipe (and bm3 flash). This included a quick run to grab a random socket we were missing and a lunch break. I took my dad for a test drive and he said it felt as powerful as his Tesla, so I'll consider that a win! |
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03-17-2018, 10:07 PM | #11 | |
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2013 335i Msport Black sapphire/Coral red. MHD. stage 2--e30 VRSF DP, ER CP, Dinan Shockware. VRSF 12mm/15mm spacers. Cobra dashcam. Various codings.
Last car: 2011 335i Msport. JB4. Vrsf CP |
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03-18-2018, 08:42 PM | #13 |
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03-26-2020, 06:20 PM | #14 |
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Do I have all the parts?
I ordered the CTS Turbo Catless 4" Downpipe for N55 (EWG).
Mine came with a single nut/bolt combo to mount it? Are those the only parts that should've come with it? I assume I'm reusing existing nut/bolt from the factory downpipe? I read guidance and will at least be purchasing a lower V band clamp. Thank you! |
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03-27-2020, 10:16 AM | #15 |
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+1
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03-29-2020, 11:09 AM | #16 | |
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When i replaced mine with fabspeed i had the gasket, top vband, and lower vband on hand. I ended up only using the new lower vband - that is pretty much unavoidable due to the way it clamps. I reused the top vband and even the gasket. My car is from CA and relatively low miles however you you might want to have those parts on hand as well. The only place there is a separate nut/bolt is for the side support bracket. I reused stock ones there as my fabspeed didnt come with anything. |
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03-29-2020, 11:37 PM | #17 |
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It's the bolt pictured here. Mine also came with a nut. I feel like they are just extra because from watching install videos and reading instructions the factory mounting points are used. Thanks for the reply! |
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03-30-2020, 02:49 AM | #18 | |
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03-30-2020, 08:06 AM | #19 |
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I just did a downpipe yesterday, live in the Northeast. I probably could have reused the clamps, but bought new ones with the downpipe anyway. The upper clamp became a little twisted coming off, but could have been reused if necessary. You will need a new upper gasket anyway though and the lower clamp contains an integrated metal sealing washer so might as well do it once and do it right
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03-30-2020, 11:51 AM | #20 | |
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The upper gasket can be reused if it doesnt look crushed or damaged in any way. I was more concerned to try and remove mine and fit the new one than just leave the OEM, and mine doesn't leak or have any issues. But again, have it on hand and see how it looks when you get in there. Bottom clamp pretty much 100% needs to be replaced. |
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01-12-2024, 08:21 PM | #22 | |
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and this post https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...16&postcount=6 |
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