[pw0n]

I've gone catless (CTS Turbo) on my 435i, and I must say, the smell is obnoxiously strong. I know what you're thinking, "no shit, Sherlock", but hear me out.

From all the reviews I've read, a good 10-20% said the smell is not that strong and about 20-30% said the smell is pretty bearable. Based off those statistics, I went w/ the catless option because I've always had insanely bad nasal congestion. I was always in the 10% or so minority that couldn't smell what others were smelling (yes, even when Fat Steve ripped a fat one). I figured I should be pretty safe. I couldn't have been any more wrong (in hindsight, I understand my logic is pretty flawed )

To top it all off, my buddy has a catless Cobb Stage 2 STI, but I never really had any issues with smells even in his garage. It's to the point where I can smell it very faintly only when directly behind his car (again, I have awful smelling). However, with my car, I can smell it pretty strongly even when I'm a good 6ft away from the FRONT of the car.

Anyways, my main concern is whether or not this is completely normal and expected. Is the smell supposed to be this strong and persistent? Or is this a sign that I screwed up my installation? I used brand new OEM V-bands on both ends of the DP.

Some more context, I don't smell anything in the cabin when I'm stopped with the windows closed or driving with the windows opened, but it's immediately noticeable as soon as the car is stopped with the windows cracked/opened. No other mods besides a charge pipe. Running BM3 Stage 2 91. No logs but the car feels strong and smooth. No loss of power and no strange sounds/noises when flooring.

[Ownnij]

can't compare apples and oranges brother.. it's all normal

[DreamerJoe]

I don't really smell it unless im standing outside the car, I don't drive with my windows all the way down though (half or 1/4 ways). I did notice the smell was stronger before I did my tune, not sure if it was just in my head, but I swear it smelled terrible, then manageable after the tune.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by pw0n

I've gone catless (CTS Turbo) on my 435i, and I must say, the smell is obnoxiously strong. I know what you're thinking, "no shit, Sherlock", but hear me out.

From all the reviews I've read, a good 10-20% said the smell is not that strong and about 20-30% said the smell is pretty bearable. Based off those statistics, I went w/ the catless option because I've always had insanely bad nasal congestion. I was always in the 10% or so minority that couldn't smell what others were smelling (yes, even when Fat Steve ripped a fat one). I figured I should be pretty safe. I couldn't have been any more wrong (in hindsight, I understand my logic is pretty flawed )

To top it all off, my buddy has a catless Cobb Stage 2 STI, but I never really had any issues with smells even in his garage. It's to the point where I can smell it very faintly only when directly behind his car (again, I have awful smelling). However, with my car, I can smell it pretty strongly even when I'm a good 6ft away from the FRONT of the car.

Anyways, my main concern is whether or not this is completely normal and expected. Is the smell supposed to be this strong and persistent? Or is this a sign that I screwed up my installation? I used brand new OEM V-bands on both ends of the DP.

Some more context, I don't smell anything in the cabin when I'm stopped with the windows closed or driving with the windows opened, but it's immediately noticeable as soon as the car is stopped with the windows cracked/opened. No other mods besides a charge pipe. Running BM3 Stage 2 91. No logs but the car feels strong and smooth. No loss of power and no strange sounds/noises when flooring.

Same downpipe here.
Also think it smells strong.
But have been told that's normal.
No leaks.

I don't think it's related to the downpipe.

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

VRSF DP here, smell is quite strong but I enjoy it.

[ali820]

:

[Tpriest7893]

My car is catless (335i) and it really only smells if the car is sitting running for a little bit or if I'm driving it hard in the road and come to a stop it'll smell. Red lights and stuff I don't smell it. Just if I literally walk behind my car

[Logicoeur]

Most likely your tune then. Since you ran a dyno tune, I'm guessing you are trying to get 10/10s out of your mods. More boost, more fuel, no cat, more of it makes it out of the tailpipe. Cobb is an OTS tune so they will always be on the more conservative side.

[n55david]

Its called exhaust fumes and these posts make me giggle

[mcintoshf30]

I love the smell honestly, can't wait to smell corn though haha

[zinner]

Some people don't like the smell of racetrack. Don't be one of those people.

[pw0n]

Originally Posted by DreamerJoe

I don't really smell it unless im standing outside the car, I don't drive with my windows all the way down though (half or 1/4 ways). I did notice the smell was stronger before I did my tune, not sure if it was just in my head, but I swear it smelled terrible, then manageable after the tune.

Originally Posted by Tpriest7893

My car is catless (335i) and it really only smells if the car is sitting running for a little bit or if I'm driving it hard in the road and come to a stop it'll smell. Red lights and stuff I don't smell it. Just if I literally walk behind my car

DreamerJoe Tpriest7893 , are either of you tuned? And if so, which tune and stage?

Originally Posted by Logicoeur

Most likely your tune then. Since you ran a dyno tune, I'm guessing you are trying to get 10/10s out of your mods. More boost, more fuel, no cat, more of it makes it out of the tailpipe. Cobb is an OTS tune so they will always be on the more conservative side.

I'm not running a custom, dyno tune. I'm running OTS Stage 2 91 from BM3.

[Tpriest7893]

Originally Posted by pw0n

DreamerJoe Tpriest7893 , are either of you tuned? And if so, which tune and stage?

I'm not running a custom, dyno tune. I'm running OTS Stage 2 91 from BM3.

I am but tuned. I want to tune just have not yet. Hey just have I take and the down pipe. No issues or anything. Been that way for about a year. I want to go bm3 or mhd read some controversial stuff I can't make mind up

[Tpriest7893]

Not tuned * just intake and Down pipe Jesus I can't type today

[DreamerJoe]

Originally Posted by pw0n

DreamerJoe Tpriest7893 , are either of you tuned? And if so, which tune and stage?

I'm not running a custom, dyno tune. I'm running OTS Stage 2 91 from BM3.

yes, currently have MHD stage 2+.

[Tpriest7893]

Originally Posted by DreamerJoe

yes, currently have MHD stage 2+.

How you like it?

[DreamerJoe]

Originally Posted by Tpriest7893

How you like it?

I love it, car runs great and logs look good. they also added a lower coolant feature from the "M line" so my car runs @ 185° instead of 220° and they just came out with a wireless adapter for $70. they also have an auto logging option where you don't have to manually push start and stop to take one, if it detects a certain throttle position/% it will start your log.

[Tpriest7893]

Originally Posted by DreamerJoe

I love it, car runs great and logs look good. they also added a lower coolant feature from the "M line" so my car runs @ 185° instead of 220° and they just came out with a wireless adapter for $70. they also have an auto logging option where you don't have to manually push start and stop to take one, if it detects a certain throttle position/% it will start your log.

That's pretty sweet. Been hearing good things about it

[Logicoeur]

Originally Posted by pw0n

DreamerJoe Tpriest7893 , are either of you tuned? And if so, which tune and stage?

I'm not running a custom, dyno tune. I'm running OTS Stage 2 91 from BM3.

Idk which signature I read that in now. Oops lol.

[FallenRainDrops]

I feel you'll get used to it, it smells the most when youre idling/stopped.

i dont even notice it anymore lmao. put on a few Little Trees

[mike@x-ph.com]

If you do not smell it inside the cabin then you probably fine. Sounds like you are better off with getting a catted pipe

[sean2648]

The smell is definitely normal, that's what you get going catless. You either love it or hate it, same with the drone.

I love all the smells and sounds with a modified car; therefore; I never have an issue with pulling the trigger on "exhaust" mods.

It's like saying you moved out into the country next to a cow farm and knew it was going to smell like shit all the time, but it might be okay because your house was far enough away. Only to move in and complain that it smells like shit all the time.