[Bimmer84]

Lads and Ladies,

I am stationed here in Germany and have really been considering on the VRSF downpipes, especially now after getting a JB4 and DCI. I found a decent garage here where they do a lot of work on BMWs (honestly not as easy as you think, even in Germany). The garage is owned by four brothers and they all own BMWs as well, and two of them went to BMW master mechanic school. Two of them paint and do body work, and of course the first two mentioned are mechanics.

Anyway, back story complete, I asked them how much they would charge for a DP install. They said it would be around 150-200 euros (200-265 dollars). Does this sound reasonable or do you think it is a project I can tackle myself? I have seen the write ups, have access to a lift and tools, and understand mechanics, I am just worried about Tiago's warnings about a few mms off and you'll have rattle, etc. That being said, do you think going to a general mechanic shop is fine, or should I find a place that specializes in exhausts? Other thing I am honestly worried about is the 335 is not very common here, as most e90/92s in the area are 330 or lower (i.e 318i, 320i). Thanks in advance!

[cam_lg]

It took me about 6 hours to do on my own with the car on jack stands and the v-band clamps were a PITA, but then again I heat wrapped mine so I had less room to work with, if I were to do it again I'd use a proper car lift and have a friend with me to help align the vbands. not a big fan of paying for people to work on my car But for 200 bucks it's probably worth it IMO

[tscdennab]

If you have access to a lift and tools in a weekend or in one evening, do it yourself, it's really easy in these conditions. Shouldn't take more than 1.5-2 hours. For the labor money you can get yourself another mod for the car.

[E90SoFlo]

Other then the V-Band clamp (that usually takes 2 hours for everyone), its easy.

If you have a full set of tools and feel confident, its not hard, if you don't, take it to the shop and have them do it.

[bryce]

i installed the downpipes with help from a local forum member on my 135i.....it was a huge pain the in the butt, and we had a lift even. on my 335i, i gladly paid $200 to have downpipes installed

[Beemw335]

You shoul ask in your regional forum and see where others have had it done.

[Bimmer84]

My regional forum is VERY quiet. lol. Thanks for the insight so far everyone!

[aflatau]

that's a very fair price.

[Beemw335]

Op, if this guy has already installed dps on 335's then I would pay him to do it.
200 euros isnt that bad, especially of if he knkws what hes doing.

[itsmeek]

Save yourself the trouble, let them install it for you.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Try it yourself but if you expect it to take longer than 4-6 hours you're probably better off paying someone else to do it. Think about it, what is your time worth to you? If you were at work, would you want to make $200 for working 6 hours

[Bimmer84]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Try it yourself but if you expect it to take longer than 4-6 hours you're probably better off paying someone else to do it. Think about it, what is your time worth to you? If you were at work, would you want to make $200 for working 6 hours

If I was a porn star I would consider it...

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Bimmer84

If I was a porn star I would consider it...

lol

[chiaobaby]

pay to get it install Its worth it. Believe me once you bruised you knuckles you will curse yourself for diy. A garage mechanic plays with nuts and bolts all day long they can get it don faster than you do it yourself.

Originally Posted by Bimmer84

Lads and Ladies,

I am stationed here in Germany and have really been considering on the VRSF downpipes, especially now after getting a JB4 and DCI. I found a decent garage here where they do a lot of work on BMWs (honestly not as easy as you think, even in Germany). The garage is owned by four brothers and they all own BMWs as well, and two of them went to BMW master mechanic school. Two of them paint and do body work, and of course the first two mentioned are mechanics.

Anyway, back story complete, I asked them how much they would charge for a DP install. They said it would be around 150-200 euros (200-265 dollars). Does this sound reasonable or do you think it is a project I can tackle myself? I have seen the write ups, have access to a lift and tools, and understand mechanics, I am just worried about Tiago's warnings about a few mms off and you'll have rattle, etc. That being said, do you think going to a general mechanic shop is fine, or should I find a place that specializes in exhausts? Other thing I am honestly worried about is the 335 is not very common here, as most e90/92s in the area are 330 or lower (i.e 318i, 320i). Thanks in advance!

[Cromartie84]

Did them my self. Took 5 hrs with a lift and some beer. Probably could have done it quicker minus the beer.

[Jonny550]

Its honestly not all that hard if you have the proper tools I.e. socket set with rotating head, socket extenders 3"-6" . The Vbands are tough to work with but are doable with just one guy.




BTW: WEAR EYE PROTECTION!!!!, the stock gaskets are rusted and crusty and fall in your EYEBALLS!.

Ask me how i know.

[LuSt4Boost]

If you can spare the 200, I say pay someone to do it. For me, it wasn't worth the headache to install myself. I've installed every other mod myself on my car, but without a lift, I knew installing dp's on my back would have definitely been a PITA. Save yourself time, the headache, pain, and unecessary swearing.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Cromartie84

Did them my self. Took 5 hrs with a lift and some beer. Probably could have done it quicker minus the beer.

But the beer is the best part

[Themythx]

I ordered a set as well and plan on installing them myself here on grafs car shop. I mean if anything there all mechs that work in tehre so i can get help. Maybe we can get together and do it hit me up on PM

[Bimmer84]

I thought about getting in touch with you yesterday as well. You are in the facebook group right?