[bmw5858]

Hi guys

Trying to find a good video/photo for a DIY downpipe install. Will receive my downpipe tomorrow. I do have a garage, some tools and a quickjack to raise the car roughly 2 feet from the ground.

I'm good with cars but never did that kind of installation. I did exhaust, bumper, CAI, JB4, but no downpipe.

So trying to get a good way to start!

Thanks!

[thestimp]

It’s pretty easy on these, a couple bolts and replace gaskets. Plenty of room to do it in too. Might need a long ratchet exstension.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by bmw5858

Hi guys

Trying to find a good video/photo for a DIY downpipe install. Will receive my downpipe tomorrow. I do have a garage, some tools and a quickjack to raise the car roughly 2 feet from the ground.

I'm good with cars but never did that kind of installation. I did exhaust, bumper, CAI, JB4, but no downpipe.

So trying to get a good way to start!

Thanks!

Here are the schematic's so you can see whats going on down there. Other than that its just a simple swap. Take care with the o2 sensors.

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=18_1618

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/par...BMW-X3_M&mg=18

[The1EyedPigF97]

It is very easy if you can get the car high enough off the ground.
It’s straight forward to be honest.

One vband clamps you can get to from the top with turbo inlet pipe removed. The bottom v band you can get to through the passenger wheel side. (That’s if car is LHD)

Just make sure to order 2 new turbo to downpipe gaskets and also new vband clamps from bmw (dealers always replace both when removed). It’s cheap to replace and it’s for peace of mind.

Main thing is to take your time and make sure the vband clamps are seated properly.

I did them myself as well. I didn’t take pics but can answer any other questions you may have.

[brs0123]

just wondering. How high do I need to get the vehicle off the ground to pull the downpipes out from below? I don't have a lift.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by brs0123

just wondering. How high do I need to get the vehicle off the ground to pull the downpipes out from below? I don't have a lift.

Honestly I did it with quick jacks, so maybe a foot? If you can fit underneath, you can get them out.

[dmanb2b]

Originally Posted by thestimp

Honestly I did it with quick jacks, so maybe a foot? If you can fit underneath, you can get them out.

Sorry for the thread bump, but which quick jacks' do you have? I have the 7000 slx and hinking they may be short unless I lift perpendicular

[Harris927]

Originally Posted by The1EyedPigF97

It is very easy if you can get the car high enough off the ground.
It’s straight forward to be honest.

One vband clamps you can get to from the top with turbo inlet pipe removed. The bottom v band you can get to through the passenger wheel side. (That’s if car is LHD)

Just make sure to order 2 new turbo to downpipe gaskets and also new vband clamps from bmw (dealers always replace both when removed). It’s cheap to replace and it’s for peace of mind.

Main thing is to take your time and make sure the vband clamps are seated properly.

I did them myself as well. I didn’t take pics but can answer any other questions you may have.

How long did it take you?

[The1EyedPigF97]

Originally Posted by Harris927

How long did it take you?

in total by myself around 4 hours on the ground.

with a lift by myself, around 2 hours not rushing.

[diirk]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

Sorry for the thread bump, but which quick jacks' do you have? I have the 7000 slx and hinking they may be short unless I lift perpendicular

I have the 5000 SLX and it's too short in either direction and I believe it's the same dimensions as the 7000 SLX.

The XL models would work perp. The new EXL one would work fine in either direction.

I was pretty annoyed discovering this the other night. I hadn't expected having to use a floor jack and jack stands.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by diirk

I have the 5000 SLX and it's too short in either direction and I believe it's the same dimensions as the 7000 SLX.

The XL models would work perp. The new EXL one would work fine in either direction.

I was pretty annoyed discovering this the other night. I hadn't expected having to use a floor jack and jack stands.

Mega bummer, I was hoping the 7000TLX would work but you are right. 66" maximum spread for the 5000 and the 7000TLX.

[diirk]

Originally Posted by joebie3

Mega bummer, I was hoping the 7000TLX would work but you are right. 66" maximum spread for the 5000 and the 7000TLX.

I think the TLX will work if you run it sideways. Mine was pretty close.

[Idfkman]

Could someone send me a list (part #’s or links) of which gaskets and bolts should be replaced during the downpipe install on the F97 X3M