[Evan_RS]

Hello everyone, I have 2022 x4m. Shop quoted me $1294 to install catless downpipe. Told me it takes 10hrs. Just wonder how much you guys paid and how long did it take?

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

Hello everyone, I have 2022 x4m. Shop quoted me $1294 to install catless downpipe. Told me it takes 10hrs. Just wonder how much you guys paid and how long did it take?

I saw you post on the FB pages, and I agree with what people said there. I feel like they are quoting island time. Ask them if that's the Kama'aina price LOL.

Seeing that you're on Oahu, did you check with Sykes Automotive?

[thestimp]

Considering I did mine using a youtube tutorial and it took 3 hours, I'd say they are full of shit.

[Must_Go_FASTER]

Most places look up what BMW service manuals estimate the time to complete the install (using removal of stock to replacement of stock parts) and then take that number and multiply by their hourly fee. The key is whether or not they'll charge you less if it only takes a few hours. Most places I wouldn't trust to only charge the actual labor cost because if you agreed to the estimate, they have you on the hook for that amount.

With a lift by yourself you could probably do it in 2-3 hrs. Jackstands probably add an hour-ish. My high flow catted took me 10 damn hours, but that was because the CTS turbo catted DPs are nearly identical in size to the stock ones, and they have heat shielding on the outside (not smooth). Couldn't install one then the other, had to push them both up there at the same time and really fanagle the shit outta them. There's not a lotta room to get the stock (or similar to stock) sized DPs in and out down there.

Smooth catless DPs would be an absolute breeze though. Try to find a shop nearby that specializes in BMW/European cars and also ask if they'll only charge the actual time spent on labor. Seems like a dick thing to ask, but if they don't get offended, you're probably at the right place... or they're lying to your face.

Also, may I ask what your goal is with the catless? If it's ultimately that you're going to do a lot of upgrades, then yeah, go for it. But if you just want better sound, a mid-pipe is actually the best route.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by joebie3

I saw you post on the FB pages, and I agree with what people said there. I feel like they are quoting island time. Ask them if that's the Kama'aina price LOL.

Seeing that you're on Oahu, did you check with Sykes Automotive?

Yea, moving off this rock soon.

Are you talking about sykes1330 on ig? He was the one who quoted me that price.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by thestimp

Considering I did mine using a youtube tutorial and it took 3 hours, I'd say they are full of shit.

It is what it is man. I understand everyone need to make money but $1294/ 10 hrs labor just bit too much.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by Must_Go_FASTER

Most places look up what BMW service manuals estimate the time to complete the install (using removal of stock to replacement of stock parts) and then take that number and multiply by their hourly fee. The key is whether or not they'll charge you less if it only takes a few hours. Most places I wouldn't trust to only charge the actual labor cost because if you agreed to the estimate, they have you on the hook for that amount.

With a lift by yourself you could probably do it in 2-3 hrs. Jackstands probably add an hour-ish. My high flow catted took me 10 damn hours, but that was because the CTS turbo catted DPs are nearly identical in size to the stock ones, and they have heat shielding on the outside (not smooth). Couldn't install one then the other, had to push them both up there at the same time and really fanagle the shit outta them. There's not a lotta room to get the stock (or similar to stock) sized DPs in and out down there.

Smooth catless DPs would be an absolute breeze though. Try to find a shop nearby that specializes in BMW/European cars and also ask if they'll only charge the actual time spent on labor. Seems like a dick thing to ask, but if they don't get offended, you're probably at the right place... or they're lying to your face.

Also, may I ask what your goal is with the catless? If it's ultimately that you're going to do a lot of upgrades, then yeah, go for it. But if you just want better sound, a mid-pipe is actually the best route.

I called up 2 shops.

1st shop told me 10 hrs / $1294.

2nd, the shop specializes BMW (big sign outside the shop). When I get there, the mechanic ask me what year is my car, told him 2022. He said, that’s a B47 engine right ?” Maybe take to an exhaust shop. I was ready to leave anyway when he said B47 Engine lol.

3rd shop quoted 13 and half hrs labor lol.

Then, called an exhaust shop. The owner was chill/honest. Told me he never worked on a newer bmw but we can figure out. Then I got lucky, a member saw my post and is willing to help me out this weekend.


Goal for now, Downpipe, EL mid pipe, rear differential bolt upgrade. advan gt beyond Wheels. Once I move to Texas in few month, rk intake, kw suspension, csf intake manifold, oil cooler, unlock ECU, Bm3/ f80paul tune. Car is fast enough for me, just want it to handle more better/reliable.

Don’t care much about cosmetics as of now.

[joebie3]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

Yea, moving off this rock soon.

Are you talking about sykes1330 on ig? He was the one who quoted me that price.

Unreal, that's insane. He does work for some people I follow on IG. I understand island pricing and all, but that's crazy. For that price it should come with a hug ATLEAST lol.

[Must_Go_FASTER]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

I called up 2 shops.

1st shop told me 10 hrs / $1294.

2nd, the shop specializes BMW (big sign outside the shop). When I get there, the mechanic ask me what year is my car, told him 2022. He said, that’s a B47 engine right ?” Maybe take to an exhaust shop. I was ready to leave anyway when he said B47 Engine lol.

3rd shop quoted 13 and half hrs labor lol.

Then, called an exhaust shop. The owner was chill/honest. Told me he never worked on a newer bmw but we can figure out. Then I got lucky, a member saw my post and is willing to help me out this weekend.


Goal for now, Downpipe, EL mid pipe, rear differential bolt upgrade. advan gt beyond Wheels. Once I move to Texas in few month, rk intake, kw suspension, csf intake manifold, oil cooler, unlock ECU, Bm3/ f80paul tune. Car is fast enough for me, just want it to handle more better/reliable.

Don’t care much about cosmetics as of now.

Glad you found someone to help! You'll be surprised how easy it is, long as you don't run into any weird problems. Getting some of the clips, the O2 sensors, and the V-band clamps are little PITA items but it should be pretty smooth. While I'm thinking about it, definitely take off the passenger side wheel off. Helps with the V-bands so you can go in from the side. Best if you have a long ratchet extension w/swivel head to tighten it from the hole in the wheel well. Little awkward, but it's the easiest access, iirc.

A lotta people say high-flow or catless don't make any difference, but they do, just not nearly as much as other platforms. If you're doing all that, then I'd say the DPs are a good choice. Just remember that doing the DPs first means a CEL until you get tuned. Mine is on but doesn't really bother me, drives some people nuts.

[mike@x-ph.com]

~ $400 - $500

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by Must_Go_FASTER

Glad you found someone to help! You'll be surprised how easy it is, long as you don't run into any weird problems. Getting some of the clips, the O2 sensors, and the V-band clamps are little PITA items but it should be pretty smooth. While I'm thinking about it, definitely take off the passenger side wheel off. Helps with the V-bands so you can go in from the side. Best if you have a long ratchet extension w/swivel head to tighten it from the hole in the wheel well. Little awkward, but it's the easiest access, iirc.

A lotta people say high-flow or catless don't make any difference, but they do, just not nearly as much as other platforms. If you're doing all that, then I'd say the DPs are a good choice. Just remember that doing the DPs first means a CEL until you get tuned. Mine is on but doesn't really bother me, drives some people nuts.

I appreciate your comment, very helpful.
I seen few dyno video with catless downpipe on g80 m3. It lost power after downpipe install, probably same with x4m since is the same motor. I wonder why.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

~ $400 - $500

Thank you.

[Evan_RS]

Finished the installation under 3 hrs today.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

Finished the installation under 3 hrs today.

Lol told you, those shops are a rip off.

[bad430benz]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

Once I move to Texas in few month

Where are you moving to ?

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by thestimp

Lol told you, those shops are a rip off.

I under business need to make money, but charging extra 7-10 hrs is a bit much.

[Evan_RS]

Originally Posted by bad430benz

Where are you moving to ?

We are still searching for a house. Haven’t not decided which part of Texas. Hopefully people are friendly, don’t want to deal with racism.

[bad430benz]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

We are still searching for a house. Haven’t not decided which part of Texas. Hopefully people are friendly, don’t want to deal with racism.

It really comes down to what you are looking for in long term life . I think you will find racism no matter where you go but if you decide on some small little town in the middle of nowhere , you risk those things .

[lethal_x3mc]

I paid half of that. $600

[cutnsew]

Originally Posted by Evan_RS

I appreciate your comment, very helpful.
I seen few dyno video with catless downpipe on g80 m3. It lost power after downpipe install, probably same with x4m since is the same motor. I wonder why.

Did they just throw on the DPs without a tune and then dyno it? Did it lose power down low but gain up high? I've heard of em shifting the tq & hp curve higher up the rev range, but not completely losing power.

[Info@mad-us.com]

No more than 3-4 hours. There is plenty of room in there.

[Sayzar]

Should only take about 3 hours max if you do it yourself, a shop around 1 1/2