Advantage to "premium" downpipes

[MaX PL]

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

Are there actual noticeable sound differences between the various companies?

I'm not too concerned with sound and want to do this solely as a companion to a tune for power gains, but if there are sound advantages with a certain brand I'll consider it.

Thanks

[jeff@autocouture]

PM Sent

[FC4]

I PM'd you asking what he PM'd you. PM me back.

[Tiago@VRSF]

There's generally a pretty hefty markup placed on BMW parts let alone M parts. There's nothing in a $2000 downpipe that isn't available in a $500 downpipe (from a reputable brand) except the name.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

Are there actual noticeable sound differences between the various companies?

I'm not too concerned with sound and want to do this solely as a companion to a tune for power gains, but if there are sound advantages with a certain brand I'll consider it.

Thanks

IMO no. As long as the welds aren't busted, shitty or material paper thin.... shouldnt matter. Only reason I run ER is because I got a used set for a killer deal. If I bought brand new, I'd go VRSF

[TrevorM3]

Originally Posted by FC4

I PM'd you asking what he PM'd you. PM me back.

hahha..


except for quality welds, no. its all PIPE

[AJF80]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

Are there actual noticeable sound differences between the various companies?

I'm not too concerned with sound and want to do this solely as a companion to a tune for power gains, but if there are sound advantages with a certain brand I'll consider it.

Thanks

Don't quote me on this as i'm not 100% sure it makes a difference but I have had my Gintani DP installed for a few thousand miles and NO CEL light. I've read somewhere else on here the some of the more expensive brands and worked on engineering a fix for the CEL light. So far so good (Finger Crossed)

[SflBimmer8484]

Originally Posted by AJF80

Don't quote me on this as i'm not 100% sure it makes a difference but I have had my Gintani DP installed for a few thousand miles and NO CEL light. I've read somewhere else on here the some of the more expensive brands and worked on engineering a fix for the CEL light. So far so good (Finger Crossed)

There is no fix for the cel.

It basically comes down to Good quality stainless steel, quality welds, options like flex sections and ceramic coatings and of course perfect fitment.

[Chan]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

Are there actual noticeable sound differences between the various companies?

I'm not too concerned with sound and want to do this solely as a companion to a tune for power gains, but if there are sound advantages with a certain brand I'll consider it.

Thanks

I had the same questions before I ultimately decided to go with the AA downpipes (I just bought them on Cyber Monday). I ended up reading a ton of threads prior to purchase and the following are the five factors that I considered in order of what I considered important:

1) Flex Joints - People on the forum do not agree whether they are necessary or not. Those who believe they are necessary state that they help prevent vibrations in the cabin. I personally believe they are necessary or else BMW and Akra would not have put it on their downpipes.

2) Ceramic Coating / Heat Shielding - The consensus on the forum is that this is not necessary for catless downpipes due to the removal of the cats, which generate tremendous amounts of heat. I agreed with the consensus.

3) Sound - One of the threads I read said that there are differences in tone but it is not noticeable to the average person. One of the vendors mentioned that the Eisenmann downpipes have a higher pitch so I took those downpipes out of consideration since I am looking for a deeper tone.

4) Fitment - It was difficult to find many people who encountered fitment issues. Akra appears to have the best fitment but all other brands appear to fit well too.

5) Diameter of Piping - I think all of the popular brands manufacture downpipes with 3" piping that ultimately neck down to 2.5" to connect to the stock midpipes. How soon it necks down to 2.5" was not important to me. Even if it was 3" throughout, the stock midpipes would still serve as a bottleneck in my mind.

Good luck in making your decision!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

Are there actual noticeable sound differences between the various companies?

I'm not too concerned with sound and want to do this solely as a companion to a tune for power gains, but if there are sound advantages with a certain brand I'll consider it.

Thanks

What makes a downpipe premium ? the price?

In my honest opinion the quality of VRSF M3 downpipe, design and fitment is as premium as a downpipe can be.

If you are looking for a downpipe with flex section, get the active autowerke ... Their swain coating is the highest quality coating i have seen

[JamesGames]

A premium downpipe = OEM, doesn't get more premium than that

You know... the ones that contain precious metals, rhodium / palladium / platinum

[SflBimmer8484]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

A premium downpipe = OEM, doesn't get more premium than that

You know... the ones that contain precious metals, rhodium / palladium / platinum

Cant argue there.

[chewbakam4]

I'd go with the one that fits your budget here. Premium are always a little better quality but no way are they worth the price for what they want for them and you never ever get to see them again once they're on. In 2-4 weeks on the car if you look at them they all look the same.

[NorCal f80]

Originally Posted by MaX PL

Are there any advantages to any of the premium downpipes like an Akrapovic versus going with something like a Maximum PSI downpipe?

no

[CaryTheLabelGuy]

The VRSF downpipes are the best bang-for-the-buck, by a long shot. The smooth v-band-to-pipe transition is key and currently only a feature in a few downpipes currently on the market, regardless of price - in this regard, VRSF downpipes feature a really well engineered cast stainless v-band flange that is perfectly smooth for better flow right out of the turbine section that most more expensive downpipes don't feature.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by CaryTheLabelGuy

The VRSF downpipes are the best bang-for-the-buck, by a long shot. The smooth v-band-to-pipe transition is key and currently only a feature in a few downpipes currently on the market, regardless of price - in this regard, VRSF downpipes feature a really well engineered cast stainless v-band flange that is perfectly smooth for better flow right out of the turbine section that most more expensive downpipes don't feature.

+1

Here is comparison picture with stock and a photo installed. Fitment is spot on