[uberboosted]

I'm looking for a catted downpipe for my 540i. Researching the less expensive brands, specifically VRSF and CTS, I've seen comments indicating that they are missing one of the mounting brackets that is present on the stock system. I've seen Active Autowerke downpipes, which sell for about 3 times the price of the other two, suggested as a better alternative.

However, looking at vendor photos of the three systems, I don't see any real difference in the mounting brackets. But I can't be sure that these are the units specific to my application.

So, I guess what I'm asking is:

1) Is it true that the less expensive options, and VRSF and CTS specifically, do not have a mounting bracket that the stock system does?

2) If so, does it matter?

3) If so, is there an option for a quality high-flow cat that does have the preferred brackets, and preferably, is somewhere in the same price range as the VRSF and CTS ($400 - $500)?

Also, any general comments about the quality, fitment, etc. of any of these, or others, is welcome.

I plan to use the BM3 Stage 2 tune, if that's relevant information.

[buddyboy]

Originally Posted by uberboosted

I'm looking for a catted downpipe for my 540i. Researching the less expensive brands, specifically VRSF and CTS, I've seen comments indicating that they are missing one of the mounting brackets that is present on the stock system. I've seen Active Autowerke downpipes, which sell for about 3 times the price of the other two, suggested as a better alternative.

However, looking at vendor photos of the three systems, I don't see any real difference in the mounting brackets. But I can't be sure that these are the units specific to my application.

So, I guess what I'm asking is:

1) Is it true that the less expensive options, and VRSF and CTS specifically, do not have a mounting bracket that the stock system does?



2) If so, does it matter?

3) If so, is there an option for a quality high-flow cat that does have the preferred brackets, and preferably, is somewhere in the same price range as the VRSF and CTS ($400 - $500)?

Also, any general comments about the quality, fitment, etc. of any of these, or others, is welcome.

I plan to use the BM3 Stage 2 tune, if that's relevant information.

VRSF has the mounting bracket. i have one on mine. the early ones didnt back maybe 5 years ago but they revised their design

Without the bracket the weight of exhaust is on the downpipe to turbo connection, which could cause issues overtime there due to extra weight and stress on the turbo flange i wold imagine

You cant really put cheap and quality in the same sentence when it comes to catted downpipes, the money is in the cat cell and the materials in it are not cheap, the higher quality the cat cell the longer it will last. My VRST one lasted 3 years. it no longer passes emissions so ill change for a new one before the next emissions test

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by uberboosted

So, I guess what I'm asking is:

1) Is it true that the less expensive options, and VRSF and CTS specifically, do not have a mounting bracket that the stock system does?

2) If so, does it matter?

3) If so, is there an option for a quality high-flow cat that does have the preferred brackets, and preferably, is somewhere in the same price range as the VRSF and CTS ($400 - $500)?

Also, any general comments about the quality, fitment, etc. of any of these, or others, is welcome.

I plan to use the BM3 Stage 2 tune, if that's relevant information.

1) depends on the brand. CTS does have a bracket.

2) its not a major issue in my opinion, but if you can get a brand with the bracket its a plus

3) less expensive downpipes will use cheap cats, that how they can afford to be less expensive. cheaper cats will trigger the check engine light and will not pass emission. if this is a concern, you must invest in the Active Autowerke

4) CTS is a great value item, great price, fitment, 304L stainless steel, and get the job done.

[Info@mad-us.com]

All of our options include the mounting bracket like oem as well. It's definitely something you want as it takes the weight off the turbo.

Non catted - https://mad-us.com/mad-b58-downpipe-...chassis-supra/

Catted- https://mad-us.com/mad-b58-4.5-catte...chassis-supra/

[uberboosted]

Originally Posted by buddyboy

VRSF has the mounting bracket. i have one on mine. the early ones didnt back maybe 5 years ago but they revised their design

Without the bracket the weight of exhaust is on the downpipe to turbo connection, which could cause issues overtime there due to extra weight and stress on the turbo flange i wold imagine

You cant really put cheap and quality in the same sentence when it comes to catted downpipes, the money is in the cat cell and the materials in it are not cheap, the higher quality the cat cell the longer it will last. My VRST one lasted 3 years. it no longer passes emissions so ill change for a new one before the next emissions test

Ah OK thanks, that explains a lot.

[uberboosted]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

1) depends on the brand. CTS does have a bracket.

2) its not a major issue in my opinion, but if you can get a brand with the bracket its a plus

3) less expensive downpipes will use cheap cats, that how they can afford to be less expensive. cheaper cats will trigger the check engine light and will not pass emission. if this is a concern, you must invest in the Active Autowerke

4) CTS is a great value item, great price, fitment, 304L stainless steel, and get the job done.

Will the BM3 tune not take care of the CEL? Or will it still be an issue?

Yeah the CTS is certainly budget-priced... I may go with this one if someone doesn't convince me otherwise.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by uberboosted

Will the BM3 tune not take care of the CEL? Or will it still be an issue?

Yeah the CTS is certainly budget-priced... I may go with this one if someone doesn't convince me otherwise.

it does but you'd still fail emissions even with the code hidden

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by uberboosted

Will the BM3 tune not take care of the CEL? Or will it still be an issue?

Yeah the CTS is certainly budget-priced... I may go with this one if someone doesn't convince me otherwise.

I'm here to convince you otherwise. Our downpipe has a smoother transition to the factory exhaust size and ends up cheaper with our Forum discount code and free shipping