New Akrapovic exhaust F85

[Saleeb86]

I am fairly new to the performance vehicle customization scene, so please forgive any noobness that shines through in this post.

Just received and unboxed new Akrapovic exhaust for my F85. And much to my dismay, the pipes are not silver and shiny like in all the pictures I've seen; rather, they are quite dark, and appear dented in certain spots (although I will acknowledge you can see some flat spots in stock photos, so I'm not so concerned about that). Can anyone confirm that new out of box Akrapovic pipes don't appear the way they do in online pics?

Purchased from IND, which seems reputable, but the box was in shambles when it arrived - white padding was protruding from the box, internal black Akrapovic box was ripped along a seam and dented in a bit. Because of the appearance of the box, I'm not sure the pipes weren't dented in shipment, but this shouldn't account for what I perceive to be as discoloration.

Typically don't have buyers remorse this bad, but For $7k I expect a little more. Thanks in advance! Will upload pics in a few.

Upon further inspection, the inside of the pipes are coated in soot (see picture of finger after rubbing inside the tail pipe). Is this normal? Anyone know someone at IND who can help answer?

[maximus5403]

I got my new Akra a few months ago. The pipes are not bright silver. They have a dull finish. After some heat cycles though they turn blue.

Pipes from the factory have dents in certain spots for clearance. This is normal.

Mine arrived in a horrible box as well. but each pipe was in it's own bubble wrap covering. My black box was dented but the tips were fine. They were all equally bubble wrapped and protected as well.

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by maximus5403

I got my new Akra a few months ago. The pipes are not bright silver. They have a dull finish. After some heat cycles though they turn blue.

Pipes from the factory have dents in certain spots for clearance. This is normal.

Mine arrived in a horrible box as well. but each pipe was in it's own bubble wrap covering. My black box was dented but the tips were fine. They were all equally bubble wrapped and protected as well.

Thanks for the info! Any idea about the black soot on the inside of the pipes?

[NYBulldog]

Everything EXCEPT the black soot can be justified in some way. That exhaust is fucking USED! I would be sick to my stomach paying that much money and getting a used exhaust. You better raise hell. I’ve bought a new Akra exhaust once and other companies countless times and this is crazy. IND is reputable... but they better have a great explanation for this. Your exhaust should come in a frosted light warm silver. After heavy heat cycles it should start to discolor. I have no issue with used exhausts. Actually a used Akra is a great purchase BUT you bought a new exhaust. This is unacceptable. Ask for a refund. Or for an appropriate price for a used exhaust.

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by Saleeb86

Thanks for the info! Any idea about the black soot on the inside of the pipes?

Looks used with the carbon buildup and heat discoloration on pipes. If it were me, I would be contacting the vendor with pics and give them opportunity to make it right and give huge discount for used set.

[Craig NZ]

Hi there
I just put my new Akrapovic exhaust on my F86, it did come in the same big box as yours, with the tips in the smaller black box. From new they don’t look anything like your photo, your Akrapovic looks 100% second hand. Does it look like the clamps have been used? My Akrapovic is just starting to turn blue from the heat. As for the soot, I think this proves the exhaust has been used.

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

Everything EXCEPT the black soot can be justified in some way. That exhaust is fucking USED! I would be sick to my stomach paying that much money and getting a used exhaust. You better raise hell. I've bought a new Akra exhaust once and other companies countless times and this is crazy. IND is reputable... but they better have a great explanation for this. Your exhaust should come in a frosted light warm silver. After heavy heat cycles it should start to discolor. I have no issue with used exhausts. Actually a used Akra is a great purchase BUT you bought a new exhaust. This is unacceptable. Ask for a refund. Or for an appropriate price for a used exhaust.

Thanks for feedback guys, I have contacted IND to begin the return process. I would have been fine keeping them for a significantly reduced price, but upon further inspection, I found this little gem... (see pic below). Freakin weld on one of the muffler pipes is totally broke! I'll keep y'all informed on how well IND's customer service performs in the following days.

[maximus5403]

THAT'S USED!!!!

[maximus5403]

Can you post the serial number on the muffler? I am 90% sure that's my exhaust I sent back to the distributor under warranty for the cracked weld on the muffler.

[TheVazha]

Just a fair question, what did IND think was going to happen when they shipped this? Did the manager or supervisor who approved the packing of a busted used exhaust think the buyer wouldn't notice?

In any event, they'll make it right. I would just LOVE to see their response to this mix up.

They're vendors here aren't they? Probably reading the thread. 😬

[TheVazha]

Lol same taping patter

[TheVazha]

OP, does your box have this on one side towards the outer edge?

[maximus5403]

Here's the crack on mine as well. It's the same. The must of had a mixup and put my warranty exhaust back on the shelf.

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by TheVazha

OP, does your box have this on one side towards the outer edge?

Looks like it's the same one!

Man, what an inconvenience this is. Still can't help but laugh at this one though. I've never felt more connected to another human being. 😂

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by TheVazha

Just a fair question, what did IND think was going to happen when they shipped this? Did the manager or supervisor who approved the packing of a busted used exhaust think the buyer wouldn't notice?

In any event, they'll make it right. I would just LOVE to see their response to this mix up.

They're vendors here aren't they? Probably reading the thread. 😬

So, just spoke with Maximus and it appears IND drop-shipped with 14 Turn Distribution; that's where the mixup likely occurred. Didn't want misplaced blame directed at IND. Will still update with customer service response.

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by Craig NZ

Hi there
I just put my new Akrapovic exhaust on my F86, it did come in the same big box as yours, with the tips in the smaller black box. From new they don't look anything like your photo, your Akrapovic looks 100% second hand. Does it look like the clamps have been used? My Akrapovic is just starting to turn blue from the heat. As for the soot, I think this proves the exhaust has been used.

The clamps do look a little discolored. Looks like this is a used set that got mixed up at the distributor (not IND).

[Sophisticated Redneck]

Originally Posted by Saleeb86

The clamps do look a little discolored. Looks like this is a used set that got mixed up at the distributor (not IND).

That's what I was thinking happened, noway would they try to sell a used one on purpose. Mistakes happen, I'm sure they will take care you. Keep us posted how it all works out.

[Kraftwerk AG]

@Saleeb86 if IND is/was willing to give you a reduced discount (say 40-50%), would you keep it? But you would still have to fix the weld though. What are the chances of unknowingly getting another members exhaust? Wow! Best of luck to you

[TheVazha]

Originally Posted by Saleeb86

Looks like it's the same one!

Man, what an inconvenience this is. Still can't help but laugh at this one though. I've never felt more connected to another human being. 😂

Hahaha totally.

You have a great attitude buddy, keep it up! 👍👍

[Kraftwerk AG]

Originally Posted by TheVazha

Hahaha totally.

You have a great attitude buddy, keep it up! 👍👍

Great detective work man!

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by Kraftwerk AG

@Saleeb86 if IND is/was willing to give you a reduced discount (say 40-50%), would you keep it? But you would still have to fix the weld though. What are the chances of unknowingly getting another members exhaust? Wow! Best of luck to you

Originally Posted by Kraftwerk AG

@Saleeb86 if IND is/was willing to give you a reduced discount (say 40-50%), would you keep it? But you would still have to fix the weld though. What are the chances of unknowingly getting another members exhaust? Wow! Best of luck to you

Probably not. If being used were the only issue I'd keep it, no problem there, but I have no welding experience, and don't know anyone skilled enough to give me peace of mind with their weld.

Lol, yep, I feel like Bimmerpost should use this as a testimonial 😂, crazy coincidence. Thanks for the luck, IND got in touch with me this morning and is contacting the "manufacturer."

[Saleeb86]

And all was right in the world...

"...Stepping in to assist our team with a resolution.

We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding in this extremely unusual circumstance.

Our contacts Turn 14 Distribution were able to confirm where the mixup happened on their end and are extremely apologetic. The used system was originally pulled so that it could be shipped back to Akrapovic in Slovenia for warranty inspection.

T14 will be shipping a new replacement system to you today via UPS Next Day Air. You should see this arrive tomorrow if not by Friday afternoon.

I've attached a UPS return label for the used system below. Please include the RMA paperwork inside the box. I can schedule a pickup for the package from your residence tomorrow or Friday - whichever works best for you."