Active Autowerke B58 Catted Downpipe Review

Coconut · 05-15-2023, 05:51 AM

QUALITY: 4.5/5
Beautifully made, TIG welds are neatly done. Dimensionally identical to OEM at the mounting points so fitment is perfect. Minor complaint would be the thickness of 2 hole mounting bracket which is a bit on the thin side compared to OEM and the non machined chamfer on the turbo mounting ring. The V-band clamp will still secure the downpipe to the turbo but it would have been nice to see a matching machined chamfer like the OEM downpipe. Again, minor complaints.

INSTALL: 2/5 DIFFICULTY
Not an easy 1-2 hr install as others have said unless you have a lift and a buddy helping. The stock downpipe was fairly easy to remove however the most time consuming parts was getting the v-band clamp on without the gasket falling off and pushing the the stock mid-pipe onto the downpipe. I had to have my friend hold the gasket in place on the downpipe while I push the downpipe up from below the car to seat into the turbo. I had to go down to harbor freight to get a pipe expander to widen the stock mid-pipe a bit so it would fully slide onto the downpipe. Other than that, it’s pretty straight forward.

OVERALL: 4/5
No CEL as advertised. Very very faint smell but that might just be it breaking in, for sure not something you’d ever notice unless you’re right behind the car and sniffing near the exhaust looking for a smell. I have a Dinan cold air intake and the stock exhaust. Cold start with valve closed is nearly twice as loud as stock, it definitely doesn’t sound stock. Cold start with valve open is again twice as loud and very noticeable, almost as loud as a straight pipe. Once it’s warmed up, starting it up again is maybe 25% as loud in both modes. With valves closed, cruising is just as quiet as stock with no drone on the highway and ~30% louder when accelerating somewhat hard. With valves open cruising is ~25% louder with minor drone/booming on the highway and ~40% louder accelerating. You don’t get any new pops or burbles over stock, but the pop and burbles you do get are maybe 30% louder. Overall I’d say it makes the car ~25% louder overall and the tone is exactly like stock but louder and more unrefined sounding. The turbo sounds are a tiny bit more pronounced. I did notice the turbo spools sooner and torque comes on a bit earlier which makes it feel more eager and easier to rev. It did what I expected it to do and it’s a good alternative over getting a mild exhaust like the OEM M Performance Exhaust (MPE).

KJ10 · 05-15-2023, 08:21 AM

Great write-up! Thanks for sharing!

mike@x-ph.com · 05-15-2023, 10:50 AM

Thank you for the review

XC3LLR8 · 05-15-2023, 10:57 AM

Love'n my AA DP! Sound & performance is just right.

mike@x-ph.com · 05-16-2023, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Love'n my AA DP! Sound & performance is just right.

In Extremis · 05-17-2023, 08:50 AM

How I wish I could get rid of cold start (other than an unlock). I occasionally drive late in congested/residential areas and don’t appreciate my cold start as it is.

rons e92 · 05-17-2023, 10:18 AM

Do a follow up in a few months. Mine has been throwing the CEL. Checking the code it says "catless downpipe detected". I'm able to clear the code on my JB4, but it comes back once every two weeks.

The problem is I paid a shop to do an install so if I do a warranty claim I have to eat the install cost. I'm just going to deal with it for now.

Enjoy yours in good health!

XC3LLR8 · 05-17-2023, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rons e92

Do a follow up in a few months. Mine has been throwing the CEL. Checking the code it says "catless downpipe detected". I'm able to clear the code on my JB4, but it comes back once every two weeks.

The problem is I paid a shop to do an install so if I do a warranty claim I have to eat the install cost. I'm just going to deal with it for now.

Enjoy yours in good health!

Have you checked the O2 sensors or inspect it for a proper fit/seal? Maybe the shop can double check?

rons e92 · 05-17-2023, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XC3LLR8

Have you checked the O2 sensors or inspect it for a proper fit/seal? Maybe the shop can double check?

Haven't had a chance to really get in there and look around. Thanks for the tip though, I'll try to take a look tonight.

PNTDG42 · 05-17-2023, 03:33 PM

Nice review. Had mine sitting here forever waiting until my other car is off the lift. Soooon.

Vudumonkey25 · 05-17-2023, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rons e92

Do a follow up in a few months. Mine has been throwing the CEL. Checking the code it says "catless downpipe detected". I'm able to clear the code on my JB4, but it comes back once every two weeks.

The problem is I paid a shop to do an install so if I do a warranty claim I have to eat the install cost. I'm just going to deal with it for now.

Enjoy yours in good health!

I have over 15k miles with my AA no CEL. I did get it installed at an authorized AA dealer so if it's an issue it should all be taken care of in the future.

rons e92 · 05-17-2023, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vudumonkey25

I have over 15k miles with my AA no CEL. I did get it installed at an authorized AA dealer so if it's an issue it should all be taken care of in the future.

Not to hijack the thread, but who did your install? I'm from NY as well.

Vudumonkey25 · 05-18-2023, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rons e92

Not to hijack the thread, but who did your install? I'm from NY as well.

Auto couture in North nj

https://autocouturemotoring.com/

Great experience with them

iniasix · 05-22-2023, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vudumonkey25

Auto couture in North nj

https://autocouturemotoring.com/

Great experience with them

How much was labor at an authorized shop??

Vudumonkey25 · 05-22-2023, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iniasix

How much was labor at an authorized shop??

1.5 hours which came to $262.

Dropped it off before they opened to cool down. Went up the street to starbucks and chilled and got it back a few hours later

heelsmj · 06-08-2023, 05:53 AM

What did you all pay for it? I’m in South Florida about 30 miles from AA. They want $1500 installed for it. Sounds steep to me.

mike@x-ph.com · 06-08-2023, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heelsmj

What did you all pay for it? I’m in South Florida about 30 miles from AA. They want $1500 installed for it. Sounds steep to me.

$1500 for the downpipe + install or $1500 just for the install?

XC3LLR8 · 06-08-2023, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heelsmj

What did you all pay for it? I’m in South Florida about 30 miles from AA. They want $1500 installed for it. Sounds steep to me.

Sounds reasonable to me. And you know they'll know how to properly install it!

heelsmj · 06-08-2023, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

$1500 for the downpipe + install or $1500 just for the install?

All in with the down pipe and installation.

Vudumonkey25 · 06-08-2023, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heelsmj

All in with the down pipe and installation.

Free installation. Can't beat that. Send it!

heelsmj · 06-08-2023, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vudumonkey25

Free installation. Can't beat that. Send it!

I know retail is $1500 for the part but I thought it was available for less than that from other sources. I guess not.

AWcoupe · 06-08-2023, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vudumonkey25

Auto couture in North nj

https://autocouturemotoring.com/

Great experience with them

I just checked out their website. I'd feel VERY comfortable spending some money there. Nice heads up on this shop.

05-15-2023, 05:51 AM	#1
Coconut Lieutenant 751 Rep 508 Posts Drives: 2023 M240i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Active Autowerke B58 Catted Downpipe Review QUALITY: 4.5/5 Beautifully made, TIG welds are neatly done. Dimensionally identical to OEM at the mounting points so fitment is perfect. Minor complaint would be the thickness of 2 hole mounting bracket which is a bit on the thin side compared to OEM and the non machined chamfer on the turbo mounting ring. The V-band clamp will still secure the downpipe to the turbo but it would have been nice to see a matching machined chamfer like the OEM downpipe. Again, minor complaints. INSTALL: 2/5 DIFFICULTY Not an easy 1-2 hr install as others have said unless you have a lift and a buddy helping. The stock downpipe was fairly easy to remove however the most time consuming parts was getting the v-band clamp on without the gasket falling off and pushing the the stock mid-pipe onto the downpipe. I had to have my friend hold the gasket in place on the downpipe while I push the downpipe up from below the car to seat into the turbo. I had to go down to harbor freight to get a pipe expander to widen the stock mid-pipe a bit so it would fully slide onto the downpipe. Other than that, it’s pretty straight forward. OVERALL: 4/5 No CEL as advertised. Very very faint smell but that might just be it breaking in, for sure not something you’d ever notice unless you’re right behind the car and sniffing near the exhaust looking for a smell. I have a Dinan cold air intake and the stock exhaust. Cold start with valve closed is nearly twice as loud as stock, it definitely doesn’t sound stock. Cold start with valve open is again twice as loud and very noticeable, almost as loud as a straight pipe. Once it’s warmed up, starting it up again is maybe 25% as loud in both modes. With valves closed, cruising is just as quiet as stock with no drone on the highway and ~30% louder when accelerating somewhat hard. With valves open cruising is ~25% louder with minor drone/booming on the highway and ~40% louder accelerating. You don’t get any new pops or burbles over stock, but the pop and burbles you do get are maybe 30% louder. Overall I’d say it makes the car ~25% louder overall and the tone is exactly like stock but louder and more unrefined sounding. The turbo sounds are a tiny bit more pronounced. I did notice the turbo spools sooner and torque comes on a bit earlier which makes it feel more eager and easier to rev. It did what I expected it to do and it’s a good alternative over getting a mild exhaust like the OEM M Performance Exhaust (MPE). __________________ 2017 Chevrolet Corvette 2023 BMW M240i xDrive Last edited by Coconut; 09-07-2023 at 05:12 PM..
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05-15-2023, 08:21 AM	#2
KJ10 Lieutenant 496 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 2023 M240i Join Date: Apr 2022 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 M240i Xdrive [9.75]	Great write-up! Thanks for sharing!
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05-15-2023, 10:50 AM	#3
mike@x-ph.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 24199 Rep 190,807 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Thank you for the review __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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05-15-2023, 10:57 AM	#4
XC3LLR8 Banned 2063 Rep 1,559 Posts Drives: Super73 Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Keller, TX iTrader: (0)	Love'n my AA DP! Sound & performance is just right.
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05-17-2023, 08:50 AM	#6
In Extremis First Lieutenant 38 Rep 385 Posts Drives: G42 M240i xdrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (1)	How I wish I could get rid of cold start (other than an unlock). I occasionally drive late in congested/residential areas and don’t appreciate my cold start as it is.
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05-17-2023, 10:18 AM	#7
rons e92 60-130 Enthusiast 1397 Rep 739 Posts Drives: G87 M2 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Do a follow up in a few months. Mine has been throwing the CEL. Checking the code it says "catless downpipe detected". I'm able to clear the code on my JB4, but it comes back once every two weeks. The problem is I paid a shop to do an install so if I do a warranty claim I have to eat the install cost. I'm just going to deal with it for now. Enjoy yours in good health!
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05-17-2023, 03:33 PM	#10
PNTDG42 Lieutenant 468 Rep 407 Posts Drives: G42, F97 LCI, EBA R35, Z34 Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Nice review. Had mine sitting here forever waiting until my other car is off the lift. Soooon.
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06-08-2023, 05:53 AM	#16
heelsmj Second Lieutenant 351 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 2023 M240 Xdrive Retired M340 Join Date: May 2020 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	What did you all pay for it? I’m in South Florida about 30 miles from AA. They want $1500 installed for it. Sounds steep to me.
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