Howzit Guys
however I would like your guys expert thoughts on fitting a downpipe, i have a few questions.
1) how much louder will it be than stock? the S54 in my Z4 MC gives me all the eargasms i need and prefer the soft tone in the stock 330d
2) consumption? i know adding software after a dp will play an important role in this, but how much better or worst will it be after only adding just a dp?
3) resale value? i have no intention of selling anytime soon, but if i do in the future will it be less or more attractive to the next owner?
4) Reliability, in the long run will i experience any issues relating to a dp?
5) turbo longevity? is this really a myth or will it help
1. The audible difference is not intrusive with a DP only on a 30d, You will hear a bit more spool but the rest of that system will keep it not sounding like a truck!
2. Consumption improvement is definitely there, it all depends how you drive afterwards.
3. Resale value is dependent on whose buying the car, Please ensure you take your old dp and cat away with you for later if you decide to return the car to stock. A good installer will not molest any of the old pipes and returning the car to stock should not be visible.
4.+5. There should be no negative reliability issues, only positive ones. The bigger, smoother and unrestricted down pipe will assist to evacuate hot exhaust gasses out the turbo faster and creating less heat soak and increasing the longevity on the turbo itself. There is a caveat to this, if the turbo (and i am not relating to yours specifically) has had a tough life and is causing a bit of oil to burn then removing the factory cat will unmask the issue. Sadly the down pipe is then blamed for causing this smoking incorrectly. I am not to familiar on your 30d exhaust layout but there should be a cat closest to the turbo and depending on the model of 30d you have an optional DPF afterwards. If you remove the DPF then you can expect some soot collecting on your tail pipes as well as on the boot if not washed regularly.
In summary, do the DP, you wont make a mistake...