[smoothM2]

but I finally swapped my cat out for the Fabspeed sportcat. Researching how to do this people wrote that it took 2 to 3 hours or less. I started at noon and finished at around 9pm . I took breaks for lunch, dinner, made 2 trips to home depot for extra tools.

I found this thread, which helped alot...http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=970868
I guess he knew what he was doing because it only took him about an hour.
The only difference is that we need a 5/16ths TORX bit on the M2 to help loosen up the exhaust hanger.

I initially put her on ramps but i needed more ground clearance so I put her on jack stands.




Next I removed the O2 sensors from the engine bay. This part was not straight forward as there is a little gray clip that you need to click up and then use a flathead to unlatch them. There are also some small metal clips between the wire connectors and that cat that slide off with minimal effort.



I was finally able to pull out the cat with the O2 sensors attached and from there it was pretty straightforward.


I took it her out for a brief run after putting everything back together and I am shocked how much louder she is. Warm up is extremely loud even with the valves closed (I have the MPE) and is insane when you open up the throttle.

Hope this helps anyone that is about to DIY the Fabspeed sport cat.

[mrcheezle19]

I have the same Fabspeed cat but with the GTHAUS exhaust and it did make the car a great deal louder and deeper. I debated doing it myself, but was worried I'd end up like you. Glad you got it in there.

[smoothM2]

Originally Posted by mrcheezle19

I have the same Fabspeed cat but with the GTHAUS exhaust and it did make the car a great deal louder and deeper. I debated doing it myself, but was worried I'd end up like you. Glad you got it in there.

Where did you get it done and for how much?
I had searched different shops but couldn't find one that knew what they were doing and I didn't want to take it to the dealer of course, so I decided to DIY it.

[J3STER]

I also did the downpipe install myself and really its not bad at all. Honestly the thing that hinders you the most is the ground clearance. It just makes it more difficult but with a lift it should be doable in 2-3 hrs taking your time to do it right.

[mrcheezle19]

Originally Posted by smoothM2

Where did you get it done and for how much?
I had searched different shops but couldn't find one that knew what they were doing and I didn't want to take it to the dealer of course, so I decided to DIY it.

I had mine done at one of the big BMW indy shops here in Socal. $100 bucks

[Gimmethecash]

Getting the clamps back on - especially the front one - was the hardest part for me.

[smoothM2]

I fired her up again this morning omg it booms! I noticed a smell like unburnt fuel I hope that this is not going to last.

[J3STER]

Mine is catless so the smell is always there but it doesn't bother me. With yours I don't know if it will persist but if it does it should be minimal.

[dtmurf]

Nice work but a 5/16 (inch) TORX on a European car...I'd be very surprised. More likely 8mm

[Gimmethecash]

Originally Posted by smoothM2

I fired her up again this morning omg it booms! I noticed a smell like unburnt fuel I hope that this is not going to last.

New cats always have new exhaust smell for the first few drives. It'll go away soon.

You may notice it right after startup as a normal part of enrichened startup on cold cat, stock or otherwise.

[chmura]

Originally Posted by dtmurf

Nice work but a 5/16 (inch) TORX on a European car...I'd be very surprised. More likely 8mm

Agreed. Not 5/16. bmws have metric not standards.

[David1]

Takes a little longer when you transfer the brass gasket on the old downpipe to the new one. That thing is a bitch and draws blood from you.

[AGM2]

Originally Posted by David1

Takes a little longer when you transfer the brass gasket on the old downpipe to the new one. That thing is a bitch and draws blood from you.

Good you took out the brass gasket I did to. Not too many people do that

[David1]

Originally Posted by AGM2

Good you took out the brass gasket I did to. Not too many people do that

The tab that is on it that aligns the vband clamp I bent out of the way,

[Gimmethecash]

I left that jagged thing where it was, on the stock DP. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

[smoothM2]

Originally Posted by Gimmethecash

I left that jagged thing where it was, on the stock DP. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person.

I left that on the stock cat as well, there's no such part listed for the M2.

[smoothM2]

Originally Posted by chmura

Agreed. Not 5/16. bmws have metric not standards.

I could not find a 8mm torx at Home Depot, but the 5/16 worked just fine.

[David1]

Originally Posted by smoothM2

I left that on the stock cat as well, there's no such part listed for the M2.

I think it comes if you buy a new Vband clamp.