Active Autowerke Axle Back Installed! Pics Inside...

mineo77 · 03-16-2010, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW86

Anyone with the AA axel back please confirm whether their exhaust tips are off-center and hang to the right? My installer tells me this is just the way it is...

wouldnt settle for off centered tips. I would contact AA and have them send you out another axle back. good luck

BMW86 · 03-16-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mineo77

wouldnt settle for off centered tips. I would contact AA and have them send you out another axle back. good luck

Seems like this is pretty common though... wish I knew it was a part of their design before hand. Maybe they should include some clamps?

escobar929 · 03-16-2010, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW86

Seems like this is pretty common though... wish I knew it was a part of their design before hand. Maybe they should include some clamps?

i really doubt that its part of the design, i mean who designs something not to fit perfectly, could be at production something changed slightly to make some offset to the right

i would def call them and find out, if its a design issue, we should be seeing more threads poping up w/ the some issue

rsjean · 03-16-2010, 10:28 AM

My boys are hangin to the right. Have been since install. I'm doing the hose clamp fix....

rsjean · 03-16-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mineo77

wouldnt settle for off centered tips. I would contact AA and have them send you out another axle back. good luck

Group buy.

Group return and replace?

Or else group free hose clamps!

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-16-2010, 11:56 AM

The Exhaust is fully adjustable so it should not be off center. It would seem if the installer is not adjusting the exhaust to the desired level. I personally was in the install bay when we installed the exhaust for the instruction manual. If you are having trouble please feel free to contact our technical support department. We will be happy to help you with any fitment issues.

2thDoc · 03-16-2010, 12:09 PM

Yep...your installer is a boob. Mine was done, by me, in the driveway, on some jackstands in about 30 minutes and it's straight and centered. Easy as can be.

BroDoze · 03-16-2010, 01:30 PM

The exhaust is adjustable for HEIGHT, NOT side to side.

Easy fix though.

BMW86 · 03-16-2010, 05:33 PM

I'll have a go at adjusting it myself laster today although I know of at least 3 other forum members with this exhaust hanging to the right.

ennislaw · 03-16-2010, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2thDoc

Yep...your installer is a boob. Mine was done, by me, in the driveway, on some jackstands in about 30 minutes and it's straight and centered. Easy as can be.

Yeah, although I had a local performance shop do the installation (Meisterschaft Touring HP), I seriously doubt it's the AA. Sounds like you need to switch garages.

pge

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-23-2010, 12:01 PM

I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department.

http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-23-2010, 12:03 PM

I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department.

http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-23-2010, 12:04 PM

I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department.

http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-23-2010, 12:09 PM

There is an instruction manual on www.activeautowerke.com that will assist anyone who is having fitment issues. I have the link here for you http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf

ryan@ActiveAutowerke · 03-23-2010, 12:30 PM

There is an instruction manual on www.activeautowerke.com that will assist anyone who is having fitment issues. I have the link here for you

http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf

awns729 · 02-27-2013, 11:34 PM

Did the removal today. Few notes on the ActiveAutowerke install guide. I did this on a 2008 135i vert install...

1) I couldn't find an E10 torx anywhere. I'm not sure it exists. I think the correct torx bit is t45. This was also a really hard screw to reach. I used a 3/8" rachet and had to remove a part of a little plastic cover to get my hand close enough. (I'll try to get a picture later).

2) To remove the 2 bolts on the flange connecting the axle back to the midpipe, I needed a 14mm wrench and 14mm socket. One for holding the nut in place while you use the other to remove the bolt. The instructions only list the socket. Neither of my 14mm bolts was a torsion spring. I wonder if the last owner parted back to stock and didn't install the OEM exhaust properly?

3) I'm not positive but it may be easier to undo the 18mm nut holding the exhaust hanger towards the middle of the car BEFORE undoing the 2 14mm bolts for the flange. I did the 2 14mm bolts first and then when I went to do the 18mm, the rubber hanger was kind of hitting my wrench, and I htink this was because of removing the 14mm flange bolts first.

Basically, there are three exhaust hangers. Two very close to the rear bumper, and one a little before the flange. Undo the torx screw first to get the rear-middle hanger off the car. Then undo the 18mm nut attached to the hanger near the flange. Let this hanger stay hooked onto the bolt until you're ready to remove the exhaust. Then undo the 2 14mm bolts on the flange. These 2 hangers you've already undone will come off with the exhaust. Now the only thing holding the exhaust should be the one hanger on the driver side rear of the car and the hanger near the flange that can just slide off the bolt very easily. There are also 2 thin metal bars that are in a 'V' shape underneath the car. These will help support the flange end of the exhaust. I haven't done it yet, but it looks like you'll have to wiggle the exhaust around the bar. I was able to push the exhaust off the last hanger with the help of a little WD-40. It was hard though.

I had my jackstand in the way so I wasn't able to pull the exhaust off, but it was moving around freely and I think using ramps, I should be able to slide it out without removing the 'V' bars. Will work on it tomorrow and post more info.

Sorry to bump an old thread, but I wanted to add more information. Overall, I wasn't satisfied with the quality of the install guide. Will put the AA exhaust in soon and see how that goes and report back. I'll also try to get pictures/video.

urbanjunglist · 06-05-2013, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brahmzy

Just got it on this morning.

Very high quality piece. Great welds, great polish, tasteful tips. MEAN sound. Can't get the car out of the garage because of snow, but it sounds pretty pissed now. I'll get a vid up in this thread when I can get the car outside, ha.
Install was typical cake axle-back stuff - no surprises. I will say the kit could use 2 washers for the bolts, luckily I had 2 on hand. Sorry about the filthy 1er and the crappy pics...

Wait... isn't this a cat-back?

cheshirecat79 · 06-05-2013, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urbanjunglist

Wait... isn't this a cat-back?

No. Axle back.

Simon09 · 06-18-2013, 07:09 PM

Do you offer a military discount?

filet.M2c · 07-18-2013, 05:43 PM

I installed my AA exhaust last week and I am incredibly satisfied. Sounds far better than any other axle backs I've heard(Berk, Dinan, BMW perf) and I may be dreaming but I feel like my turbos spool much faster and have a larger band of boost. Overall super satisfied. As far as the exhaust sitting to the right, I had no issues. It is dead center and I did not need to adjust anything.

loesch · 07-18-2013, 08:21 PM

I have an AA axle back and I love it. I do notice that I have a slight right side bias. Its so small that it really doesn't matter, and I'm very picky about these things. Have switched back and forth with stock a few times and it always ends up in the same place. At Bimmerfest Saturday I'll try and find others with this exhaust and take some pics for comparison.

03-16-2010, 10:28 AM	#48
rsjean satch 39 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sonoran Desert, Tucson AZ iTrader: (3)	My boys are hangin to the right. Have been since install. I'm doing the hose clamp fix....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2010, 11:56 AM	#50
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	The Exhaust is fully adjustable so it should not be off center. It would seem if the installer is not adjusting the exhaust to the desired level. I personally was in the install bay when we installed the exhaust for the instruction manual. If you are having trouble please feel free to contact our technical support department. We will be happy to help you with any fitment issues.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-16-2010, 12:09 PM	#51
2thDoc Private 1 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 2011 Shelby GT500 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ocala, FL iTrader: (1)	Yep...your installer is a boob. Mine was done, by me, in the driveway, on some jackstands in about 30 minutes and it's straight and centered. Easy as can be. __________________ 2011 Shelby GT500. Black with Red Stripes. SVT Performance Pack. All the bells 'n' whistles. Holy Crap Fast. And even with a solid rear axle, it'll lap a track faster than your M3.
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03-16-2010, 01:30 PM	#52
BroDoze Captain 168 Rep 807 Posts Drives: Stuff Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	The exhaust is adjustable for HEIGHT, NOT side to side. Easy fix though. __________________ ///M Last edited by BroDoze; 03-16-2010 at 06:16 PM..
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03-16-2010, 05:33 PM	#53
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I'll have a go at adjusting it myself laster today although I know of at least 3 other forum members with this exhaust hanging to the right.
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03-23-2010, 12:01 PM	#55
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Active Autowerke Signature 135i Exhaust I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department. http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:03 PM	#56
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Active Autowerke Signature 135i Exhaust I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department. http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:04 PM	#57
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Active Autowerke Signature 135i Exhaust I have attached a link for the instructions. This should help anyone who is having the "leaning to the right" issue. If you have any problems or questions feel free to contact my technical support department. http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:09 PM	#58
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	There is an instruction manual on www.activeautowerke.com that will assist anyone who is having fitment issues. I have the link here for you http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2010, 12:30 PM	#59
ryan@ActiveAutowerke Lieutenant 39 Rep 431 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	Active Autowerke Signature 135i Exhaust There is an instruction manual on www.activeautowerke.com that will assist anyone who is having fitment issues. I have the link here for you http://www.activeautowerke.com/pdf/Product97.pdf
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-27-2013, 11:34 PM	#60
awns729 Lieutenant 33 Rep 419 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: West Nyack, NY iTrader: (4)	Did the removal today. Few notes on the ActiveAutowerke install guide. I did this on a 2008 135i vert install... 1) I couldn't find an E10 torx anywhere. I'm not sure it exists. I think the correct torx bit is t45. This was also a really hard screw to reach. I used a 3/8" rachet and had to remove a part of a little plastic cover to get my hand close enough. (I'll try to get a picture later). 2) To remove the 2 bolts on the flange connecting the axle back to the midpipe, I needed a 14mm wrench and 14mm socket. One for holding the nut in place while you use the other to remove the bolt. The instructions only list the socket. Neither of my 14mm bolts was a torsion spring. I wonder if the last owner parted back to stock and didn't install the OEM exhaust properly? 3) I'm not positive but it may be easier to undo the 18mm nut holding the exhaust hanger towards the middle of the car BEFORE undoing the 2 14mm bolts for the flange. I did the 2 14mm bolts first and then when I went to do the 18mm, the rubber hanger was kind of hitting my wrench, and I htink this was because of removing the 14mm flange bolts first. Basically, there are three exhaust hangers. Two very close to the rear bumper, and one a little before the flange. Undo the torx screw first to get the rear-middle hanger off the car. Then undo the 18mm nut attached to the hanger near the flange. Let this hanger stay hooked onto the bolt until you're ready to remove the exhaust. Then undo the 2 14mm bolts on the flange. These 2 hangers you've already undone will come off with the exhaust. Now the only thing holding the exhaust should be the one hanger on the driver side rear of the car and the hanger near the flange that can just slide off the bolt very easily. There are also 2 thin metal bars that are in a 'V' shape underneath the car. These will help support the flange end of the exhaust. I haven't done it yet, but it looks like you'll have to wiggle the exhaust around the bar. I was able to push the exhaust off the last hanger with the help of a little WD-40. It was hard though. I had my jackstand in the way so I wasn't able to pull the exhaust off, but it was moving around freely and I think using ramps, I should be able to slide it out without removing the 'V' bars. Will work on it tomorrow and post more info. Sorry to bump an old thread, but I wanted to add more information. Overall, I wasn't satisfied with the quality of the install guide. Will put the AA exhaust in soon and see how that goes and report back. I'll also try to get pictures/video.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-18-2013, 07:09 PM	#63
Simon09 New Member 2 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135I Coupe Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	Do you offer a military discount?
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07-18-2013, 05:43 PM	#64
filet.M2c Captain 784 Rep 763 Posts Drives: M2c / mach e Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Arizona iTrader: (1)	I installed my AA exhaust last week and I am incredibly satisfied. Sounds far better than any other axle backs I've heard(Berk, Dinan, BMW perf) and I may be dreaming but I feel like my turbos spool much faster and have a larger band of boost. Overall super satisfied. As far as the exhaust sitting to the right, I had no issues. It is dead center and I did not need to adjust anything.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2013, 08:21 PM	#65
loesch Captain 129 Rep 917 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: State College, PA iTrader: (4)	I have an AA axle back and I love it. I do notice that I have a slight right side bias. Its so small that it really doesn't matter, and I'm very picky about these things. Have switched back and forth with stock a few times and it always ends up in the same place. At Bimmerfest Saturday I'll try and find others with this exhaust and take some pics for comparison.
	Appreciate 0 Quote