Akrapovic clearance issue with rear diffuser

[GTR_Steve]

I've held off making this post whilst Akrapovic have been trying to rectify the problem. However it is now at a stage where I believe I should highlight the issue and ask if anybody else is having the same problems.
I had my Akra installed in two parts. The slip-on initially, and at this point it was noted that the exhaust tips were virtually in contact with the rear diffuser. The slightest bump in the road caused the exhaust to chatter up and down on the diffuser. I removed the tips whilst I was waiting for the rest of the Evo system to arrive and hoping that fitting this would help solve the alignment issues. Unfortunately it did not. The UK Akrapovic rep was excellent and attended the dealer to look at the issue. Despite numerous attempts at alignment it could not be resolved. As a result Akrapovic to their credit agreed to replace the rear muffler on the premise that the exit pipes may not have been set correctly.
I returned to (having moved house) a different Akra dealer to have the replacement muffler fitted last Friday. All seemed well after the fitting but on inspection at the weekend, the clearance has been improved by inserting wedges in the rear exhaust rubbers thereby removing the elasticity of the mounting.
I have discovered a nearby shop that specialises in fabricating and mounting race exhausts. I think I will now take the car down to these guys and see what they can do about making some adjustments, either to the exhaust, the hangers on the vehicle or some stiffer polypropylene mounts.
The exhaust sounds excellent and the fabrication looks superb but I am a little frustrated now that having paid the best part of £5000 I do not have an exhaust that is a perfect fit. Having tried two exhausts, is this a UK vehicle issue, a general issue or just an issue with my car?
It is difficult to knock Akrapovic in their response to the problem. It has been suggested that they would even offer a full refund, but that is not really what I want. I would like the marketed product to fit as expected.
Interested to know if anybody has had similar issues and how you overcame them.

[NC]

Originally Posted by GTR_Steve

...having paid the best part of £5000 I do not have an exhaust that is a perfect fit.

GTR_Steve - sorry to hear about your fitment issues and thank you for passing this on. I agree that at the [over]price of the Akra the last thing you'd expect are fitment issues. I hope they get it sorted out for you and compensate you for your time and trouble. Unacceptable.

[///M1]

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Steve. In my case I don't have any issues whatsoever with the fitment. I posted a thread with a lot of pics of my install, browse through that as there are a few showing how close the tips are to the diffuser, see if you can discern if perhaps yours sit closer and hence cause issues.

[1M Roo]

Just had an Akra fitted to my 1M this week and have same clearance issues, did you ever get resolved?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ///M1

Sorry to hear of your troubles, Steve. In my case I don't have any issues whatsoever with the fitment. I posted a thread with a lot of pics of my install, browse through that as there are a few showing how close the tips are to the diffuser, see if you can discern if perhaps yours sit closer and hence cause issues.

Here is said post... page 2, post #25...

bmw 1M akrapovic problem, any thoughts?
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...=666492&page=2

[GTR_Steve]

No the problem is still there, a few people have tried now! No further response from the Akra contact at the factory either. Sorry I can't be of help at the moment.

[Powerbeast]

Having the same bull shit issue.

[///M1]

Likewise, my problems continue. My initial response to Steve that I was not having clearance issues was at a time when the exhaust had just been installed and seemed aligned. Now that is has settled, it is crooked, posted pics in a related thread, and despite several realignment attempts, still no where near perfect.

[EINSER M]

and the gats get loaded! on akra falling asleep on all these fitment issues, what the hell are they doing?????

[-Z-]

Originally Posted by EINSER M

and the gats get loaded! on akra falling asleep on all these fitment issues, what the hell are they doing?????

my guess is they don't want any more customers

[firechicken99]

geeze for that price tag i wouldnt be happy either

[lcrain]

This is disappointing really. I feel like maybe they rushed the release of the 1m exhaust. I know for e9x m3s the fitment is perfect as you would expect with such an expensive high quality piece.

Hopefully this gets resolved for you guys. I will likely be going a different route.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by firechicken99

geeze for that price tag i wouldnt be happy either

me too... normally I would be more of a.. well.. it's aftermarket... so probably not going to fit like stock... but at the price of entry... not much excuse.

[firechicken99]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

me too... normally I would be more of a.. well.. it's aftermarket... so probably not going to fit like stock... but at the price of entry... not much excuse.

Agreed, though I have never seen many Ferrari's in person to speak of their QC, but I would think that price makes it the Ferrari of 1'er exhausts, I would hope it has the fitment and perfection to boot!

[1M Roo]

Just heard back from Akrapovic via Parr (who installed the Akra) that they are aware of the clearance issues and have sent some new exhaust mount rubbers which should(?) cure the problem... I will let you know how I get on!

[superchargedman]

Man, sorry to hear this. I am glad I stuck with the borla.

[///M1]

Logged a formal complaint myself to Corporate, let's see what happens.

[GTR_Steve]

Originally Posted by 1M Roo

Just heard back from Akrapovic via Parr (who installed the Akra) that they are aware of the clearance issues and have sent some new exhaust mount rubbers which should(?) cure the problem... I will let you know how I get on!

1M Roo, did you have the full Evo fitted at Parr? I will be very interested to hear what they send to you.

[Jezzer]

Is this Parr Motorsport the Porsche specialists? Are they an Akrapovic approved dealer?

[1M Roo]

Yes they are Porsche specialist but also Akrapovic dealers and very fussy, needless to say they weren't happy about the clearance either. Waiting for replacement rubber mounts to turn up fom Akrapovic then will get them fitted. Have to say sounds awesome, especially when you are in he mood!

[Jezzer]

Originally Posted by 1M Roo

Yes they are Porsche specialist but also Akrapovic dealers and very fussy, needless to say they weren't happy about the clearance either. Waiting for replacement rubber mounts to turn up fom Akrapovic then will get them fitted. Have to say sounds awesome, especially when you are in he mood!

Remind me is yours just the slip on? Have you got a contact there I could use please?

[1M Roo]

Yes it's the slip on wireless one, I think you could find the full noise too much if you use the car everyday, especially on A roads/motorways! You need to speak with Lawrence Stockwell, he has been really good and deals with Titanium Performance who are they UK importer for Akrapovic.