Downpipe install. Trouble with clamp

Lambobimmer · 06-07-2011, 09:32 PM

I removed the downpipes in about 30 minutes. It is nice to have a lift and air tools.

However, I am having a very difficult time getting the dp's back on. I get them on and the clamp around them but for some reason the ends are too far apart to get the bolt started.

Is there a trick to this or did I not have them on properly?

I was thinking about using vice grips to close the gap but mine were too small.

How is this done?

Thanks

christopherkriens · 06-07-2011, 09:57 PM

You should be able to close it with your hand enough to start the bolt threads. I wouldn't put too much pressure on it; it sounds like it's not aligned right.

bogart · 06-07-2011, 10:10 PM

i just did two installs last weekend... one on a N54 and one on my N55. make sure the clamp bolt is completely removed, and put the clamp around the end of the new downpipe before you install it. You need to make sure the end of the downpipe that meets up with the turbo housing is seated all the way and flush all the way around. this may take some adjusting. then have someone support the downpipe flush and in position while you feel around and maneuver the clamp in place. rotate the clamp so that the opening is roughly where it was originally so that it doesn't interfere with anything. then start on one end of the clamp, make sure it is in position and work your way around the clamp until you get to the other end. once it is seated, install the bolt and finger-tighten. then visually check that the clamp is in the correct position and the downpipe is seated on the turbo housing. then give the downpipe a wiggle and make sure the clamp is in place. then tighten the clamp until the ends touch again. then onto the next one if you have the N54

if you have the N55, you are done!

Kamal · 06-07-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bogart

i just did two installs last weekend... one on a N54 and one on my N55. make sure the clamp bolt is completely removed, and put the clamp around the end of the new downpipe before you install it. You need to make sure the end of the downpipe that meets up with the turbo housing is seated all the way and flush all the way around. this may take some adjusting. then have someone support the downpipe flush and in position while you feel around and maneuver the clamp in place. rotate the clamp so that the opening is roughly where it was originally so that it doesn't interfere with anything. then start on one end of the clamp, make sure it is in position and work your way around the clamp until you get to the other end. once it is seated, install the bolt and finger-tighten. then visually check that the clamp is in the correct position and the downpipe is seated on the turbo housing. then give the downpipe a wiggle and make sure the clamp is in place. then tighten the clamp until the ends touch again. then onto the next one if you have the N54

if you have the N55, you are done!

Murdered_One · 06-07-2011, 11:29 PM

Whomever invented the V Clamp .. needs to get punched in the face.. I had problems with that on my n55 when I installed my downpipes this weekend.

Lambobimmer · 06-08-2011, 04:59 AM

I will try it again this afternoon. I was putting the clamp on the turbo and then trying to align the dp and pull the clamp over top of the dp. That obviously was not working.

So, did you have the V-Clamp behind lip on the dp so you could seat it first. Then, did you open the V-Clamp up slightly and fit it over the lips of the turbo and dp.

I imagine this is what you did but I wanted to ask so I can get this completed tonight.

I was also wondering if you could install the bolt loosely on the dp bracket to keep it in place while fitting the V-Clamp.

Thanks

Elsabor67 · 06-08-2011, 05:52 AM

Put the clamp on the turbo and MAKE SURE that you align the clamp in about the same position as when you took it off. If you invert the clamp (ie. Bolt coming from the top) you will have a hell of a time and will not seat right. It took me a couple of tries but with a little wiggling and slight shifting, they sat in perfectly.

Were you able to see some of the DIY's? That was what I used for reference.

Good luck

bogart · 06-08-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamboworld

I will try it again this afternoon. I was putting the clamp on the turbo and then trying to align the dp and pull the clamp over top of the dp. That obviously was not working.

So, did you have the V-Clamp behind lip on the dp so you could seat it first. Then, did you open the V-Clamp up slightly and fit it over the lips of the turbo and dp.

I imagine this is what you did but I wanted to ask so I can get this completed tonight.

I was also wondering if you could install the bolt loosely on the dp bracket to keep it in place while fitting the V-Clamp.

Thanks

We put the V-clamp actually on the lip of the downpipe, and because the v-clamp is loose, it will go over the lip of the turbo housing when you seat the downpipe. It may take a couple trial runs, but you will eventually get it. Make sure the v-clamp is in the right orientation, so that the bolt is facing the right direction.

We tried to install the bolt loosely, but that did not work.

Goodluck!

BerkTechnology · 06-08-2011, 11:35 AM

Once they are on they will "click" into place and the V-band flange will sit inside the clamp groove properly. It is a pain in the rear!! Especially if you don't have skinny arms. The N55 is MUCH easier because there is so much more room but it still makes me yell profanities.

Lambobimmer · 06-08-2011, 11:45 AM

I got up at 6 this morning and got both of the clamps on by 7. It was a pain though.

Everything is lined up properly but I still could not hand tighten the bolts because the clamp was not close enough. I double and triple checked the fit and the bolt location and it was correct but I still not get the bolt to fit. I took some vice grips and pulled the clamp together by a couple of milimeters and I was able to get the bolt on.

So, I have both clamps on and slightly tightened. I have also fully tightened the dp's to the bracket and have installed the o2 sensors.

Should the ends of the V-Clamp touch when it is fully tightened?

Kamal · 06-08-2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamboworld

Should the ends of the V-Clamp touch when it is fully tightened?

I don't think we got the ends of the clamps touching, but we sure as hell got it as tight as we could. Be careful not to over torque it though, I hear the bands can snap.

vwrefugee · 06-08-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Whomever invented the V Clamp .. needs to get punched in the face..

No doubt the same guy that designed the latch mechanism for the ECU box cover. Better make it two punches.

Lambobimmer · 06-08-2011, 06:53 PM

I got everything back together and it seems to run fine.

Is the gasket in the turbo housing supposed to be reused?

Lambobimmer · 06-08-2011, 07:47 PM

Okay. Here are some posts of my installation. Everything looks correct except for the space between on the V-Clamp.

I watched a couple of videos and in all of them the ends of the clamp were touching one another. Any ideas?

Lambobimmer · 06-08-2011, 09:39 PM

Well, I found someone else that had the same problem that I had. I guess that they are on correct. See this post.

http://n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11550

bimmerboy · 06-08-2011, 10:27 PM

looks like the bolt isn't in the original spot which could be throwing it off?

BerkTechnology · 06-08-2011, 11:01 PM

That bolt looks OEM.

Sometimes the clamps won't touch all the way which is normal. If it's not leaking then you're okay and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

bogart · 06-09-2011, 09:07 AM

You can try to tighten it some more... but if you start to hear clicks when you tighten, stop, it is tight enough.

Lambobimmer · 06-09-2011, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BerkTechnology

That bolt looks OEM.

Sometimes the clamps won't touch all the way which is normal. If it's not leaking then you're okay and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Actually it wasn't that bad except for the V-Clamps. Much easier that putting headers on an E46 M3. I will never do that again.

cmdboy · 06-14-2011, 12:27 AM

What was the resolution? Widen the V-Clamp to make it fit?

Lambobimmer · 06-14-2011, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmdboy

What was the resolution? Widen the V-Clamp to make it fit?

I made it work but it wasn't easy. I read that the new V-Clamps are slightly wider, so your might want to buy new clamps if you are installing AA downpipes.

Noelpolar · 06-14-2011, 07:13 AM

I had fun with these as well....... See my post at http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538822

For real fun add a steering column into the mix!

06-07-2011, 09:32 PM	#1
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	Downpipe install. Trouble with clamp I removed the downpipes in about 30 minutes. It is nice to have a lift and air tools. However, I am having a very difficult time getting the dp's back on. I get them on and the clamp around them but for some reason the ends are too far apart to get the bolt started. Is there a trick to this or did I not have them on properly? I was thinking about using vice grips to close the gap but mine were too small. How is this done? Thanks
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06-07-2011, 09:57 PM	#2
christopherkriens . 18 Rep 260 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135i Coupé Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [8.62]	You should be able to close it with your hand enough to start the bolt threads. I wouldn't put too much pressure on it; it sounds like it's not aligned right.
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06-07-2011, 10:10 PM	#3
bogart Lieutenant Colonel 117 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: E82 N55 DCT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: STL, MO iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [7.06]	i just did two installs last weekend... one on a N54 and one on my N55. make sure the clamp bolt is completely removed, and put the clamp around the end of the new downpipe before you install it. You need to make sure the end of the downpipe that meets up with the turbo housing is seated all the way and flush all the way around. this may take some adjusting. then have someone support the downpipe flush and in position while you feel around and maneuver the clamp in place. rotate the clamp so that the opening is roughly where it was originally so that it doesn't interfere with anything. then start on one end of the clamp, make sure it is in position and work your way around the clamp until you get to the other end. once it is seated, install the bolt and finger-tighten. then visually check that the clamp is in the correct position and the downpipe is seated on the turbo housing. then give the downpipe a wiggle and make sure the clamp is in place. then tighten the clamp until the ends touch again. then onto the next one if you have the N54 if you have the N55, you are done! __________________
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06-07-2011, 11:29 PM	#5
Murdered_One Lieutenant 39 Rep 413 Posts Drives: Alpine White 135i N55 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Papillion, NE iTrader: (4)	Whomever invented the V Clamp .. needs to get punched in the face.. I had problems with that on my n55 when I installed my downpipes this weekend. __________________ Injen Intake / JB4 / AR Design Catless Downpipes/ Matte Black Kidney Grilles / 15% Tint / VMR 710s / OEM CF License Plate Holder/Custom Painted Showline Black Diffuser/ BMW Performance CF Spoiler/ Eibach Pro Sport/ Koni Yellow
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06-08-2011, 04:59 AM	#6
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	I will try it again this afternoon. I was putting the clamp on the turbo and then trying to align the dp and pull the clamp over top of the dp. That obviously was not working. So, did you have the V-Clamp behind lip on the dp so you could seat it first. Then, did you open the V-Clamp up slightly and fit it over the lips of the turbo and dp. I imagine this is what you did but I wanted to ask so I can get this completed tonight. I was also wondering if you could install the bolt loosely on the dp bracket to keep it in place while fitting the V-Clamp. Thanks
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06-08-2011, 05:52 AM	#7
Elsabor67 aiming for 450..... 304 Rep 2,910 Posts Drives: Totaled :-( Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Louisiana iTrader: (28) Garage List 2009 135i [10.00]	Put the clamp on the turbo and MAKE SURE that you align the clamp in about the same position as when you took it off. If you invert the clamp (ie. Bolt coming from the top) you will have a hell of a time and will not seat right. It took me a couple of tries but with a little wiggling and slight shifting, they sat in perfectly. Were you able to see some of the DIY's? That was what I used for reference. Good luck __________________ Quote from Ezeedee regarding car mods: "you're only done when you sell the car "
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06-08-2011, 11:35 AM	#9
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Once they are on they will "click" into place and the V-band flange will sit inside the clamp groove properly. It is a pain in the rear!! Especially if you don't have skinny arms. The N55 is MUCH easier because there is so much more room but it still makes me yell profanities.
	Appreciate 1 AndyW672.00 Quote

06-08-2011, 11:45 AM	#10
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	I got up at 6 this morning and got both of the clamps on by 7. It was a pain though. Everything is lined up properly but I still could not hand tighten the bolts because the clamp was not close enough. I double and triple checked the fit and the bolt location and it was correct but I still not get the bolt to fit. I took some vice grips and pulled the clamp together by a couple of milimeters and I was able to get the bolt on. So, I have both clamps on and slightly tightened. I have also fully tightened the dp's to the bracket and have installed the o2 sensors. Should the ends of the V-Clamp touch when it is fully tightened?
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06-08-2011, 06:53 PM	#13
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	I got everything back together and it seems to run fine. Is the gasket in the turbo housing supposed to be reused?
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06-08-2011, 07:47 PM	#14
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	Okay. Here are some posts of my installation. Everything looks correct except for the space between on the V-Clamp. I watched a couple of videos and in all of them the ends of the clamp were touching one another. Any ideas? Attached Images
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06-08-2011, 09:39 PM	#15
Lambobimmer Major 292 Rep 1,473 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i, 2018 TTRS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tarheel iTrader: (14)	Well, I found someone else that had the same problem that I had. I guess that they are on correct. See this post. http://n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11550
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06-08-2011, 10:27 PM	#16
bimmerboy Captain 23 Rep 601 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	looks like the bolt isn't in the original spot which could be throwing it off? __________________ *--2009 BSM 135i--* -Manual, Sport Package, BMW Assist
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06-08-2011, 11:01 PM	#17
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	That bolt looks OEM. Sometimes the clamps won't touch all the way which is normal. If it's not leaking then you're okay and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
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06-09-2011, 09:07 AM	#18
bogart Lieutenant Colonel 117 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: E82 N55 DCT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: STL, MO iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [7.06]	You can try to tighten it some more... but if you start to hear clicks when you tighten, stop, it is tight enough. __________________
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06-14-2011, 12:27 AM	#20
cmdboy Enlisted Member 0 Rep 44 Posts Drives: One fast car Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Deep South iTrader: (0)	What was the resolution? Widen the V-Clamp to make it fit?
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06-14-2011, 07:13 AM	#22
Noelpolar Private First Class 7 Rep 133 Posts Drives: E92 335i Auto Join Date: May 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I had fun with these as well....... See my post at http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=538822 For real fun add a steering column into the mix!
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