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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum BMW 2 Series (F22) Forum BMW 2 Series Coupe and Cabriolet (F22/F23) General Forum Got a catless downpipe, wasn't what I expected. Where to go next?

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      01-05-2025, 12:41 AM   #1
MrMonoWheel
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Got a catless downpipe, wasn't what I expected. Where to go next?

Hey everyone!

I recently purchased a 2018 230i convertible and have been trying to decide where to go with the exhaust system. I found a 4 inch catless downpipe used for a great price so I picked it up. On my GTI a catless downpipe.made the car really sing but on this it's almost stock plus 10%. When doing research on the topic it's hard to find anyone who did a downpipe but kept the stock car back. I know the car has two resonators underneath, would deleting one of these get me the volume I'm seeking without being obnoxious? And if so, which one to delete?
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      01-05-2025, 04:01 PM   #2
Kernel Kurtz
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Unless you are planning to tune it the downpipe was probably unnecessary. You will probably get the best range of sound options with the axle back.
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      01-06-2025, 07:46 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz View Post
Unless you are planning to tune it the downpipe was probably unnecessary. You will probably get the best range of sound options with the axle back.
I originally went with a downpipe because it doesn't involve chopping up the stock system and was significantly cheaper at $200 for a downpipe vs $800+ for an axle back. The only axle back I know of for the F23 is the Dinan for $1k. After driving it a bit more the downpipe definitely added sound, but I could use just a touch more. Removing a resonator would come back around to chopping up the stock system, but if I revert the downpipe to stock down the road I don't think the single res delete will make a big difference.
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      01-07-2025, 07:53 AM   #4
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Given that the catless downpipe is illegal in California, do you have a plan for getting your car inspected when the time comes? Just curious.
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      01-07-2025, 10:21 AM   #5
MrMonoWheel
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morphomeman View Post
Given that the catless downpipe is illegal in California, do you have a plan for getting your car inspected when the time comes? Just curious.
With my GTI some years ago there were a few smog shops that people went to for the certificate regardless of exhaust legality, but if I can't find one of those my plan was to swap back to stock every 2 years for smog. I just change the dp in my garage and it takes about an hour all said and done, so not the worst.
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      01-07-2025, 01:36 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MrMonoWheel View Post
if I can't find one of those my plan was to swap back to stock every 2 years for smog. I just change the dp in my garage and it takes about an hour all said and done, so not the worst.
You have a lift in your garage? I can't imagine doing a downpipe without the car on a lift.
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      01-07-2025, 08:30 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kernel Kurtz View Post
You have a lift in your garage? I can't imagine doing a downpipe without the car on a lift.
Nope I just pull the front up on ramps. That's how I installed the catless a few days ago, wasn't a big deal.

So any input from anyone regarding doing a single res delete and if so which one to take out? One of them looks more like a muffler chamber where the other looks like a vibrant-style resonator. Id imagine removing the muffler-esq one will result in more volume?
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