[shoek]

My car is getting installed right now. I have a 2013 550 x-drive so my shop is already having to perform the modification that @BuffBmw mentioned.

However, they discovered something else - my 2013 has slip fittings to the downpipes rather than flanged like 2013's are supposed to have (MY2014 was the introduction of slip fittings). My 2013 was build in March, 2013, so may BMW did a production changeover that early?

I'll be calling LSD to see if they can send slip fitting versions of the front pipe, otherwise my shop will have to adapt it with a few more welds.

[ARKONE]

Originally Posted by combatbmw

I agree. Full system. Vs axle.. No brainer.

Just sound vs sound and performance and still cheaper with no drone. And controlled valves option.

Going to have a chat about getting a valved system once I get back into the states. I might be upgrading from a 2011 550i to a 2014, so I need to make sure the exhaust gets replaced ASAP.

[shoek]

Just an update with some pictures. My shop had the car overnight in order to get all the mods done to the install. It took them about 8 hours total labor, but that included TiG welding all the joints.

As mentioned above, here are the mods they had to do:
- my March 2013 build had 2014 style slip fittings on the downpipes, and I of course had ordered the 2011-2013 Shteigen version. LSD suggested a couple of mods that could be done, but in the end my shop ended up cutting the slip fittings off of the OEM exhaust and welding them to the end of the LSD first-section pipe (after shortening it). It took alot of measuring to get it all lined up at the right angle coming off the downpipe vs where they had to make the cut.
- as LSD has mentioned, the xDrive cars need an extension to get around the front transfer case. My shop ordered in some 3" stainless pipe to match what LSD used
- because of the extensions to get around the transfer case, the whole system would have been shifted back 2-3" and I didn't want that so my shop took another cut out of the rear pipe section before it Y's off to the axel-back section. Again, they used TiG welds and it looked fantastic.

My impressions after just 20 miles of driving, half on the highway - WOW! Cold start is a deep rumble, regular idle lets you know it is there. Under mild acceleration it is a bit loud so I'm gonna have to get used to it. Under hard acceleration at speed (eg 40 up to 80) it sounds wonderful! Exactly what I was hoping for there, no drone, etc.

I have an Exhaustmeister kit that I may put on once I evaluate the valved system's standard sound further.

I have some comments about LSD/Shteigen.
- it took a long time between them taking my money and me getting the product. It felt like a Kickstarter campaign really. They were fairly communicative, but at no time offered any reward for waiting so long (eg: like a free Exhaustmeister kit)
- when I called LSD about the xDrive mod, I was surprised Mike didn't offer to send me the modded front pipe. He never mentioned needing to cut off some of their pipe further back to even out for the part added in front.
- when I notified LSD about my 2013 having 2014 slip fittings, Mike had heard of it before and had some workarounds to offer, and was able to talk directly to the mechanic at my shop, but again he did not offer to send me the 2014 front section to save having to mod it.

All in all, my initial impressions of the system on the car are very positive. I was able to upgrade to Dinan Stage 3 because of the free flowing exhaust and I could definitely feel some improvement there. Time will tell how it holds up, etc. It certainly feels like I'm a beta tester to some extent, but then again I have a 3" cat back system that growls deep and breathes more freely for well under what similar systems would cost.

-Steve

[phil7027]

Does LSD plan on offering a fix for this "x drive mod" on their own?? I don't feel like spending $2200 on an exhaust then have to pay for a shop to install it and weld extension pipe onto it. I can easily install this exhaust in my garage but having to cut and weld would force me to have to take it to a shop which I'm not paying an extra $300+/- for

[combatbmw]

Originally Posted by phil7027

Does LSD plan on offering a fix for this "x drive mod" on their own?? I don't feel like spending $2200 on an exhaust then have to pay for a shop to install it and weld extension pipe onto it. I can easily install this exhaust in my garage but having to cut and weld would force me to have to take it to a shop which I'm not paying an extra $300+/- for

Call and ask. But realistically... It's 2200 for a full system.
What other option do you have? A 3k axle back.
Still way worth it.

[Shteigen]

Originally Posted by phil7027

Does LSD plan on offering a fix for this "x drive mod" on their own?? I don't feel like spending $2200 on an exhaust then have to pay for a shop to install it and weld extension pipe onto it. I can easily install this exhaust in my garage but having to cut and weld would force me to have to take it to a shop which I'm not paying an extra $300+/- for

Hello,
Unfortunately we do not have a "fix" for the 550xi models. Our goal is to design direct bolt on quality units for a specific car. That being said, we only have systems for 2011-2014 550i models and we would need a test vehicle from a customer with a 550xi in order produce a 550xi specific system. I will say this about the installation of any full system on these cars. The stock system is very long and extremely heavy. Since it is a 1 piece system, it really helps having the car up in the air and a 2nd person available to assist. That being said, we highly recommend having the exhausts installed on a lift whether the systems needs to be modified or not.

[SandhuBMW]

Can someone from team shteigen PM me I may be interested in this system for my 550i. Thanks

[FeckinSpaceman]

Anyone know the difference between cruzur and rumblr edition? Any sound clips of rumblr?

[phil7027]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Anyone know the difference between cruzur and rumblr edition? Any sound clips of rumblr?

Cruzur has the valves and rumble doesn't. Rumblr is basically louder at all times.

[FeckinSpaceman]

Originally Posted by phil7027

Cruzur has the valves and rumble doesn't. Rumblr is basically louder at all times.

Ok gotcha thanks.

The valves just act like stock correct? They arent controllable e-valves like on the meisterschaft right?

Anyone running the Rumblr?

[The_Transporter]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Ok gotcha thanks.

The valves just act like stock correct? They arent controllable e-valves like on the meisterschaft right?

Anyone running the Rumblr?

They can be controlled but it takes an aftermarket piece. Search google for "exhaustmiester". I have it on my car and works great!

[phil7027]

What he said ^^

[ChitownN54]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Anyone running the Rumblr?

I am running the Rumblur (as of last week). Whether Rumblur or Cruzur, none of the videos that are publicly available online at the moment do the exhaust justice, IMO. The sound in-person is much deeper and louder than I expected and I am really happy with it.

Zero problems with fitment and took 4 business days to receive the shipment (I'm in Chicago). I worked with Mike and he was super responsive before and after the sale.

FWIW, Mike asked me to verify the DP connection whether it was slip-on vs. flange. I did not have access to a lift or ramps and didn't have time to go to someplace that did. What I ended up doing was recording a video on my iPhone (with the flash turned on), with the iPhone placed front-side down on the driveway (I had success the first time on the driver's-side-DP). I slowly drove over the iPhone (not on it obviously) and got the info I needed.

[FeckinSpaceman]

Originally Posted by The_Transporter

They can be controlled but it takes an aftermarket piece. Search google for "exhaustmiester". I have it on my car and works great!

Yeah thanks, I am familiar with the exhaustmeister as well, good call.

Originally Posted by ChitownN54

I am running the Rumblur (as of last week). Whether Rumblur or Cruzur, none of the videos that are publicly available online at the moment do the exhaust justice, IMO. The sound in-person is much deeper and louder than I expected and I am really happy with it.

Zero problems with fitment and took 4 business days to receive the shipment (I'm in Chicago). I worked with Mike and he was super responsive before and after the sale.

FWIW, Mike asked me to verify the DP connection whether it was slip-on vs. flange. I did not have access to a lift or ramps and didn't have time to go to someplace that did. What I ended up doing was recording a video on my iPhone (with the flash turned on), with the iPhone placed front-side down on the driveway (I had success the first time on the driver's-side-DP). I slowly drove over the iPhone (not on it obviously) and got the info I needed.

Oh good to hear, any chances you could throw up a clip? Really interested in this system.

[ChitownN54]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Yeah thanks, I am familiar with the exhaustmeister as well, good call.



Oh good to hear, any chances you could throw up a clip? Really interested in this system.

, cold start, no revs

I'll post more videos around the New Year-

[FeckinSpaceman]

Originally Posted by ChitownN54

, cold start, no revs

I'll post more videos around the New Year-

Thanks for taking the time to post that!

Damn, not bad! How long have you had it? do you know if there is a break in period?
My 335i M Performance exhaust actually got better after about 1500 miles of break in.

I am really hung up on the Meisterschaft exhaust but also would love to save $1000 so really considering going this route.

[ChitownN54]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Thanks for taking the time to post that!

Damn, not bad! How long have you had it? do you know if there is a break in period?
My 335i M Performance exhaust actually got better after about 1500 miles of break in.

I am really hung up on the Meisterschaft exhaust but also would love to save $1000 so really considering going this route.

I've been driving with it since Wednesday of last week. I am unaware of a break-in period.

Opinions of exhaust sounds may differ being as subjective a topic as they come, so for me, I do not particularly like the sound of Meisterschaft on the 550i (and yes, I've heard it in-person). I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on LSD's exhaust and my only regret is not getting in sooner on the group buy. I wanted "loud" and "tuned german v-8" sounds and that's what I got in spades. 4.4K rpm to redline is my favorite. My avg MPG went from 14.8 last week to 12.1 this morning. Thankfully Costco 93 octane is $2.59/gal where I live. To each their own...

[FeckinSpaceman]

Originally Posted by ChitownN54

I've been driving with it since Wednesday of last week. I am unaware of a break-in period.

Opinions of exhaust sounds may differ being as subjective a topic as they come, so for me, I do not particularly like the sound of Meisterschaft on the 550i (and yes, I've heard it in-person). I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on LSD's exhaust and my only regret is not getting in sooner on the group buy. I wanted "loud" and "tuned german v-8" sounds and that's what I got in spades. 4.4K rpm to redline is my favorite. My avg MPG went from 14.8 last week to 12.1 this morning. Thankfully Costco 93 octane is $2.59/gal where I live. To each their own...

Well to your point I haven't heard either in person. So I am basing my opinion solely on sound clips..... based on the clips I've heard the Meisterschaft sounds beast mode! But again comes at a cost. I have heard very little clips of the Shteigen thus far.

Wow, I don't think you should lose mileage based on opening up a restricted stock exhaust..... did your mileage go down because you can't keep your foot out of it?


Also....you might want to get your car checked out because I am averaging 21 mpg in FL....and I drive my car, sit in traffic, and regularly use sport mode I also have the Dinan Stage 2 software installed....not sure if that helps or hurts. You should get your injector/plugs inspected. I actually had 2 injectors misbehaving and had them all upgraded along with new plugs, all under warranty, and instantly gained about 3 mpg on average.

[ChitownN54]

Originally Posted by FeckinSpaceman

Well to your point I haven't heard either in person. So I am basing my opinion solely on sound clips..... based on the clips I've heard the Meisterschaft sounds beast mode! But again comes at a cost. I have heard very little clips of the Shteigen thus far.

Wow, I don't think you should lose mileage based on opening up a restricted stock exhaust..... did your mileage go down because you can't keep your foot out of it?


Also....you might want to get your car checked out because I am averaging 21 mpg in FL....and I drive my car, sit in traffic, and regularly use sport mode I also have the Dinan Stage 2 software installed....not sure if that helps or hurts. You should get your injector/plugs inspected. I actually had 2 injectors misbehaving and had them all upgraded along with new plugs, all under warranty, and instantly gained about 3 mpg on average.

Cost was not the primary deciding factor for me. I could have gone the Meister route but chose not to based purely on sound.

MPG went down because of my heavy right foot and wanting to hear all the different tones across the rpm range and different loads.

I drive mainly in 'city' traffic so 18mpg was my best driving nicely. On a cross-country road trip I averaged 26.4, so I really think it's my driving habits but next time the car is in for maint. I'll have them checkout the injectors (plugs were all replaced about 1K miles ago).

[FeckinSpaceman]

Originally Posted by ChitownN54

Cost was not the primary deciding factor for me. I could have gone the Meister route but chose not to based purely on sound.

MPG went down because of my heavy right foot and wanting to hear all the different tones across the rpm range and different loads.

I drive mainly in 'city' traffic so 18mpg was my best driving nicely. On a cross-country road trip I averaged 26.4, so I really think it's my driving habits but next time the car is in for maint. I'll have them checkout the injectors (plugs were all replaced about 1K miles ago).

Good stuff, thanks for the feedback

I will more than likely give the Rumblur a shot.

[ChitownN54]

Here's another video w/ low revs, enjoy:

[ChitownN54]

In-car acceleration 0-60ish