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      05-18-2018, 09:18 AM   #1
Yapakanichi
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Let's talk about Headers

I was browsing other forums online and the consensus regarding Ebay headers is they work great. Is this not the case? I mean in theory, if they use the same design as some of the other more expensive companies, wouldn't the results be the same?

I mean yea the material quality may not be up to the same standards, but what actual difference does that make when routing exhaust gases?
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      05-18-2018, 10:51 AM   #2
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Your mileage may vary but my buddy spent 6-8 hours modifying eBay headers to fit properly on his M coupe. He saved nearly $800 but in no way was it a "bolt-on" experience.

Post tune power gains are identical to the more expensive exhaust brands and the money saved went towards upgrading the engine and tuning the car.

There is a header option for every budget out there, cannot seem to find a comparison thread (like there is for mufflers).
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      05-18-2018, 04:34 PM   #3
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^that's pretty much it. It is a cheap knockoff, so the problems, as I see them, are as follows:

1.) Fitment is questionable. These are copies - they didn't actually spend time fit testing and refining design.
2.) Quality is questionable. I have plenty of personal experience with cheaper exhaust components cracking.
3.) Power gains are likely not as good. This one is probably not a very big deal - a copy should get most of the power gains.
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      05-18-2018, 06:28 PM   #4
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Just my 2c, but I've learned from past experiences....save up for the quality parts opposed to saving a few bucks in the short term. Some things aren't worth skimping out on, and personally feel headers are in that category
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      05-23-2018, 12:56 AM   #5
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I don't get why you even consider eBay knock off headers. The parts you need to replace the header is probably half the cost of the header. I understand you don't want to spend 2k for name brand. Why not go with used Euro header. It is reasonably price and OE quality you can't beat. Replacing header is not an easy job. This is kind of job you do once and do it right.
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      05-23-2018, 01:32 AM   #6
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There are alternatives to Ebay headers.

CPI Stepped Headers

Besides the fitment issues and questions about what's required to make Ebay headers fit (are all the studs strained evenly?), there's the question of material flaking off and being ingested into the engine while it's under vacuum. While rare, I know of two cars that have had header failures lead to engine failures.

I recognize that most probably don't care, but I have an ethical issue with buying a product that pirated someone else's design.
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      05-23-2018, 11:14 AM   #7
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But I don't own a Z4M. I own a 3.0 M54
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      05-23-2018, 06:56 PM   #8
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Regardless of motor you have , most people on hereI feel will steer you in the right direction...which would be avoiding knockoff China made cheap duplicates
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      05-24-2018, 06:14 AM   #9
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I did not buy an Ebay header but a level between them and the "brand" names.

I was pleasantly surprised with the fit and finish, particularly the location of the 4 O2 sensor bungs which were perfectly placed.
I have had them on for 4 supercharged years now with zero issues.
Back then you could buy directly from the manufacturer BimmerBrakes but now I believe you buy through dealers.
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      06-05-2018, 05:12 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pokeybritches View Post
There are alternatives to Ebay headers.

CPI Stepped Headers

Besides the fitment issues and questions about what's required to make Ebay headers fit (are all the studs strained evenly?), there's the question of material flaking off and being ingested into the engine while it's under vacuum. While rare, I know of two cars that have had header failures lead to engine failures.

I recognize that most probably don't care, but I have an ethical issue with buying a product that pirated someone else's design.
You beat me to recommending the CPI headers. Fantastic product, zero fitment issues, great usable torque curve, still going strong today. I recommended them to a close friend who had the same identical experience.

Edit: Just realized OP had non-M. Recommendation still stands for M owners who may visit this thread!
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