I ordered a Racing Dynamics catless Downpipe from Emnotek.com. When I tried to install it, I discovered that it would not fit. The issues were:

1. The holes for the O2 sensors do not line up with the holes in the heat shield. The downstream hole is off by a full 2 inches. Here is a link to a youtube video of someone else having the exact same problem (see time 11:57)

2. The holes on the mounting bracket are too close together, so they won't fit over the bolts (see picture below)

3. Even if the bolts would fit through the holes, when adjusted to the end of the slots in the bracket, the downpipe is still almost an inch from the turbo (see picture below).

I contacted Racing dynamics and explained the issues and sent pictures (see below) showing clearly what the problem was. Their response was as follows:

“We just completed quality control installations of several randomly selected catless and catted downpipes for the Gen III MINI. We installed them all without issue. We have the knowledge, experience and tools to do the job without issue. If your professional installer possesses all three, they should not have had a concern either.”

So basically, they said "We tested some here and there was nothing wrong with them, so there is nothing wrong with yours, and if you had any skill you would be able to install it." This was the most condescending response I have ever gotten from any customer service department.

This is the third part I have bought from Racing Dynamics, and the second part to have a problem. When I installed their intercooler, the air guides on the front of it interfered with reinstalling the grill. Fortunately, I was able to slightly modify the guides to allow the grill to fit back on, but I should not have had to do that. So, for Racing Dynamics, this is 2 parts out of 3 that have had an issue.

The other party that could have remedied this situation, but did not, is Emnotek.com. Before ordering the part from Emnotek.com I read the return info on their site, that stated

"Our return policy allows customers to return most orders within 30 days (7 days for AutoTecknic parts). Customers are responsible for any shipping fees associated with a return and the restocking fee. All parts must be in 100% brand new condition. Return requests must be made via email. Feel free to view our return policy for full details."

What it doesn’t tell you is that once you start the installation process (even if you never connect a nut or bolt to it) the part can no longer be returned. Even if you can prove faulty manufacturing that causes the part not to fit, if you start the install, it cannot be returned. How are you supposed to know there is a fitment issue, without attempting fitment? You had better hope if you receive a part with an issue, that you can spot that issue while it is still in the box, because if you get it anywhere near your car you are stuck with it.

In the end I ordered another downpipe from a different company, through another website and installed it with no issues at all. I never got my money back, and I still have the Racing Dynamics downpipe reminding me to be careful of who I do business with.

For everyone out there my advice is, if you order any parts from Emnotek.com, you had better hope they were made by a reputable company, because you are going to have a very hard time returning it, and if you buy anything from Racing Dynamics, you better buy it from a site that has a very liberal return policy, because you are going to need it.