[nealer74]

Had too much time on my hand this past week and finally ordered the performance exhaust from BMW's direct ebay shop (along with a couple of other goodies).

Can't wait to get it ... would I be able to fit this myself of take it to a reputable local garage?

[AlanYoro35i]

you will need to get your original exhaust cut sp probably not a good DIY.

Depending what other goodies you got..so spill the beans so we can tell you if its DIY-able =]

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by Yoro35i

you will need to get your original exhaust cut sp probably not a good DIY.

Really, I never knew that about the PE?? Seems a very odd thing to have to do, just to change the back box!

[doughboy]

Nice purchase OP!

Originally Posted by Guvernator

Really, I never knew that about the PE?? Seems a very odd thing to have to do, just to change the back box!

The factory exhausts are one-piece from after the downpipes all the way to the tail pipe, So you have to cut off the factory back box(es) around the rear subframe area and sleeve-clamp on the new PE back box(es) - Max power stylee

[creepy coupe]

Mine needed cutting on my 135i and when I reverted back to the original exhaust come sale time. I had to buy two very expensive clamps.

[acerboo]

its relatively easy to do. jack the back of the car up both sides or better still drive it up on some ramps (homemade timber ones are ideal), there is a tiny dimple on the original pipe where it has to be cut using a reicprocating saw (£25 in wickes). cut it first then remove the mounting rubbers, a drop of wd40 helps here. fit the new one in reverse and use the clamp to join the two. the bmw clamp is quite expensive but ive tried aftermarket ones and ended up using the bmw one. its satisfying to DIY!

[doughboy]

Interesting about the little dimple - often wondered if that was there for a reason!

Although, I think E90/E91 needs a new centre section pipe too?

[Hotcoupe]

Funnily enough,I did this (exhaust in car),this morning.

Rear seats flat,headrest off the front passenger seat,and that laid as flat as possible.

Front seat covered in a dust sheet, and the single pipe end wrapped in my finest egyptian bedsheet (not the silk one),sat on the dashboard.

The twin boxes were again wrapped,and partially sat on a cushioned padding on the top of the back bumper.

Boot was tied down to the exhaust which was sticking out the back.

It looked funny from the rear with two lower exhaust tips,and two coming out of the boot,but saves cutting

It is possible,with some effort.

[doughboy]

OP - how much did it cost you BTW?

I've got a quote for the E91 and with the middle pipe needed for the E90/E91 its £1.083.34 + VAT! (with discount!)

£1,300.01

Plus £50 fitting at an indy.

That's a lot IMO for a part system.

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by doughboy

That's a lot IMO for a part system.

It certainly is, especially seeing as you have to cut the old exhaust to fit it on too. Why didn't they make it a 2-3 part system like everyone else? What happens if your OE system gets a hole\crack in it, you have to replace the WHOLE Lot. I love my car but I do wonder at the stupidity of BMW part design sometimes. Don't even get me started on the stupid pre-lci lights

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Guvernator

Don't even get me started on the stupid pre-lci lights

Would love to hear more about it...

[nealer74]

thanks for all the replies - been stuck in hospital last few days (nothing serious) and without 3G coverage...

I think I'll definitely have a look to DIY - nothing more satisfying IMO to learn something new as well (with the aid for a much more talented friend in case I wreck something).

Exhaust was £817 from BMW direct (Germany) - quoted locally £1500 + fitting ~£250, so fingers crossed these guys (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/bmw_direct) are reliable.

Also order the BMW performance shifter+gater and the handbrake, got some pedals already on order and will be saving up for the CF rear valence and would love to have the BM performance induction system... just can't quite justify that at the minute, used to paying ~£200 for a decent K&N system for previous cars.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by nealer74

Exhaust was £817 from BMW direct (Germany) - quoted locally £1500 + fitting ~£250, so fingers crossed these guys

But for an e92/e93 it's only £800 from a regular BMW dealer parts department?

Who quoted 1500 plus 250 fitting? thats bonkers!

1 hour / £50 fitting at most.

[gaza01]

OP i had mine done and had to have it cut. I did get a link pipe for it but didn't bother fitting it as it needs the holes put in for the sensors. Easy enough for a exhaust guy to do. Here's a pic if you're interested in it...its straight pnp.

[doughboy]

Which is the new part in that pic? I can't tell..

[gaza01]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Which is the new part in that pic? I can't tell..

None of it is new. I bought mine 2nd hand off ebay. I fitted the pe back box but didn't fit this link pipe

[doughboy]

I'm confused! (is yours an N52 or N53 325i?)

That picture looks like a standard N52 mid section? So you bought it to enable you to keep your factory pipe in once peice?

What holes for sensors? Do you mean the O2 sensors - there are no sensor in that section as there are no CATs. Your CATs and O2 sensors are inthe downpipes.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by Guvernator

Why didn't they make it a 2-3 part system like everyone else? What happens if your OE system gets a hole\crack in it, you have to replace the WHOLE Lot.
I love my car but I do wonder at the stupidity of BMW part design sometimes. Don't even get me started on the stupid pre-lci lights

Calm down!

The FACTORY exhausts are ONE piece for ease of assembly / low cost / reliability / longevity

But you can't buy one peice units from BMW, for replacement it is only available in 2 or 3 sections so you cut/replace/sleeve the faulty bit only.

Quite sensible really.

[Guvernator]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Calm down!

The FACTORY exhausts are ONE piece for ease of assembly / low cost / reliability / longevity

But you can't buy one peice units from BMW, for replacement it is only available in 2 or 3 sections so you cut/replace/sleeve the faulty bit only.

Quite sensible really.

I am calm, I just think that having to cut up a perfectly decent exhaust, just to fit a PE backbox is a bit of a PITA to be honest and I've not come across this on any other car I've owned before which is why I found it weird.