[dbjb]

UPDATE: To see images, make sure to use Chrome as your browswer AND download the extension "Photobucket Hotlink Fix"

Went to a few places to install my Performance Exhaust. First shop wanted $125 which I felt was high for only cutting 2 pipes and mounting an OEM exhaust but was just about to say yes when he said I had to come back in 2 days. Second shop said $80 but then backed out stating my car was too low and he wasn't sure he could get it onto the ramps (even though he had boards). Third shop just shrugged his shoulders and asked if I could come back when his manager was in.

WTH is wrong with all these people?! So, I decided to just DIY. It's not hard. In fact, it's quite simple. So, for those of you that don't want to pay that BMW tax or don't mind a little labor, this is for you.

Tools Needed:
- Jack and Jack Stands
- 8mm, 13mm, & 17mm socket wrench
- Pipe cutting tool and/or Sawzall with metal bits. 14TPI suggested (thats teeth per inch)
- Eye protection
- Sharpee
- Measuring Tape

Here she is. All new and pretty. Note, you get 3 clamps in 2 different sizes. The smaller one fits between the two mufflers.


Jack up the vehicle and secure with stands. Stay safe.


This is the approximate locations you will make the cut. The next image is a pipe cutter that can be rented from Autozone for free.




Also, just so you know what you're dealing with, here is the thickness of the SS piping.


Okay, before making the cut, measure where the PE needs to connect. I measured about 3 3/4" from the muffler.


Take that measurement to the factory system. Make your mark. Then take a piece of paper folded several times and wrap it around the pipe tightly. done right, it'll give you a perfect line.




Put on your eye protection unless you want this in your sockets.


Get that pipe cutter and begin cutting.


You can keep at it with a death grip. It'll take some time and strength. Halfway through, my brother stopped by with his Sawzall. With the right blade, it'll cut quickly. I'm still glad I started with the chain cutter. That made a nice score to keep the blade aligned.


Once the 2 cuts are made, remove 2 8mm bolts and 2 13mm nuts holding the stock muffler.




Put the clamps into position. They are on the mid pipe really to slide.


Using all your limbs (or a friend) hold one section of the new muffler up while bolting it into place. It will not be secure until you at least slide part of the clamp on. At this point, you may notice a nail in your left rear tire.




Get the other side on and start tightening the 17mm nuts. You'll have a little play with the clamps to help align the muffler tips. However, mine were pretty good.


If you did it right, it should have taken about an hour depending on how long those cuts take. Here it is all done.


That's all she wrote.

[richpike]

Great DIY - thanks for posting it. Was this on an E90 or an E92/3? Was it for a N54 or N55?

Thanks,
Rich

[dbjb]

Originally Posted by richpike

Great DIY - thanks for posting it. Was this on an E90 or an E92/3? Was it for a N54 or N55?

Thanks,
Rich

Good question. Updated. n54 e92 although e90 should be nearly, if not identical.

[amill411]

Originally Posted by dsbj

At this point, you may notice a nail in your left rear tire.

Haha this gave me a good laugh

[Wedge1967]

Nice work. I hate exhaust shops. I had the same issue with my Jag S-Type R.

[Doctor///M]

Thanks for the DIY. I'll definitely consider this, but have a question. I picked up a PE from a forum member and I may seem to have additional parts than mentioned in this post. In addition to the two mufflers and three clamps, I was also given a full exhaust pipe and two more clamps. Mine is for an E90 by the way.

I'm therefore wondering if I need to install the full set of parts or just the mufflers alone (as described in this post). Pics are shown below. Thanks again!

[Yodaime]

Great DIY MAN! Very easy. When I installed my REMUS US SOUND RACE. I had to do similar to what you did. cut oem muffler and clamp on new. BUT I took the hard way and used a DREMO LOL! + REMUS you have to SLIDE it over your stock piping. Their piping is not even 1mm bigger than stock so it was a pain to slide it in. <- thats what she said. but it all worked out.

[montegoblue335iguy]

Great job. Where did you buy it from and how much? Thanks

[gaza01]

aren't you supposed to use exhaust paste on the joints with the clamp?

[greekzilla]

Originally Posted by gaza01

aren't you supposed to use exhaust paste on the joints with the clamp?

No. Never heard of exhaust paste...

[scooby9]

Nice DIY. I did the install the same way. First used a chain cutter to get a nice score in the piping and used a sawz-all the rest of the way. It really does give you a perfect cut.

[GThex]

Originally Posted by S3RI35

Thanks for the DIY. I'll definitely consider this, but have a question. I picked up a PE from a forum member and I may seem to have additional parts than mentioned in this post. In addition to the two mufflers and three clamps, I was also given a full exhaust pipe and two more clamps. Mine is for an E90 by the way.

I'm therefore wondering if I need to install the full set of parts or just the mufflers alone (as described in this post). Pics are shown below. Thanks again!

What's the verdict?

[ReevesBMW]

Originally Posted by GThex

What's the verdict?

The E92 Performance Exhaust kit only comes with the two mufflers and three clamps. The E90 kit comes with the two mufflers, five clamps and a mid-pipe. The reason for the extra pipe in the kit is because the E90 has two more resonators then the coupe so the mid-pipe that comes with the Performance Exhaust kit is meant to eliminate those two resonators. It basically makes it the same setup as a coupe.

[v1nc86]

Originally Posted by ReevesBMW

The E92 Performance Exhaust kit only comes with the two mufflers and three clamps. The E90 kit comes with the two mufflers, five clamps and a mid-pipe. The reason for the extra pipe in the kit is because the E90 has two more resonators then the coupe so the mid-pipe that comes with the Performance Exhaust kit is meant to eliminate those two resonators. It basically makes it the same setup as a coupe.

Can I install a E92 BMW performance exhaust on a E90? That means I will have the E92 PE mufflers and the OEM E90 mid-pipe (i.e. two more resonators than the E92). Thanks

[Nagata-San]

I used this DIY, very easy, about 40 min job.

I use it with DP, the sound is crazy !

[tip_m]

Bumping up this old thread. Thanks for the write-up, came in very handy when I installed a set of mufflers in my E90 this weekend!