[bwinterstine]

I had noticed that my car developed a rattle on cold mornings. I needed some routine maintenance ("free") performed so I asked the local BMW shop to look into it while they had the car.

The shop told me that the exhaust pipe lower bracket was bent and would not clamp tightly causing the rattle. They pulled off the exhaust pipe(s) mounting bracket found approximately in the middle of the underside. This bracket has two primary pieces. A long piece attaches to the car just behind the transmission with the other end resting on top of the two exahaust pipes. The lower bracket piece is bolted to the longer piece and clamps the exhaust pipes together (see picture). They bagged all the parts, told me they ordered a new bracket (for $300.00) and would call me when the part is in. I drove away with the bracket off after they said it would be "ok for a few weeks".

I looked at the old bracket today and it didn't seem all that "bent". It was easily straighted on my vice.

I raised the right side of the car onto jack stands and put the bracket back on. It still didn't tighten enough. The problem wasn't the bracket but the original bolt has a "stop" on it (see picture). Over the past 4 years, the parts have warn down somewhat and the bolt won't allow a snug fit.

I replaced the bolt with a M8x40MM bolt and lockwasher (see picture). FIXED for $0.40! Total time, 30 minutes.

Hope this helps someone else out there save some money (and time); saved me $299.60 (plus whatever labor would have been).

[Delta0311]

I got the performance exhaust on my 328i and I haven't ran into a problem like this yet but this is a good heads up post.

[Chriztofor]

DIY +1 Stealership 0

[BMXtreme]

Thanks alot. My dealership was nice to not charge that much but still alot. They didn't call me back, so I guess they don't feel it's worth fixing my car for this little money. Oh well....I'll attempt this over the weekend.

[TaurusThomas]

Originally Posted by bwinterstine

I had noticed that my car developed a rattle on cold mornings. I needed some routine maintenance ("free") performed so I asked the local BMW shop to look into it while they had the car.

The shop told me that the exhaust pipe lower bracket was bent and would not clamp tightly causing the rattle. They pulled off the exhaust pipe(s) mounting bracket found approximately in the middle of the underside. This bracket has two primary pieces. A long piece attaches to the car just behind the transmission with the other end resting on top of the two exahaust pipes. The lower bracket piece is bolted to the longer piece and clamps the exhaust pipes together (see picture). They bagged all the parts, told me they ordered a new bracket (for $300.00) and would call me when the part is in. I drove away with the bracket off after they said it would be "ok for a few weeks".

I looked at the old bracket today and it didn't seem all that "bent". It was easily straighted on my vice.

I raised the right side of the car onto jack stands and put the bracket back on. It still didn't tighten enough. The problem wasn't the bracket but the original bolt has a "stop" on it (see picture). Over the past 4 years, the parts have warn down somewhat and the bolt won't allow a snug fit.

I replaced the bolt with a M8x40MM bolt and lockwasher (see picture). FIXED for $0.40! Total time, 30 minutes.

Hope this helps someone else out there save some money (and time); saved me $299.60 (plus whatever labor would have been).


Attachment 462973

Attachment 462974

Wow this is EXACTLY what I am dealing with. I serviced my ZF transmission and had to take this clamp if you will off to get it done. But it started rattling after I did a muffler delete with increased vibration which only made it worse. I figured it was a bolt issue and you saved us all a big headache stating the replacement bolt and washer size. Much appreciated thanks