[digital01]

Upon some research on the forums regarding the OEM tips that you can purchase from BMW, I decided to tackle this project without shelling out the $100. I know, you're probably thinking "The cheap ones will chip off" or "The fitment won't be right", which were my concerns also in going aftermarket with the tips. However, after going to a few different auto parts stores, I finally found a pair that looked like they would fit pretty well, and also be able to withstand the heat being expelled from the exhaust. The tips appear to be polished metal, more than chrome. I could be wrong, but i did "test" the tips at the store before purchasing. Lets just say that I banged them around pretty hard on a rough surface to test that the outer layer wouldn't easily chip off. Surprisingly, these tips were only $4.99 each. I know...sounds sketchy, but if they happen to oxidize in a weird way or end up chipping I'm only out $10. Felt like it was a no brainer.

You can purchase these tips from O'reilly Auto Parts in the exhaust/exhaust tips section. I've looked in Autozone and Advanced Auto, to no avail. They have the right diameter, but length wasn't correct. The company that makes these is ROL Gaskets.

Fitment was snug even before tightening, so no issues with install. There are 3 screws that you can tighten, which I used only 2 of the bottom screws, since the 3rd one was on the top where I could not reached. Upon tightening, I gave it a good tug to ensure that they weren't going anywhere. The item # is 583021. I believe they had a max diameter of 2 1/2 inches. You'll know which ones they are, as I only saw one type that looked even remotely close to correct fitment on the e90 pipes.

The only catch is that the screws are a bit long, but I'm sure that you can find some shorter ones to use. I took some pics with the longer ones so that you can see what it looks like with no modification. Including screws, this cost me $10.50, which is about 1/10 of the price of the OEM ones. Call me cheap, but I think of it more as being savvy. I pay money where its worth.

Update: I found that you can buy these online or use store pickup option. Here's the direct link on the O'Reilly site.

[Hooy]

I used those exact tips on my buddy's Jetta about a year ago, and they still look good. Just make sure to polish them every several months. I use Optimum Metal Polish and it cleans up the oxidation. He has a diesel, though.

[digital01]

Originally Posted by Hooy

I used those exact tips on my buddy's Jetta about a year ago, and they still look good. Just make sure to polish them every several months. I use Optimum Metal Polish and it cleans up the oxidation. He has a diesel, though.

Good to know that the pipes withstood the heat and elements for a year. Makes me even more confident of my purchase

[e92LuNaTiC]

Nice write up and way to save money for a good luck

[benzo23]

10 bucks...shit i feel foolish now

[digital01]

Originally Posted by benzo23

10 bucks...shit i feel foolish now

Lol, dont be. I almost bought them too because I couldn't find the correct size, build quality anywhere. I was actually in the process of scooping up an oem pair from a member on the forums, when voila! I finally found the perfect set!

[benzo23]

I got mine from a forum member, brand new 60 shipped. so i dont feel THAT bad i guess...but hey sweet pick up, i might cruise by just to pick up a spare set. Im sure I can cruise by ace hardware and pick up some shorter bolts no problem

[matrix76]

Nice work, my two year old oems are a mess already so this is perfect timing.

[digital01]

Originally Posted by benzo23

I got mine from a forum member, brand new 60 shipped. so i dont feel THAT bad i guess...but hey sweet pick up, i might cruise by just to pick up a spare set. Im sure I can cruise by ace hardware and pick up some shorter bolts no problem

Yeah, 10 bucks can't hurt. Honestly, id even go to the point of saying put them on and see how you like them compared to the OEM. They def. give them a run for their money. You could always sell the OEMs if you liked the aftermarket better. Weirdly enough, I like the ones I got over the OEM. It might be because I'm biased though, lol. Get them and tell me what you think!

[digital01]

BTW, day 2 driving around with the new pipes and they look as good as new. No crazy oxidation yet!

[panzerfaust]

Lol, nice find. Guess you won't be needing those tips from me anymore?

[digital01]

Originally Posted by panzerfaust

Lol, nice find. Guess you won't be needing those tips from me anymore?

Hehe, no sir!

[ptony101]

Thanks for the tip(s).

Cost's $10 for shipping to the NE but still a reasonable deal.

[matrix76]

Bought a set, installed very quickly, look great. Just hacksawed the screws a bit, no big deal.

[digital01]

Good to hear you guys liked the final results FYI, ive been driving the car every day, also drove from NC to GA and back twice since putting them on, and no discoloration to the metal/chrome so far.

[tony176000]

Thanks for the info! Appreciate it. Looks great.

[atown88]

Thank you so much!! I am doing this tomorrow! This will hold me off until I buy the Ikon exhaust.

[ptony101]

Got mine this week. Not bad for $10. They fit OK but the outlets (at least on my car) are cut at a slight bias. So, there's a bit of a gap visible on the inside bottom edge. I think I can live with it for the big $$$ savings.

[digital01]

Originally Posted by ptony101

Got mine this week. Not bad for $10. They fit OK but the outlets (at least on my car) are cut at a slight bias. So, there's a bit of a gap visible on the inside bottom edge. I think I can live with it for the big $$$ savings.

Hmm, thats weird that your pipes are cut at a slight angle. Mine are definitely flush. Maybe you can slightly tap the tips with a rubber mallet to get them more flush with the piping underneath?

Not bad though for the price, huh?

[matrix76]

You can't hit them with anything because you'll damage them. The actual tail pipe is cut on a bit of an angle. It is only a light gap, no big deal.

[rlee02135]

just bought a set, thanks for the tip!

[whenasked]

OP..thanks for the tip. Picked up a pair from O'Reilly..sanded the inside and sprayed with high temp resist Aluminium paint..reduced screw length..all I can say..pretty good..