325i exhaust systems

[liquidsmoke]

Hi,
I'm new here But i can see it's a goldmine of info already! I have a 325i auto 1991 h reg and it has a rare 2 section exhaust, front pipe from manifold to rear of centre box (inc centre box), then the backbox. I gather that most are 3 section systems?

My front section is shagged. If I can't find a replacement front pipe for my 2 section system; can i fit a complete 3 section system from another 325i?

Does it matter that mine is an auto?

Are there any model/year differences in exhausts for the 325i?

Cheers!

[maddogbarker]

its ok to fit, ive seen a few systems in the past but never came accross the one you have! but you can fit the 3 piece with no probs or messing around, the only thing id suggest is that you use original bmw exhaust parts, especialy an a 2.5i, if you use an aftermarket exhaust it wont sound the same! it will sound shite compared to the original systems.

[StuBeeDoo]

Welcome Dude.
Firstly, you have been mis-informed. The 2-piece system isn't rare, it's just that only a couple of aftermarket exhaust companies have ever produced a full one - most only do the back half.
Your car being an auto doesn't make any difference to the exhaust.
You can use a 3-piece if you want to change the complete system. Be aware though that the aftermarket ones don't last anywhere as long as genuine BMW. Also, if you're into power, aftermarket systems don't generally flow as well as the pukka BMW one.
Your car could well have the original front section still - it's not unknown. A new front section from BMW should be about £170 and should last at least 10 years.
It's really a case of "you pay your money and take your choice", but you could well find that an aftermarket exhaust won't last more than a couple of years. You know what they say.... "buy cheap, buy twice". It's certainly true with exhaust systems (and anything rubber too).
HTH
Stuart.

[FlappySocks]

My sport has a two piece system. If you get a BMW system, quote your chassis number when you talk to the stealer's, or get a quote from here http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... forum&f=39 to that you get the correct one. I think if you switch systems, you will have to change the manifold too.

[Brianmoooore]

Your car could well have the original front section still - it's not unknown. A new front section from BMW should be about £170 and should last at least 10 years.

It'll almost certainly be the original front section. I've never replaced one. Could well be the original rear section as well.

[StuBeeDoo]

It'll almost certainly be the original front section. I've never replaced one. Could well be the original rear section as well.

I did my front section a couple of months ago. The car is 17 years old. I'm not sure if the rear section is original. The outer skin of the rear silencer is just starting to get a few perforations in. TBH, having been in the trade for over 30 years, I'd be very surprised if this is the original rear section, they usually rot from the back forward, don't they?

[Brianmoooore]

I'd be very surprised if this is the original rear section, they usually rot from the back forward, don't they?

Back box goes first. Any original back boxes still around must be nearing the end of their life by now, but there's still a few around.
I've found that the outer skin goes before the inner, and have 'tidied' up more than one by going around each end of the box and up the middle lightly with a cutting disc, then peeling the outer skin off.
Had someone here last night with a K reg Astra owned from new. He claimed that the new exhaust he just had on that replaced the original!!

[liquidsmoke]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I managed to pick up a 2nd hand front half section for my 2 piece on here for very cheap. However it does seem to be blowing again now around the welds around the centre silencer I've stuck some exhaust putty in there for now, but I'm sure this is only a temporary fix!

I'm going to keep my eye out for a better condition front section from a breaker - hopefully for cheap! But I don't check on here much so if anyone sees one then let me know

Also need the rubber flexi pipe section that goes from the Airflow Meter to the throttle body as mine has split, and also a front grill as a pheasant hit it Think I'll post in the wanted section.

[daimlerman]

What's your location,liquidsmoke? I have a front section from a two piece system in the back of my garage,will suit a manifold with 4 studs.

[hennabm]

Always worth a look at the for sale section on the Zone here. I did and got myself a real bargain. A 3 piece system with the centre and rear stainless steel. Paid as much as I did for the car originally but its worth it. (£70)

My car originally had a 2 piece on and I couldn't find anyone other than BMW that would do a back section in stainless.



It sounds **** great as well.

[liquidsmoke]

daimlerman - I'm in cambridge - bit far! Although I could get it picked up by these guys: www.parcel2go.co.uk They only charge 7 quid and they will collect it. I got the last front section couriered this way

I'm not sure if my manifold is 4 stud or...? I'll go look now!

[liquidsmoke]

yeah - it's a 4 stud