Blowing exhaust manifold 1987 320i

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mattbarber660
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Sun Jun 16, 2013 9:30 am

Just got my car back from the garage after a service and the guys advised me that the exhaust manifold is starting to blow, nothing to worry about yet, just an advisory.

Could this just be the gasket that's on its way out being that it's older than me? The heatshield is pretty knackered so can I presume that the gasket is too?

Just been reading the wiki about the studs breaking and I really hope it isn't that.

Is there any way to check without trying to remove the manifold?

Also does it make a difference to performance if it's blowing? It doesn't sound great but if it doesn't really matter I'm willing to leave it for a while.

Anyway, any help would be great!
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JMac320i
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Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:29 am

Sounds a familiar tale. I have the same issue on my 320i. Sounds a bit 'throaty' whilst running - not especially noticable whilst driving but dreadful from the outside! I have the same questions you have posed.
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