MOT Failure - Exhaust Crack on Weld

[batleyrhino]

Hi Guys, I've just had an exhaust weld crack cause an MOT failure on my wife's E46. I've seen the crack and it's on the weld between the input pipe and the backbox and is about 1 to 2 inches long.

I'm thinking that this is a great job for Gun Gum after some advice from some zoners. Do those with experience of Gun Gum agree? I've not used it before, but the picture on the lid of the tub shows a weld fix, so I'm guessing it's fit for the job.

Question is, will it be enough to pass the re-test????

[Prey]

gun gum should hold it for the mot but it wont last long so dont bother, just get it welded - any decent local garage would probably do it for beer money if you take the box off and drop it in

[batleyrhino]

I forgot to mention it's a one piece system so it would either have to be done on the car, or alternatively it would all have to be dropped and I don't have a ramp to do that myself.

So, next question, should I just bite the bullet and get it replaced? Kwik Fit reckon that they can cut the exhaust and fit a new pipe and back box but it would be around £200. Does anyone know of someone who is trustworthy to do the welding near Pontefract?

[Brianmoooore]

Let Kwik Fit cut off a perfectly serviceable genuine BMW exhaust and replace it with a piece of their tat which will cost a couple of BHP and last about three years????
Get it on a ramp and let someone who knows how to use it loose on it with a Mig. Bit of stich welding and it'll be good for another ten years.

[irish320i]

Definitely repair not replace we cannot buy decent aftermarket exhaust systems doesn't matter if it bosal, kalarius etc there all muck, fit badly and last no length.

[parkin10]

Let Kwik Fit cut off a perfectly serviceable genuine BMW exhaust and replace it with a piece of their tat which will cost a couple of BHP and last about three years????
Get it on a ramp and let someone who knows how to use it loose on it with a Mig. Bit of stich welding and it'll be good for another ten years.

i agree with brian on this
a bmw exhaust is way better than a kwik fit one

[maxfield]

Agreed, and a kwik fit fitter is usually about as bright as a standard E30 headlight.

[Speedtouch]

You're probably better off with an exhaust bandage rather than Gum Gum if you're going down the road of a DIY repair. These wrap around the pipe, and are secured with wire bound around it.

Gum Gum is normally used for manifold joints.

[mcbonio]

Theres someone on here selling a gasless mig welder for cheap. Buy it and learn out to use it.! You'll be fabricating 6 branch manifolds before you know it.. ;)