Mufflers

[zachgeo]

OK, I've had my '92 325i for a only a few days, but I'm convinced that it's louder than most. With some of my other cars (weird Italian vehicles, on average), I would revel in the fact that their exhaust rumble would set off car alarms in parking garages. But the Bimmer is meant to be my "conservative" car, for bringing clients out to lunch, using in dressy situations where I don't want my date inhaling the smell of burnt motor oil, and times where I don't want to have to lecture the valet parker on the oddities of the vehicle required to drive it just a few feet -- you know, that normal car sort of thing. So... according to maintenance records, the catalyitic converter was replaced almost exactly a year ago because it was rattling (previous owner paid over $1100 just for the part), and the way I figure, if I'm reading the diagrams right, that's about 80% of the exhaust system. So I assume my "muffler" (which includes pipes and seems to account for the other 20%, if we don't incluce fasteners) is bad; rusted out, perhaps, if the web reports are reliable.

I really don't feel like spending $180 on just a muffler and some pre-connected pipes, without even factoring in labor (and I really do not care to do muffler work). Now, if I go to the local muffler shop (not a chain shop, but rather the one run by hard working Vietnamese guys who don't even bother with welding masks and gloves), and they cut and weld a muffler on to the existing pipes, am I much worse off than going stock? I understand the problems associated with lack of back pressure on performance exausts (and I've had some bad luck with those on other cars), and I don't want to go down that road. I just was thinking of getting the generic muffler-shop $50 special. Has anyone here done this and had major regrets?

[motor_werke]

I know its a bit late, but did you get a new exhaust? If not, I recommend getting a used stock e36 M3 exhaust, they are inexpensive and sound great. I got one with 60k miles on it, in mint condition for 150 via ebay.

[zachgeo]

Not late at all -- I put off getting a stock exhaust until I searched the alternatives. So, the M3 muffler/exhaust is actually cheaper than the stock 325i?

[motor_werke]

I forget what the OEM BMW muffler costs, but was it around 230 or so? I could be way off, since I called about that nearly 8 months back. But, for $150, I was able to find a great condition used M3 muffler on ebay (catback). If you look and bid smartly, you might be able to go even cheaper. Perhaps check some local listings as well. Aftermarket exhausts sound great too, but for $150, I'm quite happy with the stock M3 exhaust. It has a nice, subdued low grumble at idle, and a great sound through the revs. I wouldnt even look at a junky $50 special, which will sound terrible and probabyl not hold up well. Granted, your in a warmer climate, so its not so much an issue. However, the M3 has nice stainless tips, not cheaper chromed parts.

Good luck with whatever you go with. If you have more questions, just ask.

[zachgeo]

Yeah, a stock muffler from Bavarian Auto is $225. There is a guy selling a "slightly" used one on ebay for $175, but the savings aren't that much when you factor in shipping and the lack of warranty. I just can't see spending that much on a stock muffler -- especially when I've paid considerably less for stock mufflers on the weird Alfas, Lancias and Maseratis I've owned over the years -- the BMW wass supposed to be my practical, affordable car!

Thanks for the tips -- I'll check around for M3 catbacks...

[ImperialDuckM3]

Just search the "classified" section, you're find some people selling their M3 stock exhaust for under $150. Cheapest route and also avoid you taking to a muffler shopt that will hack your stock exhaust.

[bookemss]

i have a stock m3 exhaust for sale - pm me