Resonator Delete Prices?

So I've recently decided that it would be nice to do a resonator delete on my car. (99 328i) The plan is to get both removed and leave the stock muffler. I called around to quite a few local shops in the area, and the absolute lowest estimate I could get was $80. I'm not sure if I can even trust the shop that gave me that estimate. I personally feel like I would be getting robbed for a simple job like that, especially considering the 99 328i has a single pipe from the muffler to the first res. Does this price sound reasonable to anyone else?

Thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by imurdereda5

So I've recently decided that it would be nice to do a resonator delete on my car. (99 328i) The plan is to get both removed and leave the stock muffler. I called around to quite a few local shops in the area, and the absolute lowest estimate I could get was $80. I'm not sure if I can even trust the shop that gave me that estimate. I personally feel like I would be getting robbed for a simple job like that, especially considering the 99 328i has a single pipe from the muffler to the first res. Does this price sound reasonable to anyone else?

Thanks for the help.

Don`t you have any friends who can weld ?

Actually a few now that I think of it. I was just hoping for a shop that I could get this done quickly for about $60. But apparently that isn't really an option in this part of FL. I'll contact a friend later in the week and see if he's up to it. Thanks for the help. But would you consider $80 a fair price? Sorry, it's been bugging me and I wanted to get some more opinions

Well the thing about a shop is they want your money so they are going to get as much labor out of you as they can. I suggest you do it yourself very simple. Or why not just wait a bit. spend a little cash get headers and two high flow cats then a muffler of your choice. i cut my two resonators out and it sounds good but I wouldn't pay a shop to do it.

I had the 2nd one deleted for $30 in chicago

then I got the RE IKON, and it sounded raspy w/o the resonator, and I put it back on for $40

Originally Posted by TannerT

Well the thing about a shop is they want your money so they are going to get as much labor out of you as they can. I suggest you do it yourself very simple. Or why not just wait a bit. spend a little cash get headers and two high flow cats then a muffler of your choice. i cut my two resonators out and it sounds good but I wouldn't pay a shop to do it.

Ok thanks, I was thinking about doing headers but they scared me away with potential code throwing etc. Would you suggest any particular brand for a relatively low cost? I'm not too sure about ebay headers haha Although I've seen youtube vids and they sound pretty nice. Also, would you happen to know anything like average install price, good/bad effects, things like that?

If you don't already know, you will find this out soon.. Everything on our cars can be had for much cheaper than big retailers and the dealership sells them for (this includes headers.) The ebay headers are fine. As far as instillation goes your going to pay a shop a lot of money to do them. This is because they are going to be doing the exact same thing you would be except maybe have better tools. So do it yourself, or the price doesn't justify the gain IMO. As for emissions you should check your county's regulations. Here in MO only people in the STL area actually get checked for smog, here as long as I do not have an codes i am good. You can buy a system that eliminates the code for like $40, or you can put two high flow cats in the system if they do run a smog test. If my memory serves me right Florida does not run smog so you should be fine.

Originally Posted by TannerT

If you don't already know, you will find this out soon.. Everything on our cars can be had for much cheaper than big retailers and the dealership sells them for (this includes headers.) The ebay headers are fine. As far as instillation goes your going to pay a shop a lot of money to do them. This is because they are going to be doing the exact same thing you would be except maybe have better tools. So do it yourself, or the price doesn't justify the gain IMO. As for emissions you should check your county's regulations. Here in MO only people in the STL area actually get checked for smog, here as long as I do not have an codes i am good. You can buy a system that eliminates the code for like $40, or you can put two high flow cats in the system if they do run a smog test. If my memory serves me right Florida does not run smog so you should be fine.

You are correct sir nothing to worry about in FL. to my knowledge. Yes that's very true! I dont mind aftermarket parts and DIYing one bit, I just like to get a second opinion on relatively big purchases beforehand. How hard of a job would you consider this to be if my dad(very mechanically inclined) and I(still learning) were to try and take this on? Also we have access to a lift, not sure how much that would help in this situation.

Well I don't really see you needing a lift as you do most of the work from the top. The big problem is cramped spaces. This is the same for almost every header job. If you could pull the engine out it may only take an hour. However with out that you have to weasel your hands and a ratchet around on some very stuck nuts. After you get the old ones one instillation seems like a breeze.

Ok well that shouldn't be too complicated then. Thanks a ton for the help! I think thats the route im going to take. It prpobably won't be for a couple of weeks, but when/if I do I'll be sure to try and post some videos

Good luck to you

Also, instead of just calling Muffler shops, also try indy BMW shops as well, a lot can do exhaust work.