Exhaust

[ahriley91]

So I just got my m50 started in my 318is, and now I need to decide on what I want to do about exhaust. My plan is to do 2" downpipes to a y-pipe then 2.5" from there to a magnaflow high flow cat to a vibrant muffler. My question is on what kind of piping I should get, stainless or aluminized steel. I do realize that stainless would be ideal, but I'm just curious as to what you guys are runnin and what you think would be best. Thanks!

[5KWattson]

Ss reps. Dual pipes no cats nor res, ie copy ss cat back exhaust/muffler

[ahriley91]

That would be the route that I would do, but I am planning on turboing it sometime within the next year, so that is the reason for me not going that route. haha. Any suggestions or concerns or anything with the setup I have planned out or problems with aluminized steel?

[5KWattson]

The mid pipe I have is aluminized steall no prob really, just go to a good shop. I HATE LEAKS

[ahriley91]

Sweet. Thanks for the help!

[5KWattson]

No prob, i really like my exhaust set up, i would only change it out if i do a turbo or a S5X motor and only swap out the mid pipe for a larger one on a S5X, a turbo i would run a single 3"

[nando]

So I just got my m50 started in my 318is, and now I need to decide on what I want to do about exhaust. My plan is to do 2" downpipes to a y-pipe then 2.5" from there to a magnaflow high flow cat to a vibrant muffler. My question is on what kind of piping I should get, stainless or aluminized steel. I do realize that stainless would be ideal, but I'm just curious as to what you guys are runnin and what you think would be best. Thanks!

a) it's going to be loud. you'll want another resonator or second muffler. I'd suggest one of the less expensive borlas (~$90 on ebay).

b) don't buy ceramic core magnaflow cats. they're junk. I found out the hard way :( look for a metal core cat. The factory BMW cats are by far the best quality.

c) stainless is better, but if you don't live in the rust belt, you should be fine with aluminized.

if you are going to turbo or do any upgrades, definitely do 3" all the way. As long as you have the second muffler and cat it won't be loud at all and as long as your headers don't suck you don't lose anything either.

[ahriley91]

a) it's going to be loud. you'll want another resonator or second muffler. I'd suggest one of the less expensive borlas (~$90 on ebay).

b) don't buy ceramic core magnaflow cats. they're junk. I found out the hard way :( look for a metal core cat. The factory BMW cats are by far the best quality.

c) stainless is better, but if you don't live in the rust belt, you should be fine with aluminized.

if you are going to turbo or do any upgrades, definitely do 3" all the way. As long as you have the second muffler and cat it won't be loud at all and as long as your headers don't suck you don't lose anything either.

Hmmm...that's good to know. If I go aluminized, the piping is cheaper, so when I would go turbo it wouldn't be that much wasted. But what about flow for the 3" on an n/a setup? I need to do some research for flow for that. I don't live in the rust belt. Thank god for Washington and not putting salt down!! I'll search some more and figure it out. I just want to drive my car though!! It's been far too long. Thanks for the help.

[nando]

3" will be fine provided your headers and merge aren't junk.

[ahriley91]

3" will be fine provided your headers and merge aren't junk.

Sweetness! Then I'm all turbo ready. Except for the other parts. haha. I would like to hear your car sometime. I noticed you're only up in Bellingham. Gonna go to e30 picnic? That is coming up fast!