Mini Cooper 2007-2013: Exhaust Review and How to Replace

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2007-2013).

The stock exhaust on your Mini Cooper is designed to meet federal noise and emission standards, and keep costs to a minimum. Aftermarket exhaust systems are popular for those who seek to improve the sound and performance of their cars, with freer breathing pipes and mufflers. What you gain in power, you also usually gain in sound level, but a properly constructed system need not drone and annoy you. The aftermarket for exhaust bits is very healthy, and choices are plentiful, but how do you know which ones sound good and which are annoying? We've put together this handy guide to help find the exhaust system that best meets your needs, as well as walk you through installing one on your Mini Cooper.

How to Replace Your Exhaust

Step 1 – Prepare to remove stock exhaust

• Make sure that the car is cold before you begin, so you don't burn yourself on any hot exhaust parts.
• Jack up the rear of the car and place it on jack stands or ramps.
• Be sure and chock the front wheels so the car doesn't roll.
• Position the floor jack underneath the rear muffler to hold it in place as you unbolt the system.

Step 2 – Remove stock exhaust system

• Move to the center of the vehicle and remove the six 10mm bolts that hold the reinforcement plate in place, then remove the plate.
• Use a pry bar to remove the rubber hangers on both sides of the muffler.
• Repeat these steps for the rubber hangers on the catalytic converter (if you are replacing the cat as well).
• Remove the clamp at the front of the exhaust system near the cat by removing the 16mm nut.
• Open and remove the clamp or slide it off.
• Lower the entire exhaust system carefully, then pull it straight back to remove it from under the car.

Step 3 – Install new exhaust system

• Slide the new exhaust under the car and line it up with the catalytic converter.
• Use the floor jack to support the muffler at the rear as you reinstall the clamp up front, but don't tighten the bolt yet.
• Reinstall the rubber hangers on the muffler, then reinstall the reinforcement plate and bolts.
• Once you have everything lined up properly, tighten all the bolts.
• Start the car and listen for leaks, then adjust or tighten bolts as needed.

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Exhaust Review

There are seemingly endless Mini Cooper aftermarket exhaust options, and choosing one can be a daunting task. Whether you like your exhaust to be loud, understated, or somewhere in between, there are systems to suit you. Costs vary greatly, as does quality, but here are some of the most popular options available today.

Milltek

Price – $800

Pipe Diameter – 2.25"

Power Gain – 27 HP

Weight – 34 lbs

Milltek makes one of the most well regarded exhaust systems for the Mini. Claimed power increases are some of the largest out there, but the noise isn't much louder than stock. The exhaust note is just a bit deeper and with more drone. Fit was reported to be less than perfect early on, but no issues have been reported by anyone installing one withing the past few years. Recommended for anyone who wants the biggest power gain with minimal weight increase and a "mature" exhaust note.

Scorpion

Price – $650

Pipe Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gain – N/A

Weight – 34 lbs

Scorpion exhaust systems for the Mini have an aggressive tone under heavy throttle, but are pretty quiet at idle and lower speeds. Fit and finish is excellent, which isn't a surprise since Scorpion specializes in exhaust systems for BMW products. They also come with a lifetime warranty, which brings peace of mind. Recommended if you want an affordable, quality exhaust that won't attract attention unless you want it.

CNT Racing

Price – $350

Pipe Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gain – 13-20 HP, 6-10 lb-ft torque

Weight – 37 lbs

A fantastic value for the money, CNT exhausts also come with a pretty healthy power gain. Quality isn't the best, as the tips tend to blue quickly, but they do seem to hold up well against corrosion. Sound is a little subdued at idle and lower speeds, but the system has a nice tone under throttle and isn't too loud at highway speeds. Recommended for those who want decent power gains at a great price.

Invidia

Price – $630

Pipe Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gain – N/A

Weight – 40 lbs

For the money, Invidia represents good value. This exhaust system is polished stainless steel, so it will hold up well against corrosion. It is louder than the stock exhaust, but isn't so loud that you'll wake the neighbors when you ride off to work in the morning. On the downside, it's pretty heavy and might require a little cutting so that it fits properly. Recommended if you want an affordable upgrade over stock and don't mind doing a little fitting.

Remus

Price – $800

Pipe Diameter – 2.5"

Power Gain – N/A

Weight – 45 lbs

Well known for their excellent quality, Remus produces a very nice exhaust system for the Mini Cooper. The Remus system produces a nice, deep exhaust note with no drone that sounds great under heavy throttle. Remus has been producing exhaust systems for German cars for many years, and their reputation is stellar, so you can buy with confidence. Recommended if you want the very best quality and sound and don't mind spending a little more money for it.

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