Hi guys, new here.

Bought this 2011 Countryman S back in February. I absolutely love it, but thought I would start making it my own. I added a Megan Racing strut bar up front, and some new, beefier exhaust tips last weekend.

I ordered the 4" angled tips over at Motoring Werks. Turns out they are Thermal Research and Development Exhaust tips and are much longer and wider than I expected.

Went to a local muffler shop in Oakland, CA who did a decent job and used a reducer to weld them on. Took about 25 minutes, cost about $80.

It took me about a day or so to get used to them. I kind of like them now -- what do you guys think? See before and after photos below.

FYI: the tips are not resonated and the sound has not changed at all.

On a side note, I'd like to add a performance chip to the car to get a little extra oomph. Any Bay Area shop recommendations? Keep in mind the car has about 70k miles on it -- I don't even know if said chip is a good idea.

Appreciate any comments and suggestions!

 

Tips look great man! I have some very similar. I think the stock ones were the weakest point on the back end.

 

Looks good!

 

wayyyyyyyyy better now!

 

That is a huge change.

 

Did the strut bar help at all?

 

Yes, that looks close to some of the people with our ECS tips. Much better with the larger tips as it fill out the bumper. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...aust-tips.html

They made the bumper cutout hug on the CM S bumper.

Lots of people like the strut bar.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-begins-4.html

Post #77

And

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...it-begins.html

 

@joylove: What I can honestly say is that the bar has made the front end stiffer, meaning the car vibrates a bit more and potholes are REALLY felt. In terms of roll, it's helped a bit, but not enough for me to tell you it's a game changer.

 

Interesting thanks. I thought mine was harsh on the runflats, I guess I'll swap them out for normal tires eventually but they are nearly new at this time. After a few months though the ride is less jarring. My old R52 really benefitted from the front strut.

 

You make a good point -- I purchased my Countryman used and it came with runflats that still have plenty of life left. I absolutely hate them: the road noise for one... and don't get me started on the lack of comfort. Unfortunately, I can't justify buying new tires just yet.

I'll be sure to update you about the strut bar when I get regular tires.