So, I've got an R53 from 2003. A guy that goes to my church just picked up a 2006 with an aftermarket exhaust on it (not sure what one), but he says he'd like something a little quieter. I said I'd like to trade with him, but then I read something somewhere that the exhaust for the newer R53's is slightly different from the ones like on mine. Is this true, and if so, would I be able to make it work anyways, or can I just not trade with him at all?

 

The later 05+ had a bend in the rear section to make it fit cabrio, and the hangers on the 04+ are different than the 03 so if both your cars are newer than 04 it should be a direct swap. Find out what brand it is too, cause that will tell you how much it is worth vs what you have, unless your trading for your stock exhaust.

 

I believe he has the louder Invidia exhaust, I've got the JCW exhaust; mine's an 03, his is an 06. Different brackets, huh? Would it be possible to make it to where the brackets would work for me? Being flat-out broke right now, I can't really think about just buying one...

 

I have a completely stock 06 S exhaust in the garage that I need to get rid of. Someone make an offer

 

If you have a JCW and he has an Invidia, I'd stay with your JCW. The new Invidia is $660.
It's also too much of a pain to change the hangers around from 03-05.

 

Gotcha, thanks for the info.

 

+1 .

Dirt, if you have the JCW exhaust you are good for the go. It's only the stock S exhaust that sucks. Are you wanting a louder exhaust or more power? If you are looking for more power go for the 15% S/C pulley upgrade with colder plugs. Here's the package http://bit.ly/bGTG3q from WMW. Here's the package http://bit.ly/bs5HNA from Alta.

 

I'm not really looking for much more power, my JCW gets me moving pretty fast. I just thought it would be nice to have an exhaust that really stands out as far as volume. I compared my exhaust to another friend's (who has the stock one) and it wasn't really that much louder...

 

Just for reference. I have a stock 05 exhaust on my 02 without the inner hangers attached and the system sits fine, doesn't feel loose or anything.

 

Honda part 18215-SMG-E11 is a rubber hanger that has the holes perpendicular to each other and works perfectly. Honda or Acura dealers will have them in stock. This is a cheap and perfect solution to fitting an newer exhaust to an 02 or 03 Mini.

Rich

 

That is actually extremely good information to have. Thank you.

 

I’m just full of it.

///Me

 

I have the Invidia and my niebor has the JCW.
The Invidia has a stronger deeper tone but I wouldnt say it is too much louder.

Between the two I prefer the Invidia, sounds more mature and "throaty".
Probably no difference in performance, although the Invidia is stainless.