Okay, I've searched out threads, read to the point of exhaustion, and listened to sound clips of various exhaust systems...but the question still remains. From everything I've read, the quietest stainless exhaust options come down to the Borla Street and the Milltek systems. Is one quieter than the other? I'm looking for the least obtrusive SS Cat-back system for my '03 MCS...

Oh, and I know the JWC exhaust is a bit quieter than either of these...but it ain't stainless (or is it?). Thanks.

--Rich

 

I would just do the one-ball mod and see how you like that. It adds a slight bit of volume and power for a very small cost. There really isn't a point to upgrade the exhaust if you don't want to add much if any noise. Most of the best performing exhausts make noise as a by-product of better flow. If you just want a little more unique look, do the one-ball and have the exhaust shop weld up some/a tip that you really like

 

Simply go with the stratmosphere, it's exactly the same as the Milltek just cheaper. But you'll be happy with the sound, and it won't be too loud. The Milltek is by far the best system for an R53 S. The borla isn't bad but with all the joints they tend to leak a lot, and some don't like the tone.

 

That was my first thought, but my 8 year old exhaust is finally succumbing to Michigan road salt. Both the resonator and muffler are nearly rusted through. That's why its important to me to have a stainless replacement exhaust...

Regards,

--Rich

 

quietest, and if you can weld, cheapest, is do it yourself with a vibrant ultraquiet resonator just after the header, and the two quietest ss mufflers or resonators you can find to go in the back, and weld it up yourself. mine cost me ~500 for pipe, bends, 3x vibrant ultraquiet resonators, qtp electric cutout, and ss feed with flux for the welding.

 

If you can find a size small enough to fit under the car Thermal mufflers have always been really quiet. They sold the exhaust for SRT4s and they are quieter then stock. They do sell JUST the mufflers if you go the custom route(never saw thermal sell exhausts for the mini). Keep the stock cat and you should be fine.

 

Okay, so now I know that the JCW exhaust is indeed stainless. Duh. So I've got my answer. Anyone within a couple hundred miles of Michigan have a take off system they want to sell? (Classified ad submitted)

Regards,

--Rich

 

I have the Milltek and I love it. It's probably 0% louder than stock up to 3000rpm and about 15% louder over 3000rpm.
I believe it will give better airflow than a JCW... Which is cheaper? I don't know.

 

Isn't the REMUS system quiet as well? It has a very deep tone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn7_Do26DZw

 

I have the factory JCW and it is stainless. Has a nice deep tone with my 1.8L stroker & RMW street header w/cat. Wouldn't want anything louder really.

 

1.8 stroker?? N*I*C*E I'm sure the tone is REALLY deep. Where did you buy the JCW exhaust from???

 

I got it from a dealer years ago shortly after buying my mini. They even price matched another dealer & I had BMW visa card reward points, so I got it for a steal. Unfortunately the dealer has since gone back to "mark it up 30-100% over MSRP" pricing practices so no more deals.

Everyone that knows what these larger engines w/typical aftermarket exhausts sound like has been pleasantly surprised how mellow it sounds. Louder & deeper than stock, but almost factory M car like. Definitely good for a daily driver, as it has extra volume but not offensive in any way.

 

Hmmm..... Thanks for sharing that. I'm leaning towards the JCW. I want to avoid the "full race exhaust on the street" sound. But I definitely want something more aggressive than the stock S mufflers.