Let me make my first statements with, I absolutely love my 05 Mini! It's nearly the best car I've ever owned.

But with any car there are it's flaws for each person. The most recent annoyance is the <pop, pop, pop> of my exhaust when i let out of the gas above 3000 rpm. That little backfire is almost embarrasing when cruising through a parking garage and hearing the echo.

I'm 29 yrs old and missed the whole loud-exhaust-on-4-cylinder-car phase although love a loud exhaust on V8's and a few V6's if done right.

Is there an exhaust product that is QUIETER on the market? Just in terms of the backfire, not the sound itself. It seems to be more noticeable when the engine is cold for some reason, it's more like marbles in a tin can, then warms up to sound a little different... muffled marbles in a tin can.

Any constructive feedback?

 

WHAT!?!?!?!?
The exhaust sound is one of the best parts of the MINI, IMHO. You definitely missed something.

 

Well just realize that the sound was designed that way. It's a British MINI thing that they wanted to keep and for most people it's distinctiveness is nice. It isn't the same type of sound that the ricey mufflers make.

That said, it's understandable that you want a replacement for it since you don't like the sound. And I think there are quite a few muffler systems that our vendors sell that will meet your requirements. Hit up Randy at Webb Motor Sports or Ryan at Detroit Tuning for more specific advice.

Best of luck

 

My civic is running 11.5:1 comp and one of the things I was going to miss most was the gurgling and snorting coming out of the tailpipe when I let off the gas!! Once I found out the mini had the same grunt I was so happy!! Its a sign that your engine has some attitude!!!

 

With a Milltek exhaust the burbling takes on a nice, low rumble, compared to the stock system. I love the sound!

 

Bro, firstly it's not a backfire. It's by design. It's by design because BMW are trying to emulate the sounds of the exhausts back in the 60's on the old English A-Series engines. It's actually a really nice sound, try and get used to it. If u cant, then get an aftermarket exhaust.

 

Odds are can get an '04 or earlier exhaust for free or really cheap and just swap them out. If you were on my coast I'd swap out in a minute!

 

what's the actual difference in the 2 exhaust systems. I like the sound except for the "backwash". :smile:

I'll have to listen to an 02-04 model exhaust and see what the difference is. Maybe a swap isn't a bad idea.

 

I have read that getting a second resonator will significantly decrease sound levels.

 

I think exhaust "farts" are good for your MINI.

Burbling and exhaust pops are a good thing and while minimal (nonexistant) in most cars and in the older 02'-03' MINIs, it is present in the newest MINIs.

I don't think there is much difference in the exhaust itself.

I guess you could design a "fart" silencer tip for your exhaust. Porcelain finish would be nice.

It would match white wheels, roof, and mirrors.

 

Yes, without burble, it's no fun.

 

the exhaust has almost nothing to do with the burble, its designed in the computer to do that. I am 99% sure of this, here is how I tested it several times.

Coming down a long grade ( not steep but a grade ) I let off the throttle to let it burble, it burbles for a couple seconds and stops, tap the gas and it will burble for the exact same amount of time and stop. Also if you tap the brakes while its burbling it will stop. Definatly in the software.

If you change exhaust it will only get louder or more pronounced. I love the way my car burbles :-)

 

You cant be serious.

 

I would install a Magnaflow. It should solve your problem.

 

Actually he is very serious and nearly correct. It is designed into the engine not software to do this. IIRC, it is dure to the A/F mixture that creates this effect. Can anyone with a bit more engineering background (i.e. Ryan) confirm this?

You are spot on Greatbear. I love the sound with my Milltek

 

My '02 Cooper S had no burble until I installed the Magnaflow (before all of the other mods). If the burble is from the computer, why did I get it with just an exhaust change?

 

Another burble lover here... :smile: I LOVE the way it sounds....

Donna
02' CR/W MCS (gone to MINI heaven - burned up)
05' Cool Blue MCSC "Ariel"
05' HB/W MCS on it's way - no name yet

 

Both of my 03's had the burble with stock exhaust. It is a little quieter and has a lower tone compared to the 05's. The 05's seem to be higher pitched.

Considering how long the revs "hang" when you let up on the throttle, I wouldn't be suprised if the burble is part of the programming.

And it does sound alot beter with the milltek

 

So if it is A/F mixutre, is it more fuel that causes the firing in the exhaust line? And I assume this impacts gas mileage long term?

 

I'm an 02 owner looking for the new imporoved FARTING system.

You are lucky man.

 

another vote for the '05 FART. I hope a Miltek makes it worse

 

Stylin99, try a couple potatos.

 

I dont know why exactly but the 05's do it much more and the exhaust brings it out quite a bit. My point was really that adding an exhaust WILL NOT cut down on the burble.

 

If I turn on the A/C, yes, the A/C, my burbles stop, and I have an aftermarket exhaust (i love the loud burbles).

Plus I believe the burbles stop when you let off the gas after a few seconds because when the engine is well over 2k RPM's the computer stops feeding the engine fuel. That's why if you coast down or brake slowly down until around 1800 RPM's, the exhaust sounds very different all of a sudden (it's combusting again!). I'm sure someone can clarify this further.

 

I love that sound... but then again my wife still hasn't forgave me for putting headers and a 3" exhaust on my camaro....