I purchased a Magnaflow exhaust for my 2010 Clubman S and documented the install. It wasn't a difficult install, though it still took me about 3 hours using all the best tools for an exhaust install including a lift and air tools! As with all DIY articles, I'm glad to help you if you encounter problems, but I cannot accept any responsibility if you mess things up, or otherwise hurt yourself because you read my writeup on how I installed my own exhaust. One more disclaimer. I am not a mechanic, so there might be better ways to do an exhaust install. This is just how I did mine.

So the first thing I did was to take out all the items from the box and make sure all the parts were there. I laid out the exhaust on the floor to get an idea how things go together. I also compared it to the stock install. There are 4 clamps included and you need to make one cut. Use whatever tool you want, I have an air powered saw. I used a coarse blade. I needed 10mm, 13mm, 15mm sockets.

Here is my Clubbie in my shop on my lift.


From below you can see the stock exhaust


From the side of the car, look for the catalytic converter


Here it is


Using a tape measure, measure 3 inches back from the weld line


Mark it with a Sharpie


Using my air saw


Once it cut through the exhaust, cutting was easy.


After cutting for several minutes and cutting almost all the way through, I decided to loosen and remove the support plate.


I've got an air ratchet for this


There are 6 bolts to remove. For me this middle one needed a wrench due to my lift support being in the way




To finish the cutting of my exhaust, I used a hacksaw


Now it's cut (sorry for the blur)


The only other disconnection to make is on the rear hangers. I found removing the nuts that hold the rear hangers in place the easiest way to do this.


With them removed, the whole exhaust could be pulled out

Here is what it looks like with the exhaust removed


Now just put the pieces together, put the clamps on first, and check the orientation so you can easily tighten them later. Leave all the clamps loose so you can adjust the tips.

To protect the finish on the tips, I left the bubble wrap in place


I slipped on the rubber hanger assembly. Some WD-40 can help here.


Then I put it into place and fastened the nuts


Close up of the hangers


Repeat on the other side


Check everything and tighten


All done!


The instructions recommend pulling the battery before the install to reset the computer. The install wasn't difficult but since I did this alone it was a bit time consuming. Hope you found this writeup useful!

Richard Lin

 

That system looks remarkable on the Clubman Richard ! Damn tips were made for it

I'm dying to hear this btw

 

Sweet look! im digging the big tips. I am dissapointer however in the fact that you did correct the paint under the vehicle... lol

 

Thanks! I agree! As for the sound, here are some clips. Put on some headphones or on high quality speakers, the difference is substantial. On my MacBook Pro, the sound differences are subtle, but I pipe my audio into an Airport Express here in the shop hooked to a stereo system and the deep rumble sounds amazing, lol.

I stood the same distance behind the exhaust for each clip and was recorded using the Voice Memo function on my iPhone 3GS.

Stock Exhaust at Idle

Magnaflow at Idle very first startup with engine cold

Magnaflow at Idle after a couple minutes

Enjoy!

Richard

 

Hey Rich,

Good Job, Great write-up!!! Typical Octane Guy stuff... Thanks, I'm happy now!

BTW, can you tell me how the stock exhaust tips are fastened to the muffler pipe extensions? There seems to be a set screw of some kind. Thanks again!
Dan

 

Heh heh, you're welcome!

I'll have to take a closer look but yeah, according to this pic on the far right, there appears to be a set screw.

 

The exhaust tips are held on with a 3mm hex screw. Just unscrew it and the tips come off.

 

Thanks Rich. Exactly what I wanted to know.

Dan

 

You're welcome!

 

I also put a Magnaflow system on my Laurel Clubman. But I had to do it on my back with the car on jack stands.

 

How did you connect the part where you cut? Did you weld it back or is it connected with a tube that is larger in diameter with a clamp of some sort?

 

Hmm, not sure why I didn't document that, but yes, it comes with clamps you slip over the connection points and just tighten the bolts. Very simple.

 

You're just getting old Rich, first thing to go is attention to detail.

 

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking to myself that this was the most important step is to figure out how to put the new exhaust back on the part that you cut. If you didn't cut 3 inches from the weld than what would have happened? That would have been a mess if you made a mistake in length I am assuming.

It was a really nice writeup. How's the actual sound during driving. I would hate to be on a long trip with it being too loud to hear myself or the music. I have a 2011 Clubman S and I think the interior noise is a bit loud on long trips. I'm comparing to my old C-Class which was so quiet inside until you really hit the acceleration hard.

 

The clamps just need to hold the existing pipe and the new pipe and if your cut is less than 3inches, say 2.5 or probably even 2 inches you should still be fine. I don't think the distance is that critical as you do have some adjustment still with the sleeve/clamp. I have a photo of that sleeve portion that I didn't post.

There is drone when I'm in Sport Mode and on the freeway. I tend to drive in non sport mode on the freeway, when I don't need the lightning quick throttle response, and prefer to save gas by lowering the revs, and this in turn keeps the drone away.

The reasons to do an exhaust are for the sound and additional modest power gains....if you just want better looking tips, don't change the exhaust..find tips you like and get them welded on.

With my intake and exhaust, it all sounds aggressive when I'm on the gas..the way I like it, but it's quiet and subdued when I'm just cruising around. The sound at idle is much deeper than stock...I like it.

Richard

 

Haha I don't disagree, lol.

 

Thanks for the writeup and the sound clips. I have spent the last day listening to exhausts . The Magnaflow is my front runner currently. I don't actually take delivery of my new MCS for a couple more weeks so I am still debating. I may just wait until I go to the Dragon and listen to as many as I can in person before deciding. I like the Alta, too.
Oh, and Richard, Thanks for the help on the detailing order. I received everything and have set up my detailing corner in my garage. I'm sure you'll be hearing from me the first time I get out the PC .
Annette

 

Hi Annette!

You're welcome! The whole exhaust research can be daunting. Really as you're thinking, the best thing is to listen to them in person and decide. There is no hurry to change over from the factory one, lol.

re:
Order and help
Absolutely! Glad to be able to help you! And certainly call me up when you start polishing.

Richard

 

I alway find myself looking at you clubbys bum in this thread... Looks mighty good lol

 

Hi Richard,
What kind of air intake do you have? Thanks.

 

After u install the exhaust. Do it show a check engine light?

 

Nope, no CEL. Still running great!

Richard

 

Thanks Richard. But I read in the detail of the exhaust the pipe it's just 2.25 not 2.5. Is it the same size of oem?

 

I know that this post is a year old, but do you have a tune on the car? If no, how does sport mode change the drone or gas mileage? I am looking to put a exhaust on and want to avoid the drone

 

^^^^^^^
This!

Any interior sound clips at all ranges of driving?