Hello,
Hoping I could get some feedback on replacing my factory muffler...I have a 03 cooper with 60k, the first layer just fell off in the garage, and I would rather not replace it from the dealer, or replace it with the OEM muffler, I really don't think it's worth the money. Any suggestions on a replacement muffler would be helpful..I have read some posts and know it's pretty much preference on sound but...I am a gal, it is just a cooper not an S, I don't race, but...I do like a little sound, not as loud as the Magnaflow...lol, and really don't want to sink a boat load of money in a muffler.
Thanks in Advance!
Denise...

 

I would look at this:

http://www.autoxcooper.com/exhaust_systems.html

 

I would strongly recommend sourcing a Remus Exhaust. The build quality is fantastic - they are made of stainless steel - mine is 6 years old with NO signs whatsoever of any corrosion. More importantly, it would fit your criteria perfectly as it has a nice deep throaty sound (much nicer than stock) but is not too loud at all.

 

I have the Megan catback on my MINI for over 40,000 miles without any issue even in Chicago Winters on my daily driver. The Megan is a good value.

 

I like my Milltek. Looks a lot better than stock, stainless steel, a little louder
than stock, especially with the fun pedal down.

 

+3 on the Megan!!
It is not as expensive as the others. Other budget but decent exhaust is OBX. Both these around the $200 range.

 

Since you have a cooper and not an S....I'm not sure what would be a good choice. But if you had a S I would say..... Milteck/Stratos are beautul, and sound great....but they are kinda pricey. By most all reports they make good power, last a long time, are beautify constructed and don't drone on the highway They do make a non s version...could not find it....but it is around I believe. http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=329&page=2 Since it is just a cooper..... I have been hearing some great things about the Scorpion Exhaust, it is only 499.00, and seems pretty nice. There are a few guys here with it.thet make a S and a cooper version..... www.bavauto.com "New ! From England, Scorpion stainless steel performance exhaust systems have been sought after by tuners the world over. Now these free-flow, stainless steel systems are available in the U.S. from Bavarian Autosport! They have been engineered to deliver a horsepower boost yet not be quite as loud as other free-flow systems. And they're built to last using the best 304 stainless steel. - TUV certified." They also sell the Remus too...never heard one on a cooper.... . Personally I would give a vendor like WayMotorWorks a call....they should have some great suggestion and options on a cooper....keeping you goals in mind.....do you want a few more HP, nicer sound, OEM equivalent, lower than dealer cost, etc. Good Luck!! And be sure to post your descession and how you like it!! Good Luck!!

 

Sounds like you don't need a performance set up.
Anyway, some of those you buy cheap on line and the shop wants to charge more to install, because you brought the part in.

Go to you local muffler shop (either recommended or if available, look for reviews on yelp). Tell them exactly what you said in your post, and see what they can do. The OEM level stuff is warrantied so if it rots again, you'll be OK. (Sometimes those guys will see a girl in a cute mini and give them a deal - which is a FAIR price.)