Got the install done on my full exhaust replacement from VIP for my Countryman All4 S. Writeup, pictures and video is on my blog here. I think it sounds and looks good. Here's a pic of the end-pipes:



and video:

 

Mine is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I'm psyched. Yours sounds just right! Hopefully I can get it installed this weekend.

Thanks for sharing.

Ted

 

Just wanted to post a quick update on the exhaust. Drove from Phoenix back to Denver today, so I've had a few more miles and hours with the exhaust; still loving it. There is a noticeable exhaust tone in the cab, but it isn't overbearing (and that's something to be said after 14 hours in the car) and definitely can be drowned out by music/media as required. Had passengers over the last few days in all the seats of the car, and no problems having conversations.

The deeper tone is great, and there is a definite extra oomph in the car.

 

Got mine installed. And love it! Great tone, a bit more pep, and certainly not obnoxious...
Did mine on two tire ramps without any problem. Took about two hours.

Ted

 

Glad to have someone backup my opinion. The longest part of the install was waiting for the car to cool down, but otherwise everything looked straightforward. One thing Van mentioned to me is to periodically take a look at the hangers near the rear of the car. While it should be good, just want to make sure that after taking a few turns those are nice and tight; don't want the exhaust to not finish the turn with you.

 

Whats the sound like now after a good few miles?

 

I've been very happy with the sound after added miles. The drone is still quite subtle and not overwhelming at all. And when you really get down on the accelerator the sound is deep and fun.

 

Good I have two toddlers in the back.

 

I would like to compare my MCS vs. the All4 VIP sound.... Sometime threar....

 

I just picked up a 2012 Countryman S over the weekend, sort of an impulse buy. I really want to upgrade the exhaust, can someone fill me in on the VIP exhaust? Is there an option like Flowmaster or or Magnaflow?

Thanks in advance.

 

There is a Borla, Magnaflow, Scorpion, and a couple others. I just got the last box for my VIP full exhaust today. Planning on installing once all the snow melts off the car tonight.

I am more than happy with the other VIP products I bought, and the service is #1.

 

Great, thanks for the response! I'll do some research and give VIP a call as well.

 

Totally missed this post, sorry about that. I'm sure we can arrange sometime to get a chance for comparison.

 

Got it installed. Did it on a couple ramps in my garage with common tools. Took a couple hours by myself.

Sound is great, not ricey at all..

 

What all tools did you need?

 

It took me a couple hours with smow melting on my face. A proper muffler shop should be able to knock this out with two guys in an hour.

Regular socket set with the following.

Ramps or jack stands.
Allen Keys
1/2" Drive Breaker Bar
1/2" Rachet
3/8" Drive Rachet
Hack Saw or Pipe Cutter

I put the front of the car on two car ramps and used a regular floor jack to get some added height on the rear.

Here are the steps I took, the instructions are pretty good that come with it, but here are some tips from what I remember.

- Remove front coupling from the down pipe with the supplied 3/8" nuts and bolt. Remove the nut and bolt from the clamp, install the provided 3/8" bolt and install the two nuts inbetween the clamp ends. You may need a pry bar or screwdriver for this. Thread the bolt through the two nuts until it sticks through the clamp then thread the top nut to widen the clamp until it comes off.

- Unbolt the little pipe support bracket

- Remove both front cross brackets one has the exhaust bolted to it, theses are the tight ones. I layed a box under the pipe to support it.

- Remove the two mid cross brackets, there are 8 spacers in the package that you put here when you put them back to help clear the 2.5" pipe.

- Remove the nuts holding the muffler hangers, 2 each side, and your done. Slide it out and see how nice the VIP one looks compared to the skinny factory setup.

- Cut the factory pipe one inch in front of the bracket for the front support, this will give you the flex pipe and a little tail. Unbolt it from the cross bracket

- Insert the flex pipe into the new front section with some WD40 or similar. Bolt it to the cross bracket you removed earlier.

- Insert the second new pipe into the first.

- Slide it under the car and install the front clamp back to the down pipe, there is a gasket here, reuse.

- Install little bracket and two front cross brackets, you may have to wiggle the new pipe futher up the factory peice to get the bolts to line up. Just put the bolts and clamps on loose.

- Remove the hangers off the old muffler and install on the new one. The new hangers have removable ends so you can adjust them to center the muffler and tips.

- Slide the new mufler under the rear and bolt on hangers. I used the supplied washers to shim down the brackets a little to get more clearance between my tips and bumper.

This is where I used the floor jack and jack stand to get some height on the rear.

- Install the mid pipe to the muffler using the supplied clamp, this is a little tricky alone and on your back with minimal clearance. You may have to wiggle the pipe back a little to get it to line up, this is why you leave all the bolts and clamps loose. Tighten this clamp up tight make sure it is opposite the diff to avoid contact.

- Tighten all your cross sections and clamps.

- look at the tips and center them and tighten the allen set screw in the hangers.

Done, it will smell and smoke for some time, but it will go away.

Hang your factroy gear on the wall incase you sell the Mini and the new owners are square.


It has a good sound, not too loud and hardly any drone just a little when the engine is loaded in a high gear same as with the factory exhaust but just louder now. But it looks like it should from the factory with the tips filling the holes.

I really find the car more responsive now, can't wait for a new down pipe. It may just be the louder sound that maked e drive it harder... Bye bye gas mileage.

 

Tom W, did you get the full exhaust from VIP $1299. or just Axle Back version $899.
I to have enjoyed VIP customer service and parts. Time has come and I'm in the market for a deeper, nicer sound. Wonder how that would compare to the JCW version that is supposedly out.

 

I got the full version, really feel a differance and the sound is great. Brought it by the dealer and they all agreed that it is how it should have looked and sounded from the factory. I don't like the tips on the JCW, but thats a personal opinion.

I have some video flynig down some snowy roads I will post up when I get back from Brazil in a couple weeks.

 

Great! Was there any concerns in installing the 3rd party exhaust in regards to Mini personnel ? I have mentioned it a few times to my place and they seemed to have some concerns, not just for losing the sale of the JCW exhaust…but other liabilities as far as warranties. I listened to a lot of clips and even VIP's axle back didn't do much for me…in that case I'd go over to the JCW one. Yours (VIP's Full) sounded awesome!
They do mentioned something about not being street legal, any concerns there ?
Thanks for all the info…I look forward to another clip when you return..

 

i cant decide between VIP or JCW

 

No the dealer is great and really interested in my mods as there are few CM around and the ones that are are usually stock. They loved the Hella Black Magics, the sound of the BOV and the exhaust. They said if I leased the car they might have some concerns. I find the sound of the VIP nice and deep on the outside and very little if any drone at highway speeds. It seems to get a little louder after a half hour of driving when the muffler warms up.

I wish I had those clips on my flash drive.

 

How do we find the VIP details man

 

http://www.vipcustomparts.com/

Here ya go.

 

I'm currently looking at the same exhaust. The note about it not being street legal concerns me. I'm out West in Las Vegas and wondering where your at? Just want to pass smog 😉

Appreciate in advance for any info.

 

I am in Canada, smog not an issue. It should not hurt your smog as all the emissions stay intact.