So just curious ...im guessing nothing is wrong with my 2006 R53 because there are no codes being thrown ....Is it normal for a 2006 R53 to have a bit of a growl by the header area as your accelerating ???? I noticed that there is a metal braided/basket weave mesh part right before the first O2 sensor ..Was this part designed the way it is by BMW to give the Mini that nice little growl of the engine ??? ...Just curious .....Picture enclosed so people see what im talking about .....

 

The braided part is the flex joint....let's you motor move and not rip apart a solid pipe....

 

ahhhh ok ...learn something new about my Mini ...Thanks ...