What it says on the tin :] I have a very-early-build-date 2004 (there is a split in the books about exhaust fitment)


I live in Vermont/rust belt. original cat-back rusted out at seams. Wife's car, bought Ireland Engineering Exhaust which is "too loud for me and the 3 year-old:] ).


So, trying to go back to stock. I may have a lead on a 2005/6 Stock exhaust.


Is the piping the same? and will I just need new hangar straps? or are the mounting points entirely different?


any help greatly appreciated!


(any idea about how much it is to ship a stock cat-back exhaust cross-country? :] )

 

My understanding is that the hangers are located differently. Any shop should be able to remedy this for you.

 

the hangers are on opposite sides, should be an easy fix for a competent welder. other than that exactly the same

 

Thanks guys for the response :-)

. I am not a competent welder:-) do you know if the 2003 hanger straps would would fit the newer exhaust? Could I get those and install myself?

 

its not the hanger straps that are different, its the hangers attached to the exhaust. ie mufflers. the mounting dampers that I think you are referring to are the same for all first gens

 

Thanks again for the response:-)
Just so I have it straight...

I was referring to the two-part band that surrounds each of the mufflers. The two strips of metal are connected with bolts to form one contiguous band that encircle each muffler. Off of these bands come two tabs that go into the rubber isolaters which then go to the tabs which are welded/bolted to the car unibody.

Is it these metal bands that encircle the mufflers that are different? Or is it the tabs that are welded/bolted to the unibody that are in a different location? Or am I missing something:-) thanks again for your helping a noob out:-)

If it is the metal bands that are different, do you know of the earlier model bands would fit the newer mufflers?

 

Thanks again for the response:-)
Just so I have it straight...

I was referring to the two-part band that surrounds each of the mufflers. The two strips of metal are connected with bolts to form one contiguous band that encircle each muffler. Off of these bands come two tabs that go into the rubber isolaters which then go to the tabs which are welded/bolted to the car unibody.

Is it these metal bands that encircle the mufflers that are different? Or is it the tabs that are welded/bolted to the unibody that are in a different location? Or am I missing something:-) thanks again for your helping a noob out:-)

If it is the metal bands that are different, do you know of the earlier model bands would fit the newer mufflers?

 

OOPs...


"Is it these metal bands that encircle the mufflers that are different? Or is it the tabs that are welded/bolted to the unibody that are in a different location? Or am I missing something:-) thanks again for your helping a noob out:-) "


In retrospect, the answer would have to be "both."


so I guess the REAL question is (:] ) :

" If it is the metal bands that are different, do you know of the earlier model bands would fit the newer mufflers? "


Thanks again!

 

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...89&hg=18&fg=20


this is the diagram, im assuming your referring to parts #11 and #12. but if you scroll down, theres two part numbers, one for up to 01/2004 and one past that

 

Yes it's the top half of the metal bands that is different. But the mufflers are the same so just getting the correct top halfs and you'll be in business. I'll have to look in the warehouse tomorrow and see if I have any good early ones from a wreck. I know I have the later ones, but the early ones used are harder to come by.