2008 Mini Cooper S
Purchased used and so have to deal with previous owners modifications.

New to minis and I have a question relating to exhaust. As I have been working on the mini I noticed that most exhaust systems have a clamp between the downpipe and midpipe. Mine seems to be welded. Also is the catalytic converter in the down pipe or is it in the midpipe? There seems to be two devices in the midpipe before the final muffler. Is this another catalyic converter?

Has this been modified? What are my options in replacing with standard connection methods? Replacing all?

Thanks for any help you all can provide. I am learning alot from you all!

Down to mid, no clamp it is welded

mid back to muffler. What are the two devices before the muffler.

 

In the first picture, it looks like the flex pipe between the first cat and the exhaust pipe has been replaced. They can rust out or be damaged by bottoming out. In the second pic, the first device is your secondary cat, and the next is a resonator. Back to the first picture, the primary cat would (or should) be under that heatshield forward and up from the replacement flex pipe. As far as replacement, I wouldn't bother with that unless there is an issue.

 

Looking at your bellhousing to engine connection, looks like the car bottomed out and scraped, which likely took out the flex pipe. Whoever did the replacement work just welded the replacement into the exhaust and down pipe. Shoddy work, if you ask me.

I agree, that if it isn't leaking, just leave it alone.

 

I know this is old thread BUT does O.P still have this mini ?? I'd like to see a few more underbody pics lolol because it looks like that sucka was riding on micromachine wheels..
did you notice the BIG HOLE in the transmission from dragging on the ground ???? Yeesh , atleast there's an inspection hole