I want to replace the stock exhaust on my R50 with a catback. I'm looking for low cost, easy installation, some performance/mileage improvement, British sports car "burble", small diameter tip, and quiet interior sound as I do alot of highway driving. Any ideas?

 

OBX gets my vote. I just bought one but haven't installed it yet. Sounded very nice on YouTube.

 

I have the Megan Racing cat back. Love it. Not sure it meets all your requirements. I also have a DDM intake which makes it louder. Will never go back to stock.

 

I like my Milltek exhaust. Sturdy, durable and very clean looking, not much louder than stock.

 

i have a header with 3" piping all the way back into a magnaflow muffler on my R50
...it sounds awesome

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ce-thread.html

 

I love the Milltek on my R53. Not too intrusive on the street/highway, but roars at the track under full throttle.

 

based on your goals and the few systems that are on the market for your MINI I think you will not be happy with any of them. All the aftermarket systems for R50 aka 2002-2006 NON-S MINI Cooper Coupe will be louder then stock. The only system I've heard that might come close is on NAM member ernesto from Chicago. PM him for more info.

 

I've read that exhaust wont really add any power or mileage on an R50.

 

any upgradeable exhaust will add power to any car, some more then others

you gotta let that sucker breath!

 

I've got a Borla Exhaust that I got from Way Motor Works (and they installed it themselves duing a Chicagoland Mod party). It was more expensive than the Megan and has a larger tip than stock. It has a lower, louder burble at idle than stock, and it is a little louder at highway speeds, but not much (we took a 4-up weekend family trip just after the install and it did not bother the wife or kids at all).
It does get louder over 4k RPM's, but it is much much quieter than the Megan at all speeds. I am very happy with it, love the looks and the sound.

 

I put a Miltek header/cat and catback on my R52 non S and it does give more power without a huge change in the exhaust note. It is louder, but not enough to make it unbearable to drive long distance while retaining that British sports car burble. I also installed a K&N i57 intake. If I behave myself I'll get another mpg or 2 under normal driving. the other side though is the temptation to use that extra power to have more fun.