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Original owner here of a 2006 Mini Cooper S (automatic) and earlier today, as I approached the car from a different angle I noticed that the muffler (passenger side) is all sorts of rusted out, to the point of falling off. I bet I could punch a finger through it.
I've done some quick searches but is it even worth putting a stock OEM muffler system on? Or is a kinda a no-brainer to go (at least) JCW, or Remus, or Magnaflow, or something else?
I figure if, after 10 years, it is time for a new exhaust... might as well upgrade right! : )
You could always do the popular "one ball" mod and just remove the passenger side resonator. The muffler is on the drivers side and a small bypass pipe replaces the resonator. Depending on the shop, it should be around $50-80 and less than 30 min. Here's a diagram
If you want to do an upgrade then I'd highly recommend REMUS. I've personally ran their exhaust on a few different makes before. Super high quality, sound and craftsmanship. They also offer a really great warranty on their system that gives you an ease of mind. Lots of members have installed REMUS on their MINI's here so you can find some great install and sound clips when doing a search.
Quite personally if I had to do it all over again I'd go with a non resonated Milltek. The fit, finish, and sound are fantastic and it carries a lifetime warranty. Not to mention it is the tried and true system on these cars and has shown to gain the most power.
^ This. I have a Milltek resonated cat back on my 05 MCSa and I love it. The sound is very mature, not too loud and doesn't drone, but you can still hear all the pop and burble. IMO the JCW is too quiet lol.
Remus has my vote. It is a bit more, but in the long run a couple of hundred more for a smile every time you get on the throttle was worth it in my book. I have some pics of the install on my thread if you would like to see the fitment.
