Does anyone have the NM exhaust? I want to put an after market exhaust on my Countryman but am really having a hard time justifying 1K for the NM Engineering one, I also like the Borla and it's half the cost. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks guys.

 

In my opinion, find a reputable muffler guy or you may already have one, And then have one made.
Most cans or mufflers are going to be straight through, good ones are Magnaflow. They sound great on the mini, especially if its turbo. And you can get tubular style / oval style, and I'm pretty sure you can have something custom built, for half or less than what it would cost you to buy a prefab system from some retailer. This is how I feel, simply put, piping is piping, the cans/muffler that will be used from the retailer, are going to be 1 of maybe 4 currently known companies. With the exception of maybe one or two companies that custom build their own cans. If you're in California, I suggest you look up Rogers muffler in Fontana. No better shop, No better price, No better quality of installation you will find.
Just ask for Sparky...

 

Thanks Variable for the info. I really never thought about a custom exhaust. I had looked at it as more of a DIY project. I did look at the Magnaflow exhaust as well, I think it was in four pieces whereas the other ones were two and three. I'm not in Cali, I'm located in the eastern US in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia, so I will check out some local custom exhaust shops. Thanks again!

 

We have some options here below if you don't want the custom route.

Countryman S : Megan Racing or NM Engineering.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-Cooper_Countryman-R60-S-Hatchback-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Exhaust/Performance/

Megan Racing / sound clip







NM Engineering w/ sound clip.







Countryman S ALL4 : Milltek, Made in UK, In stock here, Lifetime warranty. Great sound and has a DP option.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-2011-r60.html







Thanks

 

The NM Engineering Exhaust sounds perfect in my opinion! The OEM exhaust was non-existent and the NM sounds like what OEM should have sounded like to begin with. The tone is slightly deeper than OEM and the volume is slightly louder. It is my wife's car, thus, I wanted something that would not be "drone-y".....this system is perfect for that. Another thing is that it very much accentuates the "Pop & Burble" that you get in sport mode and during engine deceleration. The system's build quality is exceptional and was extremely easy to install. I bought a Gearwrench Chain Cutter on Ebay for like $35, and the install took about 15 minutes. The system lines up perfectly with rubber hangers and the "pipe outlets" in the bumper.

Another important note, is that the Borla system is made out of 409, not 304! Any serious, well made exhaust system should be made out of 304, which will outlast a vehicle.

The in-cabin noise is sporty but not overwhelming, we just took a trip to Orlando from Ft. Lauderdale and were very comfortable. In summary, a fantastic system.

I will try to add some videos on youtube of the car in the coming weeks, and add a link here in the forum.

Drive Safe and Drive Often. Rubber Side Down. Over and Out.

 

Also, I found the NM System at a reduced price on Etektuning.com. They are selling if for $850 + Free Shipping!!!

 

Thanks Jaun, I've always liked the sound of the NM exhaust. I watched the install of it on a Countryman on MiniMania's YouTube page and it looks like exceptional quality. I take it the first video (Red Mini) was the NM? Anyway, thanks very much for the info!!

 

Hey A4DUDE,

No prob, if you need further information, Jerry from NM Engineering always provides exception customer service over the phone!

No, I believe the Red CM is a clip of the Megan Racing Axle Back System, as the clip is labeled "Axle-Back", but there are a few NM Exhaust clips on Youtube. I think one of them features a white CM? Anyways, I will be uploading a few clips as soon as I can!

 

Megan racing on the Red MINI CM.

I have added all the sound clips / video per exhaust above to compare.

 

Well, I really like the look and sound of the Megan Racing exhaust as well. Does anyone have one of these on their Countryman? Is it a true bolt-on or do you have to have it welded?? Does it drone real bad?? The price is great as well.... Anyone who has heard one, has one or knows someone who does, please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

 

Personally I always thought the NM system was a little too tame and civil for the cost, we have a customer who had us install the Magnaflow system for her and it sounds great and is cheaper than the NM system.

Video:

 

Thanks NKfry.... I had looked at the Magnaflow and I've seen that clip and thought it sounded good. The only things I was concerned about were it being in three pieces, I figured the less joints to put together the better, but I'm by far an expert when it comes to exhausts. Also, is 304 stainless better than 409?? The NM is kinda tame, which I don't want something too loud or with too much "pop". I had never even considered the Megan until I saw the Youtube clip of it. Thanks for the info, I know that Magnaflow is a good brand. I just don't know which one to choose, there are so many choices...

 

304 is a more pure stainless than 409, but there are still quality levels of each.

In essence, yes. 304 is a higher quality steel than 409.

This customer is NOT gentle with her CM, and she hasn't had any issues with the Magnaflow but I can sympathize on the less parts= quicker install, but it's still an easy install.

Personally the Magnaflow is better sounding system than the NM, it's cheaper, and isn't over the top.

 

Ok, thanks for the information. Sounds like either stainless would work for me and my 2011 CM, it currently has 61K on it and is a daily driver. I have a K&N filter, but will probably be adding an ALTA intake and NM cold-side turbo tube, I already have an M7 tuning hot-side turbo tube and want to add an aftermarket exhaust to complete things. I guess I want a something that sounds stock when driving regularly and beastly when you get down on it lol. I will definitely consider the Magnaflow now, I have actually found the Megan Racing one for as low as $329 which makes it very competitive but I don't want to end up with a $329 piece of junk.

 

I spent months reviewing exhaust systems for my R60S and at the end of the day I went with a Borla S tuned exhaust for two reasons: Million mile warranty (nuff said) and Performance. There is a noticeable power difference after I had it installed especially when taking off the line. But what I truly luv about the Borla exhaust is the sound...It's quiet when I'm cruising, but when I hit the pedal...in sport mode...it pops a lot especially when up and down shifting through the gears. It makes the R60S perform and sound like it sound.

 

Thanks MLH44, the Borla exhaust was the initial one I was looking at for my CM.

I still wish I could find someone who has the Megan Exhaust on their MINI CM so I could get some feed back. It will probably be early spring before I purchase one, so I'm open to any and all comments, and appreciate the ones I've already received.