Question about upgrading exhaust tips

[KANdaddy]

I just picked up a 2012 35i and I am thinking of getting the more square exhaust tips from the 50i. I have seen a couple of eBay auctions for the BMW OEM upgrade kit for this - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E...Q5fAccessories.

My questions is, does this mod require cutting off the stock tips? When I look at my current tips they appear to be permanently welded/attached to the stock exhaust.

Thanks for any info

[KANdaddy]

41 views and no one has advice??

Great forum

[XJMR]

correct on that the exhaust pipe has to be cut ...
the instructions say you need to make a cut about 80mm from the muffler and then clamp on the new pipes with the new tips ..
i bought the kit from getBMWparts.com for $516.00 with shipping ..
Havent installed it yet since i am trying to figure out a way of installing the the right pipe without loosing the flap

[zerrantoss]

Originally Posted by XJMR

correct on that the exhaust pipe has to be cut ...
the instructions say you need to make a cut about 80mm from the muffler and then clamp on the new pipes with the new tips ..
i bought the kit from getBMWparts.com for $516.00 with shipping ..
Havent installed it yet since i am trying to figure out a way of installing the the right pipe without loosing the flap

Is it possible? I have been thinking about changing the tips for pure cosmetic reason. I really don't want the car to become louder.

It would be nice to keep the flap.

[KANdaddy]

flap?

Thanks for the responses, BTW

[XJMR]

the flap controls back-pressure under 2000 rpms and is located on the passenger side pipe leading out from the muffler ...
the instructions from BMW say to remove the flap all together but it sounds like a 300 hp weed wacker without it so the plan is to get a muffler shop to cut the flap out and move it closer to the muffler and then attach the new pipe and tip with the clamps at the recommend 80 mm from the muffler ...
if that doesnt work then i will leave the flap in its place (about 8 inches from muffler ) and they may be able to bend and cut the pipe from the new tips to fit and weld them on ... either way i will not give up that flap

[zerrantoss]

You should notice that the exhaust on the right side stays closed most of the time. This is most noticeable when the smoke comes out on left side only at idle. It only opens when RPM goes above 2000 or 3000 RPM. That's when you will notice a change in sound.

Some people use a zip-tie or other stuff to hold the flap open at all times. This is known as the "golf-tee mod".

Personally, I think it's kind of stupid to see smoke coming out of 1 side only, especially in winter. But forcing it open with the mod makes it sound weird..

Yes, in short, the flap is like a silencer.

[KANdaddy]

interesting. thanks for the info here. Based on the feedback I am leaning towards not even doing this mod. Seems like a lot of BS work just to have square tips. If I'm going to do that much work, might as well just spring for an aftermarket exhaust.