[Haydrick]

A question for all the exhaust experts out there:

So I got hit from the rear.. bumper getting repaired. The right exhaust tip was scratched in the process. Insurance company will pay for the repairs. So an upgrade is not an option.

Now.. apparently the stock tips come as part of the silencer units:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...84&hg=18&fg=20

Here is the questions.. from the factory, all the exhaust pipes are welded together:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80136


But with replacements they are connected via CLAMPING BUSHes per the link above.

My question is.. is that an issue? I would have thought a weld is better? What should I be aware off / ask the repairer.

Apparently the clamping method is the BMW recommended repair method...

How are upgraded systems connected? clamped?

Many thanks

[FrankiE90]

just like real oem / it's cut and clamp.
clamp is not an issue.
it's a nice design actually.

it's not an option for performance exhaust?
if ur gonna get another oem muff/ why not pay the diff
for a performance one. talk to ur bodyshop.

[Haydrick]

But why then does the car come from factory welded:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80136

Well the difference would be quite large. The insurance is only paying for the part that connects to the exhaust tip which is just the 1 silencer. An entire upgrade would cost 10x more I'm guessing.

Doesn't a cut-and-clamp setup result in leakages / increased moisture risks or even increase the number of 'vibrating' parts?

[MJR63]

The factory exhaust is fully welded...one piece. For the BMW PE exhaust you need to cut your stock exhaust and clamp-on the new one. BMW would not use clamp setup if it did not work without issue.

[Juiced46]

Originally Posted by Haydrick

But why then does the car come from factory welded:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80136

It comes from the factory welded because it is easier for them to install and manufacturer there.

You do not get a while new exhaust during a repair because the cost would be rediculous. It is all ONE piece from the where it bolts to the downpipes to the exhaust tips. Its about 11feet long and very wide. This would be very expensive for them to ship from Germany to the states if you only needed one muffler, and you would be replacing un-necessary parts. Its more cost effective. Why ship that large exhaust, with 2 secondary cats, all that piping, and 2 mufflers if you need an exhaust tip?

Like mentioned, the OEM repair if you need a muffler, is a cut and clamp method. Nothing wrong with it. Done tons of them, no fitment issues, or leaks either. The BMW Performance exhaust is done the same way. Cut off the old stuff and clamp the new one on.