Questions about 128i PE install, tips

[chris82]

Well, I finally got around to buying the BMW PE for my 128i. I have a question about the install though and compatibility with my Supersprint Section 2 Resonator delete pipe. This piece looks as such


Now, the Section 2 pipe is tapered at the end so that the stock 128i exhaust pipe will slip over it. The question I have is, do I need a clamp there of some sort or will the friction between the two be enough to keep it secure (assuming it's a tight connection)? Should I put a clamp there just for precautionary measures?

Also, do you recommend I replace my exhaust hangers? My car is at 56k miles and I don't believe they've been replaced. Are there any other tips for this install? I've looked at this DIY and it looks straight forward to me.

Thanks!

[Bimmer-Bob]

Did you buy the BME PE new? It should've come with a sleeve clamp to fix it to the rest of the exhaust tract. Or you could have it welded. If you bought the exhaust used, and need the part number for the clamp, I can find it but I need to dig around a little.

[Fume]

Like Bimmerbob said, the PE exhaust comes with a clamp that you use to clamp the exhaust to the remaining exhaust section after cutting off the old muffler.

However, one thing that I think you should be confirm is whether the supersprint mid section will connect to the PE directly without some additional piping. I noticed in pictures that the supersprint muffler comes with some small exhaust pipe section with an elbow (don't mind my crappy MS Paint highlighting ability)



This section doesn't come with the performance exhaust since it expects the stock pipes to be cut much closer to the muffler:


Hope that makes sense. If possible, I think I would just make sure that everything does line up properly to be clamped together on your car.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Did you buy the BME PE new? It should've come with a sleeve clamp to fix it to the rest of the exhaust tract. Or you could have it welded. If you bought the exhaust used, and need the part number for the clamp, I can find it but I need to dig around a little.

Yup brand new. I realize I need to connect the muffler to the axel back pipe with the clamp. This is at the other side, because that supersprint piece doesn't extend all the way to the muffler. About 2 feet of the original pipe needs to be used between the supersprint pipe and the muffler.

I guess the question is, is it best practice to use a clamp over a slip on exhaust connection?

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Fume

Like Bimmerbob said, the PE exhaust comes with a clamp that you use to clamp the exhaust to the remaining exhaust section after cutting off the old muffler.

However, one thing that I think you should be confirm is whether the supersprint mid section will connect to the PE directly without some additional piping. I noticed in pictures that the supersprint muffler comes with some small exhaust pipe section with an elbow (don't mind my crappy MS Paint highlighting ability)



This section doesn't come with the performance exhaust since it expects the stock pipes to be cut much closer to the muffler:


Hope that makes sense. If possible, I think I would just make sure that everything does line up properly to be clamped together on your car.

Thank for the pics. I have a 135i exhaust mounted up to that SS piece right now. I know I need 2 or so feet of my stock axel back (just like the piece you circled in the picture), I'm wondering about the connection between the SS piece an the axel back pipe, will it be secure without a clamp?

[MightyMouseTech]

You absolutely need a clamp.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

You absolutely need a clamp.

So 2 clamps total, okay then!

[E91WAG3N]

Originally Posted by chris82

Also, do you recommend I replace my exhaust hangers? My car is at 56k miles and I don't believe they've been replaced.

It's a good practice to replace rubber and plastic bits whenever you can "while you're in there" as long as it isn't cost prohibitive.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by ubersteuer

It's a good practice to replace rubber and plastic bits whenever you can "while you're in there" as long as it isn't cost prohibitive.

Thanks, will do that then! They are cheap enough. I have a feeling that these old ones are not going to budge, especially it being so cold out now

[chris82]

I'm in the process of putting my exhaust on and I'm curious what this black rubber piece is and what is it's purpose? I put it on the scale and that little piece weighs over 2 pounds (not that I care about weight)! My thoughts are it is some sort of drone capturing/vibration reducing item. What do you think?

[Bimmer-Bob]

Originally Posted by chris82

I'm in the process of putting my exhaust on and I'm curious what this black rubber piece is and what is it's purpose? I put it on the scale and that little piece weighs over 2 pounds (not that I care about weight)! My thoughts are it is some sort of drone capturing/vibration reducing item. What do you think?

Listed in RealOEM as "vibration absorber." They're on the stock headers, too.

Did your BMWPE come with it? Mine did not, and neither did my stock exhaust (so I couldn't transfer it over). I ended up ordering the vibration absorber after the fact and I thought it sounded marginally better with it on.

[dailowill]

Yep, its a vibration dampener. I went without it for a while, but if I recall, I was getting a bit of noise at red lights. I added it afterwards and it seemed to have gone away.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

Listed in RealOEM as "vibration absorber." They're on the stock headers, too.

Did your BMWPE come with it? Mine did not, and neither did my stock exhaust (so I couldn't transfer it over). I ended up ordering the vibration absorber after the fact and I thought it sounded marginally better with it on.

Originally Posted by dailowill

Yep, its a vibration dampener. I went without it for a while, but if I recall, I was getting a bit of noise at red lights. I added it afterwards and it seemed to have gone away.

Cool, guess it's going on

[sixburgh]

I upgraded my 128i to the BMW PE muffler at 20,000 miles and it sounds sweeter everyday at 59,000+miles.

[chris82]

Guess I'm paying someone for this install. For the life of me I can't get that one 8mm torx bolt to budge, so at risk of stripping it, I'm handing it to the professionals lol. I'm just not meant to work on this stuff

[dailowill]

Originally Posted by chris82

Guess I'm paying someone for this install. For the life of me I can't get that one 8mm torx bolt to budge, so at risk of stripping it, I'm handing it to the professionals lol. I'm just not meant to work on this stuff

You don't have to remove the exhaust bracket/hanger from the car to remove the exhaust. It's probably easier that way, but I was able to use a long screwdriver and silicone spray to free the exhaust from the rubber instead.

To prevent stripping the bolt, I would make sure my torx bit is snug, spray some pb blaster on the bolt, and use a torx bit socket with breaker bar or use an impact driver with a torx bit.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by dailowill

You don't have to remove the exhaust bracket/hanger from the car to remove the exhaust. It's probably easier that way, but I was able to use a long screwdriver and silicone spray to free the exhaust from the rubber instead.

To prevent stripping the bolt, I would make sure my torx bit is snug, spray some pb blaster on the bolt, and use a torx bit socket with breaker bar or use an impact driver with a torx bit.

Did you do this without removing your bumper/insert? I don't have the M-sport bumper, so I can't just remove the insert, I have to take my ENTIRE bumper off which I don't want to do. I actually just purchased a new 8mm torx bolt for that one hanger, and plan on removing the existing screw with a bolt extractor.

[dailowill]

Originally Posted by chris82

Did you do this without removing your bumper/insert? I don't have the M-sport bumper, so I can't just remove the insert, I have to take my ENTIRE bumper off which I don't want to do. I actually just purchased a new 8mm torx bolt for that one hanger, and plan on removing the existing screw with a bolt extractor.

Yep. I don't have the m sport diffuser either -- just a solid one piece bumper. You have to be careful, but you can clear the bumper without removing it.

[Dackelone]

This thread might be helpful posted by MikeinAlexandria

DIY: BMW Performance Exhaust on 128i cabrio
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450937