Just been quoted a grand...

[Justin Cyder]

...For the rear section exhaust for my 2005 mcs.

Must be able to do better thsn that for a catback pattern part or even OEM. I don't fancy Miltek or Sportex if I can help it, not really into the noise or the insurance ramifications. Can fir it myself if needs be, so learned PHer's, any ideas on a replacement?

[Justin S]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI-COOPER-S-STAINL...

Just offer a sensible amount and take this. Its what I will fit when my JCW exhaust eventually decides to die..........

[Justin Cyder]

Minor modifications...?

[Justin S]

Probably just move a bracket here and bend a heatshield there. Depends if you want to save £750 !!! Get a local garage to do it with a ramp if you feel its beyond you. For the sake of sticking £30 in his pocket could save you the hassle.

[hyperblue]

Get a second hand OEM exhaust off eBay.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-MINI-COOPER-S-SERIES...

Swapping over is easy enough, two bolts connect the front to the exhaust manifold, then a few screws holiding it to a mounting plate in the mid section, the back is held on by 4 rubber mounts.

I suspect that stainless exhaust posted earlier in the thread will be very loud compared to standard or JCW.

Edited by hyperblue on Saturday 9th June 10:14

[gonzales]

Justin I had a similar quote from a dealer for the catback on my 2002 MCS. After much research I plumped for the stainless steel Milltek at a smidge over £600 fitted by a mini specialist. The exhaust isn't that much noiser than the standard one unless you give it beans everywhere and my insurance company did not count that as a cost modification on my policy - I even tested it using one of the comparison sites (not a difference in price). Plus it looks fantastic.

[Justin Cyder]

Thanks for that. Still, on a mass market small hatchback, that is taking the piss for a standard consumable part.

[steveball]

Go onto Mini2 and look for a sponsor (Blackpool Mini) then ask for Chris. Paid £700 for a JCW Cat back including tips.

[gonzales]

steveball said:

Go onto Mini2 and look for a sponsor (Blackpool Mini) then ask for Chris. Paid £700 for a JCW Cat back including tips.

Steve this was my original first call. Chris quoted £920 fitted for the JCW system including tips, he then came back to me a week before I was due to take it up there and raised the price by another £150, making it the same price as the standard set up. For a smidge over £600 I got the Milltek fitted at 1320mini instead.

By all means give them a go but after my experience you won't get that system for that price anymore.

[Justin Cyder]

Picked up a second hand one in good nick for £225 off the Bay. Offered the guy £250 to end early & save the fees, but he turned me down.

[scotty_d]

I know you got one OP but for others this might be a good route to take.

I just had a custom stainless on made yesterday and fitted cat back for £360 It is spot on quieter than the standard just what i was looking for and the car feels a little smoother as well I wanted to keep it as close to standard as possible one loud car is more than enough in the house hold.

I had Meerkat exhausts make it up he also did my TVR's System this year as well and it sounds like thunder

Here are a few pictures





Oh and i used AutoGlym Aqua Wax last night very impressed with it

Edited by scotty_d on Wednesday 13th June 10:33

[M@1975]

Slightly off topic but I heard the Milltek was really loud over stock, odd to hear that people think it's potentially quieter, was looking at one to replace the JCW system I have on at the moment which is too raspy with the Janspeed manifold.

[Justin S]

Thats a nice looking system that chap has built there and for the money you couldnt go wrong.

[anonymous-user]

M@1975 said:

Slightly off topic but I heard the Milltek was really loud over stock, odd to hear that people think it's potentially quieter, was looking at one to replace the JCW system I have on at the moment which is too raspy with the Janspeed manifold.

Its not massively so but its got a lot of bass drone, I had one and it has a lot more bass than stock you really notice the difference when you remove it, i went to a de resonated JCW after that and it was a bit louder but carried a lot less bass. My OBX was very very loud, but droned less than the millteck.

[si_xsi]

Sorry for raising an old thread but...

Just got back from a spirited run home from the Sunday service (great morning!) to notice the rear left hand side box (silencer?)is starting to blow on the lip, looks a bit rusty. Its starting to make a blowing noise. The centre pipe (from what i can tell lying on the ground) looks ok, bit of surface rust but not blowing.

Considering i'm not really thinkig of keeping the car for more than 4-5 months, my thoughts/questions are:

1. Can it be patched / welded if small?
2. Replace just Cat back with like for like - if so should i get 2nd hand one off ebay or new?
3. Can you replace cat back with JCW exhaust but heard some don't come with tail tips or is it not wise to have half a standard MCS and half JCW exhaust!!
4. Would you trust ATS or Kwick Fit to do the change or take it to local garage.

I will try to get a proper diagnosis on condition of full exhaust asap but really hope tey don't say the whole lot needs doin as could do without the expense at all TBH.

Goes off to check flebay .....