E39 M5 - silencers chopped off

[Adam3441]

After sorting the wobbly front brakes, wobbly rear suspension, weeping cam cover gaskets, it was time to spend some money on something fun.

A trip to Pipewerx in Lancashire was in order. They cut off the massive, heavy, engine muting quad silencers and fabricated some wonderful stainless steel pipes that look fairly standard but sound NASCAR.

A bit childish some would say but it makes the car feel a bit more exotic. It's surprising how a good engine & exhaust note makes you smile and adds to the character of the car.

Here's what it looks like...

[Defcon5]

I bet that sounds outrageous

[Adam3441]

It does sound good!

[Defcon5]

Video required!

[VinceFox]

You got a vid?

[Adam3441]

My video won't upload from the iPad unfortunately :-(

[Adam3441]

My video won't upload so I've pinched one from YouTube

http://youtu.be/kmU65Fwfw3c

Not my car but you get the idea!

[scarecrow]

Did the same with mine.
Used Custom Chrome in Nuneaton who did an excellent job for £250.
Choice of tails including fabricated as OEM.

I went for their own rolled in exits 70mm

The sound is excellent.

Why pay much more for aftermarket systems?

Enjoy.

[Adam3441]

Aftermarket systems are extortionate. The big brands wanting well over £1k for the silencers.

[VinceFox]

I stuck a stainless scorpion system on the m3. The standard one was way too quiet, couldnt hear what was going on. Also, the weight difference between them is incredible, i was really surprised.

[DVandrews]

Had mine done in 2010 by Custom Chrome, epic sound and old boxes were modified to allow re fitment if desired.

Dave

[scarecrow]

DVandrews said:

Had mine done in 2010 by Custom Chrome, epic sound and old boxes were modified to allow re fitment if desired.

Dave

Good idea.

Must admit that I just chucked mine!

Very heavy guess around 7kg each?

[TheAngryDog]

I love the back box delete on mine. It's how a v8 should sound

[Adam3441]

The standard silencers must be around 20Kg per side. That's a big chunk of weight saved.

Only dampers to replace next year and my car is complete!

[Patrick Bateman]

Did you replace all the suspension arms or just some?

I'm considering it next year as the car's coming up for 130k miles.

[Adam3441]

Patrick Bateman said:

Did you replace all the suspension arms or just some?

I'm considering it next year as the car's coming up for 130k miles.

Just did the entire rear including the lower bush in each rear hub & drop links. It makes a massive difference to how the car rides. You don't realise how baggy your old suspension is until you fit new parts.

If you're fairly competent it's a job you could do yourself in a day.

Top tip - if you're changing the bushes in the rear hubs, hire the proper bush tool from eBay for £35. Trying to fight the bushes without the correct kit is futile....as I found out.

With the proper tool I had both bushes changed in 10 mins.

Use copper grease on all threads and your new parts will be good for another decade.

I used Lemforder & Mayle parts which were pretty inexpensive.

[Patrick Bateman]

I'd more than happily pay the mechanic for the hassle.

[Adam3441]

Patrick Bateman said:

I'd more than happily pay the mechanic for the hassle.

Don't forget wheel alignment when the new bits are fitted

[Patrick Bateman]

You still got the front suspension to do then?

[scarecrow]

Mine has just notched up 130k and I am going to refurb suspension early next year.
As well as bushes I was going down the Koni sport shocks route with standard springs. I don't want it lowered.

Edited by scarecrow on Sunday 24th November 16:36