X pipe wanted - sourced

[Simon 3.2M]

One of the flanges has rusted through on the M where it mates to the back box. Does anyone have one for sale or know of any options?

[XMetal]

Rogue Engineering or Supersprint makes one. I have the Rogue Engineering on my car - not much louder than stock. If yours rusted out, then sourcing one locally would probably be in the same condition. My stock pipe that was taken off when switching to the RE pipe looked brand new after about 50k miles on it. But then again, I'm in sunny California where it barely see rain.
https://www.rogueengineering.com/Rogue- ... p_114.html
https://www.supersprint.com/ww-en/bmw-e ... pe.aspx#!/

[Adam D]

One of the flanges has rusted through on the M where it mates to the back box. Does anyone have one for sale or know of any options?

If it’s the flanges between the back box and x pipe then these can replace them as a solution.

https://www.i6automotive.co.uk/vehicle- ... t-e46.html

[Simon 3.2M]

One of the flanges has rusted through on the M where it mates to the back box. Does anyone have one for sale or know of any options?

If it’s the flanges between the back box and x pipe then these can replace them as a solution.

https://www.i6automotive.co.uk/vehicle- ... t-e46.html

Thanks Adam, it’s actually the metal of the exhaust that has failed so it either needs a repair or a sleeve - thanks though mate

[PDJ]

Simon

You could cut 50mm off and get a piece of stainless pipe the correct size and shape the end the same as the original was it is just a small flare of the pipe then have the new bit TIG Welded on

[Adam D]

One of the flanges has rusted through on the M where it mates to the back box. Does anyone have one for sale or know of any options?

If it’s the flanges between the back box and x pipe then these can replace them as a solution.

https://www.i6automotive.co.uk/vehicle- ... t-e46.html

Thanks Adam, it’s actually the metal of the exhaust that has failed so it either needs a repair or a sleeve - thanks though mate

The metal of mine was getting thin where the clamps were, the clamps have bought me a bit more time . Pricing up oem back boxes x2 and the X pipe was over two grand

[Simon 3.2M]

The x pipe is £900 - the boxes are fine fortunately. Still bloody expensive though!!

[RedUn]

Go for a rogue one

[R60BBA]

Go for a rogue one

Import tax is the issue.

Tbh same with Supersprint since Brexit. However I am aware that Evolve (SS’ UK supplier) are currently doing 30% off Supersprint products as part of Black Friday.

If it was me though I would replace with a genuine BMW resonated x-pipe. Whilst historically SS have been known to make the best aftermarket exhaust systems for pre-turbo era BMW M cars, lately all I seem to hear about them are issues in quality assurance and lack of post-sales customer support.

@Simon3.2M give Martin Seggie of Douglas Park Hamilton a try - it may work out cheaper than a new SS or Rogue centre section and the exhaust will be good for another 15 years + of driving.

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[AndyBeech]

Get any half decent exhaust shop to cut off the flanges on both the x pipe and back boxes and fit a sleeve. Should cost around £100 to do both sides. Unless you have to keep it original for some reason there is literally no difference (apart from the size of the hole left in your wallet!).

I've had this done myself a year or so back when I had the same problem. You'd be nuts to splash out on a new x-pipe IMO just for the flanges, unless you want an aftermarket system.

[Simon 3.2M]

Get any half decent exhaust shop to cut off the flanges on both the x pipe and back boxes and fit a sleeve. Should cost around £100 to do both sides. Unless you have to keep it original for some reason there is literally no difference (apart from the size of the hole left in your wallet!).

I've had this done myself a year or so back when I had the same problem. You'd be nuts to splash out on a new x-pipe IMO just for the flanges, unless you want an aftermarket system.

Wise words mate - I’ve bought a sleeve and was thinking of doing just that if all else fails. My only concern is the alignment of the boxes afterwards.

[Simon 3.2M]

Finally got a nearly new one

[GT Spec]

Finally got a nearly new one

Cut off the original mild steel flanges and replace for the stainless steel repair ones or history will repeat itself over time. The OE exhaust system is stainless and that area suffers from dissimilar metal corrosion.

[Simon 3.2M]

Finally got a nearly new one

Cut off the original mild steel flanges and replace for the stainless steel repair ones or history will repeat itself over time. The OE exhaust system is stainless and that area suffers from dissimilar metal corrosion.

Thanks buddy, that’s good advice - do you know which repair flanges would suit? It may help other members in a similar situation.

[GT Spec]

Finally got a nearly new one

Cut off the original mild steel flanges and replace for the stainless steel repair ones or history will repeat itself over time. The OE exhaust system is stainless and that area suffers from dissimilar metal corrosion.

Thanks buddy, that’s good advice - do you know which repair flanges would suit? It may help other members in a similar situation.

Hi Simon,

Good idea. The kit I used can be found here: https://www.i6automotive.co.uk/vehicle- ... t-e46.html

All the best