Exhaust expectancy

R

Redmex

Member
How long should they last ? My 2003 3.0 is still using the original and no advisory with the last mot but should I buy a cat back 304 stainless with 60£ off until tomorrow evening and keep it in the garage until I need it or even stick it on just now . Everything is going to keep going up in cost and knowing my luck new pipes required 2 years down the line
I did a strong magnet test and I'm guessing it might be some kind of stainless already on it as no attraction to my big magnet
 
I don't know for certain what its made from but modern exhausts are typically 409 stainless steel which is barely magnetic (or sometimes not magnetic at all). The other common steel used for stock exhaust systems is aluminized steel (aluminium-silicon coated mild steel), but these tend to be quite magnetic.

In terms of longevity... It really depends if the car has been driven on salted roads all its life or kept in a garage/outside in winter as to how much life will be left in the exhaust system.

I have had a few repairs to my exhaust over the few years I've owned it because I am certain it has been driven all year round (I drive it through winter too) causing more chance of rust due to salt. I had to get the bracket just below the primary cats cut off and new pipes + brackets welded on and I have also had to get a short section replaced (cut and weld on new piece) between the secondary cats and resonator.

I will probably not replace my exhaust system because of worries of longevity, just repair it as and when it rusts through.
 
my 04 2.5 not long had a full service at my local independent - still original exhaust and asked the same thing about the exhaust. All the guys are ex main dealer and said dont worry about it they last forever - probably out live you they said!!!
 
Yes I believe E85/86s had stainless exhausts from new so they'll last indefinitely - shame about the brake pipes though. :(
 
Mr Tidy said:
Yes I believe E85/86s had stainless exhausts from new so they'll last indefinitely - shame about the brake pipes though. :(
Click to expand...

I’ve never understand why the hydraulic and fuel pipes aren’t run inside?
My Saab Turbo way back in 1980 had the main pipe runs inside.
 
I inquired to buy a new centre section exhaust for the MR last year, after the flanges on mine failed. None available any place on planet Earth according to BMW. So the extortionate price was not an issue. After a few months searching I found a garrage in Tavistock who repaired it. The whole thing is stainless, but it can fatigue over the miles. :wink:
 
Well I bit the bullet with the £60 off from eBay and free delivery probably £35 and just received my 2 part exhaust with bolts and gaskets chucked in
Good job my partner has a pad of her own as it's lying behind the couch until I get round to fitting it. So shiny and the welding looks so good I had a semi
Not sure who made it but it may be Gravity
 
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