exhaust, muffler issue - United Bimmer Community

**mzbmw325i** · 01-22-2007, 04:01 PM

Besides my other post regarding the rear noise, I did not know if I should squeeze my other issue there or start a new thread.

When I press on the gas pedal, I hear this roaring sound from my muffler, it is a stock original muffler/ exhaust, the car is near the 200k mark and I am very amazed about that, I think the car is showing its sign of wear and tear.

Should I get a used muffler from the junkyard or buy a whole exhaust including the converter.

Would the noise be only prone form the muffler or that is a sign of a cracked exhaust pipe or something?

Is there universal mufflers cheap somewhere, I am at work and eager to get some input on this issue.

It’s a 1991 325i, automatic.

thanks in advance

nick_318is · 01-22-2007, 04:06 PM

You can just goto a cheap muffler place and get something cheap put on. That or you can look into some higher performance systems.

You might want to take a look under the car, there might be a loose heat sheild but if its the original after 200k im guessing its time for a new one, you can replace it at the dealer or the muffler place or buy an aftermarket one.

**Dudesky** · 01-22-2007, 05:39 PM

If you don't see any damage to the pipes, then the muffler is probably "blown out" - that means the internal parts have fallen apart or disintegrated, making the noise louder and louder.

**mzbmw325i** · 01-22-2007, 08:00 PM

is the muffler easy to replace on my own, is there any DYI on exhaust for my model car online?

if i can't find a stock used, online new ones run about 200!!!anything cheaper out there.

thanks a bunch guys, it's really appreciated.

**mzbmw325i** · 01-22-2007, 08:10 PM

there is a guy in my area parting a 325is 1987, what year/models muffler would fit my car, would ny E30 model up to 1991 muffler fit mine?

nick_318is · 01-22-2007, 08:14 PM

^Probably one from a 325i, the 318s won't work. A cheap muffler shop could probably hook you up for about $40.

In regards to changing it, i think its relativly straight forward, you might want to hit the bolts with some wd40 or something else the day before to try and clean them up and make it easier to get them off. You probably would also want to do new hangers (also could be the cause of the sound), and possibly some new nuts and bolts.

**mzbmw325i** · 01-22-2007, 08:30 PM

so any 325 model, up until '91 will fit my car, the guy that i mentioned above is parting a 325is '87.

i read about the exhaust parts kit at Bavarian auto, it comes with all the nuts and bolts, 50 bucks.

**mullethunter3** · 01-22-2007, 08:35 PM

The worst part about DIY-ing a exhaust on a car with 200k, will be the removal. I've watched it done on a 1987 325i, removal did not look fun. Installation was cake. Definitely get new components (nuts, bolts, hangers, anything else....) it will make the install easier.

**mzbmw325i** · 01-22-2007, 08:42 PM

mullethunter3

don't scare me man, what is so hard about the removal, i mean if i am replacing all the nuts and bolts, i can just cut/break off the old holding the muffler....right?

**mullethunter3** · 01-22-2007, 09:06 PM

Yeah, that works. I just don't assume that everyone has the correct tools. I don't want to discourage you.

I would suggest going to realoem.com and looking at their exploded diagrams of the exhaust, that will give you an idea of what to buy and what to break. The most essential would be the bolts the hold the end of the new muffler to the existing pipe. A "saws-all" seemed to be a good plan of attack on those rusty things.

Oh, and by the way, I'm a girl, not a man.

**mzbmw325i** · 01-23-2007, 01:49 PM

mullethunter3

sorry i did not even pay attention to your signature when i was typing yesterday, thanks for the tips.

all the DIYs in your signature, u done those yourself?

i am surprised to find women that like to get their hands dirty

**mzbmw325i** · 01-24-2007, 07:02 PM

there is a muffler i found 90$, but it has a slice like cut on one of the pipes 4-5 inches before the end going into the catalyst converter's side. the guy says that i can weld it and its no problem.

what do u guys think?

**mullethunter3** · 01-24-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzbmw325i

mullethunter3
sorry i did not even pay attention to your signature when i was typing yesterday, thanks for the tips.
all the DIYs in your signature, u done those yourself?
i am surprised to find women that like to get their hands dirty

I'm not too worried about it, most girls don't do mechanical things.

Yes, every DIY in my sig was done by me. Getting dirty is the fun part, it's getting clean that sucks.

And as far as that slice, depending on if you think you can weld it up, it shouldn't be a problem (I'm under the assumption that it's in the straight pipe, not the muffler.). And where/ what is this muffler coming from/ off of?

**mzbmw325i** · 01-24-2007, 09:38 PM

i think its coming of a 325 as well, but i am not certain, here is a link i uploaded some pics, includes the cut on the pipe.

**mullethunter3** · 01-24-2007, 11:15 PM

^^^^ Yeah, that looks like what RealOEM shows:

Here's the link to that site:
E30 325i Exhaust Rear

If you don't know, RealOEM provides exploded diagrams of every part on your car, along with the part numbers. So, if you want the part numbers for the extra fittings we've all been tell you to get... that link has them all.

That gash doesn't look too terribly bad. Weld it up real nice and you should be okay. What happened though? Someone get excited with a Saws-All?

Anywho...
Good luck on your install. If you need any help, just ask.