BMW 1 Series

Unfortunately not, when things got pear shaped in the City it put the kibosh on my plans. Fortunately the gravy train is now back on the rails and gathering pace. In one way it's given me time to get used to the car and see what I like and don't. Even without the non rft 205/50 R17 I found the ride a little too harsh. I think it's a bit laggy too though since i've been filling up with V Power than BP Ultimate it's more progressive rather than turbo off turbo on BOOOM, Bluefin helps too with spinning up the turbo sooner. Would like more feedback through the steering wheel. Found out the wife is expecting so priorities may be shifting and I have one eye on the F20. First things first I think some lighter weight alloys to help soften the ride and help the suspension deal with pot-holes better.

Hi guys.

I've read that a cat-back system is the preferred set-up but what advantages has it over a rear-box with nice new tail pipe(s). I would still get a nice look and sound with the latter at reduced expense, correct? Is it that a full cat-back system has better power gains?

Sorry if I've used the wrong terminology but I've only just got interested in exhausts

More power increase having back box only just adds weight all for show i'm affraid. If you have a pre fl diesel and no dpf u can have a de cat and bigger downpipe madeup as well for bigger power gains. Also sounds better few of us have had all the silencers removed as it makes much better sound and is a lot lighter u really wont believe how quiet it is without any silencers the stock ones are tiny anyway as std! Cost is around 300 up depending on what tailpipe finish or number of tailpipes u have i just had none with stock looking exit all in 2.5" mandrel bent stainless. I like performance not form and go for stealth approach.

turbo back to get real gains...

Rjudgey, I knew I could count on a great answer from the resident exhaust expert.

I think I'm going to go for a cat back with twin tail pipes. I fancy the look of the milltek but it's a bit too pricey and no stockists near me. Want a mild/mid sporty sound when pressed hard but quiet on the motorway. Looking to spend about £350 all in.

3 custom shops near me. One does powerflow, another long life and the other a small operation with some good reviews called pro speed. . Are powerflow and long life any good or are only suitable for the max power brigade?

Long life and powerspeed are rubbish they only do crush bending, so I'd check out the other shop see if they have a mandrel bender and see howmuch they want. Exhaust note on a completely unsilenced 120d on motorway when cruising is about the same as with silencers maybe a smidge louder but barely any different, you get a nice loud bark when you step on it though but not no where as loud as say a boy racer with a fart can on the back of his clio 1.1 litre!! It sounds pretty awesome for a derv especially a 4 pot. Shame you so far otherwise you could have a listen, If I'm down your way visiting my mate I'll give you a shout in the next few weeks. Seriously though we took the pipe off from the CAT back and revved the car up fully and made barely anymore noise than a stock sporty car, M3 makes more noise. Only time the exhaust is quite loud is if you have the rear seats folded down!!

As for twin exit this would purely be only looks, you wouldn't get performance gains and you'll be adding weight, if going for looks I think two reasonable sized round exits would look nice or one on each side of the back like 335d or 335i. Personally i'd just have a stock piece or pipe polished up and have it slash cut a little rather than having those kind of thick liped exits that you can pick up from ripspeed etc. Power speed are excellent can do anything you want and will be very reasonable on price just mention i sent you, they can do this well under a day, or just over half a day as they've done quite a few now so know there way around a 1er quite well!! Know it's a few hours journey but worth it I'll even come out and keep you company if you let me know working nights at the mo so am around in the afternoon most days. one thing to bear in mind the old exhaust will still be like new but is in one piece so no chance of being able to stick it in the car and take home with you. So it will be recycled so no ebay unless you get a mate with a large van to follow you down as well!!

Thanks Rjudgey. Pro speed use a compression bending machine by the looks of it. Does that mean I should give them a miss?
http://www.pro-speedexhausts.com/whatwedo.html

Had no clue why a mandrel bender would be any better but I had a quick search and found this link which explains it quite well. I think it's a tad biased though.....
http://www.bobsmuffler.com/muffler_myths.htm

The mandrel bender must be an expensive piece of kit as all places would have it if it's that much better.



I want a twin pipe that looks like the BMWP exhaust for 130i or Milltek that Beemerboy has on his 120d. Something not OTT but will be noticed by people in the know.

The cost of the crush bender is about 1/10 of a mandrel bender hence why everyone has a crush bender, most people that powerflow and longlife cater for are for those interested in looks and longevity not performance. Cost really isn't much more to have it mandrel bent just knowing the right people that have the equipment. Keep looking or come on over to Kent for the day!!