Opinion on M Performance Exhaust install

Hey all, just wanted to get a quick opinion on whether or not you think it's ok to use a chain (or local) muffler place to have the Performance Exhaust installed on my E90 M3 instead of taking it to the dealer? Advantage is the dealer is several days out on an appointment, and would run a bit higher, so figured I could just do a drop-in at a muffler place. Seems like an easy install, but I want to treat my car right.

DIY is not an option due to space+tools+patience.

Thanks for the input!

It won't be warrantied if installed elsewhere, unfortunately.

truths2k05 wrote

It won't be warrantied if installed elsewhere, unfortunately.

Well that's a good reason to wait for the dealer to take care of it. Thanks!

Take it to the local shops. It is an exhaust, it is super easy to put on. You can stand around and watch if you are that worried.

truths2k05 wrote

It won't be warrantied if installed elsewhere, unfortunately.

I dont think thats true. Many people order these and install themselves.

OP I think a local muffler shop would be just fine. Its a simple bolt on so no technical cutting/welding required.

While any shop handling exhaust issues would be fine for this work IMHO I would not have it done at any other place then a BMW dealership ... having spend that kind of money for the car why worry about a few dollars to be saved.

My 2 cents

Another option is to use a Independent shop http://www.bimmershops.com/. Rate should be less than the dealer but techs that care about your car.

Don't worry man,this is v v v

It doesn't get much easier than installing an exhaust. Any muffler shop can handle it and it should take no more than an hour. No need to wait for the dealer. Take it to a good indy shop in your area who specializes in BMW's if you're worried about the quality of work.

supertonio wrote

Well that's a good reason to wait for the dealer to take care of it. Thanks!

your car is still in warranty? Since it's an 09 you can't have much more time left, unless you have a CPO

RBB wrote

It doesn't get much easier than installing an exhaust. Any muffler shop can handle it and it should take no more than an hour. No need to wait for the dealer. Take it to a good indy shop in your area who specializes in BMW's if you're worried about the quality of work.

agreed, bolt on - bolt off.

OP,

I also vote for a local owners' help. Ask for help from local guys who doesn't mind showing you and giving you a hand. Generally, most will do it for beer and food. Unless, you don't want to get your hand dirty...then it that case, take it to a shop.

gatorfast wrote

I dont think thats true. Many people order these and install themselves.

OP I think a local muffler shop would be just fine. Its a simple bolt on so no technical cutting/welding required.

It's not the difficulty of install that is of any concern to me. If not installed at the dealer the exhaust itself is without a warranty, nothing to do with the cars warranty as this is a BMW part. For peace of mind, in case the exhaust is defective for whatever reason, get it dealer installed so that it can be replaced if defective. Otherwise the exhaust is not covered.

It is a pretty easy procedure, so you can go either way...I did it (M Performance Exhaust) at the dealer free of charge when I purchased the car new...

local shop is good to go. Not a rocket science stuff, easy bolt on

Local shop is fine, and unless you bought it from BMW warranty wouldn't matter, BMW will only warranty a part bought and installed by them

I am not mechanically inclined, but this is a very straightforward install. There is a sticky on this in the DIY Section: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299777&highlight=performance+exhaust

I have race ramps which gave me the clearance (and safety) needed to work under the vehicle - plus my jack made it super easy. Be careful, the metal is soft and could dent easily, take your time and peruse the DIY.

If you don"t have a way to get your car off of the ground, jacks or ramps, I would go to the dealer. A muffler store could do this, but that's a lot of cash to trust to folks who may not be familiar with BMW's.

Lastly, this exhaust mellows with age, the sound just gets better and better!

Thanks for the opinions. I ended up finding a well-reviewed local muffler shop, been around for 30 years. They did it on the spot, no appointment needed, took them 30 minutes. Charged me $40, and I gave the mechanic a $20 tip because he let me watch the process, taught me how it was done, and let me get under the car to check things out... dealer would never let you do that.

Anyway, was super easy like everybody said. Guy also said the BMW materials were very high quality, impressed with the exhaust and how easily everything fit.

So if you find a good local shop, I say take that route! Dealer was estimating 1-1.5 hours, which would have been ~$150, appointments were a week out, and they wanted the car for a day. Crazy. If you're in Portland, OR check out Barker Muffler & Brake.

Meanwhile........... the exhaust. Holy ____. It's a bit of money, but worth every cent, can't wait to break it in.

Mr. ///M3 RD wrote

While any shop handling exhaust issues would be fine for this work IMHO I would not have it done at any other place then a BMW dealership ... having spend that kind of money for the car why worry about a few dollars to be saved.

My 2 cents

Dealerships can't even wash cars right...

Dkhan23 wrote

Dealerships can't even wash cars right...

I never let them wash my car, so I don't know. Finding the right dealership and people to deal with is the trick (as you know). Might take a while

Mr. ///M3 RD wrote

I never let them wash my car, so I don't know. Finding the right dealership and people to deal with is the trick (as you know). Might take a while

Now THIS guy is right! No one EVER washes my car, and finding the right dealership that is customer oriented (especially "M" oriented) is key!
I'd personally go with piece-of-mind and let the dealership handle it: just too many fickly variables could happen and you'd be F^&*$d

This is probably a non-issue, but I've noticed the car is running a bit hotter with the new exhaust. Is this a possibility, or am I being insane?

supertonio wrote

This is probably a non-issue, but I've noticed the car is running a bit hotter with the new exhaust. Is this a possibility, or am I being insane?

You are being insane.

In reality you are likely driving more aggressive to hear the exhaust thus raising the oil temp.