How much should it be to install an exhaust?

[Greenkirby21]

I think people are trying to take advantage of me because I am 20 and have a BMW...

I went to 5 local shops to get an estimate on how much it would cost to get my bolt on cat back magna flow exhaust installed.

First place - kinda shady, but my friend recommended it, so I went there. There was lots of old old old civics, and when I parked, like 5 guys just stared me down. I entered, and a huge guy just looked at me, not very friendly. I asked for an estimate, he said 250$ without even asking what kind of exhaust or anything..

Second place - looked even more shady. It was this guy who looked like santa and he was kind at first. He was by himself and there was only 2 lifts in his tiny shop. I couldn't really understand him, I asked him for an estimate, and he said one half. So I said, o 50$?, and he said no, around 150$. When I told him no, he seemed kinda angry for "wasting his time".

Third place - went to a shop that specializes in BMW/european. Looked like a very nice place, very nice people. The technician came to my car and looked at the exhaust which I had in the trunk. Very professional, told me it was very easy to install. I went back in, he gave me a price of $200. I said no thanks, but they gave me their car.

Fourth - Another BMW/euro specialist. Guy was very kind, had an AWESOME M3 with BBS rims and huge brembo brakes. He told me it would be about 140$ for ~1 hour 30 mins labor. Printed me out a quote.

Fifth - A forum member actually recommended this place to me(another euro shop), and while I did not go visit them(it is a bit far away), I got a quote of 120 via e-mail. I had sent them pics of my exhaust and the instructions that came with it.

I find it funny that I went to BMW shops and got lower prices and the places looked very clean, while I went to a small random shop with only 1 lift and 250$ quote.

I am probably going to go with my fifth option, as it was the lowest, but I am a bit surprised to install prices so high! I was expecting 80-100 ish. The instructions look very easy. Remove old exhaust from cat back, and slide new one in, bolt the parts. I don't think it it should take more then 45 mins for a skilled mechanic.

[KingOfJericho]

Do it yourself.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Do it yourself.

Thats what i am thinking. What do I need? Do i just need a ramp or do I need jack stands

[KingOfJericho]

Hell, I just jacked up one side of the car and slid under. Ramps would work fine.

It's 2 screws (nut/bolt combo) and 3 hangers. The hardest part is getting the stock exhaust off the hangers but spray some PB release or something in there to lube them up and it will come right off. It's a VERY easy instal.

[Greenkirby21]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Hell, I just jacked up one side of the car and slid under. Ramps would work fine.

It's 2 screws (nut/bolt combo) and 3 hangers. The hardest part is getting the stock exhaust off the hangers but spray some PB release or something in there to lube them up and it will come right off. It's a VERY easy instal.

thanks, I need to cut 7 inches from the catalytic converters and the rest slides on. What should I use to cut? xD

[1SerieStud]

Do it with ramps...I have done all my exhaust work in the past using a nice set of ramps. Save the money!

[KingOfJericho]

eek. I never understood why some companies designed their systems in such a way that you have to actually cut the exhaust pipe. It's completely pointless when there is a baffled joint just in front of the rear axle...

[Sarracino89]

The reason they need to cut it is because unlike the 135 exhaust which is two pieces, the 128i exhaust is a single piece up to the dps I believe. Also the reason why most exhausts are for the 135 and not the 128

[Sarracino89]

as for cutting, search the diy section, there is a diy for the performance exhaust, most people that have the 128i and buy an aftermarket exhaust swear by the sawzall saw, i think that's how you spell it. Anyways goodluck can't wait to hear it.

[1013mm]

$60 for me

[1ToBeOn2Wheels]

You should be able to go to any local exhaust/muffler shop. They have the experience that specializes in exhausts and you are likely to get a way better price than a performance shop (sub $100).

[jimmy1990]

so most of the people install the mods by themselves?

[Riley1524]

Yeah, if you can are mechanically inclined enough. I'm lucky enough to have a couple of mechanic's that I trust around here, but I try to do everything myself. As far as the DIY, I don't think there is one for a full cat-back yet. I would like to know what would have to be cut as well if this is the case.

[Sarracino89]

If it is a full cat back, then you simply unbolt it from the cats, then bolt up the new one. But most exhausts for the 128 are just the rear muffler or a muffler delete meaning you would have to cut a little before the stock muffler.

[Dackelone]

To answer the OP question... I think not more than two hours COD at your shop of choice. I think really around one hour is more than fair. You can ask your local BMW dealer to look up the time BMW says it should take to install the exhaust.

[Hops128i]

just an observation on the diy for the 128i PE. it is for a msport which has easy access to the exhaust through removal of the diffuser. the non-msport is more difficult.

[MikeinAlexandria]

I have a write up n this forum for exhaust installation. It is definitely not worth more than about $100, it doesn't take a mechanic to install it. Was actually fairly easy, though I did end up using a hack saw, which takes a little more time and effort.