Exhaust replacement level of difficulty?

[olsan100]

What's the scoop on replacing the exhaust? Easy, hard? Please rate 1-10 with 10 being the most difficult (just take to a specialist). Thanks!

[oharab]

I was going to ask the same question.
Although only my back box has gone, it looks like the original 1 piece exhaust is fitted so I've got to do the lot.
Other related questions:
Do I have a cat. converter? Just wondering.
Any suggestions for uk suppliers? Best quote I've had is £280, including fitting.
If I do it myself, what other things will I need, Gaskets, etc.?
What are people's opinions on things like http://www.modmart.co.uk/T3S.HTM? I know they're nothing like BMW's, but at 15% of the dealer price....!!

TIA.

Ben

[Jay 535i]

Do I have a cat. converter?

You'd better.

[Kalevera]

It's routine, but it'd be smart to have a torch/sawzall/and punches available if the old exhaust is anything like rusty. I find it easiest to replace the whole shebang, because the header to downpipe nuts are <usually> less rusted out than those between the cat and the rear section of the exhaust.

Be sure to douse all hardware with PB Blaster a day or so before attempting it. You'll want all new gaskets: between the headers and the downpipes, and the gasket rings between the cat and the rear pipes.

Also, I would not go cheap on the replacement parts. My OE exhaust has lasted 15+ years, which is more than I can say for anything American. Most offbrand stuff is garbage and may be more restrictive than the OEM equipment.

best, whit

[JAlfredPrufrock]

I would say that it's not for a novice to attempt.

[Alexlind123]

If you buy the muffler and bring it to you local miffler shop, it should be pretty cheap. My rear muffler has some holes in the bottom of it, but is otherwise ok, so i think i will get some muffler mend stuuff at like $2 a tube and plug the holes. It hsould last for a year or so, maybe then i will buy a new muffler.

[John in CT]

Got a lift? Alternate transportation for a few days in case you forgot something? Are you close to a dealer if you forgot something? Got the special tool for the O2 sensor?

Bottom line, nothing real tricky here IMHO,

John 1995 525i

[Kev]

I ended up letting a muffler shop do mine (93 525i) because the difference in price between buying the part ( bosal centre & rear box) and having them supply the part and fit it was minimal- about 50euro for a 450euro job. Having the car on a lift would certainly make the job much easier also the exhaust is really heavy. I do all my own servicing plus thrust arms, waterpump etc. so i'm not averse to crawling under the car with a wrench or 2.