I knew it was rusty but £eck me!!

[TMAQ]

maybe a stupid question and i might be missing something but how are you going to get the flanges over the lipped/flared ends?

the centre pipe only has one flared end, didn't know that, thought they bother would be.

[rstoughy]

Originally Posted by TMAQ

maybe a stupid question and i might be missing something but how are you going to get the flanges over the lipped/flared ends?

the centre pipe only has one flared end, didn't know that, thought they bother would be.

Not a stupid question and you are not missing anything as i have not worked that out yet but i have a few ideas that i shall look at once i have the bits.
If that fails then a quick trip into Kwikfit for a clamp will be in order

Just dont want a redundent flange rattling around on the new back box. Can't cut it off either as it voids the warranty.

The outer pipe of the centre part slides into the rear box then as you tighten the flange bolts it compresses the ring and creates a seal round the pipe. Just like a copper pipe fitting for your central heating

[TMAQ]

intrested to see how you get on Paul as i'm in the similar situation....

just had new cats fitted under warranty and while it was in BMW suggested (also previously when it was in for a spec II) i get new centre pipes and a back box as the flanges were slightly cracked (not leaking).

i ordered the replacement parts with either 1) the idea of getting an independent garage to sort it somehow, possibly cutting the pipes to get the flanges over the lip and weld back the pipes. 2) cutting the new flanges and welding them back together once back on the pipes. 3) kwik fit it.

not quite sure what to do yet, let us know how you get on

[rstoughy]

Originally Posted by TMAQ

intrested to see how you get on Paul as i'm in the similar situation....

just had new cats fitted under warranty and while it was in BMW suggested (also previously when it was in for a spec II) i get new centre pipes and a back box as the flanges were slightly cracked (not leaking).

i ordered the replacement parts with either 1) the idea of getting an independent garage to sort it somehow, possibly cutting the pipes to get the flanges over the lip and weld back the pipes. 2) cutting the new flanges and welding them back together once back on the pipes. 3) kwik fit it.

not quite sure what to do yet, let us know how you get on

I will do

Like i have said it's a work in progress but im deffinetly going to sort something rather than replace a perfectly good centre section just for the sakes of a flange.

[grumps]

Just had my centre and rear silencer replaced under warranty! same problem at the rear box and cracked mounts on the centre.
Just a suggestion for the rear clamps,you could always cut off the flanges and fit new clamps and then have them rewelded using stainless wire to stop any cracking around the welded area.

[Bounce]

Originally Posted by grumps

Just had my centre and rear silencer replaced under warranty! same problem at the rear box and cracked mounts on the centre.
Just a suggestion for the rear clamps,you could always cut off the flanges and fit new clamps and then have them rewelded using stainless wire to stop any cracking around the welded area.

Didn,t think the exhaust was coverd under warranty,only the cats.

[NZ_M3]

What's the diameter of the pipe work? 55mm?

BMW has a clamping system (55mm, 50mm and 75mm) for situations like this - basically you just need to cut the flared ends off and use the joinder.

55mm - Part No. 18307560778 or 18307525639 (part 3 below)
75mm - part no. 18307560781
50mm versions - part no. 18101439722 or 18307560777

Not sure if it comes in anything larger than 55mm - I am sure it does, but it'd probably work for something like this.

Or you could find a section on the pipe work to hack apart, fit new flange and use the joinder part above to rejoin the pipe work rather than resorting to welding.

[rstoughy]

Tom,

That's exactly along the lines i was thinking
Don't really want to go down the route of welding etc if i can avoid it.

Very very handy to know that BMW have a part that might actually do the job.

Will measure up the pipe tonight as i was looking at making up my own clamp but this could save me a bit of time

If it fits i will buy you a Coffee next time i'm over

[NZ_M3]

Paul

I measured it off a broken M3 CSL exhaust gasket that I had - it's 60mm +/- 1mm

Following are all 60mm clamping bushes from BMW directly - all slightly different pricing for some reason - I guess it could be a material thing?

Part numbers:
18201742445
18307560779
18201742445
18307560779

There's another one that's 62.3mm from a JCW mini which might also work if the 60mm don't fit: Part number for this one is:
18107573865


Let us know if you go down this route to repair and if it works out (perhaps even a photo for future reference - seeing how weak the caste iron flanges are!!)

Good luck

p.s. The clamping bushes from BMW are really well made - I've used one before on a Mini with a JCW exhaust system - hacked the old muffler off, used the clamp, tighten both hex nut on either side (don't even need to resort to hi temp exhaust gaskets) - no leaks whatsoever and it held the pipe work straight as an arrow!!

[Pip1968]

I am popping down to Munich Legends tomorrow to get the flange cut and rewelded complete with a new flange as one of my flanges has cracked. I tried at the dealership for a new back box under warranty due to cracked flange but they turned me down despite saying that a lot of other owners had had it covered under warranty.

Robbing gypsies

Pip