e34 exhaust - BMW Forum

AaronC525i · 09-17-2012, 12:07 AM

I am new to this forum. I own a 92 525i with reasonably low miles for its age. It runs extremely well, handles well, and mechanically is in excellent condition. But, I have one question that I am hoping to get some help with. About 40,000 miles ago, a new, OEM replacement exhaust was installed. But, from the day I purchased it, it has created an extremely loud droning sound, basically as soon as I touch the pedal. I have taken it to a German car specialist for all the service, and they have told me that there is nothing visibly wrong with the exhaust, which leads me to think that its bad on the inside. I have ordered a new muffler and resonator from Supersprint. So, I am wondering if anyone has ever had a similar issue. I am nervous that replacing the muffler and resonator won't fix the problem, although I'm not sure if thats reasonable to think. Its the first car I have owned that I would like to work on myself, and so I am still learning. Any insights anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Lord Vader · 09-17-2012, 01:14 AM

Are you sure this was a genuine OEM exhaust? Or an "OEM replacement"? The term OEM replacement is commonly used to describe a product that is not actually genuine, but replaces the original part. Its a way to make a less expensive part sound like a genuine one. They most likely did not install a genuine BMW exhaust. Supersprint exahusts are very well made and sound quite nice. Their are numerous sound clips of them on YouTube.

AaronC525i · 09-17-2012, 10:50 AM

yeah I'm very sure it is. I have all the receipts for the car, and it was ordered and installed by the BMW dealer the car was purchased from.

Lord Vader · 09-17-2012, 05:53 PM

See if the receipt lists a part number. You can cross reference the part number of the exhaust here Welcome, BMW fans! to make sure it was legit.

AaronC525i · 09-17-2012, 06:53 PM

yes, it is most definitely a legitimate exhaust. my concern is not why my 14 year old exhaust with 40,000 miles is loud. It IS loud, and I need to do something about it. My question is whether or not replacing just the exhaust would take care of the problem, or if there could be some other issue causing it to be loud.

Lord Vader · 09-21-2012, 09:08 PM

A stock exhaust is fairly quiet except under full throttle. If it sounds like the kid next door with his ricer honda, then yes their is a problem. My recomendation would be going back to the dealership and having a service tech go for a ride with you.

AaronC525i · 09-22-2012, 12:48 AM

Well, I have had a few different people look at it. Each of them have said theres nothing visibly wrong, that it has to be something inside. Regardless, my new exhaust will be here in 5 weeks or so, hoping it takes care of the issue.