will a 3.8 exhaust fit a 3.6 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

1day · 8th June 2009, 18:34

Found a 2nd hand M5 exhaust, which I'm seriously thinking about as mine hasn't got more than 12 months left in it (2nd skin has gone on back box).

The exhaust is from a 3.8 M5, mine is a 3.6.

will it fit OK?

also, the exhaust for sale is only the back box and pipes to front, so I think no catalytic converter as it's in the front section (my 3.6 has no catalytic converter as it's a South African version - they didn't fit them for local models apparently). presume this is correct.

had a look on www.bmwfans.info and they look the same on the diagrams but have different part numbers.

3.6 sa build exhaust

3.8 european exhaust

jamie

Brian M5 · 8th June 2009, 19:48

I fitted the other way around to a UK spec 3.8 M5

The 3,6 exhaust onto a 3,8 cat. The catalytic converters are different but from the flanges back the exhaust appears identical.

Note though that there was not a back box / front box flange. This is a one piece welded construction all the way from the cat flange. And a mighty heavy piece it is too. Basically parts 1 and 2 as a unit.

Your diagrams don't show the catalytic converter. It is in front of these.

davidoli · 9th June 2009, 09:52

I've got a cats back 3.6 exhaust if anyone needs it .......

D

Brian M5 · 15th June 2009, 06:07

hey!
They must breed in the back of your garage.

The unit I got from you was a fine piece of engineering. Great condition and it was given a good brush up and paint job before fitting too.
Will last for years.

davidoli · 15th June 2009, 09:02

Thanks Brian , I'm happy that you are happy !

D

Ratty · 15th June 2009, 12:11

Heya 1day,
You might find that it's only the outer heat shield that's detatched and rattling,and the actual exhaust box is still solid.
My heatshields are all a bit corroded, but the main pipe and boxes are still in good condition.

I bent the lower corroded part of the heatshield so it grips the back box a bit tighter to stop it rattling on tickover.

1day · 16th June 2009, 11:36

thanks for the advice / help.

It is only the heat shield / outer cover thats corroded (and now removed as it was hanging down / only connected by one side). No sign of corrosion on the actual back box inner skin - yet ;-)

So, I've decided to stick with the exhaust thats on the car, and wait for it to show signs of needing replacement before spending money, if I'm lucky I'll get a fair while out of it before having to replace it.

cheers
Jamie