M-Fünf

Yesterday, I had the SuperSprint X-Pipe installed on my '03 M5. I wanted to share my experience with those of you considering this mod.

I only swapped the resonator, the exhaust and headers are stock.

The plan was to:

1) Cut the stock resonator out in the appropriate places
2) Expand the exhaust inlet pipe to accept the SS X-Pipe outlet
3) Use clamps at both ends to fix it in place

The process took a bit longer than expected because of the following issues:

1) The tubing expander the shop had was not strong enough to expand the stainless steel exhaust pipe, so they removed the mufflers, took them to a local exhaust shop and had them expanded
2) They could not find a clamp sleeve the right size (they thought the 740 clamp might be right, but it was too small), so they ended up just welding the rear junction.
3) The built in clamps at the front of the SS X-Pipe didn't seal the front joint. They are tightened all the way down (no gap left) and it's leaking a bit at that joint.

I'll be returning to the shop to get the front joint welded.

Hindsight is 20:20. If I were to do this again, I would remove the clamping section from the front of the X-Pipe, weld it front and rear and be done with it. No Clamps, No possibility for leaks, and cleaner install.

For those of you who are considering this mod...GO FOR IT! It sounds good, looks good (if you crawl under the car as often as I do), and does help, IMO, with throttle response. The sound inside the cabin didn't increase much under normal cruising conditions (comfort for passengers) but I can really hear it when I start pulling hard...

Thanks to Mark (MAH) for giving me the peace of mind that it wouldn't deafen me (more than I already am)

Thanks to North Bay Bavarian (who did a great job on this) for being patient with me while I looked over their shoulders and told them how "I" would do it.

Oh, one last note...keep in mind that this mod may be illegal in some areas for highway use

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M-Fünf (a.k.a. Jeff)

His: Not an M5
Her's: '04 M3 Silver Gray/Black 6 speed

TriflowM5+M3

glad to hear that you got it on...it really does make the car a better overall pkg if you like the sporting side of things.

As for not legal in some areas...how many cops really know the ehaust set up for an m5 just by looking under the car?

NONE!

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Click for a picture diary and write up of the buildup of the RMS beast

M-Fünf

You are absolutely right...no officer would ever know. But here in CA, we have to have our car's "smog" checked every two years (after the first five on a new car I think) and they do a visual inspection to see if you've added any illegal mod's (that would include the RMS and Dinan Superchargers here

I don't think it will be a problem with the X-Pipe because it looks stock, and most "smog" shops probably wouldn't be able to tell anyway

TriflowM5+M3

true true

MIB

Ahem, I wouldn't say none. I would say very few.

Surely you relalize that there are more than two Cops on the Board who actually own Beasts.

They are great guys and don't mention who they are or what they do.

I left the Job about 13 Years ago, so it's more of a hazy memory for me.

I suppose its like mechanics at BMW, some are enthusiasts, and some aren't. Its the same with the cops. Some are enthusiasts and some aren't.

But basically you are correct in saying most (People) wouldn't know the Beasts exhaust setup.

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///Mark 03 E39 M5 He's in Apples hands now. MIB

M'nd

[quote]Originally posted by MIB
[b]Ahem, I wouldn't say none. I would say very few.

Surely you relalize that there are more than two Cops on the Board who actually own Beasts.



There goes the neighborhood!!!!!!!!!

M-Fünf

Yup, I'm well aware that "some" law officers are also car nuts...I just hope no smog tech looks underneath...that's who I worry about...

Back on the subject. I drove the car over the weekend, tightened the front clamps, and it's still leaking, so I'll be taking it back to North Bay Bavarian later this week or maybe next week to have it welded. I'll also have them install the rest of the "stuff" (UUC SSK, Tranny mounts, Royal Purple) while they're at it. My lift won't be installed for another month or two and I want to get these mod's done sooner than that.