How to Properly Install OEM 4.8 Chrome Exhaust Tips on 4.4 Pipes

[chile1]

Today I took my car to Meineke to have the OEM 4.8is tips tack welded on to my existing 4.4 pipes. I explained to the owner that it was a simple procedure and he didn't even need to remove the rear bumper (just cut stock pipes 1-2 inch from the muffler and tack weld the chrome tips). However, the mechanic said to me that if they were to cut my 4.4 pipes and tack weld the tips, it would not look right. He pointed to the diagram below and explained that there needs to be a Rectangular Bracket that would make the these tips fit snug and secure. I told him that tons of folks on the X5 World have done it this way and that's how it was recommended. He told me that he would not recommend this procedure because just tack welding these tips would not be secure and it would not look professionally done. His exact words were: "I would hate to mess with such an expensive car with a half-ass modification - I just wouldn't feel right doing this to a BMW!!"

I've asked this question once before with no clarity, so I'll ask again. If you look at the diagram below, it shows that the IS exhaust actually has a Rectangular Bracket which snuggly fits these tips. Is that OEM rectangular bracket available from BMW and if so, can someone please provide me with the part number?

Exhaust Diagram

[mtX5]

wow, i was just at my mechanic who put my custom exhaust talking to him about 4.6 tips. he told me the same thing about tacking, but didnt say it would look bad, just that there would be leaks, but it wouldnt matter since it was just the tips.

im also wondering how to get these in properly..

[chile1]

Originally Posted by mtX5

wow, i was just at my mechanic who put my custom exhaust talking to him about 4.6 tips. he told me the same thing about tacking, but didnt say it would look bad, just that there would be leaks, but it wouldnt matter since it was just the tips.

im also wondering how to get these in properly..

I can't believe no one on the forum has any feedback on this. If no rectangular bracket is needed then why did BMW put one on the diagram!!!

[top gear]

I had mine made, had that braket made from stainless .I showed this diagram to the guy who made mine .

sorry no photos

[chile1]

Originally Posted by top gear

I had mine made, had that braket made from stainless .I showed this diagram to the guy who made mine .

sorry no photos

OK, now we are getting somewhere. How much did you pay to have this bracket fabricated? I may end up going that route if I can't find the OEM part. I just don't want these heavy tips held on by just pins and strings (few tack welds), if you know what I mean!

[top gear]

Cost me about £40 to have them made the whole job with buying the tips having the brakets made and then welding them on cost me about £200

[top gear]

You ca'nt just buy that part anyway it's part of the exhaust you would have to buy the whole thing.

[chile1]

Originally Posted by top gear

You ca'nt just buy that part anyway it's part of the exhaust you would have to buy the whole thing.

Thanks. I really appreciate the feedback. I'll look into having one fabricated or make it myself. I'll just measure the inside circumference of the exhaust tips, cut out a cardboard model and then circle and cut where the two exhaust pipes would go through. Sounds simple enough, now lets see how much it's going to cost me!

[mtX5]

so did the process work? i have 4.6 tips on the way.. still looking for the best way to install them.