does any1 know how long it takes to change a full system (manifold-cat-center pipe- back box) whole system?

would it be a whole day job or just a few hours?

also is it a fairly easy job?

many thanks

Depends.....with air tools up on a garage ramp, etc it can easily be done in a few hours........but at home without ramps and with some rusted/sheared off fixings to hold things up you can also easily spend a day on such a job. It is quite a heavy exhaust system so inviting a friend to help with lifting and holding things in position is a good idea.

A day or two before starting the job wirebrush any rusty/corroded fixings and spray some WD40 penetrating oil on all the nuts and bolts that need to be removed if possible.

Exhaust Parts:
RealOEM.com BMW R53 Cooper S Exhaust system, rear (http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE32&mospid=48020&btnr=18_0489&hg=18&fg=20)

RealOEM.com BMW R53 Cooper S Exhaust manifold with catalyst (http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=RE32&mospid=48020&btnr=18_0475&hg=18&fg=10)

na im just gna b using a jack and stands. ive got all the tools to do it at home.
gna start stripping it down friday afternoon ready for saturday with the new one.

thanks for the information.

I believe that to do the manifold you need plenty of clearance under the car, so make sure you get the car as high as possible

fitted my cat back on saturday.. all went well apart from the place i bought it off can not make hanging brackets to save their lives. they were completely bent the wrong way so had to re-heat and position them correctly apart from that it all went well. all in all took me 3 hours.
couldn't fit my manifold as i found they sent me the wrong one (annoying) but eventually got my money back for that and now wanting to buy another one.. if i can be bothered.