[23Bull]

I am considering installing a Remus exhaust on my 2003 Mini (non-S). I've gone through many of the webs and postings, and have recently heard (from a Remus dealer) that the installation will require losing the spare tire. From all the postings I thought that the installation was a simple deal, but no one has mentioned losing the spare tire. Does anyone out there who has installed a Remus system know the facts?

I am considering buying the complete system from Moss Mini (seems like a good price). Any other recommendations in the States - I am in Hawaii.

Thanks in advance.

[OZChris]

Hey 23bull

There are two types of Remus exhausts available for the MINI Cooper.

1) Single muffler and tail pipe. I have this one on my Cooper. Simple to install, just replaces factory muffler. See my gallery for a photo. My system cost about AU$800.

2) Two tail pipes (L+R) from single muffler. This system requires losing the spare wheel. It also requires cutting the rear bumper extension (black piece of plastic) on the LHS for exhaust exit like the RHS.

Hope it helps.
Chris

[Kent99]

Note: Pics added at end of message.

Quote: Originally Posted by 23Bull

I am considering installing a Remus exhaust on my 2003 Mini (non-S). I've gone through many of the webs and postings, and have recently heard (from a Remus dealer) that the installation will require losing the spare tire. From all the postings I thought that the installation was a simple deal, but no one has mentioned losing the spare tire. Does anyone out there who has installed a Remus system know the facts?

This weekend, I installed the single-muffler, single tailpipe REMUS system on my 2005 Cooper (non-S).

The install was simple, and did *not* affect my spare tire at all. Reading the instructions, the only thing I saw was that on MINIs before the 2002 model year, you have to replace the muffler hangars with those from a 2002 or later MINI.

The install was simple, the fit is great, and the sound is just right - low, mellow, and just a little above stock. Classy, not import-tuner obnoxious.

Tip #1: Do yourself a favor, and buy a $14 chain-link-style tailpipe cutter from any local auto parts store. It makes cutting the old muffler off very simple and clean, leaving a nice clean cut that requires extremely little finishing (if at all), and leaves the possibility of remounting your old system just a matter of buying a band clamp, and fitting it over the cleanly cut tubing ends.

Tip #2: REMUS tells you to cut off the old system 23.6 inches after the center tailpipe mount. I was scared of cutting it too short, so I cut it a few inches longer, just to be safe. It is fine to do so, because any extra length of the old system slides right inside the new system. I think leaving a little extra length here also makes the joint stronger, as there is more overlap in the tubes.

Tip #3: DONT FORGET!!! Inside the forward end of the REMUS system pipe, there is a small, 4 inch long reducer/adapter pipe that is just laying loose inside the pipe end. This little pipe should be removed (it just slides out after the outer pipe clamp is loosened). I suppose it is for fitting the system to a car with a smaller diameter exhaust pipe, but it is NOT mentioned in the instructions, and could easily be overlooked and left in the pipe. Leaving it in the pipe might cause rattles and a reduction in exhaust flow.

Cheers,
Kent

[23Bull]

Great information XMINIX and Kent99! I think you've answered a lot of the same questions that others may have concerning this exhaust.

23Bull