Corroded silencer/exhaust box

[jolouz]

Our 2004 1st gen cooper has just had an RAC test arranged by a prospective buyer. All seems fine except for the fact that the 'outer casing of the exhaust silencer has started to corrode, exposing the inner casing'.....

Anyone know the cost of replacing it when the time comes?

[NeuroBeaker]

I've got a 2004 ONE... the exhaust outer casing also corroded on mine to expose the inner casing. I used this in my persuasive argument to my girlfriend to allow me to join the MINI2 Group Buy with Lohen for a Milltek Cat-Back exhaust.

As you're selling it, presumably you'll want a standard exhaust system fitted. I'd suggest ringing a few nearby dealers for an 'all inclusive quote' or if you're near Blackpool you could drop in on Derek Woodman (Dealership and MINI2.com sponsor - click here for their forum). If you're a DIY buff, maybe you could even buy the parts and then do the job yourself?

Good luck!

All the best,
Andrew.

[humph]

It's a common problem. A replacement from somewhere like, and I apologise for swearing, Kwik fit would be your best bet. Don't know the cost.

[mini-millie-n-dan]

An independant garage quoted £150 to replace mine, BMW wanted nearly double that. In the end we bought one online which cost £80inc VAT (plus £20 for the back box strap) and my BF fitted it himself. It's not a fancy stainless one or anything, a copy of the original, does the job!

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Hi guys,
Just a question re these silencers rusting through - my S is an 05 so 1 year newer.
Entire exhaust is clean and shiny, no corrosion at all - that said I pressure wash the underside of the car and spray on a sealant designed to repel water, salt etc on average once a fortnight in winter, once a month in summer.

Do you at least rinse the underside of the car on a regular basis? - just seems odd to me that exhausts are rusting so severely after only a few years, not to mention the damage a build up of salt etc will cause to other components, steering, suspension, brake disks etc if just left on the car.

Cheers, Geoff.

[Lucky Dave]

Its good to go for a drive in the rain just to clean the mud and salt away!

Normaly exhausts rust from the inside out.

[jpw]

Just had a quote from my dealer to replace 03 cooper exhaust

It is rusting from the outside in exposing inner casing - all I can say is thank goodness its got cherished warranty because quote is £380

They wont do it though untill it starts blowing !! Just gonna be a matter of time me thinks...

Jon

[fordcymru]

I had the same problem with my 2002 mini one. The outer casing of the backbox had rotted away big time and exposed the inner casing. But a nice chap in cardiff sold me a stainless cat back exhaust with 3 inch out rolled tail pipe for £190, fitted it myself in a couple of hours. Looks the buisness and sounds great, I`m glad the original started to rot, i`ll never have to worry about it again.

[Tigger, Eeyore & Roo]

You could check eBay for any used exhausts for sale. A lot of new ones used to get thrown away after people upgraded to Works exhausts at the dealers, but some people took their original system home with them!

Tigger.

[Zephyr]

I am looking to purchase an 2004 mini cooper and the RAC inspection noted corrosion on the rear exhaust silencer:

"The exhaust has been identified as having limited life because, although there was no leakage, there is external corrosion present and the inside of the system, which may have significant deterioration, cannot be inspected."

From what I've read - this appears to just be the exhaust cover rusting. Is this something I should be worried about / discuss with the vendor?

Thanks people!

[Silverado]

My 2003 ONE had an MOT advisory in 2007 relating to the corroded outer skin. I just break off the rusted out layer every few months or so. It's still got lots of life left in it.

[Zephyr]

Thanks Silverado - much appreciated. I have also been told by a friend who knows cars that the corrosion is not a worry - even with the corrosion the exhaust can last ages.

Cheers!

[DrNorman]

Mine has been corroded for at least 3 years now and not really deteriorated much in that time