Removing existing Exhaust tips (2.2, grey/black tips)

[DivideBYZero]

So I bought a couple of OEM BMW Chrome exhaust tips, and I thought this would be a 2 minute job, yet like most car related 2 minute jobs, it has foxed me. The existing tips appear to riveted on? They just have a hole, where I would have dearly like to have found a flat-head screw, just like the new ones...

Can anyone give some advice?

 

[t-tony]

Is there an Allen type grub screw in the hole?

Tony.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Nope, tried that with a 4mm allen key, no dice, too small and a 5mm was too large...

 

[t-tony]

Do you posses an angle grinder which you can use a cutting disc on to slice down the side of the old tips?

Tony.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I don't, unfortunately. I may try prying the old tips away at the "grub screw" to see if it will loosen them a little so I can slip them off.

 

[GazHyde]

From memory there should be a screw through that hole, so if no screw I'd suggest they should slip off. May be coked on a little bit and need some positive force to move them.

 

[t-tony]

Try tapping round the tips with a small hammer while supporting the opposite side of the pipes. Then using hammer and a flat ended drift try tapping the tips off the pipes.

Tony.

 

[andyglym]

Mine are the same. Couldn't see for looking I'll give the "gentle" tap method a go.

 

[DivideBYZero]

I used a claw hammer to rip at the metal using man-strength. They came off with some tapping either side and from above and below. Along with more pulling and power.

Then as I put the second tip on, it started to f***ing rain. Thanks, weather. You suck.

Anyhow, it's done and they look great.

 

[t-tony]

Now I see why your Allen keys wouldn't fit. They were Torx screws! Can see in the first picture.lol.

Tony.

 

[DivideBYZero]

No, Tony, the holes were empty, nothing fell out as I ripped them asunder.

 

[t-tony]

My mistake, it certainly looks like a Torx screw in the top tip? Anyway, you're right about the weather mate. Oh those new tips look very nice, where did you get them please?

Tony.

 

[DivideBYZero]

My mistake, it certainly looks like a Torx screw in the top tip? Anyway, you're right about the weather mate. Oh those new tips look very nice, where did you get them please?

Tony.

I got them from the Official BMW eBay store. i've used them loads, very good service, great prices and plenty of Z3 parts.

Item link:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171798899623?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Store link:
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/BMW-Direct-Store?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

 

[pgunter]

Wow is that each ? £61.80 for the pair. Think I will save a little more and get a replacement exhaust in stainless. They do look nice though @DivideBYZero nice job

 

[DivideBYZero]

Yep, £30 each, but they are original OEM parts, brand new. I saved on postage, only paid that once (TIP: use the eBay basket to save when buying multiples from one vendor).