that welding "bead" is snotty
Fritz Bit exhaust: misc comments
- Thread starter JFENG
- Start date
It almost looks like there was a previous weld where you need more bend. I would send FB your pics, he seems to be a good guy and would probably like some feedback. I didn’t have a tailpipe problem you have but the slip joint took a lot of attempts to get a good angle.
I looked inside the pipe and it’s just a straight section there. No welds. My car has never been hit in the back so I have reason to believe my fit is original and that big angle required on the rear flange/flange is just sub-optimal design.
On the other hand, how many buyers would complain if the system was $150 more expensive but it
(1) came with all the hardware & gaskets
(2) 1.5” more length on the intermediate muffler
(3) one more cut in the rear pipe so it follows the spare tire wheel more accurately
(4) nice stack-of-dimes TIG welds.
I have no regrets buying this system, but I would’ve paid more for a little better quality and ease of fitting.
Anyway, it’s all in and ready to tighten up. It took 30 minutes, which was unexpectedly fast.
I may drop the system to fix the rear pipe and install my NIB Stalh headers. It would be nice to get rid of the in-op EGR crap and restrictive emissions manifolds
Anyway, it’s all in and ready to tighten up. It took 30 minutes, which was unexpectedly fast.
I may drop the system to fix the rear pipe and install my NIB Stalh headers. It would be nice to get rid of the in-op EGR crap and restrictive emissions manifolds
Yep had both of these problems. #1 was solved with a blowtorch and a piece of thick galvanized pipe in a big bench vice that just fit inside the exhaust pipe. Heat up the end and bend until it fits flush. #2 was solved by replacing the middle muffler with a custom piece of stainless pipe from a muffler shop (I wanted more burble), this holds my O2 sensor and I had them make it longer so it wouldn't be short like that. Before that I pushed the exhaust as far up close to the body as possible and pulled the rear muffler inwards to make it fit as best I could. Agree that it is a design flaw. I think Fritz and W&N are made by same people (Larini) so both have the issue.
Steve, what did that shop charge you to make that center pipe with bung?
About $100
I’m going to take you pic to a local place that can bend stainless exhaust pipe. Be they want $300 for this :-(
I had getting the rear pipe hanger 18-21-1-102-888.
My scrap sheet stainless is on the thin side, but I found this for plumbing pipe. The nylock nut should be replaced with a metal lock washer.
Price is the same as the BMW hanger ($14), but this is stainless & I can get it tomorrow rather than 2-3 weeks.
My scrap sheet stainless is on the thin side, but I found this for plumbing pipe. The nylock nut should be replaced with a metal lock washer.
Price is the same as the BMW hanger ($14), but this is stainless & I can get it tomorrow rather than 2-3 weeks.
It might have been more than $100, but not more than $200, I don't remember. They needed me to drop off the car so they could bend, test fit, bend again, repeat until finished. I tried to just drop the middle secton off for them to copy the shape but they would not guarantee it would fit. Are you installing an AFR for your car?
I use a tail pipe adapter on my E9, but a bung would be nicer (which I have in other cars).
I just got around to putting in my Fitz Bitz exhaust.
My friend had an empty lift and his boss is out of town, so I had to strike quickly. (last minute)
I agree that it would have been extremely beneficial if installation hardware was included as a good portion of my time was spent looking for hangers that would fit. I did have 3 stock hangers, but like others have said, the lack of a hanging clip at the end of the tail pipe created a lot more work. We jury-rigged a hanger using non-BMW hardware, so I guess I can effectively eliminate any Concourse award this year.
As far as fitment goes, the matching angles weren't perfect, and the use of a bigger, fatter, non-BMW doughnut seemed to give us a little flexibility on the pipe between the resonator and muffler. It may come back to bite me in the ass later, but I'll be keeping an eye on it for now.
My initial impression was certainly a positive one, For what it would have cost me just to replace my leaky rear muffler, the price was well worth it. Let see how I feel in a few months.
My friend had an empty lift and his boss is out of town, so I had to strike quickly. (last minute)
I agree that it would have been extremely beneficial if installation hardware was included as a good portion of my time was spent looking for hangers that would fit. I did have 3 stock hangers, but like others have said, the lack of a hanging clip at the end of the tail pipe created a lot more work. We jury-rigged a hanger using non-BMW hardware, so I guess I can effectively eliminate any Concourse award this year.
As far as fitment goes, the matching angles weren't perfect, and the use of a bigger, fatter, non-BMW doughnut seemed to give us a little flexibility on the pipe between the resonator and muffler. It may come back to bite me in the ass later, but I'll be keeping an eye on it for now.
My initial impression was certainly a positive one, For what it would have cost me just to replace my leaky rear muffler, the price was well worth it. Let see how I feel in a few months.
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I couldn’t stand looking at the rear flange fitting all cockeyed. One cut, a bit of grinding and the flange end of the FB tail pipe now matches the Bosal I removed. And now it fits perfectly. Feel free to tell FB their jig is off. Best thing is to send FB a pipe that fits properly so the can adjust their setup.
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day66
Well-Known Member
I have also recently fitted my FB system, and had/have the same minor issue with the tailpipe so there must be an error in their jig = there is enough adjustment at the flange to make a gas tight joint but it doesn’t look quite right. I will cut and re weld to properly engineer a solution when I have time!
The system I bought maybe 15 months ago and installed on the Malaga car did not have these issue other then the leaking joint between rear cans.
I send a short msg to FB with photos. they promptly replied and said the problem is know and has been corrected by their supplier in 2021 (early 2022). They don’t know why my exhaust (bought in Dec 2022) still had the older tailpipe design, but offered an apology.
I would not hesitate to recommend this system as long as the seller guarantees the tailpipe flange is the newer corrected angle or provides a discount if they deliver the pre-corrected design.
John
I would not hesitate to recommend this system as long as the seller guarantees the tailpipe flange is the newer corrected angle or provides a discount if they deliver the pre-corrected design.
John
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Any time I have had dealings with FB I have found their contact and attitude to be great.