Milltek Troubles
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Category: Technical & Model Specific Forums
Forum Name: BMW ///M Power
Forum Discription: Ask your BMW M Power Technical Questions here (M1, M2 hybrids, M3, M5 & M6)
URL: http://www.bavarian-board.co.uk/forum_posts.asp?TID=7364
Printed Date: 04-May-2024 at 07:14
Topic: Milltek Troubles
Posted By: pottsy
Subject: Milltek Troubles
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 17:43
|
My Milltek started making rattly noises recently (thought the baffles were loose). They gradually got worse. Started it up at tesco on Sunday and it blew. Driving home and it sheared off (where the pipe meets the front of the front box).
I think these exhausts are excellent (muted sound good power) and hope this is only a one off. Milltek said they were surprised and would replace under their warranty if I sent them it. I've sent them it and hope for a positive response. I'll keep you posted. Key question - anyone else had any problems? |
Replies:
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 17:51
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Simon, Sorry to hear of your problem. Roughly how many miles have you covered with it. I have only done around 1000 miles but have had no problems so far.
Couldn't find a "fingers crossed" smilie ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 17:55
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Probably about 2000, very few track miles as well as engine has had new top end and bottom end in that time.
Millteks for M3s are fairly new anyway in the scheme of thigs aren't they? When did they first start selling, I've only known about them for about 2 years. |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 18:17
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I don't know when they started with them as I only started looking in August last year. Hopefully we will get some response with folks who have had them fitting for longer. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 19:06
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I had a problem with my milltek exhaust too, pottsy The centre box ripped it's apart, it appeared to tear along the weld line. Powestation replaced the centre box but said they thought it would be unlikely that Milltek would be interrested. It doesn't quite sound like what has happened to yours, but it may be interesting to find out if anyone else has/gets any more problems. Who did you buy the exhaust from because it is their problem to replace your exhaust and not Millteks'? Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 19:16
|
Pikey
What mileage had you done with it and how long had you had it fitted? ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: MarkD
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 19:37
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I'm afraid I think I may have a similar problem! My Miltek was fitted last August and was fine initially but since around December/January I started to notice a slight rattle when moving off from stationery - this has now got worse and it seems to rattle most at around 1000 revs exactly - though this disapears if you add or subtract throttle pressure.
The sound is hard to pin down but it sounds like it could be towards the rear. It could also be the middle box as this has had a few scrapes getting into and out of the driveway. The car is going into Moesley Motors early next week for some work so I'm going to get them to have a look when it's on the ramp. Mark |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 20:22
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Probably done about 4000 miles with the exhaust, fitted by powerstation. Had it roughly 6 - 8 months max. That's exaxtly what happened to mine at first, MarkD. then it became a deeper growl under throttle load which became a horrendous noise once the box blew. Ripped a whole in it which let all the sound deadening out! I must admit I may have scraped it once or twice but nothing really bad, so I didn't think it would have done any harm. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: PJSM3
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 21:10
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Pottsy, do you know how long the warranty is? My Miltek came with no warranty paperwork at all from Powerstation. |
pottsy wrote:Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 22:15
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Mine has that problem too. Mine has been rattly for a while. I have done a lot of miles with it and am just living with it. It`s like a loud buzz. The exhaust sound has matured well over the 30k miles I`ve had it on for (except for this annoying extra sound)but about 15k miles ago the buzz\rattle started. It occurs at a high rpm than 1000rpms though, and mostly when coming off the throttle and when it hits 3500rpm. Sounds like loose baffles to me.
I think i posted about this here some time ago when someone asked for opinions on the milltek exhaust. Maybe supersprint is the way to go after all ? Also my car isn`t super low, but I`ve still managed to scrape the zorst a few times....multistory carpark and a few speed ramps |
Posted By: 215m3
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 22:53
| Are stainless steel zorsts guaranteed for life? That's my impression. Others thoughts........ |
Posted By: Chris Miller
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 22:56
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Pleased I went with Supersprint . Thought id made a bad decision after hearing everyone else go for Miltek. ------------- |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 23:18
Guaranteed not to rust for life probably, and obviously it won`t. :). But any exhaust of poor interior quality(baffles/silencers whatever) wont last long whatever it`s made out of. I`m always very sceptical of aftermarket stuff. For just less than 500 quid a stainless steel exhaust is appealing when the BMW one is something like 1200 quid. Thing is though, my original BMW had been on the car since new! Coverd 60k miles I think and nearly 16 years - obviously the age getting to it eventually. So whats cheaper? A 1200 quid BMW exhaust that could last 100k miles(assuming more average miles than mine had covered over the 16 years), or an aftermarket one which is half the price but which could either fall apart or rattle after just a few months  .
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Posted By: falkster
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 23:24
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Why didnt any of this come to light before the lot of us replaced our pipes for Milteks?? If I'd known this I would have got the superprint option ------------- Z3M Roadster (gone....just...but not forgotten...yet) E30 M3 (Toy) Alfa 147 (just gone) BMW 330d (new work horse) Daimler Double 6 (no idea yet) |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 29-April-2004 at 23:41
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As I mentioned I did post a comment back in Jan although it was less loud at the time. DOing many miles since fitting it I guess I was one of the first to come across the issue and nobody else to back up the claim so it was assumed I was the only one to have an issue with it. The Milltek, if sorted, still has the potential to be a great exhaust. Pity some have spent their money though and found this issue later on. Mine sounds great (with the windows shut so I don`t hear the rattle - ha ha).
QUote ".... and recently my car does have a bit of a buzz especially when coming off the throttle. Possibly a lose baffle but haven`t had this confirmed. BMW had a look around and couldn`t find anything obviously although I wonder if it is the exhaust shield but I think they checked this. It kind of sounds like that exhaust rattle/buzz Ferrari`s make. Only really hear it with the windows open. " |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 09:08
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Pottsy,
I hope Milltek look after you and it was a one duff one. Still not a nice experience, I will get mine checked early next in preparation for Cadwell Park. Darren M, How long have you had yours for and how many miles have you covered with it? ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: 215DMX
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 09:31
| This is all quite intresting to read, as I was going to get one next month (still might of course) but it reminds me that Barry from ML once told me "don't bother with a stainless system on an M3 theres too much vibration and it will crack, stick with milkd steel" . . . |
Posted By: Floody
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 10:20
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My car is fitted with a "Scorpion". It was fitted by the previous owner 4yrs. ago. Got the bill at home think its for £400.00 plus fitting. The only thing I have done was to cut off the DTM up swept tail pipes and have stright ones welded on. ------------- Mark E30 M3 RHD!!! now sold !!! still crying!!!! E36 318 is in technoviolet, for sale Thank's for the photo Coasting, Flood's on tour!  
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Posted By: DAWIEM3
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 13:02
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And some say that Scorpion is poor quality. It seems everyone bought bargain Milltek`s. Defination of a bargain, Where both sides think they have cheated each other. ------------- E30 M3 Road car ( Now in Hongkong ) E30 M3 Track Car S14 2.0L 2002 in progress E30 C2 2.7 Alpina E36 M3 3.2 EVO |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 13:11
Bought it with the group buy last year(if anyone remembers that) - I think around February time. My car was MOT`d straight afterwards and about one month ago it was MOT`d again so I guess that`s one year and one month with the Milltek. It is holding together but the buzz\vibration can be quite loud with the windows open especially. THe car has covered not that far off of 30k miles in this time but the buzz started some time ago - think it was the back end of last summer so probably only 5 months into having it fitted! Was quite low to start with but has got louder. The exhaust itself is louder than when new but sounds great which is why I say the sound has matured well except for the buzz\rattle. Milage terms I didn`t do quite so many miles to start with, so it probalby started buzzing around 10k miles or a bit more. |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 13:15
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I didn't get Milltek because I thought it was cheaper, in fact judging by the price of the Scorpion to Floodys, the Milltek is more expensive.
I'm going to see how things pan out and how Milltek handle things with Pottsy's. I will also be keeping a very close eye on it as well just in case it is an inherent problem. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 13:21
Interessting opinion of ML, so even BMW does it wrong because the OM exhaust is made of stainless. ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 13:47
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Darren, if mine only lasts for 30k miles then I will be happy as that would be about 6 years of driving. Of course I expect it to last much longer. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: M3Pilot
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 14:02
| I had my Supersprint for 3 years odd and it's been fine. The trouble with a stainless exhaust is for the most part they are made form very thin walled material. They don't need to be thick for rust protection like a decent mild steel one will be. This is why a a stainless exhuast can puncture very easily and have a slightly hollow sound where as one like the Supersprint will sound more rouned. The exhuast they make for the M3 hasn't been around for that long and it wasn't around when I bought mine. |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 17:17
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And not to mention the saving in price if you keep the wall thickness down..........
Generally stainless steel is much more resistant against fatigue cracks than mild steel. As long you keep the correct thickness. It also depends what quality grade of stainless is used. Does anybody know the materisl grade of the Miltek? ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: M3Pilot
Date Posted: 30-April-2004 at 22:30
| I think there made from 304 |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 01-May-2004 at 14:07
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My exhaust note has definitely 'Matured' as well. The buzz/rattle you refer too, I beleive, is the internal baffles in the centre box coming apart due to the vibrations. The centre box split on top of the centre box where the welds are, so you can't see it when you look up at the exhaust from underneath. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 01-May-2004 at 14:38
Great. So I may have this to look forward to.eventually it`ll spilt wide open and spill it`s internals out before falling to the ground. Oh well....anyone organising a Supersprint group buy ? 
|
Posted By: Sunny
Date Posted: 01-May-2004 at 15:05
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I also have a problem with my Miltek exhaust.
Had the car on a ramp yesterday and found that the center box has a small slit in it at the front edge of the center box. It looks like the Stainless steel where the welds are for the baffles is very thin. I must admit that I have scraped the exhaust a few times going over sleeping policemen but surely it should not fall apart like this? Sunny |
Posted By: gary
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 12:25
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I was part of the group buy and have had no problems with mine so farand I use mine as a daily driver ------------- http://www.bmwccscotland.co.uk/cars/e30/sportevo.html" rel="nofollow - E30 M3 Sport Evo III |
Posted By: therealmccoy
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 12:35
How the mighty have fallen! I have a Scorpion DTM on mine and apart from the mount for the backbox sheering with enthusiastic driving (heard this happend to all eventually??), I know of no other real problems. I know they are loud - but that's part of the appeal 
So where now then?? First was the Scorpion, then came the SuperSprint then Miltek... James ------------- Work Harder! A Million Benefit Claimants Depend On YOU! E30 M3, The REAL McCoy! 89 M3 Now Sold 99 323i *FOR SALE* http://www.furzetech.co.uk" rel="nofollow - PC Probs?? Click here! |
Posted By: Richard von Bat
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 13:23
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I have just replaced my 14 year old exhaust with an OEM after spending the last year repeatedly pulling off the original and rewelding various holes. Coughing up the best part of £1100 and now hearing these tales is making me feel alot better! The Miltek was an option for the price saving but I recall coming across an article (cannot remember where) stating that stainless steel is particularly unsuitable as the engine is too harsh and will cause the more rigid nature of SS to either split or crack, the problems stated would seem to bear this out. Uwe mentioned that the OEM was stainless steel but this is not correct and the more flexible nature of mild steel would seem to be the answer - (it is only the decorative twin pipes out the back which are ss). There is another factor about stainless steel exhausts that has been topical over the years, not withstanding the problems of the harshness it has been said that when a good standard system wears out that is about time for the rest to be replaced i.e. baffles full up with carbon etc. The stainless that goes on and on can cause performance loss through being internally past it. The new CSL M3 has a lightened exhaust system fitted and must check out the spec to see if this was mild steel or stainless.
------------- richard |
Posted By: John W
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 13:40
Are you going to remove the cats? Perhaps you would gain a bit of power ths way? |
Posted By: Richard von Bat
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 16:53
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Probably will not remove the cats. There does not seem to be much of a difference removed or otherwise, I'd say the same as one experiences in engine power between a 'hot day' and a 'wet' day. Also with them fitted they are a little quieter - hopefully attracting less attention. Trouble is they are becoming a little common in our parts we have 3 red, 1 black Sport Evos and 1 red E30 burning up our locality! ------------- richard |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 17:35
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The new M3 CSL's exhaust is made out of Titanium and is actually thinner than the standard exhaust. I thought scorpion exhausts were suppose to reduce horsepower as they have the twin system rather than the single which Milltek have? Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 17:45
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I did notice that the engine seemed to rev much more freely with the Milltek when it replaced the Scorpion but don't have any other more objective comparision. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 18:54
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The Scorpion one doesn`t have an X-piece like the BMW OEM one - not good. THis part is expensive,which is probably why the scrorpion one doesn`t have it - to keep the costs down. I believe the part is quite vital to power. The milltek one doesn`t have it BUT instead because it`s a single pipe system, the pipes merge into one where the X-piece should be therefore achieving the same thing.
|
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 19:02
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Quite right DarrenM, it's a Y peice on the Milltek. The Scorpion is not Stainless either. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 22:09
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Great thread guys. I'm ringing Milltek tomorrow, so will let you know what they say. the interesting biut is that those of you with problems (4 I think) have it in EXACTLY the same place as me - ie where the pipe joins the front of the miffle box. The weld on mine gave up. I dno't think I've scraped mine at all (John W, whaydyathink, any low bumps round your way? apart from fat lasses on fallen over on their way home from the Bigg Market).
Pikey - Good grief, don't start talking about titanium, my heart just stopped! I've been down the Scorpion route and would never go there again. Supersprint - i have no experience. Milltek, I truly hope they sort it out cos I think its a lovely piece of kit. (rose tinted?) Makes me wonder whether we should really be thinking of exhausts which are easily repackable (baffles etc I mean) like proper machines (motorbikes of course). Anyway heres hoping, will let you know the gen tomorrow. Kevin, Havent forgotten your lever or manual, just been away this weekend (0-0 draw, what a waste of time). |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 22:16
| Von Bat??? If thats Bax then there are so many Sports around your locality cos you have half of them!!!!! |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 22:37
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Richard, get a magnet out and lift your car up. Then you will see that the BMW centre section is completly out of STAINLESS STEEL. (trust an old sheet metal worker).
The end box is mild steel asking for beeing weld all the time where the condensation is collected (btm where the pipes are going in) ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 03-May-2004 at 22:58
------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: John W
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 00:19
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Pottsy,
I did scrape the exhaust over speed bumps a few times it has to be said. But nothing major. The split isn't near the front is it? I mean not where the front part meets the manifolds? I say this because Bexleys bored out the Milltek there to make the internal diameter fit the Sport Evo's larger manifolds. They put weld on the outside of the exhaust to compensate. My view is that the Milltek is the best sounding exhaust of the lot. It probably makes the most power too. I was told by the Powerstation lads that Milltek designed the exhaust so that the back pressures were spot on and therefore the power was maximised. It also sounds the best. Supersprints are too quiet, as are genuine BMW exhausts. Scorpions make a horrid noise. Boomy. I have heard that their lack of X-pipe or Y-pipe design leads to less power. So what now? I note that the Milltek is made in 4 pieces. This is so that cats can be inserted I was told. Perhaps Milltek will send replacement faulty sections instead of a whole new exhaust? Perhaps they will remanufacture some thicker exhausts? Anyway Pottsy, are you going to Croft in July? I have decided to take the Boxster S. I'll race ya!! |
Posted By: Houlbt
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 08:38
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Ah but have you heard my Group N Mr Warrington... now that sounds awesome, altough it has to be said it lacks the tarty chrome pipes on the end. ------------- www.houlbrook.com |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 09:57
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In Classic Cars July 2003 issue Barney from ML advises avoiding stainless as the harsh engine leads to it's cracking, they fit Supersprints.
Get what you pay for? Generally I think so, but the OEM is very expensive. I'm still running the original pipe but had a bit welded last year, so far so good. |
Posted By: David 87M3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 10:42
Yep the scropion's are loud. I have battered and scraped mine loads of times and it still sounds the same. This Xpipe crap has it been proved that without it the engine runns poor? My car has a very smooth idle speed and revvs right up to the limiter without fuss? On the down side its a little too loud. I was thinking of going miltek to get away from the loudness but after reading this no thanks. |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 12:52
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Update, spoke to Phil (Millington) at Milltek - most helpful I have to say. He is sending replacement with a welded 'slider' on the front of the box to back up the strength of the weld.
Some points to note... 1. Milltek service - excellent and straightforward 2. Original batches had single skin box, they now have double skin 3. Each exhaust has a Batch 'tag' number printed on the underside. If you have any problems and are speaking to Milltek about it this will help them identify the batch and therefore construction. 4. The box has extra s/s wire holding the packing in to help with heat dispersion as well as the double skin. Phil reckons the two causes are temperature and 'panting' ie. the swap from vacuum (back pressure) to full pressure when on track. He is clear that our noise will 'mature' as this panting causes loss of some material. i suggested replacking and he said its possible and putting more/different material in at the start would help the noise but of course we would pay for performance. In summary, good response from them. I think we pay the money and take our choice (but a more recent, double skinned milltek will probably be better than ours). From the positive way Phil discussed the issues (I summarised this thread) I wouldnt be surprised if he looked again at the design for some minor tweaks. Hope all this helps. thanks for your input it helped with the phonecall and Phil appreciated the feedback. |
Posted By: Phil-C
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 13:15
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Have been reading this thread with interest. As mentioned on other threads I have a full LONGLIFE S/S exhaust, twin pipes throughout. It is noisy, I would say like a 7, but quite deep too. It has got noisier, I would guess from age and the baffles/packing becoming full of exhaust rubbish.
However, it hasn't cracked or split, nor have any of the welds given up. Plus it was only around the £4-500 (if I remember correctly as it was 2 years ago) but things do buzz a little inside the car... |
Posted By: M3Nally
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 13:25
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Thats a great response from Milltek, just what you would hope for. Obviously Milltek don't have the financial resources and development time available like BMW and cannot know how their "new" products will last long term.
Keeping them informed of problems to highlight where weaknesses are will help them to develop and improve their product, e.g. now double skinned box. Don't give up on it chaps, after all did you give up on Microsoft 95, 98, etc at the first sign of trouble? Maybe Microsoft is a bad example though of how products get improved after time! but you know what I mean. Kevin |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 13:44
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Another thing to consider. If you have a close look at any OEM mild steel box you will find no (or little) welds. Sheet's are mostly "folded" together. Every weld is making material week. Small batch manufaturer can't afford all the tooling required, so much more needs to be welded. I didn't have a close look at a Miltek yet, but sometimes people tend to weld Stainless
with very little or no weldwire to produce a neat looking weld. This is a weak point as well as the material thickness is greatly reduced around the weld. Don't want to knock Miltek's quality or knowledge, just a point to look at. Phil-C's Stainless exhaust is causing no trouble so far, so it can be done! I don't know why people alway refer to Satinless as brittle. From my point of view this isn't the case. Stainless contains no (or very very little) carbon. There are several qualities of S/S available, some not suitable for exhaust systems. Take a pice of mild steel sheet and bend it backward and forward. After a while it while break at the bend line. Now do the same with a S/S sheet of the correct quality. It will not break or at least sustain much more bend actions as the mild steel. I have welded several exhaust's myself in very vibrating environments(2 Cylinder bikes) and always used stainless because of the strength. Just my opinion ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 15:15
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Simon,
Good to hear that you received good service from them. I seem to remember that each piece of mine had a small plate with a "serial number" type thing on it. Must be the batch number you refer to. It was the same number on each piece. I'm kicking myself because I normally take photos of things like this but I was so keen to get it on the car I didn't. Oh well I will have to crawl under and have a look. The chap from Milltek didn't happen to mention the batch number when they switched to double skinned did he? ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: 215m3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:02
Good news from Miltek, at least a company with some level of customer service and willing to listen to customers and possibly make adjustments were they see fit. Kevin think that's a little sad taking pics of the batch no., the exhaust ok, but the batch no's!! LOL I remember the no's on the plates as well. I'm like you Kevin, as my car will cover 30k or less in 6 years or so, so hopefully mine will last. Toby |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:23
I guess I might be a bit paranoid.
------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:26
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i have rung them up today and they confirmed mine was double skinned.i have only had mine 3 weeks. -------------  R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:28
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Dale...result what is the batch number on yours?
Oh & your PM inbox is full ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:31
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i wrote mine down i will get back to you in 5 mins when i find it.my pm box is now ready.
------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:34
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on the back box is msbm095 and no's under that are 25581 ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:39
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if your struggling to read the plates they are located on the underside of the exhaust.get on ya back slide one on wifes mirrors under and tilt to read bingo.i presume the plates are located in the same place on all exhausts. ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:44
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Cheers Dale, I have msbm094 & 244x2 so I will call tomorrow to see if mine is double skinned. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: 215m3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:45
Just a little paranoid. |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:46
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now make sure you brush off your back kevin before you sit on the best couch. ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:50
I carefully slid my camera under the car with the timer set and then waited for the photo to be taken. No need to scrabble around on my back.  Mind you I did need to do it twice because the first time the flash went off and all i got was a nice shiny picture with no chance of reading the details.------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 19:52
Congrats on "Really Senior Member II" ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 20:12
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nice one kevin those batch no.s seem close to mine i think you will be ok.when did you get yours?i cannot recall reading. ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 20:29
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So, can we summarise this thread by saying that, if a single skinned Milltek owner has the problem discussed within this thread, that they will be suplied with a double skinned part? Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 20:37
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I guess it depends on how Milltek are feeling. Given that we are a pretty large group I would hope that they will be reasonable. It is reassuring to hear they treated Simon well.
Dale, I have had mine since November last year. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 20:39
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interesting kevin.let us know how you get on tomorrow with the phone call. ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 20:48
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Will do. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 21:47
I should think so. You can`t release a product on the market largely untested (long term) and expect NOT to cover costs to those owner that have problems . Well, not a good company anyway 
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Posted By: Richard von Bat
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 21:56
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Uwe, Have checked as you suggested with a magnet and no bite on the centre section except for the centre bands around the cat - however still not sure that it is stainless steel for when the pipe started splitting last year along the front X? we managed to weld this up with a mig. Spoke to someone today who thought it was some kind of alloy mix (might be this that provides some flexibility) that BMW use what do you think? Potsy a little exageration and the black one is due for selling once the red one has completed its mini restoration, was not including the carcooned number. But my secretary keeps mentioning one that is flying around locally passing her house in Hoddesdon at some speed and another with a foreign reg no. Mind you I've never seen one around here being driven sedately!!!! just hope the local police do not take it to be the same driver. Pity I have to say that the old Hertford - Stevenage road has just had the limit reduced to 40 (near Tree Heritage) used to be a good run....... ------------- richard |
Posted By: UweM3
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 22:18
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Richard,
MIG welding is only the principle. You can weld Mild steel, Stainless Steel or even Aluminium with a MIG set. Just make sure you use the correct wire and gas. You can also weld Stainless Steel with Mild Steel wire (with poor result) and vice versa.Same applies to TIG. ------------- E61 520d, slow and buzzy but my wallet likes the mpg..... |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 22:35
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Richard, don't give me any of that...'and the black one is due for selling once...', I know you'll find another you just can't resist.
40 mph, terrible, they did that to to the road under the viaduct at WGC and put up speed cameras!!! Cheange the speed limit without any large signs then cameras, its a money swindling disgrace! 
Mmmm, Hoddesdon might be me cos I sometimes park one of them in Wormley (garaged), if she's on the high Road that is. Anyway, got me form for Cadwell, sending it off tomorra, anyone know if there are still places? Sunderland in the play-offs. (As if anyone might be interested) |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 22:48
leeds down and out ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 04-May-2004 at 22:56
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Hey..... we can have a (very) belated presentation to Pottsy by Nick. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: therealmccoy
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 21:38
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****nal Champions
James ------------- Work Harder! A Million Benefit Claimants Depend On YOU! E30 M3, The REAL McCoy! 89 M3 Now Sold 99 323i *FOR SALE* http://www.furzetech.co.uk" rel="nofollow - PC Probs?? Click here! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 21:52
  ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 21:59
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I'm lost now too. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 22:09
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My clever wifey has solved it. North London Football Team...Red & White, play at Highbury but the filter is too strict. A.R.S.E.N.A.L
Sorry I got confused by football on the MPower forum ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 22:13
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You see that's what comes of talking about none car related subjects on a car forum. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: therealmccoy
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 22:22
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I just think the filter was written by a Spurs fan! ------------- Work Harder! A Million Benefit Claimants Depend On YOU! E30 M3, The REAL McCoy! 89 M3 Now Sold 99 323i *FOR SALE* http://www.furzetech.co.uk" rel="nofollow - PC Probs?? Click here! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 22:27
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Hey...I follow Spurs....well I did when I was younger, much younger.
Opps.... way off topic... I'll get my bags ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: therealmccoy
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 22:33
That's what they all say  ------------- Work Harder! A Million Benefit Claimants Depend On YOU! E30 M3, The REAL McCoy! 89 M3 Now Sold 99 323i *FOR SALE* http://www.furzetech.co.uk" rel="nofollow - PC Probs?? Click here! |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 05-May-2004 at 23:00
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but it's true...but it's true ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 06-May-2004 at 16:47
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Anyway, I spoke to the General Manager. Basically, mine was manufactured in Sept 2003 and is one of the single skinned one's. It's the 5 digit number that is important and not the MSBM09x as that is the part number. In summary he said they have experienced problems caused by the panting Pottsy referred to. The majority of problems have been with cars used on track days which is why they upgraded to double skins. He also mentioned the next evo which is the addition the brace at the front of the front silencer, which Pottsy is getting. He did mention that it was going out today. Obviously grounding on lowered cars doesn't help. Anyway because I did say I would summarise, if I do have a problem and the car is off the road, they will double skin it etc, if I send it back to them. Very helpful and pleasant chap. Most importantly they do appear to want to stand up and be counted if there is an issue. Cheers. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: Phil-C
Date Posted: 06-May-2004 at 16:53
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Well I've had my smugness removed. MOT yesterday, passed but advisory on weld cracking on exhaust!
Still, lifetime guarantee, just effort getting round to getting it rewelded. Re: Milltek, that attitude is so welcome in a world where it is increasingly absent. |
Posted By: dpelec
Date Posted: 06-May-2004 at 19:11
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nice to hear they would sort it out if any problems occured kevin.hope yours lasts out. ------------- R///POWER FOR NOW
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Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 06-May-2004 at 19:19
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The way I pussy foot around it will probably last forever. ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: pottsy
Date Posted: 09-May-2004 at 13:06
Probably last word on this subject - |milltek were true to their word - exhaust replacement arrived exactly when promised looking new and bright with the promised extra weled slider strengthening.
On the car now (Thanks to Supertyres in WGC - excellent service as well). Sounds brand new, feels great and slid around wonderfully all yesterday (sorry officer, not used to the power, I promise it wasn't deliberate). |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 16-May-2004 at 22:01
Wrong! Just checked mine on the ramp, and quess what? The weld on the front of the middle box is blowing! Got the numbers, will call Milltek Monday. I'll keep you posted. ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: kevin
Date Posted: 16-May-2004 at 22:02
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Simon,
I'm sure they will look after you. What mileage have you put on the Milltek System? We are behind you. Cheers Kevin ------------- Kevin '04 E46 330Ci Convertible '08 E61 535d Touring (TorqueMeister Towbarge) ’95 E34 M5 ’89 E30 M3 (Cecotto) |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 17-May-2004 at 20:22
1/Spoken to Phil @ Milltek, who was most helpful. We had a very constructive discussion, which is due to conclude tomorrow, after he's discussed my problem internally. 2/About 17000Kms (remember the speedo was intermittant for a short while -ahem! - so could be a little bit more - but not by much) ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 22-May-2004 at 14:20
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Another problem with my Milltek guys. Heard a squeaking from the exhaust - so had up on the ramp and found one of the weld on the centre section hanger brackets had snapped and were rubbing metal to metal. Bent the brackets apart and cured the noise. Then a day or two ago I heard a further ratting from the exhaust in about the same area. Up on the ramp again, only to discover that the brackets had parted from the exhuast all together and were just hanging on the rubber mounts! Back to Powerstation I go again! Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 22-May-2004 at 14:43
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Oh sh*t I`m afraid to look at mine. As mentioned above in this thread, it`s been on the car for many miles and been rattling for many miles too! Do I dare put it up on a ramp and have a look!. It did pass the MOT a month or so ago. I`m wondering if mine no longer has a milltek if you know what I mean.....manifolds only left :).
I`d better review the thread and get the likely failing component(s) checked soon. |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 29-May-2004 at 13:59
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OK - Powerstation have welded mine up, and PikeyM3 has had a temporary repair done on his at a friendly ETB of mine (as PS appeared not to care).
We will both be calling Milltek on Tuesday to plan our next steps! - Won't we Pikey! ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: lyndonbuck
Date Posted: 01-June-2004 at 08:07
| Think I might start a Scorpion fan club |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 02-June-2004 at 23:19
I shouldn't, I've heard they can be a bit NOISY! Seriously - there have been many posts here on "problems" with the E30 M3 Milltek exhaust. I have had a number of very positive conversations with Phil @ Milltek, and whilst he accepts that there have been a number of comments about the system, bearing in mind the number of systems installed, it does not seem to be a major problem? I have discussed with him not only my system, (and also PikeyM3's), but also my opinion of Power Station's aftersales service. So, as I will be speaking to him again next week, and he seems keen to resolve any unhappyness on our part, I would be grateful for any other comments from other Milltek owners which I can pass on to him, and perhaps we can put this issue to bed, once and for all. Please email me with your comments either to mailto:thepits@fsmail.net - thepits's email box or here mailto:simon@sysadv.com - for a more rapid response . Thank you.  ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: lyndonbuck
Date Posted: 04-June-2004 at 10:06
| Sorry you'll have to speak up a bit |
Posted By: thepits
Date Posted: 05-June-2004 at 20:54
See! Told you so!! ------------- Cats know your every thought. But don't care. |
Posted By: Darren M
Date Posted: 06-June-2004 at 08:56
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What was your opinion of Powerstation`s aftersales service?
On the topic of Milltek. Someone test drove my car yesterday and he thought the Milltek sounded HORRIBLE!!!! Would rather have a scorpion on it. Okay so mine does have that buzz/rattle I mentioned elsewhere in this thread but he didn`t like the general sound of it either. But he also thought my car was a bit dodgy due to mosture in the boot. A few drops of water on the battery. Later investigation proved it to be battery acid that had splashed out probably on his quite enthusiastic drive of the car (even when the engine was cold). Didn`t know much obviously........f****g test pilots. |
Posted By: PikeyM3
Date Posted: 06-June-2004 at 11:28
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The Millteks' do tend to sound 'overpowering' when they develop that buzz/rattle. My scorpion did sound good, but then you could never get away from the exhaust noise - it filled your whole head! Have you got the breather pipe connected to your battery Darren? - it should take care of any spillages. Pikey ------------- Old enough to know better, too young to care! |