I carved out some time over the past weekend to install the beautiful Dinan Free Flow axle-back exhaust system I'd purchased recently. Most exhaust systems I've purchased do not require cutting the factory system, but the Dinan version does. I've tried the gimmicky "exhaust cutter" type of tools to cut pipe before, but this time I went straight for the Milwaukee Fuel Hackzall which made quick work of the factory piping.
As you can see, a very straight, neat cut with little effort. BMW makes an indention at the bottom of the pipe so you can know where to cut in case you need to service either of the mufflers.
And here's a comparison of the factory competition muffler versus the Dinan:
Once the old mufflers were cut and off the car, installation was as simple as transferring over the rubber hangers and tightening the bolts on the included clamp.
Along with the carbon fiber rear diffuser, 10mm spacers and painted reflectors, the rear of the car is looking incredible.
As far as sounds go, this system is exactly what I'm looking for. Very tame at idle and when the valves are closed, but gets more aggressive under throttle. This should be perfect when catless downpipes and a tune are thrown into the equation, which will be coming soon.