A better exhaust system will improve car performance – this statement is treated as a fact. Whether you’ve just bought your new car or you’ve been an enthusiast for several decades, you’re pretty well-acquainted with the exhaust system of the car.
Simply put, the exhaust system consists of metallic pipes that are intended to expel gas fumes from your car. However, is this all that they do? Notwithstanding their obvious function, the exhaust system plays several pivotal roles in improving car performance.
To better understand the importance of a well-functioning and well-maintained exhaust system, we’ll review the components, functions, and the mechanisms involved within an exhaust system in your BMW.
Parts of an Exhaust System
From the outside, you can only see the tail-end of the exhaust. The entire system, however, consists of a number of functional components that need to work in harmony to ensure that the vehicle is working at full capacity.
The components are as follows:
- Exhaust Manifold – The exhaust manifold attaches at the head of the cylinders and takes their collective fumes into a single pipe.
- Catalytic Converter – This component converts carbon monoxide and other harmful hydrocarbons emitted from the combustion chamber into water and carbon dioxide.
- Muffler – As the name indicates, this component absorbs sound energy to maintain acceptable noise levels from the exhaust system.
- Exhaust Pipe – The pipe carries gas out through the tail pipe (the component visible from the outside of the car).
- Oxygen Sensor – Oxygen sensors are relatively modern innovations incorporated to measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Your vehicle then computes the amount of fuel needed to obtain ideal mixtures for maximum mileage.
A BMW engine specialist will recommend incorporating an oxygen sensor in your exhaust system if one is not incorporated into it already.
Functions of an Exhaust System
The exhaust system has three primary functions. These are:
- Directing exhaust fumes from the combustion chamber outside of the vehicle via the tail pipe.
- The muffler absorbs sound energy and keeps noise pollution to a minimum.
- The catalytic converter is responsible for transforming harmful by-products of fuel (hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide) into more acceptable products such as water vapours and carbon dioxide.
Mechanics of an Exhaust System
Air Flow – The air flowing from the exhaust system is exhumed via the tail pipe. There are two primary bends given to the tail pipe and each bend impacts air flow differently.
The first type of bend is referred to as the ‘crush-bend.’ This bend is typical for factory-made exhaust systems. The crush-bend produces a crinkled appearance. Crush-bend exhaust pipes have a smaller diameter than other exhaust pipes and therefore decrease the rate at which air flows out of the pipes.
The second type of bend is referred to as the ‘mandrel-bend.’ This bend is usually made for custom-made exhaust systems. The mandrel-bend produces a smooth appearance. Mandrel-bend exhaust pipes have a larger diameter than other exhaust pipes and therefore increase the rate at which air flows out of the pipes.
Material – Typically, exhaust systems are made out of either stainless steel or aluminium steel. The latter is a metallic alloy containing aluminium incorporated into steel. The aluminium provides enhanced properties, such as; longevity, resistance to wear, and cost-effectiveness.
Fuel Consumption – One of the main advantages of having an efficiently working exhaust system is the fact that it minimizes fuel consumption. The exhaust system dictates how fuel is being utilized and whether it’s being consumed or not to its maximum capacity.
Environmental Impact – Lastly, exhaust systems help in alleviating the disastrous impact fossil fuel by-products expelled from vehicles would have otherwise had on the environment. The catalytic converter transforms hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into water vapours and carbon dioxide by addition of oxygen.
Catalytic converters also limit the emission of nitrogen oxide products. These products are poisonous if breathed in.
Conclusion
The exhaust system is more than just a collection of metallic pipes. The system is an integral part of your vehicle and is intended to ensure smooth, efficient, and responsible use out off your vehicle.
Looking for a BMW performance specialist to help you out? At Southwest Repairs and Services we’ve hired the best BMW experts available in the country. Head on over for a consultation and let us tell you what you need to get the most out of your BMW.
