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View listing at Bmwpartsdeal; opens in a new tabBMW E36/E46 · Buyer's guide
2002-2005 BMW E46 325i, 325xi and 330i Sedan Factory Center and Rear Muffler Identification
US/LHD 2002-2005 BMW E46 six-cylinder Sedans narrowed to 325i M54, the checked 325i M56 SULEV branch, 325xi M54 and 330i M54 factory center- and rear-silencer sections. Resolve both recipient and donor VIN/build, exact engine, RWD versus xi, M56 emissions architecture, production date, S767A Performance Package, transmission/equipment, upstream flange, hanger and bumper-tip interfaces. Exclude 1999-2000 323i/328i, Coupe/Convertible/Touring/Compact bodies, 330xi, E36/E9x, M3/S54, non-US/RHD assumptions, manifolds, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, emissions deletes, universal/race systems and cut-and-weld conversions.
Current seller options
WHERE TO BUY
Open an exact listing, then confirm fitment, stock, price, and shipping with the seller before ordering.
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View listing at Shop bmw co; opens in a new tabWhat you need to know
Start with both VINs/builds and the stamped labels, then prove Sedan body, production month, M54 versus M56, RWD versus xi, 325 versus 330, standard versus S767A equipment, transmission-related dampers, exact center/rear section, pipe diameter and length, four clamp joints, hanger locations, heat shields and bumper-tip position. Itemize center muffler/resonator, rear silencer/tailpipes, clamps, hangers/isolators, brackets, vibration absorbers, tips, shields and fasteners. Reject crushed or kinked pipe, perforation or severe scaling, cracks, warped joints, broken studs, loose or removed internals, impact damage, missing sections, non-factory cutting/welding, altered tips, coatings that hide repairs or freight damage. BMW-0021 retains oxygen-sensor selection; manifolds, catalysts and all certified emissions equipment stay installed and outside this guide. Verify local noise/emissions rules and use qualified lifting/exhaust service; provide no emissions-defeat instructions.
OEM numbers
325i M54 SEDAN FROM 09/2001: center muffler 18107504170 and rear silencer 18107516921. CHECKED 2003 325i M56 SULEV SEDAN: center muffler 18107504170 and distinct rear silencer 18107504172. CHECKED 2005 325xi SEDAN: distinct center muffler 18107506018 and rear silencer 18107504172. CHECKED 2004 330i SEDAN: center muffler 18107504170 and standard rear silencer 18107504172S767A Performance Package uses separate rear silencer 18107919236. D=50 mm clamping bush 18307560777 is diagrammed in quantity four on the checked branches. Tips, vibration absorbers, hangers, heat shields and fasteners remain build/equipment-specific and are included only when itemized.Supersession
No universal E46 rear-exhaust supersession is claimed. The catalogs establish parallel body, engine, drivetrain and equipment branches: 18107504170 versus xi center 18107506018; M54 325i rear 18107516921 versus M56/325xi/standard 330i rear 18107504172; and 330i S767A rear 18107919236. The Performance Package silencer is not a supersession for the standard rear silencer, M56 is not an emissions-equivalent donor for M54, and shared individual numbers do not prove a complete cross-model exhaust interchange.
Fitment
Start with both VINs/builds and the stamped labels, then prove Sedan body, production month, M54 versus M56, RWD versus xi, 325 versus 330, standard versus S767A equipment, transmission-related dampers, exact center/rear section, pipe diameter and length, four clamp joints, hanger locations, heat shields and bumper-tip position. Itemize center muffler/resonator, rear silencer/tailpipes, clamps, hangers/isolators, brackets, vibration absorbers, tips, shields and fasteners. Reject crushed or kinked pipe, perforation or severe scaling, cracks, warped joints, broken studs, loose or removed internals, impact damage, missing sections, non-factory cutting/welding, altered tips, coatings that hide repairs or freight damage. BMW-0021 retains oxygen-sensor selection; manifolds, catalysts and all certified emissions equipment stay installed and outside this guide. Verify local noise/emissions rules and use qualified lifting/exhaust service; provide no emissions-defeat instructions.
Aftermarket options
A VIN/build-correct factory section is the reference restoration path. A documented cat-back may be considered only when its lawful downstream boundary, pipe diameter, flanges, hangers, bumper clearance, noise/emissions status and written contents match the exact Sedan branch. E46 M3/S54 systems, Coupe/Convertible/Touring/Compact systems, 330xi assumptions, catalyst/header changes, emissions deletes and universal cut-and-weld systems are outside this guide and are not OEM supersessions.
Before you buy
This is a narrowed US six-cylinder Sedan guide, not a universal E46 cat-back chart. Match both VINs/builds, engine, RWD/xi, M56 emissions architecture, production, S767A equipment, section identities, clamps, hangers and bumper tips. Exclude M3 and unproved bodies/drivetrains. Reject cut/welded, crushed, perforated, internally loose, altered or freight-damaged parts; retain all certified emissions equipment and verify noise/emissions legality.
Research and fitment sources
Supersede reviewed 12 unique research sources for this guide. 4 also appear above as a seller or official action and are not repeated here; 8 additional citations follow.
Research last verified .