Today I took my car to Meineke to have the OEM 4.8is tips tack welded on to my existing 4.4 pipes. I explained to the owner that it was a simple procedure and he didn't even need to remove the rear bumper (just cut stock pipes 1-2 inch from the muffler and tack weld the chrome tips). However, the mechanic said to me that if they were to cut my 4.4 pipes and tack weld the tips, it would not look right. He pointed to the diagram below and explained that there needs to be a Rectangular Bracket that would make the these tips fit snug and secure. I told him that tons of folks on the X5 World have done it this way and that's how it was recommended. He told me that he would not recommend this procedure because just tack welding these tips would not be secure and it would not look professionally done. His exact words were: "I would hate to mess with such an expensive car with a half-ass modification - I just wouldn't feel right doing this to a BMW!!"

I've asked this question once before with no clarity, so I'll ask again. If you look at the diagram below, it shows that the IS exhaust actually has a Rectangular Bracket which snuggly fits these tips. Is that OEM rectangular bracket available from BMW and if so, can someone please provide me with the part number?

Exhaust Diagram

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'06 X5 4.4i w/Sterling Gray/Black Dakota Leather, Premium, Sports, Cold Weather, Rear Climate, Heated Steering, Nav, CD Changer w/MP3, Escort Passport 9500ix, BMW Valve Stem Covers, Aluminum Running Boards w/Flared Wheel Arches, AUX Input, Hood Protector, Titanium Grill/Hood Vents & Titanium Rings on Inst. Cluster, Decorative Front Skid Plate, AC Schnitzer pedals/shift knob, Rear Bumper Protector, Chrome Exhaust Tips, '20 Vredestein Ultrac Tires on Style 214's