Most diesel powered cars in Europe are now fitted with downward angled end pipes to keep the soot emissions aimed at the road rather than into the air behind the cars. The only one that BMW make in the current range which doesn't is the 535d. The last five diesel powered cars I've owned have been this way.

In the UK I'm not sure that fitting straight out pipes might result in an MOT failure, but I'm sure someone will know that answer for certain.

For those that don't know, the MOT test is an annual roadworthiness examination that all vehicles have to take and pass every year once they reach three years old. You can't get Road Fund disc without a valid MoT certificate, and technially you're also driving uninsured if you don't have a valid MoT or Road Fund disc (not that that seems to stop a lot of our drivers in the UK).

We have a serious problem with uninsured drivers, probably down to the cost of insurance for young drivers. Someone under 21 would have to pay about £3,000 per annum to insure a new X5, possibly a lot more.

Of course, as a Yank in the UK, I have found out that there are some seriously dodgy MOT authorities out there as well...Sometimes thats an OK thing, and sometimes its not. Ive seen fags from across the channel and cases of beer go a LONG way in an MOT bay...:whistle: Especially if you're a dealer...

:wavey:

Love the those wheels on black.

In the UK I'm not sure that fitting straight out pipes might result in an MOT failure, but I'm sure someone will know that answer for certain.

Measurements at the MOT inspection of CO and CO2 ,(Soot) on straight out pipes or pipes facing downwards will give the same readings!Dont know under
what category this would result in an MOT failure?
Unless of course,one would be stupid enough to install the tailpipes further out than the bumper and then this would conflict with the cars overall length!
If people are reasonable they shouldnt have any problems!
I know of at least one 3.0D with 4.8 silencers and no Soot!