Driving a late model BMW 3-series, known internally as the E46 model, is a pleasure and a privilege, so don't let a rotten BMW E46 muffler ruin the experience. BMW E46 muffler deterioration can be gradual, leading to a steady increase in exhaust system noise. Or it can be sudden, usually happening after you've hit a large bump or pothole in the road. The internal structure of the BMW E46 muffler, weakened by corrosion, finally collapses in on itself resulting in a dramatic increase in exhaust sound. Why does this happen when your BMW E46 muffler looks just fine on the outside? Exhaust gasses have a large concentration of water vapor, along with other nasty combustion byproducts. The water vapor condenses inside your BMW E46 muffler creating sulfuric acid and other corrosive chemicals that then eat away your BMW E46 muffler from the inside out. So just because your BMW E46 muffler looks fine on the outside, it can still be worthless on the inside. A new BMW E46 muffler is the key to getting your exhaust noise reined back in, but you have some options. You can select a stock BMW E46 muffler if you just want to get things back to where they were. Or you can take advantage of the situation and look at one of the many performance E46 mufflers on the market today. There are many plusses to installing a performance BMW E46 muffler, including longer life, better exhaust tone, and higher performance thanks to freer breathing characteristics. So do your research and find out which BMW E46 muffler best suits your tastes and your longevity goals. But no matter what, remember that a new BMW E46 muffler is only a mouse click away.