Akra slip-on or M Performance....can't decide....

[radiantm3]

The Akrapovic exhaust is made of titanium so it does change color from heat, but the color is awesome. The pipes will change first and if you get the tips hot enough, they will change on the inside. They won't change on the outside of the tips at all. But if you don't track the car, they probably won't change that much.

I was in the same dilemma trying to choose between the slip on and performance. In the end I went slip on because I thought maybe in the future i'd want to upgrade to the EVO. I'm glad I made the right choice and also ended up upgrading to the EVO. Best exhaust for the M3 because it looks amazing, sounds good, AND you drop more weight than any other exhaust. Most people forget about weight-loss when buying an exhaust. That's probably a bigger deal than the couple of HP you gain.

[Alex07M3]

From what I eard on vids, I much prefer the sound of the Performance exhaust, I think it sounds real bad ass but not to loud! Also the tips looks perfect to me, classy but sporty also.

Also on my cars, I always prefer to put OEM parts when it's possible, I think it gives a cleaner look that will still look good in many years from now!

[Lalit@autocouture]

Akra

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Alex07M3

From what I eard on vids, I much prefer the sound of the Performance exhaust, I think it sounds real bad ass but not to loud! Also the tips looks perfect to me, classy but sporty also.

Also on my cars, I always prefer to put OEM parts when it's possible, I think it gives a cleaner look that will still look good in many years from now!

I'm pretty sure in this case Akra looks and is built much better than OEM. The quality of this exhaust is probably the most striking feature about it. It's literally a work of art.

It's also worth noting BMW used the Akra exhaust in their GT4 cars.

[j2m]

Originally Posted by NELSON.MLGB

BMW Performance is overpriced. I have Remus uss with carbon tips, cheaper, looks better, louder and deeper. $3200 AKRA + $500 test pipes, loud enough. And also in terms of resale price, AKRA FTW.

I was driving behind you on 16th a couple weeks ago, you car does sound really good

[NELSON.MLGB]

Originally Posted by j2m

I was driving behind you on 16th a couple weeks ago, you car does sound really good

Aha, but not comparable to yours

[Alex07M3]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

I'm pretty sure in this case Akra looks and is built much better than OEM. The quality of this exhaust is probably the most striking feature about it. It's literally a work of art.

It's also worth noting BMW used the Akra exhaust in their GT4 cars.

Well, look is subjective but in fact I like both tips equaly, as far a quality, yes the Akra is a piece of art but since it's under the car, I does'nt considere that too much of a factor, it's not like the Performance is not quality made, it just look less fancy from under the car.

In this case, the main factor for me is the sound since both have similar price and similar weight saving and they both look extremely good! If I were to buy a x-pipe later I would choose the Akra.

In all case I can't justify paying that much for an exhaust when you can have a used VT1 for 5k and also you can buy the best sounding exhaust of all for 1500$(Corsa)!

p.s. both Akra and OEM have exellent resale value!

[Doctor J]

I cross shopped both. I decided on Akra

The Akra does not drone. It's plenty loud for my taste.

[LarThaL]

So I went with the M Performance. Just ordered it through my dealer. I paid a little more than the best internet price I could find. I figured its good to pay a little more to keep a good relationship with your dealer. They were almost as enthusiastic as I was.

In the end it came down to countless sound clips, and the fact that it is a genuine BMW part and that works well for both resale as well as trade-in. It also gives my car a sense of "completeness" with the other M Performance pieces I have. Both systems have great build quality and the price difference wasn't enough to swing me one way or another. By comparison, Eisenmann's Inconel exhaust is over $7600, making the M performance a relative bargain. Also can't get hassled by cops and inspection stations. In fact, the dealer actually gave me the federal standards testing report for the exhaust with regards to sound levels. Another benefit of the fact that it is a BMW part.

Should be here in a few days. Then I will need to decide whether or not to paint the cans.

Can't wait !!!

[Savage_M3]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Full system is not an option for me due to OBD based emission testing in my state. Has to not trigger a CEL, and pass readiness.

Akra offers a module you can plug into the back of the ODB2 that will mask the CEL. That could be an option if you don't wish to get your ECU codes...

[Savage_M3]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

So I went with the M Performance. Just ordered it through my dealer. I paid a little more than the best internet price I could find. I figured its good to pay a little more to keep a good relationship with your dealer. They were almost as enthusiastic as I was.

In the end it came down to countless sound clips, and the fact that it is a genuine BMW part and that works well for both resale as well as trade-in. It also gives my car a sense of "completeness" with the other M Performance pieces I have. Both systems have great build quality and the price difference wasn't enough to swing me one way or another. By comparison, Eisenmann's Inconel exhaust is over $7600, making the M performance a relative bargain. Also can't get hassled by cops and inspection stations. In fact, the dealer actually gave me the federal standards testing report for the exhaust with regards to sound levels. Another benefit of the fact that it is a BMW part.

Should be here in a few days. Then I will need to decide whether or not to paint the cans.

Can't wait !!!

Nice! Just saw this follow up. Hopefully we can have a MA meet this spring that you can attend. I'd love to hear it in person!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Savage_M3

Nice! Just saw this follow up. Hopefully we can have a MA meet this spring that you can attend. I'd love to hear it in person!

My local dealer, BMW of West Springfield is hosting some sort of BMW sponsored open house event later in the spring. Not sure of the details, but this might be a good place to have a meet. Other events....Herb Chambers Cars and Coffee, Larz Andersen museum Cars and Coffee, and German Car Day. The Boston BMWCCA chapter also has an event at the Larz Andersen museum each year.

Have just been getting my M3 out recently after winter hibernation. God it feels good !!!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Savage_M3

Akra offers a module you can plug into the back of the ODB2 that will mask the CEL. That could be an option if you don't wish to get your ECU codes...

But for OBD based emissions testing, you will still fail the "readiness" portion of the test. Full exhaust is just not an option for me as I just don't want to deal with the potential hassles

[brisance]

Originally Posted by Savage_M3

Akra offers a module you can plug into the back of the ODB2 that will mask the CEL. That could be an option if you don't wish to get your ECU codes...

If you get caught, it's a $2,500 fine.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/7522
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/7524

[Peahi]

I still prefer my m perf over the Akra cutback sound. And the exhaust is plenty loud when you floor it under load. No sputtering or rasp or drone. The roar of the engine and exhaust are in unison and available on command (instead of a overly done exhaust sound overpowering that sweet engine sound). The problem is that you gotta be wound up and cooking, which is not how you can drive surrounded by traffic. But driving along the windy turns and hills on the pacific coast and in the mountains I'm in heaven.

If I didn't have this exhaust i would probably get a Challenge. The Megan exhaust also sounds great and is cheap.

I like the nice clean sound of the m perf. I hear thundering exhausts coming from meek cars all the time at the stop light here in the Bay Area and that shit cracks me up.

If I wanted to be loud just driving around the neighborhood or in the Wholefoods parking lot I would get a different exhaust.