Is an exhaust for the M3 a waste of money?

[h4nh]

depends on what you like to see, hear, and how deep your pockets go

[Infuzion]

FWIW, I've been running CNT Racing Mufflers for a little while now, and they're amazing! The sound quality is fantastic, and reminds me of a muscle car the way it sounds. Even more so now that I've deleted the secondary cats and resonators. Really loud car, even with the primary cats still on (street legal!); plus they're ridiculously cheap!

http://www.cntracing.com/product-p/cb-m3.htm

I remember I used a discount code, if I remember it or find it I'll post it here, but they're very friendly people and overall I'm 100% satisfied with what I got. As a precaution, the driver's side DOES hang ~0.25-0.5" lower than the passengers if you directly bolt it on, but turning the connecting pipe a little (you've got plenty of room) fixes it right now.

[swamp2]

We shouldn't underestimate the importance of acoustics. I worked in that field for quite some time and my company worked with nearly all of the major automotive OEMs on vibration and acoustics. The sounds of products convey distinct things to us, the dull thud of a well damped and insulated door conveys quality. The OEMs know these things! Harley Davidson tried to (or did) patent their motorcycle exhaust/engine noise. The volume, tonal content, resonances, interior and exterior sound coming from the exhaust system can excite and thrill us or leave us wanting more. The sound can say American, German, Italian. It can say cheap or expensive, fast or slow. For me acoustics is all of this and more, when it is good, it simply increases my grin factor and that is worth an investment as factory stock needs some improvement at just about all rpm's except perhaps above 7500.

My solution to avoid the somewhat absurd "BMW M tax" on most all things aftermarket was to purchase used. I think my Vorsteiner Ti exhaust system gives the car a much better volume and tonal content with no drone. I also got it for about half the price of new. I suspect if I part with the car I'll get 75% of that cost back. The weight savings from this and similar systems is also significant.

The above should shed some additional light on my overall pessimism about the sound of the new M3/4...

[s85e90]

Originally Posted by swamp2

We shouldn't underestimate the importance of acoustics. I worked in that field for quite some time and my company worked with nearly all of the major automotive OEMs on vibration and acoustics. The sounds of products convey distinct things to us, the dull thud of a well damped and insulated door conveys quality. The OEMs know these things! Harley Davidson tried to (or did) patent their motorcycle exhaust/engine noise. The volume, tonal content, resonances, interior and exterior sound coming from the exhaust system can excite and thrill us or leave us wanting more. The sound can say American, German, Italian. It can say cheap or expensive, fast or slow. For me acoustics is all of this and more, when it is good, it simply increases my grin factor and that is worth an investment as factory stock needs some improvement at just about all rpm's except perhaps above 7500.

My solution to avoid the somewhat absurd "BMW M tax" on most all things aftermarket was to purchase used. I think my Vorsteiner Ti exhaust system gives the car a much better volume and tonal content with no drone. I also got it for about half the price of new. I suspect if I part with the car I'll get 75% of that cost back. The weight savings from this and similar systems is also significant.

The above should shed some additional light on my overall pessimism about the sound of the new M3/4...

Interesting fact= Harley Davidson have a slight miss to them that's patented that gives the Harley sound we are all used to.

[John Tanglewood]

Originally Posted by briancl

Hey all,

I've had the M3 for about 1.5 months now and have been getting the itch to modify the exhaust. I am quite happy with the stock exhaust, sound, and performance of the car. The question is if it is really worth it to get a akrapovic slip on or m performance exhaust? It does not seem to really add much to performance. Just an improved look and sound. Is this really worth $2-$3k? Would really like to hear everyone's view on this as spending this much for such minimal gain seems pointless.

I recently took off my exhaust, and my car no longer feels like an M car. It feels like I castrated it. The engine sound is still there a bit, but the car has no personality anymore.

A $2-3k exhaust is worth every penny.

[drchuck72]

I also found the stock exhaust to be lacking, acoustically. I also didn't like the pea shooter tips that came with it and the way the rear bumper is shaped, the giant can that is the stock exhaust reminded me of some teenager wearing his oversized jeans below his buttocks.

On that note, the OEM mod with EAS tips wasn't sufficient so I opted for a used Eisenmann Race Exhaust. I will never put the stock exhaust back on. In fact, I'm now parting most of my OEM stuff and am committing to my modded M3 fully!

That's just my $0.02 (US since we don't use pennies in Canada anymore)

[Trip3's]

One thing that has not been mentioned, if you go ACM (which I did and really liked it), are you going to eventually get test pipes? The ACM and test pipes combo is really loud and raspy, so keep that in mind. I eventually settled on Megan and TP's ($900 combined), cheap and IMO sounds great with the only drone between 2200-2400. Another suggestion would be to go to a meet and listen to the different exhaust combos in person.

[BrewRifle]

An aftermarket exhaust is always one of the first modifications outside of an intake that I've done to every car. It really livens up the car and brings out such a different experience than stock. I honestly couldn't imagine not having an aftermarket exhaust.

The hardest part is going to be finding one that creates the tone and db level that is acceptable to you.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by swamp2

My solution to avoid the somewhat absurd "BMW M tax" on most all things aftermarket was to purchase used. I think my Vorsteiner Ti exhaust system gives the car a much better volume and tonal content with no drone. I also got it for about half the price of new. I suspect if I part with the car I'll get 75% of that cost back. The weight savings from this and similar systems is also significant.

This is the best advice for anyone concerned about cost of an exhaust. You can pick up a used on from a forum member and probably recoup nearly all of the cost when you decide to sell it one day.

[Dave07997S]

I paid a total of $550 for my exhaust which includes testpipes and a used Megan...sounds amazing.

Dave

[Denk]

Originally Posted by Darth Federer

I also have had my m3 for just over a month. I was also happy with the stock exhaust. I just got the MPE installed about a week ago and it's awesome. For me, it was worth the money and my car sounds great without being obnoxious. Some say the MPE isn't loud enough for them but it strikes the perfect balance for me. It also has all the benefits of being an OEM part. On my car, it's a night and day difference from stock in all the right places.

I play guitar for a hobby as well. I have a large collection of guitars and amplifiers. It might be considered crazy how long I can sit around and mindlessly noodle on guitar listening to one of my hand-wired tube amps. The auditory stimulation I get from this is very similar to a drug and I get a similar satisfaction listening to a great engine sound. Don't sell yourself short on your new m3.

Ha ha, another tone hound! I know what you mean.

[Duckengine]

For those of you that have done this...is anyone taking it to muffler shop and asking them to do it?

[sqse90]

Originally Posted by Duckengine

For those of you that have done this...is anyone taking it to muffler shop and asking them to do it?

there's a muffler shop that posted not too long ago about doing it for $400.

i think EAS sells them for $300 if you send them your core.

i cut mine open myself and removed the perforated pipes. paid $50 to have the straight pipes welded in and another $100 to have the muffler welded shut. it all depends on your resources and how much time you want to dedicate to it.

[Golddots]

Yes its worth the money.
My Megan muffler was only $550 shipped.
I thought about OEM mod but there is no going back once modded if it doesn't work out. If the Megan doesn't work for you I'm sure you could sell the Megan for minimal loss. I have a problem with dropping over $2000 on a muffler.
The m3 really needs a little more noise from stock. Before I installed the muffler I found myself pushing the car a little more than now just to hear the engine. In my case the megan increased sound in the lower rpms more but then the engine sound over comes the muffler at peak torque and beyond.
Now driving the m3 is more enjoyable all the time.
Well worth the $$ spent.

[briancl]

Originally Posted by 414hpbabyshuttle

Yes its worth the money.
My Megan muffler was only $550 shipped.
I thought about OEM mod but there is no going back once modded if it doesn't work out. If the Megan doesn't work for you I'm sure you could sell the Megan for minimal loss. I have a problem with dropping over $2000 on a muffler.
The m3 really needs a little more noise from stock. Before I installed the muffler I found myself pushing the car a little more than now just to hear the engine. In my case the megan increased sound in the lower rpms more but then the engine sound over comes the muffler at peak torque and beyond.
Now driving the m3 is more enjoyable all the time.
Well worth the $$ spent.

That's a good point. Megan exhaust is not expensive and it seems decent, but I don't know. I just want to put the best parts on my car.

Def considering OEM Exhaust Mod or Megan at this point. Can always get the nicer exhausts if I am not satisfied. Appreciate all the input everyone.

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by briancl

That's a good point. Megan exhaust is not expensive and it seems decent, but I don't know. I just want to put the best parts on my car.

Def considering OEM Exhaust Mod or Megan at this point. Can always get the nicer exhausts if I am not satisfied. Appreciate all the input everyone.

Look in the classifieds here for a used exhaust. If you don't like it or just want to get rid of it one day you can post it right back up here and recoup most or maybe even all of your money.

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I had the ESS exhaust. I loved it.

[tacoman]

Yup. Have a new Corsa exhaust. Love the rumble when I start her in the am. Love the purrrr I hear when cruising.... love the fact it has minimal drone. Wifey and 6 y/o are comfortable cruising w me too.

OEM exhaust sucked a fatty IMHO.

For me....the exhaust upgrade was well worth the $1375 I paid.

If an F80 M3 is in my future....I will upgrade that exhaust too.

[Vic311]

For anyone on the fence about the OEM exhaust mod. Just do it. You can always sell it later on if you need more.

[bobs619]

$2000 muffler = baller. im not a baller

[rich8102]

I put on the Eisenmann race exhaust a few months ago and it's sounds incredible!!!!!! Abs love it. Couldn't imagine going back to stock. Sounds so mean without being obnoxious.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by briancl

That's a good point. Megan exhaust is not expensive and it seems decent, but I don't know. I just want to put the best parts on my car.

Def considering OEM Exhaust Mod or Megan at this point. Can always get the nicer exhausts if I am not satisfied. Appreciate all the input everyone.

A Megan exhaust coupled with a set of test pipes is going to be one of the better sounding exhausts out there. I can't begin to tell you on how many people a week stop me to tell me my exhaust sounds great. It has a beautiful howl to it...

Dave