Need help - MPE or Akra/Gitani ?

[Merlin_83]

Greetings gentlemen,

I think I have narrowed it down to the MPE, the Akra (slip-on) or Gitani exhaust. But, I need peoples help with what's best for my requirements:

• Sound
• Quality
• No issues with factory warranty or from the dealer
• oh, yeah more sound

I love the sound of the S65 and want more loudness to 'flex' the engine sounds when launching from a red light

As always - the fourms continue to be great source of help, assitance and overall data about what to get/what to avoid - and there are a ton of cars that provide real inspiration

Cheers,
Merlin

[Ashley Schaeffer BMW]

MPE and Akra arent exactly known for their loudness.

[Someone?]

Originally Posted by JAM3S

MPE and Akra arent exactly known for their loudness.

Nope Akra is known for Performance, but im sure he would be more then happy with the loudness also.
Go Akra for Sure!

[s85e90]

Gintani for sure. I'll never get the fascination w/ the Akra as it's super expensive and is the only setup that seems to lose torque downstairs w/ it infamous dip that no one seems to be bothered by on a car that needs all the help it can get. IMO it doesn't even sound that great.

MPE also sounds amazing.

[Semi-Poor]

Owners will extoll the virtues of each manufacturer. Sound is subjective but only one meets your dealer warranty criteria beyond any doubt. No bad choices here.

[WickedE93]

I have the Dinan catback with test pipes. I <3 it!!! just a thought.

[FormulaMMM]

When talking mufflers, there really are no warranty implications. Just go with whatever suits you best. (Arguably not for full exhaust either -- I'm unaware of any BMW warranty claims being denied due to full exhaust.)

I just went from Akra Evo to Slip on. It's a different world of sound from the Evo. Not even close. Loses so much character. Barely noticeable (in the cabin) above ~4k, whereas that's where the Evo starts to scream. Anyone who thinks the Evo is quiet needs to drive back to back with stock exhaust, or slip on only.

Somewhat inexplicably, slip on actually seems louder/boomier on cold start. During normal driving it lets you know it's there, but like I said, really only lower in the rpm range. On the plus side, allowing the engine to dominate at the higher rpm's isn't necessarily a bad thing. Engine/induction noise and the intricacies of the engine note are lost w/ the Evo setup, if that makes some sense. But in exchange you have a glorious exhaust soundtrack. It's a trade off.

Re MPE, I have no direct experience, but I'll bet when it comes to muffler alone, it's a superior option to the slip on in terms of sound (not looks, and probably not build quality). MPE was engineered to mate w/ stock front section. My distinct impression is that the Akra really was engineered as the full system. Slip on was an afterthought.

I wouldn't buy the MPE used. Akra I wouldn't think twice about buying used.

[Charles@Gintani.com]

PM sent!

[Law]

Out of the three:
Akra Evo for all around-er: good sound, quality finish, quality fitment, good performance.

Gintani for sound, it is loud.

MPE for OEM+, no legal issues with emissions, etc.


Most won't be content with just the Akra Slip-on, especially since one of your stated goals is sound. The slip-on only adds a bit of bass to the stock noise.
You'll most likely end up with an Evo pipe or some other X-pipe if you go with the slip-on.

[FormulaMMM]

Originally Posted by Law

Most won't be content with just the Akra Slip-on, especially since one of your stated goals is sound. The slip-on only adds a bit of bass to the stock noise.
You'll most likely end up with an Evo pipe or some other X-pipe if you go with the slip-on.

I agree with this. Windows up slip on just adds bass in lower rpm's. Windows down some of the trademark Akra can be heard on upshifts and downshift blips in particular, but it's a fraction of the distinct sounds you get with the Evo.

[gatorfast]

Aside from volume you need to determine what sound characteristics you like. More of a treble/screamer or bass/boomer? From what I have heard, the MPE is the former while the Gintani is the latter. Akra slip-on is probably somewhere in between but based on reviews no one really seems happy with the slip-on only in terms of sound. If drone is a consideration then you probably want to eliminate Gintani as well.

[thegeneral101]

I have an MPE with custom X-pipe..no rasp, but it gets LOUD when revved. No drone. Sounds unrealistic, but I made it happen so others can too. I used to have an Eisenmann race w/x-pipe, but the drone was getting to me. And the tone on the MPE cannot be beat.

[Darth Federer]

I just got an MPE after an exhaustive search. I feel it strikes the right balance for what I wanted. It's not too obnoxious but it just sounds great, especially in the 3000-5000rpm range. Also very little drone which I find irritating. My m3 still has 2 years of warranty left and I do need to pass emissions so the MPE seemed the right choice for me.

[Schom]

I had the mpe then went to the active autowerkes. Both nice. I get itchy to try new stuff. Mpe is just collecting dust in my garage. Should probably get on selling that.

Fit finish on both are excellent.

[nicebraces]

Originally Posted by Semi-Poor

Owners will extoll the virtues of each manufacturer. Sound is subjective but only one meets your dealer warranty criteria beyond any doubt. No bad choices here.

+1 ... Only the MPE will fit your warranty criteria; Akra slip-on is suitable if you don't want to piss off your neighbors in the morning (the Evo will definitely be louder); but honestly, any of these is better than stock OEM, JUST DO IT!!!

[lsmkr01]

Originally Posted by Darth Federer

My m3 still has 2 years of warranty left and I do need to pass emissions so the MPE seemed the right choice for me.

Rear section exhaust (aka mufflers) have ZERO to do with emissions. The cats and only the cats are the part of the system that cleans up the exhaust fumes.