E90/E92 M3 Exhaust Systems Overview

K_style wrote

Just installed M Performance Exhaust but it's little too quite...
Does anyone know if changing X pipe makes a huge difference?

I am debating to either sell the exhaust and get a different one or install X pipe.

Griz wrote

I thought it would be helpful to have a reference thread. This thread was created as a primer, not a one-stop thread, and the burden is still on the buyer to do his/her research. I'll try to keep the first post of this updated... the thread will definitely be a work in progress.

Note: Prices may be off. Some prices are introductory prices, some are estimated prices before production, some are MSRP... I have zero interest in keeping track of prices as they fluctuate (across time and across vendors).

- Please refrain from starting up discussions about specific exhausts.
- Links to the manufacturer/performance line are in blue.
- Links to the primary distributor are in green.

I'd like to keep this as useful as possible. Suggestions, corrections, comments are all helpful.


*Please check out frankzlin79's thread for an outstanding video comparing multiple exhausts:

E9X M3 Exhaust Comparison Video



AC Schnitzer Sport
Discussion Thread
Made in Austria (by Remus)
Price: $3219
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

AC Schnitzer Video: 1 2 DL1

AC Schnitzer Race (aka Export Version)
Discussion Thread
Made in Austria (by Remus)
Price: $3219
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

AlpenWhite25 Video:

Active Autowerke E9X M3 Signature Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $2695
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: polished 100% 304 stainless steel
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 41 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 12-15 HP ; up to 17+ HP (and 7+ Ft Lbs) with AA programmed software
Video:

Pictures:


Active Autowerke E9X M3 Signature X Pipe and Connecting Pipes
Discussion Thread
Price: $1995 (race pipe version); +$1395 for high flow cats
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe (also with high flow cate or race pipe)
Construction: 100% Polished 304 Stainless Steel
Installation: V Band design
Weight: 25 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: dyno chart
Video (prototype race pipe option with AA muffler):

Pictures:


AE Performance Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $1,995
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: Full T-304 Stainless Steel Construction
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 17 Pound Reduction in Weight Over OE System
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Agency Power Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $1,750
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual canister
Construction: T304 stainless steel exhaust
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 5hp and 3ft/lbs of torque
Video:

Pictures:


Akrapovič Evolution Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Discussion Thread 2
Price: $5,623
Exhaust Type: header-back dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight: 23 kg under stock
Claimed Performance Gains: 24 PS plus; 35 Nm plus
Video:

Audio: 1
Pictures:


Akrapovič Slip-on Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 3 PS plus; 4 Nm plus
Video:


Amuse Ericsson M480 Titanium Performer Extra
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price:
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Amuse Ericsson M480 Titanium Performer
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price: $6891
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 29.26 lbs
PencilGeek Performance Gains (full titanium system): +5 HP, +37 TQ link
PencilGeek Video (full titanium system):

Socale92 Video (w/ SS mid section):

Pictures:


Amuse Ericsson Sports Catalyzer
Made in Japan
Price: $4298
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 31.68
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Amuse Ericsson Sports Catalyzer, Titanium
Made in Japan
Price: $6508
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe
Construction: titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 22.88 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Arqray Stainless Sport Muffler
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price: $2550
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 20 kg
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Arqray Titanium Tail
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction: stainless steel with titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 20 kg
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Arqray Titanium Silencer
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction: titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 12.3 kg
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


B&B Exhaust (prototype)
Discussion Thread
Price: $1695
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction:
Installation:
Weight: 37 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Bastuck ClubSport (New Design)
Discussion Thread (Old Design)
Discussion Thread (New Design)
Made in Germany
Price:
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: includes flanges for swapping with MotorSport version
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Bastuck MotorSport
Discussion Thread
Made in Germany
Price:
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: includes flanges for swapping with ClubSport version
Weight: 24 lbs (14 kg)
Claimed Performance Gains: Not tested by Bastuck yet.
Video:

Pictures:


BMW Performance Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $3,500.00
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction:
Installation:
Weight: ~20 lb reduction from stock
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Borla
Discussion Thread
Price: $1475.99
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: T-304 stainless steel
Installation: bolt-on
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Bob@BPS Video:

Pictures:


Dinan Free Flow Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $2299
Exhaust Type: muffler
Construction: 304 stainless steel; ceramic-coated tips
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 6 hp @ 6800 rpm; 5 lb/ft @ 6800 rpm
Video:

Dinan Racing Middle Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $2299.00
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Dixis Spirit
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price: $5400 (MSRP); built to order
Exhaust Type: single muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight: 17.2 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 11 HP
Arsenal Video:

Pictures:


Eisenmann Sport
Discussion Thread
Discussion Thread 2
Made in Germany
Price: $2839
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler; 83mm tips
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: cut & weld replacement; connecting pipes available
Weight: 46 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: backpressure reduction of 25% over OEM
Video:

Pictures:


Eisenmann Race
Discussion Thread
Discussion Thread 2
Made in Germany
Price: $2839
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: cut & weld replacement; connecting pipes available
Weight: 46 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: backpressure reduction of 32% over OEM; +16hp, +11lb-ft
Video:

Encore Innovation Titanium Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $2,999 introductory; MSRP: $3,699
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight: 18.55 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 7.2 hp, 9.4 ft lbs
Video:

Pictures:


Encore Innovation M3 X-pipe w/ High Flow Cat
Discussion Thread
Price: $2299
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe and high flow cats (catless version in development)
Construction: 304 stainless steel
Installation:
Weight: 27 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 14.7 whp; 20.6 lbs torque
Video:
Pictures:


Encore Innovation Titanium X-Pipe w/ High Flow Cat
Price: $4299
Exhaust Type: mid section
Construction: titanium
Weight: 19 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Fabspeed Maxflo Muffler System
Discussion Thread
Price: $1,995
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual canister
Construction: T304 stainless steel
Weight: ~17 lb reduction over stock
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video: DL 1
Pictures:


Fabspeed Performance Package with Resonators
Discussion Thread 1
Discussion Thread 2
Price: $2449 (can be purchased in sections)
Exhaust Type: header-back with high-flow primary cats; x pipe
Construction: T304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 33 whp
Video:

Pictures:


Fame Freiheit Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price: $3500
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: SUS304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Fame Freiheit Center Section
Made in Japan
Price:
Exhaust Type: mid section
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Fujitsubo Zega Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $3660
Exhaust Type: cat-back dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video: DL
Pictures:


G-Power (discontinued)
Discussion Thread
Price: $2400
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Gintani Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $1995
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: 304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 8-12 Horsepower gain
Video:

Gintani Full Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price: $3995 (X Pipe Section can be purchased indidivually for $2000)
Exhaust Type: header-back dual muffler
Construction: 304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 20-30 Horsepower gain
Video:

Pictures:


GruppeM
Discussion Thread
Made in Japan
Price: $4500
Exhaust Type: Sec 2, dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight: 20 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
GruppeM Video: 1
edlms Video:

Pictures:


Hamann
Discussion Thread
Made in Italy & Germany
Price:
Exhaust Type: header-to-muffler (metal catalyser as well as a middle section) by Supersprint; dual muffler #1 by Eisenmann (Race Version); dual muffler #2 by Supersprint (Sport/Race Version)
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


HARTGE Rear Silencer
Price:
Exhaust Type: axle-back single muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

HARTGE Exhaust System
Price: £4988
Exhaust Type: header-back single muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 20 HP
Video:
Pictures:


Herrmann
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
LowG Video:

6

iPE Valvetronic Exhaust System
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type: Full exhaust and axle-back options available
Construction: Stainless Steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video: (see discussion thread for pictures and video)

KKS-Performance
Discussion Thread
Discussion Thread 2
Price: $4199 with butterfly valves ($2699 without)
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel (optional titanium tips)
Weight: 30% reduction
Claimed Performance Gains: 10 whp
Video:

Pictures:


Kreis-sieg Valvetronic F1
Discussion Thread
Discussion Thread 2 (Epacy2 Install w Vids)
Discussion Thread 3
Made in Japan
Price: SS tip $5,850; Billet tip $6,350; Ti tip $6,450
Exhaust Type: post-resonator, clamp on dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel (optional titanium tips)
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video (w/ X-Pipe):

Pictures:


Kreis-sieg Front X-Pipe
Made in Japan
Price: purchase directly
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe; eliminates resonators and cats
Construction: stainless steel
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Lightweight Titanauspuffanlagen Exhausts
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:

Magnaflow Performance Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $1,814,86
Exhaust Type: cat-back
Construction: stainless steel
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: +18hp and +4torque to the wheel
DEAN325i Video:

Pictures:


Megan Racing Axle Back
Discussion Thread
Price: $600.00
Exhaust Type: axle-back
Construction: T-304 Stainless Steel (optional titanium tips)
Installation: bolt-on
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Mille Miglia Eshaust
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction:
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Milltek Sport
Discussion Thread 1
Discussion Thread 2
Price: $1699
Exhaust Type: cat-back single muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation:
Weight: 48 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video: 1
Pictures:


MRF Engineering Velaforza Exhaust System
Price:
Exhaust Type: header-back
Construction: Full Stainless Steel SS304, SS321 Construction
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 28 RWHP, 22 RWTQ
Video:
Pictures:

Power-Craft Hybrid Exhaust System
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:

Racing Dynamics Sport
Discussion Thread
Price: $2800
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: bolt-on
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 12 HP
Video:

Pictures:


Remus Sport
Discussion Thread
Made in Austria
Price: $1420
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight: 44 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 10 CHP; backpressure reduction of 63% over OEM; TUV/EC approved
Speedtrap Video: 1
Video:

Pictures:


Remus Race
Discussion Thread
Made in Austria
Price: $1420
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Weight: 44 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 10+ CHP; backpressure reduction of 63+% over OEM; not TUV/EC approved
sfbimmer13 Video:

ChitownM3 Video:

Revinora Exhaust (prototype)
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Oshin02 Video:

RGMotorsport Conversion Performance Exhaust System
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction: stainless steel
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: see website
Video:

Rogue Engineering Diablo Sport (prototype)
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Rogue Engineering Diablo Race (prototype)
Discussion Thread
Price:
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

RPi Axle Back Muffler Assembly
Discussion Thread
Price: $1707.00
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 5-10whp
Video:
Pictures:


RPi GT Front Pipe/Cat Delete
Discussion Thread
Price: $1299.00
Exhaust Type: header to axle mid=section
Construction: T-304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Sosi Performance X-Pipe
Discussion Thread
Price: $595.00
Exhaust Type: x-pipe (replaces secondary cats and resonators)
Construction: T304 stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Supersport Duplex Exhaust [Export Version]
Discussion Thread
Price: €* 1.546,94
Exhaust Type:
Construction:
Installation:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Supersprint Street
Made in Italy
Price: $2630
Exhaust Type: axle-back single muffler
Installation: needs connecting pipes, Supersprint produces some
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Supersprint Sport/Race (Left) (Right)
Discussion Thread
Made in Italy
Price: $1045 (per side)
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Installation: needs connecting pipes, Supersprint produces some
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: 27.5 HP (for full header-back race)
kosh Video:

Pictures:


Supersprint X Pipe
Discussion Thread
Made in Italy
Price: $683
Exhaust Type: resonator replacement
Construction: stainless steel
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:
Pictures:


Supersprint Header-back Mid Section
Made in Italy
Price:
Exhaust Type: header-back mid section with x-pipe (only available through Hamann)
Construction:
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Tubi Style
Discussion Thread
Made in Italy
Price: $3440
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel
Installation: clamp-on mufflers
Weight: 42 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


UUC Motorwerks RSC (by Corsa)
Discussion Thread
Made in USA
Price: $1599
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: 2.5” 304SS tubing
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 30% weight reduction
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

fuzzy123 Video:

Pictures:


Vanguard Performance Titanium Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $3199
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: titanium
Weight: < 19 lbs
Claimed Performance Gains: 13whp, 6ft/lbs tq
Video:

Vanquish Hyper Tornado Mufflers
Made in Japan
Price: JPY 398,000, Cash Retail: JPY 355,950
Exhaust Type: dual muffler
Construction: stainless steel with Iconel (titanium alloy) tips
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains: preserved low end torque
Video:

Vorsteiner
Discussion Thread 1
Discussion Thread 2
Price: $3499
Exhaust Type: single muffler, rear section, x pipe
Construction: titanium
Installation: bolt-on
Weight: 17.33 lbs (37 lbs savings)
Claimed Performance Gains: peak HP gain= 14hp, peak torque gain= 13.23 lb/ft
Vorsteiner Video: 1
badfish Video:

Video:

Pictures:


X-OST Maranello Exhaust
Discussion Thread
Price: $2699
Exhaust Type: axle-back dual muffler
Construction: 2 sound levels; optional carbon fiber tips
Installation: clamp
Weight:
Claimed Performance Gains:
Video:

Pictures:


Other
Amuse Ericsson headers
ASR Engineering Exhaust
ASR Engineering Full Exhaust
Autobahn Exotics Race (development)
Borla X-Pipe With Test Pipes and Resonators
BlueWave Engineering Mufflers (development)
GT Haus (Eisenhaus), multiple exhausts
RD Sport headers (stroker & stock applications)
Riss Racing Exhaust
Riss Racing X-Pipe Section Exhaust

JuttyC wrote

This is an excellent consolidated offering. Can someone please point me in the right direction here. I have a 2011 M3 with Competition package ( minus performance exhaust ).

I want to add better sound, torque and HP. I was going to add a Sosi X pipe and delete the secondary cats. To provide more torque and HP. Additionally, I was going to add intake to increase / support torque and HP.

Is this the best bang for my dollar? Will I have any type of smell from adding X pipe and deleting secondary cats?

Suggestions?

JuttyC wrote

This is an excellent consolidated offering. Can someone please point me in the right direction here. I have a 2011 M3 with Competition package ( minus performance exhaust ).

I want to add better sound, torque and HP. I was going to add a Sosi X pipe and delete the secondary cats. To provide more torque and HP. Additionally, I was going to add intake to increase / support torque and HP.

Is this the best bang for my dollar? Will I have any type of smell from adding X pipe and deleting secondary cats?

Suggestions?

dbworld4k wrote

Did you seriously have to quote that entire massive post?

zibawal wrote

Is there a similar thread for M4?

anrewcarr157 wrote

Just installed Magnaflow Performance Exhaust. Love the sound. Can make the video later (my second car e90 M3)

TedA wrote

I tried to research, but could not find posts about the Fabspeed Sport Catalytic Converters. If I were to replace the primary cats with their Sport catalytic converters, run a OEM x-pipe and MPE rear section, will I:
1. Pass NY inspection without additional software?
2. Hear any drone?

Thank you for your input.

Fabspeed Motorsport wrote

Phil From Fabspeed here,
You should not have an issue with passing NY emissions as long as you keep the Sport Cats and you should not throw a CEL.

As long as you keep the stock resonator that should help keep the resonator in there.