So, I've been living with the catted resonated x-pipe upgrade for a little while and although I do like the improvement in sound (and benefit of being able to run the Stage II tune), I did confirm my initial feeling of wanting more of an exhaust note. Thanks (I think!!) to a local member who offered me a ride in his E90 with the M3World valved rear exhaust section, my fate was sealed!
(thanks Steve!)
This arrived at my door today. Rather than give my mechanic the pleasure of unwrapping this, I did it instead. Thanks to Dave for ensuring it was extremely well packed ... took me ages to unpack so I could get the money shot! I don't want to seem like I am raving, given I haven't even installed it but this is one nicely fabricated piece of kit. Even under the satin black coating I could see that the bends and the welds were perfect and all the attaching hardware look bullet proof. Installation takes place in a couple of days ....