how much do you actually hear from exhaust

romero1990 · 12-26-2020, 04:07 PM

I'm a bit torn about getting Corsa or not. Primary reason is, most of my commute is highway with window up. (too much wind noise with window down)
That said, with my current 2 pipe OEM mod, I can barely hear anything until I hit it. But still it is mostly induction sound not the exhaust.

The Corsa sounds fantastic based on all the YT videos. But realistically how much you actually get to hear with window down/up on top of the wind noise. Sometimes it feels like the sound ended up is for pedestrians not the driver.

What's your takes?

SnohoRaptor · 12-26-2020, 04:36 PM

I was in the same boat a couple of months ago before taking the plunge and scooping a nearly new Corsa off the forums (having never heard in person.)

It's quieter over all then I expected, even being paired to test pipes. But the sound is amazing. It's a gentleman's exhaust- not a kid's loud as F*%# exhaust.

Here in the PNW, our windows down weather is limited, so tone/drone/volume level was a concern when driving with the windows up. How is it? It's amazing. Low rpm rumble, fantastic tone but quiet upon cruising and sound focused on the lower rpm band- allowing the upper rpm range to allow the induction noise. 4,000 rpm shifts are the new highlight, which I love- no need to wind it out to hear the exhaust.

Bartledoo · 12-27-2020, 01:50 AM

Just fold down or remove your rear seat and/or remove the trunk floor panel. Then you'll hear the full glory.

akkando · 12-27-2020, 03:22 AM

I'd recommend leaning into the induction noise and getting a cf plenum over exhaust if you're not able to drive with the windows down. Going for induction noise it's actually better with the window up.

Had the 2 pipe and now Corsa and it's not really going to be louder, just better tone.

serranot · 12-27-2020, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akkando

I'd recommend leaning into the induction noise and getting a cf plenum over exhaust if you're not able to drive with the windows down. Going for induction noise it's actually better with the window up.

Had the 2 pipe and mor now Corsa and it's not really going to be louder, just better tone.

+1. You would enjoy the symphony much more with some induction noise.

DukeofAlexandria · 12-27-2020, 08:22 AM

So is your only question is if the corsa is loud? I'm confused here?!?

Any axle back system you get will be louder than the 2 pipe stuff. You COULD try an upgraded xpipe, but that's not guaranteed to give you more noise either.

If you want more noise/in-cabin volume, get an actual axle back system and if that doesn't work, throw on an xpipe as well.

Just be aware, drone could/most likely will be an issue.

-Duke

OG Shark · 12-27-2020, 08:25 PM

The Corsa axle back has a great tone but you will have to rev it out quite a bit in order to really be able to hear inside the cabin. I found the overall volume to be a bit lacking - didn't want to have to run it to 8k to enjoy the exhaust. I then installed a Gintani xpipe with HFC's and absolutely loved the tone & volume for what that car was at that time - primarily a track car driven a bit on the street.

Since that car went full race car on me I swapped that exhaust setup onto my dedicated street E90 M3. I will say that although I still think it sounds incredible - I find it a bit too much just normal highway cruising. As I've gotten older I find I appreciate a quieter exhaust a bit more often - especially on highways. But I still want the option for more volume at times so I really do not want to go back to just the Corsa. Been throwing around the idea of going to a valved exhaust setup.

romero1990 · 12-27-2020, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

Just fold down or remove your rear seat and/or remove the trunk floor panel. Then you'll hear the full glory.

this is actually a good point. I'll def give it a shot

romero1990 · 12-27-2020, 08:50 PM

I think in general, I don't need it to be crazy loud. But at least it should be loud enough that I can hear/enjoy it myself. otherwise what's the point buying an awesome exhaust that I can't hear much of myself.

bkfastwagon · 12-27-2020, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romero1990

I'm a bit torn about getting Corsa or not. Primary reason is, most of my commute is highway with window up. (too much wind noise with window down)
That said, with my current 2 pipe OEM mod, I can barely hear anything until I hit it. But still it is mostly induction sound not the exhaust.

The Corsa sounds fantastic based on all the YT videos. But realistically how much you actually get to hear with window down/up on top of the wind noise. Sometimes it feels like the sound ended up is for pedestrians not the driver.

What's your takes?

I had Corsa on my previous e92 m3 and now I have the 2 pipe oem mode on my e90. They both sound great to me, and the difference in volume is minimal between the two. Corsa I believe is slightly louder with windows down which can be good or bad. I personally don't like loud exhaust noise on highway.

SAMM3Y · 12-27-2020, 08:55 PM

I loved having stock x pipe with akra slip on.. it sounded so good and felt and sounded more responsive with stock 240e tune... sounded better then when paired with the akra evo x pipe IMO. Way better to live with too without the smell and the slight drone. If I had to daily my car it would be 100% the route I would take. Maybe an afe intake too.

CamasM3e93 · 12-28-2020, 06:30 AM

That's one of the beauties of e93 ownership, top down enjoyment of both the induction and exhaust notes. So long as I'm not facing rain or threat of rain, I run with the top down - even in December in Washington state. Of course, our winters run mid 40s during the days which can be perfectly comfortable with a puffy coat and trapper cap.

pbonsalb · 12-28-2020, 10:56 AM

I have a quad resonated x pipe with Megan rear. After about 4 years with this combination, which sounds great but is a bit on the loud side, I think I will go back to a stock rear. As I get older, I appreciate comfort more and don’t have to have the most powerful sounding car. I like the power but the exhaust does not have to be loud to make good power.

DL335D · 12-28-2020, 11:05 AM

Any drone with this combo? My Megan drones bad around 2k.

Also are there any xpipes that don't throw a code?

pbonsalb · 12-28-2020, 12:33 PM

Some say they don’t get codes with just test pipes; others say they do. Makes sense to me that there would be codes. With all 4 cats removed, there are definitely codes. No tuner will simulate the rear 02 in the tune, unless maybe you know the tuner and the tuner trusts you enough to risk the $50k fine for tampering with emissions.

Test pipes are easier to swap than a full x pipe if you need to for inspection each year.

I don’t know whether my car drones or is just loud. I think it is just loud. It is definitely quieter when I run the stock x pipe. I have not run a stock x pipe and stock rear in about 8 years but as I recall that was a bit too tame.

Shrike360 · 12-29-2020, 05:27 PM

IMO, I run Corsa + test pipes, and I find it notably louder in the cabin when I get on it compared to OEM. It's also notably louder inside then the 2.5 pipe OEM mod I ran on my previous car. When I drop the windows down, it's actually a similar volume to what I hear with the windows up. But if you're not getting on it, it's a very subtle exhaust. "Gentleman's" exhaust describes it perfectly; an incredible tone and note, with subtlety at will.

In terms of drone, the Corsa does have a tiny bit of it. Mainly because it's higher pitch than the stock exhaust. So at freeway speeds, I think the volume is about the same as OEM, but the pitch makes it more obvious, if that makes sense. My 2.5 pipe mod had horrendous drone at first, contrary to what people said on here. Luckily, it broke in after about 1000 miles. Then it was a bit louder than stock when cruising. The Corsa setup was much better during the entire break in period. It was pretty loud at first, but it settled in after about 200 miles.

romero1990 · 12-29-2020, 09:37 PM

Thank you all for chiming in .

Being in CA, I really don't want to touch the cats until I must to. It is just too much hassle to deal with emission stuffs.

It sounds like it can't go too wrong with Corsa in terms of the sound. But also now a bit tempted to also consider valve based ones. Seems it can get quite as it needs to be for daily use but can also get louder when I wanted. too.

UBERV8 · 12-30-2020, 03:24 AM

I've had MPE, MPE + test pipes and now Corsa + test pipes and I think the most notable feature about the Corsa is not really the volume, but the unique tone.

I also think tone is the most important aspect to really any exhaust setup, because it's easy to be loud, but difficult to sound unique and drone free. Most people seem to shoot for how loud can they get their exhaust, but the difficult balance is a non-valved system that can be tame at low RPM's and exotic at the high end and I think the Corsa does that best.

With all that being said, I'm still on the hunt for an E. race or GT2 because racecar

amrazM · 12-30-2020, 06:07 AM

I know you said you dont want to mess with the cats, but my car has ARH headers with a Meisterschaft GT2 rear section. Windows up driving its still very audible and my car has a full interior with no trunk panels missing.

Epoustouflant · 12-30-2020, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bartledoo

Just fold down or remove your rear seat and/or remove the trunk floor panel. Then you'll hear the full glory.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only M3 owner doing this. Akrapovic + rear seats folded down is just perfect, though I need to find better excuses to justify the folded seats for 2021.

Any suggestions? 😆

leeyawn · 12-30-2020, 09:36 AM

Like everyone says people like to go Corsa for the unique tone rather than volume. Adding test pipes does add a tad bit of volume but don't expect it to sound like an open valved system. Some people say theres a slight drone to Corsa but I personally don't hear it? Maybe my EVO and Honda days has killed my perception of "drone".

12-26-2020, 04:07 PM	#1
romero1990 Lieutenant 189 Rep 591 Posts Drives: E92 M3, F25 X3 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 X3 [0.00] 2009 M3 [0.00]	how much do you actually hear from exhaust I'm a bit torn about getting Corsa or not. Primary reason is, most of my commute is highway with window up. (too much wind noise with window down) That said, with my current 2 pipe OEM mod, I can barely hear anything until I hit it. But still it is mostly induction sound not the exhaust. The Corsa sounds fantastic based on all the YT videos. But realistically how much you actually get to hear with window down/up on top of the wind noise. Sometimes it feels like the sound ended up is for pedestrians not the driver. What's your takes?
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12-26-2020, 04:36 PM	#2
SnohoRaptor First Lieutenant 535 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 2011 AW E92 ZCP 6MT Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Snohomish, WA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2021 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2020 BMW X5 [9.00] 2020 Subaru WRX [0.00] 2019 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	I was in the same boat a couple of months ago before taking the plunge and scooping a nearly new Corsa off the forums (having never heard in person.) It's quieter over all then I expected, even being paired to test pipes. But the sound is amazing. It's a gentleman's exhaust- not a kid's loud as F*%# exhaust. Here in the PNW, our windows down weather is limited, so tone/drone/volume level was a concern when driving with the windows up. How is it? It's amazing. Low rpm rumble, fantastic tone but quiet upon cruising and sound focused on the lower rpm band- allowing the upper rpm range to allow the induction noise. 4,000 rpm shifts are the new highlight, which I love- no need to wind it out to hear the exhaust. __________________ AW 2011 E92 ZCP 6MT single hump w/speed cloth. Alpine Stage 2 \| Apex Manufacturing X-Pipe \| Corsa \| BayOptiks \| Haimus Racing CF Plenum MW 2020 G05 X5 with delicious coffee interior
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12-27-2020, 01:50 AM	#3
Bartledoo Driver 2708 Rep 2,715 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 Corvette Stingray [0.00] 2002 Porsche Boxster [0.00] 2011 E90 M3 [0.00] 2021 Tesla Model Y [0.00]	Just fold down or remove your rear seat and/or remove the trunk floor panel. Then you'll hear the full glory. __________________ E90M 6MT Slicktop Single Humper in need of a diet
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12-27-2020, 03:22 AM	#4
akkando Major General 6090 Rep 6,746 Posts Drives: 17 M2 DCT LBB,11 e90 M3 ZCP IB Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (1)	I'd recommend leaning into the induction noise and getting a cf plenum over exhaust if you're not able to drive with the windows down. Going for induction noise it's actually better with the window up. Had the 2 pipe and now Corsa and it's not really going to be louder, just better tone.
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12-27-2020, 08:22 AM	#6
DukeofAlexandria Lieutenant 727 Rep 523 Posts Drives: 2007 E85 Z4 / 2013 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 E93 [0.25] 2007 BMW Z4 E85 [3.25]	So is your only question is if the corsa is loud? I'm confused here?!? Any axle back system you get will be louder than the 2 pipe stuff. You COULD try an upgraded xpipe, but that's not guaranteed to give you more noise either. If you want more noise/in-cabin volume, get an actual axle back system and if that doesn't work, throw on an xpipe as well. Just be aware, drone could/most likely will be an issue. -Duke
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12-27-2020, 08:25 PM	#7
OG Shark 5159 Rep 2,695 Posts Drives: Angry Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Spring Branch, TX iTrader: (5)	The Corsa axle back has a great tone but you will have to rev it out quite a bit in order to really be able to hear inside the cabin. I found the overall volume to be a bit lacking - didn't want to have to run it to 8k to enjoy the exhaust. I then installed a Gintani xpipe with HFC's and absolutely loved the tone & volume for what that car was at that time - primarily a track car driven a bit on the street. Since that car went full race car on me I swapped that exhaust setup onto my dedicated street E90 M3. I will say that although I still think it sounds incredible - I find it a bit too much just normal highway cruising. As I've gotten older I find I appreciate a quieter exhaust a bit more often - especially on highways. But I still want the option for more volume at times so I really do not want to go back to just the Corsa. Been throwing around the idea of going to a valved exhaust setup.
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12-27-2020, 08:50 PM	#9
romero1990 Lieutenant 189 Rep 591 Posts Drives: E92 M3, F25 X3 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 X3 [0.00] 2009 M3 [0.00]	I think in general, I don't need it to be crazy loud. But at least it should be loud enough that I can hear/enjoy it myself. otherwise what's the point buying an awesome exhaust that I can't hear much of myself.
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12-27-2020, 08:55 PM	#11
SAMM3Y Colonel 3110 Rep 2,747 Posts Drives: 2008 m3 Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: NorCal iTrader: (2)	I loved having stock x pipe with akra slip on.. it sounded so good and felt and sounded more responsive with stock 240e tune... sounded better then when paired with the akra evo x pipe IMO. Way better to live with too without the smell and the slight drone. If I had to daily my car it would be 100% the route I would take. Maybe an afe intake too. __________________ 9ers
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12-28-2020, 06:30 AM	#12
CamasM3e93 Friends don't let friends ESS 4799 Rep 1,152 Posts Drives: '11 Lemans Blue 6mt Harrop e90 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Camas, WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [9.00] 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo [9.83] 2019 BMW X5 xDrive40i [0.00] 2013 Mercedes E550 ... [0.00]	That's one of the beauties of e93 ownership, top down enjoyment of both the induction and exhaust notes. So long as I'm not facing rain or threat of rain, I run with the top down - even in December in Washington state. Of course, our winters run mid 40s during the days which can be perfectly comfortable with a puffy coat and trapper cap.
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12-28-2020, 10:56 AM	#13
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 7679 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	I have a quad resonated x pipe with Megan rear. After about 4 years with this combination, which sounds great but is a bit on the loud side, I think I will go back to a stock rear. As I get older, I appreciate comfort more and don’t have to have the most powerful sounding car. I like the power but the exhaust does not have to be loud to make good power.
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12-28-2020, 11:05 AM	#14
DL335D Captain 591 Rep 941 Posts Drives: 2013 e92 M3 Q4 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Boston iTrader: (2)	Any drone with this combo? My Megan drones bad around 2k. Also are there any xpipes that don't throw a code? __________________ 2013 e92 M3 2011 X5 35d 2018 F80 M3 ZCP
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12-28-2020, 12:33 PM	#15
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 7679 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	Some say they don’t get codes with just test pipes; others say they do. Makes sense to me that there would be codes. With all 4 cats removed, there are definitely codes. No tuner will simulate the rear 02 in the tune, unless maybe you know the tuner and the tuner trusts you enough to risk the $50k fine for tampering with emissions. Test pipes are easier to swap than a full x pipe if you need to for inspection each year. I don’t know whether my car drones or is just loud. I think it is just loud. It is definitely quieter when I run the stock x pipe. I have not run a stock x pipe and stock rear in about 8 years but as I recall that was a bit too tame.
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12-29-2020, 05:27 PM	#16
Shrike360 Lieutenant 676 Rep 537 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3, 2021 Jaaaag Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: PDX, Oregon iTrader: (0)	IMO, I run Corsa + test pipes, and I find it notably louder in the cabin when I get on it compared to OEM. It's also notably louder inside then the 2.5 pipe OEM mod I ran on my previous car. When I drop the windows down, it's actually a similar volume to what I hear with the windows up. But if you're not getting on it, it's a very subtle exhaust. "Gentleman's" exhaust describes it perfectly; an incredible tone and note, with subtlety at will. In terms of drone, the Corsa does have a tiny bit of it. Mainly because it's higher pitch than the stock exhaust. So at freeway speeds, I think the volume is about the same as OEM, but the pitch makes it more obvious, if that makes sense. My 2.5 pipe mod had horrendous drone at first, contrary to what people said on here. Luckily, it broke in after about 1000 miles. Then it was a bit louder than stock when cruising. The Corsa setup was much better during the entire break in period. It was pretty loud at first, but it settled in after about 200 miles.
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12-29-2020, 09:37 PM	#17
romero1990 Lieutenant 189 Rep 591 Posts Drives: E92 M3, F25 X3 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 X3 [0.00] 2009 M3 [0.00]	Thank you all for chiming in . Being in CA, I really don't want to touch the cats until I must to. It is just too much hassle to deal with emission stuffs. It sounds like it can't go too wrong with Corsa in terms of the sound. But also now a bit tempted to also consider valve based ones. Seems it can get quite as it needs to be for daily use but can also get louder when I wanted. too.
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12-30-2020, 03:24 AM	#18
UBERV8 Major 557 Rep 1,185 Posts Drives: B8.5 SQ5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: SoCal iTrader: (8)	I've had MPE, MPE + test pipes and now Corsa + test pipes and I think the most notable feature about the Corsa is not really the volume, but the unique tone. I also think tone is the most important aspect to really any exhaust setup, because it's easy to be loud, but difficult to sound unique and drone free. Most people seem to shoot for how loud can they get their exhaust, but the difficult balance is a non-valved system that can be tame at low RPM's and exotic at the high end and I think the Corsa does that best. With all that being said, I'm still on the hunt for an E. race or GT2 because racecar
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12-30-2020, 06:07 AM	#19
amrazM mTekMods 2478 Rep 3,150 Posts Drives: like a granny. Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Manhatan iTrader: (1)	I know you said you dont want to mess with the cats, but my car has ARH headers with a Meisterschaft GT2 rear section. Windows up driving its still very audible and my car has a full interior with no trunk panels missing. __________________ E90M3 - Satin Black F97 X3M - Brooklyn Grey E39 M5 - Silverstone
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12-30-2020, 09:36 AM	#21
leeyawn Private First Class 34 Rep 102 Posts Drives: 04' CRV - 380k Miles and going Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Seattle, Wa iTrader: (4)	Like everyone says people like to go Corsa for the unique tone rather than volume. Adding test pipes does add a tad bit of volume but don't expect it to sound like an open valved system. Some people say theres a slight drone to Corsa but I personally don't hear it? Maybe my EVO and Honda days has killed my perception of "drone".
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