Where to Start to Make my E92 Sound Best?

[M3Dreaming]

As I wrap up all the preventative maintenance for my E92, I am starting to look toward vehicle optimization. I am going to do the basics first, Stage 1 and DCT tunes, with a few other small tweaks (reflector deletes).

Now, I am wondering how to make my car sound best, and I realize how subjective this is, so I figured I'd welcome everyone's feedback

I am not the most knowledgeable when it comes to autos but have done some basic research and have read up on past posts on this forum.

I am contemplating 3 different options and would welcome all feedback:

1. Exhaust upgrade: I was eyeing the Armytrix Valvetronic Titanium exhaust, but havent seen enough feedback to determine if this is the right call. I like the idea of having valves because I will daily this car sometimes, and I dont want to aggravate my neighbors if I don't have to. In my humble opinion, titanium sounds better than SS, but I am far from an expert.

2. Carbon Fiber Plenum: Have heard these in person and they sound amazing. Have thought about one of these as well. The one I heard had an aftermarket exhaust on it, so I am not sure how good these sound standalone. I think the exhaust note tone gets deeper, but I would also like to add a bit of volume, so perhaps this wouldn't be the best initial next step.

3. X Pipe vs. test Pipe: I live in a state that requires cats, so I am pretty sure I wouldn't be able to get these, but someone more knowledgeable please let me know if this assumption is incorrect. Maybe I could do an x pipe but not test pipes?

In summary: I would ideally do 2 or 3 of these, but given I have a budget of ~3k, would like to pick one to do first. Any guidance or insight from anyone on which to start with? Again, I realize this is entirely subjective, so all should feel free to weigh in.

[t_win]

Titanium exhaust by nature sound higher pitched than SS.

Plenums generally sound best when paired with a quieter exhaust. As it enhances the intake noise and can be easily drowned out by a loud exhaust.

If 3k is your budget at this time. I would suggest a catback of sorts. It would have the most effect on the tone of the exhaust.

[GinTonic]

Do exhaust, mid pipe (to your liking), intake, and tune. Reason I say get a mid pipe vs test pipes is resell value and ability to go back to stock map and mid pipe for inspection should you need it. Resell because you can find a used mid pipe and if you ever sell the car, you can always make your money back. Leave the plenum for last.

[charliev68]

MS X-pipe, MS Full Air Intake, AE (Paul Walker) Exhaust. I’ve heard and tried a lot of combinations…by far the best!

[M3Dreaming]

Originally Posted by charliev68

MS X-pipe, MS Full Air Intake, AE (Paul Walker) Exhaust. I’ve heard and tried a lot of combinations…by far the best!

Thank you for sharing, going to look into this!

[vitalsigns]

Depends what you want to accentuate long-term...

I like engine/intake, with a decent but not overpowering exhaust (no drone!)

So I chose a Dinan exhaust first, then added a full Eventuri intake, plenum, air box cover. Sounds great.

[E92Bean]

I weighed similar options, and I started with used corsa mufflers. They have a more exotic tone that I like. Then I added a bimmerworld x pipe tuned with Epic, which gave a great bump in power+torque and a great tone(not stupid loud). I can still hear induction noise so I’m very happy with it. (Sound clip attached)

I contemplated various plenum+intake options, but the most performance is in exhaust work for this platform. I did swap in a BMC filter, and added $20 cowl filters that added a bit more induction noise.
I’ll eventually get a Haimus or carboproject plenum, but I’m very happy with how it sits!

I spent just about 3k for the full exhaust+tune.


Corsa +bimmerworld exhaust

[Tragiclil]

Originally Posted by charliev68

MS X-pipe, MS Full Air Intake, AE (Paul Walker) Exhaust. I’ve heard and tried a lot of combinations…by far the best!

I have to +1 for this. I also believe this is the best combo.

[smokinjoe64]

Not so fast...consider Supersprint

Only a few points:

• Outstanding Unique sound & quality
• Refined European sound to absolutely screaming WOT all w/o gimmicky valves
• No drone
• 100% New Availability - Made-to-order sections [some in inventory]; several config combinations to choose [i.e. with or without cats, resonators, etc.]
• Excellent fitment & appearance
• 36-month factory warranty

Ordered my system direct from Supersprint Italy, full system from OE header back [pics below]...

https://www.supersprint.com/ww-en/su...mw-e92-m3.aspx