Borla exhaust drone

david1504 · 07-14-2015, 08:32 PM

Hi guys, I just recently swapped to the borla atak exhaust, I have read a lot on the forum and most people say it doesn't drone as advertised, but I have been getting some moderate to occasionally serious drone around 2k and 3k rpm. Is this normal?

JsL · 07-14-2015, 09:29 PM

Check the ball joint where the xpipe connects to the axle back exhaust for leaks. To be sure, loosen the two clamps at the ball joint, have someone push the exhaust forward as you tighten the clamps.

MachinesWithSouls · 07-15-2015, 04:46 AM

+1. Make sure the connections are all tight.

Also realize that the exhaust must break in for about 500 miles, and the tone will change. I have the ATAK on mine and after the first few hundred miles the drone lessened quite a bit.

Zarilia · 07-16-2015, 11:19 AM

Just put my ATAK on and the fact that the speed limit is 70mph.. I'm at 3k rpm and there is a lot of drone..
But I'm am hoping you guys are right that it will lessen..
Other than that.. It's awesome

david1504 · 07-16-2015, 02:28 PM

Thanks guys, will definitely check the connections, I hope the drone will lessen as I drive more.

New2Roundel · 07-17-2015, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david1504

Thanks guys, will definitely check the connections, I hope the drone will lessen as I drive more.

Definitely update this thread as to your impressions after a few thousand miles. I'm seriously considering a Borla exhaust and like the idea of what Borla offers.

I have a borla muffler on my Corrado VR6 and it sounded terrible when it was new. I had a nagging headache after the 2 hour drive back from the shop where the exhaust was installed to my house. But it mellowed out with time. I hope the same happens with your exhaust.

BimmerRookie · 07-17-2015, 08:12 AM

^ same. I've been considering the ATAK for a few months now, but posts like these increase my hesitation....

X5-User · 07-17-2015, 08:37 AM

There is absolutely zero drone from my Borla Atak. It is probably from the installation

M3Bimmer77 · 07-17-2015, 08:38 AM

Yea once you get deaf then you will not notice it. Lol

I am considering the Borla S for my car. I drove as a passenger in the front seat once and I didn't felt any drone. I'm wondering if you can feel it more as a driver. The exhaust has been on this car for 6 months and the guy drives in regularly so it may be at least 2 -3k miles into it. Now I'm reconsidering my options. I will be making some tests on OEM exhausts. People are saying that the sound is good and no drone. Of course there won't be any weight loss but that is not much concern right now. I will be modifying two, one with 2 pipes and the other with all 4. Let's see how it goes.

12mpgm3 · 07-17-2015, 08:40 AM

just don't drive below 4K rpm (except during warm up of course)!

BimmerRookie · 07-17-2015, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

Yea once you get deaf then you will not notice it. Lol

I am considering the Borla S for my car. I drove as a passenger in the front seat once and I didn't felt any drone. I'm wondering if you can feel it more as a driver. The exhaust has been on this car for 6 months and the guy drives in regularly so it may be at least 2 -3k miles into it. Now I'm reconsidering my options. I will be making some tests on OEM exhausts. People are saying that the sound is good and no drone. Of course there won't be any weight loss but that is not much concern right now. I will be modifying two, one with 2 pipes and the other with all 4. Let's see how it goes.

Lol is it really THAT loud? It sounded like Borla S was a nice subtle upgrade from OEM, but not worth its assocaited cost.

X5-User · 07-17-2015, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

Yea once you get deaf then you will not notice it. Lol

I am considering the Borla S for my car. I drove as a passenger in the front seat once and I didn't felt any drone. I'm wondering if you can feel it more as a driver. The exhaust has been on this car for 6 months and the guy drives in regularly so it may be at least 2 -3k miles into it. Now I'm reconsidering my options. I will be making some tests on OEM exhausts. People are saying that the sound is good and no drone. Of course there won't be any weight loss but that is not much concern right now. I will be modifying two, one with 2 pipes and the other with all 4. Let's see how it goes.

Thats not true. I am very sensitive to drone and I don't have any drone...

wildwestm3 · 07-17-2015, 09:47 AM

How can you tell which Borla you have? I bought mine with a Borla cat-back on it, but it just says "Borla" on the mufflers and tips...

M3Bimmer77 · 07-17-2015, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer-M3

Thats not true. I am very sensitive to drone and I don't have any drone...

I'm feeling that you are calling me a liar. What is it that Im lying about? Show a little of respect here. Your sensitivity could be high to you but that doesn't mean that other people are more sensitive than you are. Keep the works to yourself if you are going to call someone a liar. You don't know me to tell me that I'm not telling the truth.

wildwestm3 · 07-17-2015, 11:09 AM

No feelings allowed on forums!

david1504 · 07-17-2015, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

Definitely update this thread as to your impressions after a few thousand miles. I'm seriously considering a Borla exhaust and like the idea of what Borla offers.

I have a borla muffler on my Corrado VR6 and it sounded terrible when it was new. I had a nagging headache after the 2 hour drive back from the shop where the exhaust was installed to my house. But it mellowed out with time. I hope the same happens with your exhaust.

I will try to do it next week and if not the week after, I am out of state for now

REV1 · 07-17-2015, 06:53 PM

Mine drones around 3100 to 3300 with the Atak. Not too bad but it's there. Would I take it off Car? no I love it and it's pretty loud when i get on it but that's the best part. It's a night and day difference over stock and a million times better. The stock system is light years from bringing out the best in the engine.

REV1 · 07-17-2015, 07:32 PM

I forgot to mention I have about 3000 miles on Borla Atak and all I can say is some days I hardly notice drone and some days it's more present. As far as getting better with time it may have just a little bit but nothing major. Around town and freeway cruising its respectable as far as loudness goes and not crazy loud but when you want it to scream like a banshee it will. I am going to have my exhaust guy do what JSL suggested it's worth a try.

RobertEvans · 07-18-2015, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3Bimmer77

Yea once you get deaf then you will not notice it. Lol

I am considering the Borla S for my car. I drove as a passenger in the front seat once and I didn't felt any drone. I'm wondering if you can feel it more as a driver. The exhaust has been on this car for 6 months and the guy drives in regularly so it may be at least 2 -3k miles into it. Now I'm reconsidering my options. I will be making some tests on OEM exhausts. People are saying that the sound is good and no drone. Of course there won't be any weight loss but that is not much concern right now. I will be modifying two, one with 2 pipes and the other with all 4. Let's see how it goes.

FWIW i have spoken with a borla rep who told me the sound output of the ATAK and S-type is nearly identical. The difference between the two models has to do with the characteristics/tone of the exhaust note.

MachinesWithSouls · 07-18-2015, 12:11 PM

Right around 3000 rpm on the highway up a hill and it's bad. Otherwise it's fine, and it's gotten better the more I drive it.

Don't get the S, it's not worth it for this car. If anyone is in north NJ and wants to hear mine just let me know.

American Dave · 07-21-2015, 10:15 PM

I have the Borla Atak and have very little drone so suggest you check the connections first.
Video from inside the car here this video is my car with Borla Atak plus M3 World X-pipe w/ 2 highflow cats + catless front pipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-t...&v=rj63aIOHNg4

david1504 · 07-22-2015, 09:51 AM

Update: checked the connections today, everything is tight. For you guys who have the atak on, do you still have the stock x pipe? One guy at the shop told me to replace the resonators with straight pipes, would that be a good idea to cancel drone? I thought that would make the drone worse

, or would that make all the sound go to the mufflers?

07-14-2015, 08:32 PM	#1
david1504 Private 17 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2011 SG ZCP m3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Borla exhaust drone Hi guys, I just recently swapped to the borla atak exhaust, I have read a lot on the forum and most people say it doesn't drone as advertised, but I have been getting some moderate to occasionally serious drone around 2k and 3k rpm. Is this normal? __________________ my only friend is my M3
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07-14-2015, 09:29 PM	#2
JsL Major 448 Rep 1,263 Posts Drives: 2011 AW M3 ZCP Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Check the ball joint where the xpipe connects to the axle back exhaust for leaks. To be sure, loosen the two clamps at the ball joint, have someone push the exhaust forward as you tighten the clamps.
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07-15-2015, 04:46 AM	#3
MachinesWithSouls Colonel 4836 Rep 2,442 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [10.00]	+1. Make sure the connections are all tight. Also realize that the exhaust must break in for about 500 miles, and the tone will change. I have the ATAK on mine and after the first few hundred miles the drone lessened quite a bit. __________________ 2022 M3 6MT - Portimao Blue Metallic 2022 X3 M40i - Tanzanite Blue Metallic
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07-16-2015, 11:19 AM	#4
Zarilia Second Lieutenant 57 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 ZCP DCT Silverston Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Fallon, NV iTrader: (0)	Just put my ATAK on and the fact that the speed limit is 70mph.. I'm at 3k rpm and there is a lot of drone.. But I'm am hoping you guys are right that it will lessen.. Other than that.. It's awesome
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07-16-2015, 02:28 PM	#5
david1504 Private 17 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2011 SG ZCP m3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, will definitely check the connections, I hope the drone will lessen as I drive more.
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07-17-2015, 08:12 AM	#7
BimmerRookie Major 469 Rep 1,320 Posts Drives: E93 Cavalier Z24 M3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	^ same. I've been considering the ATAK for a few months now, but posts like these increase my hesitation....
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07-17-2015, 08:37 AM	#8
X5-User Lieutenant Colonel 188 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: X5 35d Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: VA iTrader: (2)	There is absolutely zero drone from my Borla Atak. It is probably from the installation
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07-17-2015, 08:38 AM	#9
M3Bimmer77 Captain 340 Rep 947 Posts Drives: 2011.5 M3 E90 Jet Black Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: West Palm Beach iTrader: (2)	Yea once you get deaf then you will not notice it. Lol I am considering the Borla S for my car. I drove as a passenger in the front seat once and I didn't felt any drone. I'm wondering if you can feel it more as a driver. The exhaust has been on this car for 6 months and the guy drives in regularly so it may be at least 2 -3k miles into it. Now I'm reconsidering my options. I will be making some tests on OEM exhausts. People are saying that the sound is good and no drone. Of course there won't be any weight loss but that is not much concern right now. I will be modifying two, one with 2 pipes and the other with all 4. Let's see how it goes.
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07-17-2015, 08:40 AM	#10
12mpgm3 Private 14 Rep 88 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 6MT ZCP Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Philly Burbs iTrader: (0)	just don't drive below 4K rpm (except during warm up of course)!
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07-17-2015, 09:47 AM	#13
wildwestm3 Captain 215 Rep 692 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Convertible Join Date: May 2014 Location: Springboro OH iTrader: (2)	How can you tell which Borla you have? I bought mine with a Borla cat-back on it, but it just says "Borla" on the mufflers and tips... __________________ Thanks, Dave [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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07-17-2015, 11:09 AM	#15
wildwestm3 Captain 215 Rep 692 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Convertible Join Date: May 2014 Location: Springboro OH iTrader: (2)	No feelings allowed on forums! __________________ Thanks, Dave [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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07-17-2015, 06:53 PM	#17
REV1 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Off the grid, CA iTrader: (0)	Mine drones around 3100 to 3300 with the Atak. Not too bad but it's there. Would I take it off Car? no I love it and it's pretty loud when i get on it but that's the best part. It's a night and day difference over stock and a million times better. The stock system is light years from bringing out the best in the engine. __________________ WIDE OPEN TILL YOU SEE GOD! THEN BRAKE
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07-17-2015, 07:32 PM	#18
REV1 Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 221 Posts Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Off the grid, CA iTrader: (0)	I forgot to mention I have about 3000 miles on Borla Atak and all I can say is some days I hardly notice drone and some days it's more present. As far as getting better with time it may have just a little bit but nothing major. Around town and freeway cruising its respectable as far as loudness goes and not crazy loud but when you want it to scream like a banshee it will. I am going to have my exhaust guy do what JSL suggested it's worth a try. __________________ WIDE OPEN TILL YOU SEE GOD! THEN BRAKE
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07-18-2015, 12:11 PM	#20
MachinesWithSouls Colonel 4836 Rep 2,442 Posts Drives: 2022 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 [10.00]	Right around 3000 rpm on the highway up a hill and it's bad. Otherwise it's fine, and it's gotten better the more I drive it. Don't get the S, it's not worth it for this car. If anyone is in north NJ and wants to hear mine just let me know. __________________ 2022 M3 6MT - Portimao Blue Metallic 2022 X3 M40i - Tanzanite Blue Metallic
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07-21-2015, 10:15 PM	#21
American Dave Captain 118 Rep 621 Posts Drives: 2008 Jerez Black E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Perth Western Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 E92 [0.00]	I have the Borla Atak and have very little drone so suggest you check the connections first. Video from inside the car here this video is my car with Borla Atak plus M3 World X-pipe w/ 2 highflow cats + catless front pipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-t...&v=rj63aIOHNg4 __________________ Jerez Black 2008 6MT with Borla Atak Exhaust/ M3 World X Pipe and Test Pipes/ aFe Pro Stage 2 Intake / 19" Advan DZ-DF Forged Wheels wrapped in ContiSport Contact 5P 245/35/19 Fronts & 285/30/19 Rears/ KW Var 3 Coilovers / BPM Sports Stage 2 Tuned/ VAC Rod Bearing Replacement / Throttle Body Actuator Gear Set
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07-22-2015, 09:51 AM	#22
david1504 Private 17 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2011 SG ZCP m3 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Update: checked the connections today, everything is tight. For you guys who have the atak on, do you still have the stock x pipe? One guy at the shop told me to replace the resonators with straight pipes, would that be a good idea to cancel drone? I thought that would make the drone worse , or would that make all the sound go to the mufflers? Last edited by david1504; 07-22-2015 at 08:23 PM..
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