E92 M3 from Canberra

[DaveDee]

Originally Posted by JJH

It's been about a week since the install of the M3World rear section exhaust and I've had the chance to take the M3 out a few times now. There is little doubt it is now an awesome sounding beast. But certainly one with two characters because of the valves.

I had a huge smile on my dial when I first started it up at the shop carpark ... man, what a sound! It certainly hit the spot as that was the exhaust character I had been wanting the whole time. This was the default valves closed mode! That beautiful, distinctive V8 burble clearly audible from inside and yet not overbearing - just perfect; finally the car has that bassy rumble which was missing even with the catted resonated x-pipe. On the go, the note and volume is perfect - it's there but it would never get in the way of any normal conversation with a front seat passenger. Partner friendly? Tick! Get on the loud pedal and it howls like a V8 should.

Valves open unleashes the beast! The difference between modes is really noticeable. The exhaust is naturally louder in open mode but I would say not at all over-the-top loud and frankly, I am conservative when it comes to this. It truly gives the M3 that V8 powerhouse sound and character the like I have not experienced before. It's that good!

Happy? That's a resounding yes. The valved rear section paired with the x-pipe seems a perfect match - no drone or unpleasant noises in open or closed mode, a very small hint of resonance as revs build just after moving off in open mode only — but it is not intrusive and you pass through that point quickly anyway. Around town with valves closed, you'd probably pass by relatively unnoticed. Then again, if making a statement is your thing, just open them valves and watch roadside wildlife run for cover! At freeway cruising speeds in either mode, the sound is there but appropriately in the background. Ah but that proper V8 sound!

As a side note, I've experienced the rear exhaust on an E90 M3 with the factory x-pipe. Interestingly, while sounding great, the one thing I noticed was that the system on that car tended to be 'boomy' and droned at certain RPMs. Not so in mine. I guess some amount of work must have gone into sorting that.

I need to have some slight adjustment made to the left side but that should be a quick job. I'm still playing with the adjustment on the tips, which is a simple task as they are designed to be fully adjustable.

Wow thanks for taking the time to write up such an awesome review! Most important that it hits the spot for you.
Generally X pipes increase drone and volume but a lot of R&D went into the X pipe to make sure it was not a lot louder than stock but has better frequency filtering = less drone than a stock X pipe. At the same time it had to increase power and deliver a really good sound. The stock X is not really intended to quieten the exhaust so much, relying on the silver sack instead, but add just a rear section and its hard to avoid drone and maintain a good traditional V8 sound with a stock X. Following your experience I'd always recommend the path you chose, getting the X-Pipe first with tune and top it off with the valved rear.
I'll get the fabricator to look at the photo, but it looks like the left muffler may need a slight rotation.
Again thanks Jon for such a great review

[Geoff40]

Nice rear end JJH http://www.m3post.com/forums/images/smilies/w00t.gif
Here is my IB E90

[JJH]

Originally Posted by Geoff40

Here is my IB E90

Thanks Geoff!

[JJH]

Thanks Dave, as you can gather, I'm pleased!

Originally Posted by DaveDee

..... but it looks like the left muffler may need a slight rotation.

Yup, that's exactly what I was referring to - should be relatively simple.

[JJH]

It was a matter of when, rather than if, it would start to drizzle but the German Auto Day went ahead here in Canberra yesterday. This is an annual gathering of the German car clubs of the ACT for a public display for charity. Four other local M3Post members joined me and those of the BMW Car Club Canberra in the BMW line up.

It was great to meet up and put faces to BanjoPaterson, Geoff40, Jerez_M3_Sean and Skolmore. Guest of event sponsor Shannons was Jim Richards – he brought along the stunning JPS liveried E30 M3 he drove (and now owns) in the 1987 Australian Touring Car Championship.

[DaveDee]

Great turnout Jon. A few of you guys should come up next year to the annual Morgan Park track weekend

[JJH]

Originally Posted by DaveDee

Great turnout Jon. A few of you guys should come up next year to the annual Morgan Park track weekend

Some of us did talk about events closer to home ... Wakefield Park, Sydney Motorsport Park and Philip Island!!

[BanjoPaterson]

Originally Posted by JJH

Some of us did talk about events closer to home ... Wakefield Park, Sydney Motorsport Park and Philip Island!!

Also to add my thank you for organising the event! I thoroughly enjoyed the day and, encouraged by yourself and other owners I met on the day, have decided to take my car to the track in 2017.

I know, I know. Why buy an M3 and NOT track it... dunno. Failure in the courage department, I suppose.

At any rate - I look forward to keeping in contact with everyone... maybe even a few track tips, too!

[Kobyashi]

Originally Posted by JJH

I'm Interlagos Blue (mid-blue) and usually around the city area but I will look out for you! I spotted another white E92 with ACT '33' plates earlier today - you are right, they are breeding locally!

+1 I've added another to Canberra. I picked up my white E92 pure few weeks ago from Orange with 13,000km on the ODO. Its such a great car I'm not surprised they are breeding here in ACT. I'll keep an eye out for your beaut looking blue coupe.

[Geoff40]

Welcome Kobyashi

[JJH]

Originally Posted by Kobyashi

..... I'm not surprised they are breeding here in ACT.

Welcome to the club!

[JJH]

One for you DCT guys. I finally fitted the PedalHaus paddle shifters (that match the pedal covers and footrest). I love the feel of them and they certainly make operating the paddles much easier when the steering wheel is off centre. The brushed black finish is classy too .

[Kobyashi]

Originally Posted by JJH

One for you DCT guys. I finally fitted the PedalHaus paddle shifters (that match the pedal covers and footrest). I love the feel of them and they certainly make operating the paddles much easier when the steering wheel is off centre. The brushed black finish is classy too .

Sweet pic ! Love the new paddles

[JJH]

It's been a while since I posted some photos, so here are a few I took on a local drive.

[Geoff40]

[DaveDee]

Looks first class Jon. Tasteful yet aggressive mods that really enhance. Sets a high benchmark

[Ingenio]

looking good!!!

[Kobyashi]

Looking good Jon !

[Alpine*]

Very nice JJ, will keep an eye out round town, I'm in the Kingston area.

Love the colour, really miss my storm trooper E92, enjoy!

[JJH]

As with all my previous cars, I like to play around with different looks in terms of wheel/tyre set-up. The M3 is no different and I recently decided on a major shift, moving to 18s from 19s. I loved the look of the BBS RI-As when I came across it on the main forum. The matt silver finish on the BBS wheels are flawless; and barely any balance weights are required. Combined with fat tyres, I decided to go for it.

I'd agree it is not as an "aggressive" look as the arch filling 19s when compared to my previous setup, but I personally prefer it. It has many benefits - the main ones are that on the road, the ride comfort is a noticeable improvement while grip levels, with Michelin PSS, is equal to the previous set. A win as far as I am concerned.

[DR-JEKL]

Wow they look great Jon!

What are the rim specs? Did you get a chance to weigh them with the tyres fitted?

[JJH]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

Wow they look great Jon!

What are the rim specs? Did you get a chance to weigh them with the tyres fitted?

Thanks Shane. The wheel specs are 18 x 9.5 ET23 (with PSS 265/35X18) and 18 x 10.5 ET25 (with PSS 285/35X18). It did not occur to me to weigh them but being forged, they are amazingly lighter than the previous VMRs. Of course 18" tyres are also lighter as well. This is by the old fashioned arm lift test .... but honestly, it was quite noticeable.

Update: BBS specs say these RI-As come in at 18.9 lbs front, 19.6 lbs rear.