Quote:
Originally Posted by Donia330i
you install it yet?!?
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Man, it's funny you ask. Just got the PE installed yesterday. Are you ready for some negativity?
Well, I'm not impressed with it at all. If time were to go back, I would have scrutinized this purchase a lot more. BUT ... I've only had it for a few hours, and I am sure it will get better as it breaks in. So my initial verdict is "not thrilled". It sounds great when you start it up. The driving experience/exhaust note thus far seems similar to the stock 330i exhaust (which was also sweet). Again, I've only had it for a few hours, so this may all be premature, but it's good to get it all out.
I feel the effect you get from the exhaust is MUCH better from outside the car, ie, pedestrians. It's like I want someone else to drive my car, and I'll chase them to hear how nice the exhaust actually is. That's why all those YouTube videos sound so sweet. You get the effect from the outside, and that is the best it sounds. But when I;m driving my car, I'm usually inside.
Inside the car, you barely hear any difference. I still hear the engine revs to a much greater extent than the exhaust note. I have to roll down my rear windows to begin to hear some of the growl. It sound like an animal to anyone standing on a curb, or outside the car, but the effect from inside the cabin is not so great. Maybe a testament to BMW's noise control inside the cabin? I don't know. We will see how it breaks in.
Mark at
Northeast Motor Werks did the install, and he seems to like it. He says it sounds a bit like an M3 exhaust when you push it around. I am still skeptical. I hope I don't sound like a brat, I'm just trying to be very objective.
NOW, the big issue is this. Anyone having this exhaust shipped should really really examine the box when it arrives, BEFORE opening the package. My box had minor damage from the shipping (I am assuming mishandled by UPS), which did put a little annoying dent in one of the tips. It's annoying, nothing more, but it could have been much worse. Inspect the box before opening anything.
I personally believe this left BMW Monrovia in perfect shape, but was banged-up along the way somehow by UPS. I am not one to make a big deal about small stuff like this, but it should be noted for you guys expecting your exhausts soon. Inspect the box thoroughly prior to installation, and make sure it is ok.
Here are some pics:
