Headers Upgrade for E90 328i X

Dlasko71 · 04-23-2015, 07:39 PM

Pretext- Car: 2011 Bmw 328I x with N51 engine. (3 stage manifold built in.)

I have two possible set ups I'm considering...

First: AFE twisted steel headers with a Bmw perf exhaust.
Total cost: (including labor for exhaust) $2600 M/L. (ballpark estimate)
(A 50/50 of performance and sound)

OR

Second: AA Headers, AA Tune, Stock Exhaust.
Total Cost: $1760 (More bang for your buck)

I've heard the AA headers with the BMW perf exhaust and personally Its just not what I'm looking for. For that reason, I would keep the stock exhaust for set up no. 2. Plus, i would prefer to keep the cats on due to emissions, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if I dumped them with the AA headers. (I'm no tree hugger, but i do believe we should all do our part in keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum.)

I'm really torn between the two. A lot of people have a similar set up, but have removed either the primary or the secondary cats.

Need your opinions!!

Mike. · 04-23-2015, 07:44 PM

Im actually going to say option number two, but keep the secondary cats. I doubt you will want your car to be ridiculously loud...or smell like a dirt bike

Taskmaster · 04-23-2015, 08:10 PM

The PE doesn't add any power, and I would be HAPPY to design a low cost alternative that adds power and sounds good for you.

Otherwise, I would do the AFE headers+Tune and a custom exhaust. You'll sound good, keep your carbon footprint small and best of all, gain power.

Dlasko71 · 04-24-2015, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.

Im actually going to say option number two, but keep the secondary cats. I doubt you will want your car to be ridiculously loud...or smell like a dirt bike

I noticed you also have a 328I x drive automatic. (I forgot to mention my car is automatic.) And have done a decent amount of bolt on modifications. With everything you have done, did your "butt" dyno really notice a marginal difference when adding the AA headers and tune?

I love the 328i, but I'm always wanting just a bit more from her. Does having these upgrades "fix" what bmw should have done from the beginning? (I.E. Laggy gas pedal and low end torque.)

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 08:21 AM

Check the first and second page. We just had a few awesome discussions and threads on this topic (in mixture with AA tunes).

Edit, but my opinion:

AFE headers, 330 manifold then finish it with a tune. Kill second cats and you're gold. No CEL, no emissions issues, nothing. Plus, you're gaining a great % of power with those three in the mix.

Mike. · 04-24-2015, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dlasko71

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.

Im actually going to say option number two, but keep the secondary cats. I doubt you will want your car to be ridiculously loud...or smell like a dirt bike

I noticed you also have a 328I x drive automatic. (I forgot to mention my car is automatic.) And have done a decent amount of bolt on modifications. With everything you have done, did your "butt" dyno really notice a marginal difference when adding the AA headers and tune?

I love the 328i, but I'm always wanting just a bit more from her. Does having these upgrades "fix" what bmw should have done from the beginning? (I.E. Laggy gas pedal and low end torque.)

Yes, I love them. It was well worth the money.

TheSt|G · 04-24-2015, 09:37 AM

Cat deleting headers /= stinky car, as someone who has had them for over 2 years. You retain the secondaries and they work well enough that I have never noticed any odor.

Has anyone actually purchased the AFE headers?

Tom Droze · 04-24-2015, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Cat deleting headers /= stinky car, as someone who has had them for over 2 years. You retain the secondaries and they work well enough that I have never noticed any odor.

Has anyone actually purchased the AFE headers?

I believe mmmnot has AFE catted headers and mine arrive today along with the Supersprint mid pipes for the secondary cat delete. Should be an interesting exhaust note with the PE.

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Has anyone actually purchased the AFE headers?

I've been tooting my horn on the AFE headers in multiple posts.

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Droze

I believe mmmnot has AFE catted headers and mine arrive today along with the Supersprint mid pipes for the secondary cat delete. Should be an interesting exhaust note with the PE.

That's what I did, SS 2nd delete. I actually like the smell.

It will be slightly raspy and you'll get some nice crackle and pops.

94marcus · 04-24-2015, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmnot

I've been tooting my horn on the AFE headers in multiple posts.

haha honestly you should just start an AFE headers thread with your dynos and stuff

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94marcus

haha honestly you should just start an AFE headers thread with your dynos and stuff

Ha, I prefer this way. It forces me to read other stuff and thus, learn a little. Plus, HELLO POST COUNT.

TheSt|G · 04-24-2015, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94marcus

haha honestly you should just start an AFE headers thread with your dynos and stuff

Yup.

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Yup.

Okay, okay - only because my idol had to say so.

Some say his gentle suggestions on the forums can sway a straight mans sexuality. I call him TheSt|G.

The only reason I did not initially, is because I do not want to be though of as a troll AFE sent him to hype items. Let me put this work aside and come up with a proper thread here.

Mike. · 04-24-2015, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmnot

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Yup.

Okay, okay - only because my idol had to say so.

Some say his gentle suggestions on the forums can sway a straight mans sexuality. I call him TheSt|G.

The only reason I did not initially, is because I do not want to be though of as a troll AFE sent him to hype items. Let me put this work aside and come up with a proper thread here.

Uh

mmmnot · 04-24-2015, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike.

Uh

It's Friday, man. Give a brother a break.

Thread created though: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1119169

TheSt|G · 04-27-2015, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmmnot

Okay, okay - only because my idol had to say so.

Some say his gentle suggestions on the forums can sway a straight mans sexuality. I call him TheSt|G.

The only reason I did not initially, is because I do not want to be though of as a troll AFE sent him to hype items. Let me put this work aside and come up with a proper thread here.

I already have that label for Supersprint products, join the club.

andrey_gta · 04-27-2015, 04:16 PM

IX may have fitment issues in the bottom...

Dlasko71 · 04-28-2015, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrey_gta

IX may have fitment issues in the bottom...

pertaining to which setup? Mike has an XI with AA headers and Bmw perf exhaust. I would assume he would have brought this to my attention.

Mike. · 04-28-2015, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dlasko71

pertaining to which setup? Mike has an XI with AA headers and Bmw perf exhaust. I would assume he would have brought this to my attention.

no issues, they bolt straight up. Just a few tough bolts to get off

Tom Droze · 05-04-2015, 09:35 PM

I have installed the AFE catted headers, I have the PE, and when I had the headers installed I was running with the secondary cats deleted. I can tell you for facts certain the car is way too loud with this set up and it's not even a cool loud. I had 9 inch resonators installed in the Supersprint mid pipes and that only marginally helped with the noise. I then removed the mid pipes and reinstalled the secondary cats and this has produced the best sound so far... until you hit about 4,000 RPM and then it's fart pipe city. Based on my experience and what I have read in doing my research, if you install the AFE catted headers, I would leave the rest of the exhaust stock, unless you like obnoxious noise. I will be making additional exhaust changes here shortly, but I am just trying to get my head around my next move.

Taskmaster · 05-04-2015, 09:56 PM

What about stock muffler, AFE headers and SS mids?

04-23-2015, 07:39 PM	#1
Dlasko71 Private First Class 20 Rep 134 Posts Drives: AA tuned '11 E90 328i x-drive Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Morgantown, WV iTrader: (0)	Headers Upgrade for E90 328i X Pretext- Car: 2011 Bmw 328I x with N51 engine. (3 stage manifold built in.) I have two possible set ups I'm considering... First: AFE twisted steel headers with a Bmw perf exhaust. Total cost: (including labor for exhaust) $2600 M/L. (ballpark estimate) (A 50/50 of performance and sound) OR Second: AA Headers, AA Tune, Stock Exhaust. Total Cost: $1760 (More bang for your buck) I've heard the AA headers with the BMW perf exhaust and personally Its just not what I'm looking for. For that reason, I would keep the stock exhaust for set up no. 2. Plus, i would prefer to keep the cats on due to emissions, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it if I dumped them with the AA headers. (I'm no tree hugger, but i do believe we should all do our part in keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum.) I'm really torn between the two. A lot of people have a similar set up, but have removed either the primary or the secondary cats. Need your opinions!!
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04-23-2015, 07:44 PM	#2
Mike. Mike: Everyone's Pal 2042 Rep 2,972 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Eastern Long Island iTrader: (5) Garage List 2013 BMW 335xi [10.00]	Im actually going to say option number two, but keep the secondary cats. I doubt you will want your car to be ridiculously loud...or smell like a dirt bike __________________ Alpine MSS Stage 2+ E30 tune\|MST Intakes\|VRSF Single Mid Pipe\|Agency Power Intercooler\|VTT Full solution crank hub fix
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04-23-2015, 08:10 PM	#3
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	The PE doesn't add any power, and I would be HAPPY to design a low cost alternative that adds power and sounds good for you. Otherwise, I would do the AFE headers+Tune and a custom exhaust. You'll sound good, keep your carbon footprint small and best of all, gain power.
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04-24-2015, 08:21 AM	#5
mmmnot Custom User Title 412 Rep 1,337 Posts Drives: E92 328i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hotlanta iTrader: (2)	Check the first and second page. We just had a few awesome discussions and threads on this topic (in mixture with AA tunes). Edit, but my opinion: AFE headers, 330 manifold then finish it with a tune. Kill second cats and you're gold. No CEL, no emissions issues, nothing. Plus, you're gaining a great % of power with those three in the mix. __________________ My "build" thread
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04-24-2015, 09:37 AM	#7
TheSt\|G Resident Tamed Racing Driver 298 Rep 4,697 Posts Drives: 911, 130is, E39 M5, E36 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Outside Philly iTrader: (2)	Cat deleting headers /= stinky car, as someone who has had them for over 2 years. You retain the secondaries and they work well enough that I have never noticed any odor. Has anyone actually purchased the AFE headers? __________________ 2005 E46 M3 Interlagos/Cinnamon with Sunroof Delete
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04-27-2015, 04:16 PM	#18
andrey_gta Brigadier General 298 Rep 4,040 Posts Drives: 130i coupé ;) Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bimmerpost iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [10.00]	IX may have fitment issues in the bottom... __________________ 128i Sport 6MT converted to Euro 130i spec, 3.73 diff, tuned by evolve ~220 whp 207 wtq(ft-lb) SAE In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is
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05-04-2015, 09:35 PM	#21
Tom Droze Major 413 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 328i (e92) Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona iTrader: (0)	I have installed the AFE catted headers, I have the PE, and when I had the headers installed I was running with the secondary cats deleted. I can tell you for facts certain the car is way too loud with this set up and it's not even a cool loud. I had 9 inch resonators installed in the Supersprint mid pipes and that only marginally helped with the noise. I then removed the mid pipes and reinstalled the secondary cats and this has produced the best sound so far... until you hit about 4,000 RPM and then it's fart pipe city. Based on my experience and what I have read in doing my research, if you install the AFE catted headers, I would leave the rest of the exhaust stock, unless you like obnoxious noise. I will be making additional exhaust changes here shortly, but I am just trying to get my head around my next move. __________________ 2012 Jet Black 328i Coupe / ESS Tuning Gen. 2 Supercharger / Evolution Racewerks Oil Cooler / BMS Oil Catch Can / BMW Performance Exhaust with Dinan Y Pipe / Eibach Pro Kit Springs / Koni FSD Shocks / MFactory LSD & Differential Bushings / Performance Rear Trailing Arms / BMW Performance Strut Brace / Stop Tech Slotted Rotors / Hawk HPS 5.0 / SS Brake Lines / Brass Guide Pins / M3 Front Control Arms, 28 MM FSB, Engine Cowl, and DCT Paddle Shifters / Michelin PSS / APEX ARC-8
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05-04-2015, 09:56 PM	#22
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	What about stock muffler, AFE headers and SS mids?
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