[cstavaru]

Ok, so after installing the Power Kit I figured I need some sound too
I ordered and installed the BMW Performance Exhaust.

In the cabin, if the windows are closed the change in sound is very subtle. No droning, nothing to bother you. The exhaust note is not very deep (in the cabin).

Outside, the sound is very nice and seems very "engineered". Its different from classic aftermarket exhausts. Its not very loud, but it always attracts attention because of the way it sounds, not because of the loudness.

When cruising, the exhaust is barely noticeable at all. Its just like stock, with just a little hint of "something" coming from the rear mufflers. No drone at all.

When accelerating to higher RPMs, the sound is more powerful but I don't really feel that it has made the engine note prettier. The nicer engine note is from 2000 to 4000RPM. After this it feels just like before but louder (from inside the cabin).

If you are in an underground parking, the sound is just incredible !

I didn't expect changes in power, that's why I had some reticence when purchasing the exhaust. But surprisingly, I felt the engine really does breathe better, you just feel there is less restriction. I felt a power increase from midrange (2500RPM) to top, but I don't know if it is real or not. But what I am sure of is that the engine seems significantly less restricted.

So, is it worth the money ? I would say no. Since you are inside the cabin most of the time, the sound improvement is not very significant. Before getting this, definitely get the Power Kit.

Also, if you want a perfectly balanced exhaust, this is it. No drone, Not very loud, but it always atttracts attention because the way it sounds.

Here are a couple of videos shot in an underground parking:
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[marcel b]

nice write up! I have the power kit and exhaust as well and I agree to your findings. I personally love the sound, and I got a lot of possitive feedback, even from strangers. Accelerating next to buildings / a wall or in a tunnel makes me smile big time. I just open the window a bit to enjoy.
I really appreciate the exhaust doesnot drone. It is no problem to drive 300 miles in one go. One point to mention. After driving it for about 11.000 miles now, there is a sligth increase in noice in the cabine around 3000 RPM.

[cstavaru]

Some more findings...the car definitely seems to pull faster. Its like the ECU adapted somewhat...didn't expect this. I will probably do a dyno these days. Also, the cabin sound is not so quiet as it seemed the first time, in second gear you can hear it really nice.

[shifterboy45]

Try making a tunnel pass - either from a stop or 2nd gear and shift to third mid-tunnel -- you will LOVE it

[Robmaster]

you also replace the resonator?

[scott@bmwhn]

The exhaust will take some time to adapt and break in, and it only gets better while doing so

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by Robmaster

you also replace the resonator?

Yes, the BMW Performance Exhaust for the sedan replaces the resonator with an x-pipe.

[Robmaster]

did you disconnect the exhaust valve? (aka Golf-Tee mod)

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by Robmaster

did you disconnect the exhaust valve? (aka Golf-Tee mod)

No and I don't plan to...I did it on the stock exhaust and it droned until I had headaches and had to connect it back Besides, there is plenty of sound with the new exhaust.

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by scott@bmwhn

The exhaust will take some time to adapt and break in, and it only gets better while doing so

+1

Was the same with my Bastuck Quad, it took around 1000km to get to the final exhaust note.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[Robmaster]

i buy a used exhaust with 2000km, so i think it's full broken in...

[XPO186]

Has anyone tried a 2ndary cat delete with the BMW perf exhaust?

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by XPO186

Has anyone tried a 2ndary cat delete with the BMW perf exhaust?

I think I will try, because when installing the performance exhaust, the midpipes get sectioned and its very easy to replace them. But are there sensors detecting the presence/absence of catalytic activity, like on the downpipes ?

[XPO186]

Yes, the O2 sensors are on the DPs only. Pulling the 2ndary cats which are after the downpipes do not affect the O2 sensors.

[5soko]

I am really thinking about picking up the BMW Performance exhaust for my E90 LCI 335i M-sport.

Like the oem look and the sound!

Originally Posted by cstavaru

No and I don't plan to...I did it on the stock exhaust and it droned until I had headaches and had to connect it back Besides, there is plenty of sound with the new exhaust.

The US bmw performance exhausts, do not have the valve for the driver side exhaust, so you cant do the golf tee mod. Only euro performance exhaust have the valve.


I would golf tee mod that exhaust asap.

[Zero.7]

Is there cutting involved when switching the stock exhaust system for the performance exhaust system? Or, is it just a bolt off/bolt on install? I am really on the fence of whether to get the Performance exhaust. Install cost at the dealership is about another $165-200. Just wanted to know how difficult the install is. Thanks.

[Robmaster]

you must cutting the exhaust to install the PP exhaust.

[marcel b]

what I know it is a bolt on for the E92. I am told I can switch back to original without any issues. Didn't look into to this in detail.

[TurboBimmer]

Originally Posted by marcel b

what I know it is a bolt on for the E92. I am told I can switch back to original without any issues. Didn't look into to this in detail.

The original mufflers are cut off on the E92 too and the performance exhaust is attached using clamps and some welding.

[cstavaru]

Originally Posted by Cni2i

Is there cutting involved when switching the stock exhaust system for the performance exhaust system? Or, is it just a bolt off/bolt on install? I am really on the fence of whether to get the Performance exhaust. Install cost at the dealership is about another $165-200. Just wanted to know how difficult the install is. Thanks.

On the sedan, the install involves cutting the original pipes in one place each (no welding !), but after the cutting you can revert back to stock very easily, just use the clamps provided with the Performance Exhaust. Its a very easy swap.

[marcel b]

Originally Posted by cstavaru

On the sedan, the install involves cutting the original pipes in one place each (no welding !), but after the cutting you can revert back to stock very easily, just use the clamps provided with the Performance Exhaust. Its a very easy swap.

sounds indeed logical, as BMW would not deliver a car with a exhaust using clamps

[Robmaster]

you MUST cut the OEM exhaust. and then you can install the PP exhaust with two clamps.
the OEM exhaust is a downpipe back system.