[Gemballa1980]

Hi all,

I’m in the market for a new exhaust for my E90 335i.

I’m just after others opinions on ‘Off the shelf’ vs custom options.

Off the shelf being pre-made setups from the likes of Supersprint, Meisterschaft, BMW Performance and ‘custom’ being – well, just that.

I’m finding it hard deciding on ‘off the shelf’ systems, as they cost close to twice as much as a custom system, however most clips on youtube sound different, so I won’t be 100% sure of what I’m getting until it’s on the car.. (and I don’t know any other 335i owners in Canberra that have systems installed).

As for ‘custom’ options, I guess I’m in the same boat in that I won’t know what it sounds like, however I guess I have the option of swapping out mufflers if I don’t like the setup.

To be honest, the best sounding exhaust I’ve heard so far has been the BMW performance exhaust, however I can’t justify spending over 2k on an OEM part that (probably) weighs just as much as the stocker.

What I’m leaning towards at the moment (depending on peoples advice) is getting a Supersprint rear setup and going with a custom made mid-pipe. The “Supersprint” mid-pipe is $895, however could probably get the same thing made for $300. Any issues with this?

Also - I’d probably leave the stock cats in place – Thoughts?

Lastly, Would I be better off just changing the dump/down pipes rather than cat-back? I’m mainly after the sound rather than the HP gain (for now), but always up for suggestions.

Thanks!

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Welcome to the forums!

My thoughts:

- N54s will never have a truly nice sounding exhaust note
- Off the shelf systems do cost a lot, those are all brand names you've mentioned... there are some cheaper brands out there that are 'off the shelf' but will differ in sound/quality
- I agree in that BMW Perf sounds the best
- Custom mid pipe: no issues with that at all
- Cats: your car has two pairs, the 'primaries' located in the downpipe, and the secondaries located in the mid pipes. If going custom, you'd probably end up going with 'straight' midpipes unless you get catted custom mids (to which there's not much point)
- Downpipes do change the sound a little, but they're mainly put in for power as they give a healthy boost to your kw count.

For sound, start with the rear muffler, then mid section, then downpipes.

For power, start with the downpipes, then mid section, then muffler.

[Gemballa1980]

Thanks! I dare say I'll be spending a fair bit more time here...

Just curious: To keep it legal, are both sets of cats required, or just one?

Also keeping that in mind, if only one set are required, am I right in assuming that most get catless downpipes and keep the secondaries? Or the other way around?

How restrictive are the secondaries?

Also as a side note (already checked out bmrautowerkes.com.au and will be grabbing some BMS 4 LED H8's shortly) do you actually stock the 335i BMW performance exhaust? Or even E90 Blacklines?

Thanks again!

[John_01]

Originally Posted by Gemballa1980

Also keeping that in mind, if only one set are required, am I right in assuming that most get catless downpipes and keep the secondaries? Or the other way around?

Both ways are possible. It depends on what your priorities are. If you want to get the most power in a tuned application, then catless down-pipes allow the biggest power gain. In that case you need to run a tune that will prevent your car from throwing a code. Otherwise some people have wired in "O2 simulator" electronics to avoid the codes, but I don't know if there are any issues. Deleting the secondary cats won't have so much performance gain, but its a *much* easier and cheaper installation and won't cause issues with the stock ECU.

[kOncept]

This is what I found while looking at exhausts.

My favourites are BMW PE, Eisenmann Race or the Meisterschaft in that video.

I'd also like to know if Stu stocks the BMW PE!

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

Originally Posted by Gemballa1980

Thanks! I dare say I'll be spending a fair bit more time here...

Just curious: To keep it legal, are both sets of cats required, or just one?

Also keeping that in mind, if only one set are required, am I right in assuming that most get catless downpipes and keep the secondaries? Or the other way around?

How restrictive are the secondaries?

Also as a side note (already checked out bmrautowerkes.com.au and will be grabbing some BMS 4 LED H8's shortly) do you actually stock the 335i BMW performance exhaust? Or even E90 Blacklines?

Thanks again!

Technically I think both sets are required... you're correct in that most people tend to get catless DPs and leave the secondaries in place. The secondaries aren't overly restrictive, if talking power, 5kw maybe (?).
You might be surprised at how much the DPs change the exhaust note, it is rather noticeable.

No 335i Perf Exhaust in stock but I can get it in.
No E90 Blacklines in stock but I can get it in.

With the BMS 4LEDs, I personally don't think they light up the outer ring enough, the LUX do a much better job at this.. but are ~$120 more expensive.

Any other q's, you can email me stuart at bmrautowerkes.com.au

[BMA-E92]

At bmroxm5 -
what do you think about the Akrapovic stainless steel system ?? Mine is a 2010 E92 335i with the N55 motor.
I would realy love the titanium system but thats way out of my budget.

[benzy89]

Originally Posted by MA-335

At bmroxm5 -
what do you think about the Akrapovic stainless steel system ?? Mine is a 2010 E92 335i with the N55 motor.
I would realy love the titanium system but thats way out of my budget.

CBE's for the 335 (N54/N55) are a waste of money IMHO. Because the performance gains are so low, you're spending over $1k on something that's just going to change the sound of the exhaust. If you decide to go completely catless (Akra Evo System, Vanguard, AA, etc), chances are high that you'll get lots of highway drone & will just end up spending more money on buying & installing resonators.

If you have money to burn & really want to change the sound of your car, catless DPs or slip-on mufflers are your best bet (BMW PE, UUC/Corsa, Akra Slip-On, Eisenmann, Remus)

[BMA-E92]

Thanks for that - benzy89

[mmmmQuattro]

I just did cat less down pipes with the proceed and the stock exhaust.
Should is much much nicer once it is warmed up.
Not really worth going for aftermarket exhaust in my opinion.