**Autobahn Exotics Exhaust Review**

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2009, 07:23 PM

First off, this review is a little long, but IMO, worth it. Grab a beverage and enjoy!

There are many exhausts on the market and many choices.
The question that one needs to ask before purchasing is, “What does one want from an exhaust?”
Is the only concern the noise and the sound?
Is the concern about the increase in power and torque?
What about the ease of installation and the fitment. Should that be a concern?
If you care about all of the above then I would highly suggest the Autobahn Exotics (AE) exhaust.

I am seriously blown away with how well this exhaust is made and how straight through it is, yet it does such a good job making it sound as good as it does.

AE makes the exhaust with the quad tips as well, and if I had the appropriate bumper, I would have definitely chosen the quad tips. I’ve seen the quad tips in person and they are beautiful!

Installation and Quality

Since this exhaust is in 3 sections, it’s very easy to install each part. The best thing I like about the installation is that each piece is flanged and doesn’t require a slip fit and clamps. I have had my share with exhausts that are slip fitted, and it was alright for the install, but a PITA to take off. Clamps get over tightened and pipes become crimped. I’ve found that there’s a fine line between too loose and leaking to over tightening and crimping. Then again, maybe it’s a personal issue.

The flanged sections prove a point. It proves that AE took their time and did a lot of research with the fitment of this exhaust because there is no room for error. It’s obvious that they didn’t cut any corners whatsoever.
The gaskets that are included are top notch, and the bolts are of perfect size.
I also noticed that AE thought about the way the section 1 pipes connect to the Downpipes. It’s easier to access the bolts. Since I’ve gone through so many arrangements of exhausts, I’ve found that these bolts were usually a pain to get to, but it was quite easy with the AE exhaust. They mandrel bent the pipes in a way where it was easy to get to the bolts.

The pipes are T304 Stainless and all of the sections are mandrel bent. I also really like how the pipes aren’t polished and shiny. Seriously, who cares about the pipes being shiny when you’re never going to see them? I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that I believe that some companies focus too much on how nice and polished their piping is when they should have spent the money in other areas instead of the polishing.

The mufflers are polished and so are the tips. IMO, I could go without polished mufflers as well, but the mufflers do look pretty good from behind. The 3.5” polished stainless steel tips are my favorite, they are resonated so they also play a role with the sound. They just look so fricken cool!

Sound

First off, I have the Ultimate Racing (UR) catless Downpipes (DPs), so by adding the AE exhaust, I went completely catless. I was expecting this exhaust to be unbelievably and unbearably loud. I mean, think about this…I’m going from high flow cats, X pipe, Borla muffler to no cats, no X pipe, no resonators, and just mufflers with resonated tips.
I started it up, and it was a deep mellow sound. It sounded soooo good!
I revved it up and it was perfect!
I let it idle for a bit and then took it for a spin.
This exhaust does exactly what exhausts should do. It’s quiet when you want it to be, and it’s quiet when cruising, but when you get on it, watch out—It screams!
There’s absolutely no rasp! Seriously now, there’s no resonators and no cats, and there’s no rasp? Truly amazing!

The only thing that was bothering me was the emissions. I’m constantly driving the family around and I could smell the CO2 when I would stop for a red light. If I could smell it, I knew that my daughter would be able to smell it, so I opted to install the High Flow Cats (HFCs).
I talked to Nick at AE, and he was saying that the cats that they offer in their HFC version are close to identical to mine. The insides are metallic and configured exactly the same way.

So what changed after I added the cats? Besides the no smell--not a whole lot. The sound dropped a tad and I seriously can’t even tell between power. It feels exactly the same.

IMO, if you are already running catless DPs, I would highly recommend the HFC version of the AE exhaust. You aren’t going to add that much power if anything at all, and you’ll be at least helping a bit with the environment.

Power

I didn’t have the time to do before and after dynos or any before and after ¼ mile runs, but it feels more responsive. I honestly can’t tell between no cats and the high flow cats, so I believe the high flow cats are the way to go.

Why not go with HFC DPs? I had HFC DPs in the past but I read a very informative brief that was written by a Development Engineer from Garrett Turbochargers. In a nut shell, relieving pressure closest to the turbos will create a quicker spool. X pipes or any combination of the exhaust pipes down stream only creates more back pressure. X pipes are great for naturally aspirated engines since there is more of a scavenging affect that is taking place. Unlike Forced Inducted engines, NA cars rely on some back pressure to keep the scavenging going. (For those who are interested in the complete write up by the Garrett Engineer, you can click here)

So, why was I running an X pipe with my previous system? I did it strictly for sound and I have always mentioned that if I didn’t run an X pipe, I would most likely get more power, but it didn’t bother me since I was getting the sound that I desired.
Well now, I can have my cake and eat it too.
I have an unbelievably sounding exhaust, and it flows much better than the previous exhaust.

Conclusion

Sorry if this was too long but there was too much to say. I could go on and on with this exhaust, but the only way for you guys to realize how well it’s made, how good it sounds, and how good it feels—well, you’ll just have to get one for yourself now huh?
AE, thanks for making such a great product!

JPSimon posted movie clips a while back with his completely catless system, but I will be posting what it will sound like with catless DPs and the AE exhaust with HFCs. JPSimon's clips and other AE movie clips can be found here
I’ll take some clips this weekend. If anyone wants to help film or see/hear the exhaust in person that lives in Orange County, let me know.
The movie clips will be updated in this post.

I also added the pictures of the quads for you guys to drool over!

Thanks for reading!

Asclepius · 01-20-2009, 07:34 PM

Excellent write up...if I could afford it, I'd already have this mod a long long time ago

Wickede92 · 01-20-2009, 07:35 PM

sweet....nice write up. i cant wait to see/hear it in action!

Mrbangis · 01-20-2009, 07:36 PM

thanx for the info

MontegoE92 · 01-20-2009, 07:56 PM

Grats! I am gonna order one soon! Do the tips stick out flush with the rear bumper? Is that a stock bumper in the top pics?

lpphreakx06 · 01-20-2009, 07:57 PM

Sound clips asap, more tunnel runs please

Sniz · 01-20-2009, 08:03 PM

nice! Glad you like the exhaust, from the reviews seems to be the best one out there.

mmm def · 01-20-2009, 08:28 PM

Thanks for the review. I have this exhaust as well and I love it!!! Anybody in the NJ area want to check it out, lemme know.

Nick@aep · 01-20-2009, 08:34 PM

Great writeup! Wow! I'm glad youre liking it and like everyone else, I cant wait to see the tunnel runs on video!

Gen_E92 · 01-20-2009, 09:43 PM

congrats on the exhaust...how did you install your own HFC on AE's piping?

jpsimon · 01-20-2009, 10:06 PM

Great review Mr. 5, I couldn't have put any of it better myself (except maybe the smell, it doesn't mother me)! People really need to see/hear this exhaust in person.

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2009, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontegoE92

Grats! I am gonna order one soon! Do the tips stick out flush with the rear bumper? Is that a stock bumper in the top pics?

Yes they are! You see how I could have gone on and on?
I'm sure there's plenty I could have talked about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AoshichanX

Hey, I saw your car on the lift then I looked at your sig. Nice wheels and drop! There no excuse for not getting Mtech anymore. Don't push it back any further! Mtech rear is enough but if you can get the entire kit do it!

Funny. I dont' have a drop but I get that a lot.

If someone were to hook me up with an M tech rear for the quad exhaust then I'll just march back to AE and get the quads!

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen_E92

congrats on the exhaust...how did you install your own HFC on AE's piping?

You can't see the welds?
Welding is the way to go man.

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpsimon

Great review Mr. 5, I couldn't have put any of it better myself (except maybe the smell, it doesn't mother me)! People really need to see/hear this exhaust in person.

Thanks man.
You didn't say it was the "best exhaust yet" for nothing.

jpsimon · 01-20-2009, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Thanks man.
You didn't say it was the "best exhaust yet" for nothing.

I have high standards, and this far exceeds them. It really is such a perfect exhaust for this car

ericsmc83 · 01-20-2009, 10:42 PM

Great review and congrats on the new exhaust!

I find myself driving around with the windows down in sub-freezing temps wearing layered clothing and the heat cranked just so I can hear it. The sound is truly addicting!

Hunter399 · 01-20-2009, 10:46 PM

Very nice write up!

I second everything Mr. 5 has said

The exhaust is top of the line

The sound, fit and finish, EVERYTHING about this exhaust is great.

Im a very happy AE customer!

cn555ic · 01-20-2009, 11:22 PM

Wow nice write-up...would love to hear the sound clips

AV9 · 01-21-2009, 02:11 AM

congrats!
AE is my fav exhaust!

ramorendez · 01-21-2009, 02:14 AM

Great write-up! Looks good!

awei130 · 01-21-2009, 06:03 AM

picking my AE quads with HFC tomorrow and installing it on Saturday and i'm sure i'll love it to death!

Mr. 5 · 01-21-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by awei130

picking my AE quads with HFC tomorrow and installing it on Saturday and i'm sure i'll love it to death!

Awesome man! You're gonna love it!

01-20-2009, 07:23 PM	#1
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 802 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	Autobahn Exotics Exhaust Review First off, this review is a little long, but IMO, worth it. Grab a beverage and enjoy! There are many exhausts on the market and many choices. The question that one needs to ask before purchasing is, “What does one want from an exhaust?” Is the only concern the noise and the sound? Is the concern about the increase in power and torque? What about the ease of installation and the fitment. Should that be a concern? If you care about all of the above then I would highly suggest the Autobahn Exotics (AE) exhaust. I am seriously blown away with how well this exhaust is made and how straight through it is, yet it does such a good job making it sound as good as it does. AE makes the exhaust with the quad tips as well, and if I had the appropriate bumper, I would have definitely chosen the quad tips. I’ve seen the quad tips in person and they are beautiful! Installation and Quality Since this exhaust is in 3 sections, it’s very easy to install each part. The best thing I like about the installation is that each piece is flanged and doesn’t require a slip fit and clamps. I have had my share with exhausts that are slip fitted, and it was alright for the install, but a PITA to take off. Clamps get over tightened and pipes become crimped. I’ve found that there’s a fine line between too loose and leaking to over tightening and crimping. Then again, maybe it’s a personal issue. The flanged sections prove a point. It proves that AE took their time and did a lot of research with the fitment of this exhaust because there is no room for error. It’s obvious that they didn’t cut any corners whatsoever. The gaskets that are included are top notch, and the bolts are of perfect size. I also noticed that AE thought about the way the section 1 pipes connect to the Downpipes. It’s easier to access the bolts. Since I’ve gone through so many arrangements of exhausts, I’ve found that these bolts were usually a pain to get to, but it was quite easy with the AE exhaust. They mandrel bent the pipes in a way where it was easy to get to the bolts. The pipes are T304 Stainless and all of the sections are mandrel bent. I also really like how the pipes aren’t polished and shiny. Seriously, who cares about the pipes being shiny when you’re never going to see them? I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that I believe that some companies focus too much on how nice and polished their piping is when they should have spent the money in other areas instead of the polishing. The mufflers are polished and so are the tips. IMO, I could go without polished mufflers as well, but the mufflers do look pretty good from behind. The 3.5” polished stainless steel tips are my favorite, they are resonated so they also play a role with the sound. They just look so fricken cool! Sound First off, I have the Ultimate Racing (UR) catless Downpipes (DPs), so by adding the AE exhaust, I went completely catless. I was expecting this exhaust to be unbelievably and unbearably loud. I mean, think about this…I’m going from high flow cats, X pipe, Borla muffler to no cats, no X pipe, no resonators, and just mufflers with resonated tips. I started it up, and it was a deep mellow sound. It sounded soooo good! I revved it up and it was perfect! I let it idle for a bit and then took it for a spin. This exhaust does exactly what exhausts should do. It’s quiet when you want it to be, and it’s quiet when cruising, but when you get on it, watch out—It screams! There’s absolutely no rasp! Seriously now, there’s no resonators and no cats, and there’s no rasp? Truly amazing! The only thing that was bothering me was the emissions. I’m constantly driving the family around and I could smell the CO2 when I would stop for a red light. If I could smell it, I knew that my daughter would be able to smell it, so I opted to install the High Flow Cats (HFCs). I talked to Nick at AE, and he was saying that the cats that they offer in their HFC version are close to identical to mine. The insides are metallic and configured exactly the same way. So what changed after I added the cats? Besides the no smell--not a whole lot. The sound dropped a tad and I seriously can’t even tell between power. It feels exactly the same. IMO, if you are already running catless DPs, I would highly recommend the HFC version of the AE exhaust. You aren’t going to add that much power if anything at all, and you’ll be at least helping a bit with the environment. Power I didn’t have the time to do before and after dynos or any before and after ¼ mile runs, but it feels more responsive. I honestly can’t tell between no cats and the high flow cats, so I believe the high flow cats are the way to go. Why not go with HFC DPs? I had HFC DPs in the past but I read a very informative brief that was written by a Development Engineer from Garrett Turbochargers. In a nut shell, relieving pressure closest to the turbos will create a quicker spool. X pipes or any combination of the exhaust pipes down stream only creates more back pressure. X pipes are great for naturally aspirated engines since there is more of a scavenging affect that is taking place. Unlike Forced Inducted engines, NA cars rely on some back pressure to keep the scavenging going. (For those who are interested in the complete write up by the Garrett Engineer, you can click here) So, why was I running an X pipe with my previous system? I did it strictly for sound and I have always mentioned that if I didn’t run an X pipe, I would most likely get more power, but it didn’t bother me since I was getting the sound that I desired. Well now, I can have my cake and eat it too. I have an unbelievably sounding exhaust, and it flows much better than the previous exhaust. Conclusion Sorry if this was too long but there was too much to say. I could go on and on with this exhaust, but the only way for you guys to realize how well it’s made, how good it sounds, and how good it feels—well, you’ll just have to get one for yourself now huh? AE, thanks for making such a great product! JPSimon posted movie clips a while back with his completely catless system, but I will be posting what it will sound like with catless DPs and the AE exhaust with HFCs. JPSimon's clips and other AE movie clips can be found here I’ll take some clips this weekend. If anyone wants to help film or see/hear the exhaust in person that lives in Orange County, let me know. The movie clips will be updated in this post. I also added the pictures of the quads for you guys to drool over! Thanks for reading! Attached Images __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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01-20-2009, 07:34 PM	#2
Asclepius Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,861 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	Excellent write up...if I could afford it, I'd already have this mod a long long time ago
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01-20-2009, 07:35 PM	#3
Wickede92 Captain 17 Rep 669 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3)	sweet....nice write up. i cant wait to see/hear it in action!
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01-20-2009, 07:36 PM	#4
Mrbangis Lieutenant Colonel 193 Rep 1,703 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 GrigioTelesto Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (3)	thanx for the info
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01-20-2009, 07:56 PM	#5
MontegoE92 Private First Class 13 Rep 103 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chandler, AZ iTrader: (1)	Grats! I am gonna order one soon! Do the tips stick out flush with the rear bumper? Is that a stock bumper in the top pics?
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01-20-2009, 07:57 PM	#6
lpphreakx06 Professional Moose Racer 327 Rep 7,509 Posts Drives: SG 335i E92 RIP + 2015 SS M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (25)	Sound clips asap, more tunnel runs please __________________ Visit my blog anytime: http://www.sfpayments.com BMW Dream Team PNW Chapter, member #1 \|HP Autowerks \| AR DESIGN \| BMW PERFORMANCE \| STOP TECH \| Volk Racing\| AMS \| ARKYM
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01-20-2009, 08:03 PM	#7
Sniz Lieutenant General 682 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	nice! Glad you like the exhaust, from the reviews seems to be the best one out there. __________________
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01-20-2009, 08:28 PM	#8
mmm def Colonel 147 Rep 2,611 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the review. I have this exhaust as well and I love it!!! Anybody in the NJ area want to check it out, lemme know.
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01-20-2009, 08:34 PM	#9
Nick@aep Team Zissou 138 Rep 1,426 Posts Drives: Past: E92 335i 6mt, 996 GT2 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (6)	Great writeup! Wow! I'm glad youre liking it and like everyone else, I cant wait to see the tunnel runs on video! __________________ Formerly Known As: Nick@AEPerformance Drive ALL Out Foundation
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01-20-2009, 09:43 PM	#10
Gen_E92 Brigadier General 121 Rep 3,430 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 335i [7.80]	congrats on the exhaust...how did you install your own HFC on AE's piping?
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01-20-2009, 10:06 PM	#11
jpsimon Team Zissou 3163 Rep 10,200 Posts Drives: 2022 AWD M3 Comp - SMB Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (7)	Great review Mr. 5, I couldn't have put any of it better myself (except maybe the smell, it doesn't mother me)! People really need to see/hear this exhaust in person.
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01-20-2009, 10:42 PM	#16
ericsmc83 Captain 66 Rep 986 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i MT Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV iTrader: (9)	Great review and congrats on the new exhaust! I find myself driving around with the windows down in sub-freezing temps wearing layered clothing and the heat cranked just so I can hear it. The sound is truly addicting! __________________ 2008 E92 MT \| VTT Stage 2+ 20T \| VTT Inlets \| JB4 MHD E85 \| Fuel-It Stage 3 LPFP w/FPR and Return \| BMS PI \| AR DP \| AE Quad Exhaust \| Helix FMIC \| ER CP \| Tial BOV \| DCI \| AR OCC \| Spec Stage 3+ \| SMFW
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01-20-2009, 10:46 PM	#17
Hunter399 Major General 336 Rep 8,088 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	Very nice write up! I second everything Mr. 5 has said The exhaust is top of the line The sound, fit and finish, EVERYTHING about this exhaust is great. Im a very happy AE customer!
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01-20-2009, 11:22 PM	#18
cn555ic 464 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Wow nice write-up...would love to hear the sound clips
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01-21-2009, 02:11 AM	#19
AV9 Brigadier General 140 Rep 4,310 Posts Drives: 2009 e92 m3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: OC/SD iTrader: (7)	congrats! AE is my fav exhaust!
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01-21-2009, 02:14 AM	#20
ramorendez Second Lieutenant 3 Rep 279 Posts Drives: Subie Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Great write-up! Looks good!
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01-21-2009, 06:03 AM	#21
awei130 Banned 212 Rep 2,490 Posts Drives: E46, E92, 987 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (19)	picking my AE quads with HFC tomorrow and installing it on Saturday and i'm sure i'll love it to death!
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