Bmw Performance Exhaust Review (pictures & Video)

645Nm · 07-13-2009, 06:47 PM

The 335/135/535 community is spoilt for choice when it comes to exhaust modifications.
Sport or racing, cat-back, axle-back, single and quad mufflers, downpipes, mid pipes, straight pipes, catless or catted, complete exhaust systems, larger exit tips, stainless steel or black polished, to the rare titanium tipped ones.

Modifying the exhaust is probably the most important power mod to consider before anything else. During 2007, I saw a 335 coupe in Austria with an Eisenmann race exhaust and could never get the amazing raw and guttural sound out of my head and soul. It was “love of sound @ first sight" before performance but of course if one could get both even better!
Three months ago, I shopped around for the Eisenmann and was able to get a good price but eventually decided on the BMW performance exhaust, because even though I preferred the Eisenmann race version (it suited my personality) I was not sure if the family would be able to live with the loud, daring sound in the long term.
It took awhile to see and hear decent YouTube videos of the BMW performance exhaust but I read the excellent e90post BMW exhaust review and pulled the trigger: (http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234838&referrerid=43021).

In fact, YouTube videos of the BMW performance exhaust is not convincing and does not do justice to the unique sound. I compiled a few pictures and video clips and hope it will at least give an idea of what to expect.
Neither does the BMW international website have decent descriptions/pictures or reviews of their performance products especially of its performance exhausts and I think this is unfortunate for a company that supposedly spends so much on marketing its cars. The thumbnail picture and brief description of the BMW performance exhaust (on the BMW website) compared to the marketing of Eisenmann and other brands leave much to be desired.
On first sight the performance exhaust looks completely stock and does not “look” the heavy price tag. The mufflers and X pipes are not the good looking crafted polished types either such as Active Autowerke, Remus or even RissRacing.

Except for the corrosion resistant chrome-plated stainless steel tail tips everything else looks stock. The chrome tips are far more attractive compared to stock though, but are also the same size in diameter as the stock tips (80mm exactly; the stock outlet tips are just thicker). I would have preferred larger and more aggressive tail tips (101mm) to fill the diffuser openings more completely. For the adventurous: since the performance tips are the same as stock one could consider the Bimmian Dimisa aftermarket tips with 90mm and 101mm diameter – this could be interesting?

The performance exhaust comes with two silencers or mufflers (separated) and two mid pipes running from the second cats connected by an X pipe which replaces the stock resonator. The pipes are bolted together with 10 clamps (instead of flanges) which alone will set you back over $600 (R4,000).

The performance exhaust improves air and gas flow and reduces backpressure. BMW claims a weight saving compared to stock and when I held (tried) the two exhausts in my hands (one after the other) I could certainly feel the significant weight difference in favour of the performance exhaust.
The installation was done by my local BMW dealer and took about 2 hours. The stock exhaust had to be cut (after the second cat) to attach the new exhaust (see picture inserts) but is essentially a perfect fit.
The sound has been described as deep, moving and spine-tingling, with an aggressive engine note! Which is all true! But it is the beautiful sounds and tone through the rev range that excites; growling and roaring at low revs with howling crescendos at higher revs. There is zero drone in the cabin, just the pleasing sounds of the exhaust. At cruising speeds the exhaust sound is almost completely stock but wakes up with the slightest touch of the throttle.
Those with manual transmission will have fun tapping the throttle/revving at every occasion. The car is loud from the outside and can be heard from a long distance but is not annoying, just enough to draw attention. With an aftermarket DP the sound will certainly be much louder. The JB3 tune detects the performance exhaust and on map 6 the sound is louder (in cabin and outside) and simply amazing!
The car pulls stronger, which is very noticeable in DC mode with the rev needle zipping easily to 5000rpms. I have been driving it for two months and the exhaust has settled and opened up nicely.
This BMW performance exhaust system will NOT disappoint!

I am pleased with the performance of the exhaust but cannot really reconcile the BMW steep price compared with other quality performance exhausts on the market. And most other aftermarket performance exhausts are also complete units without the need for expensive clamps in between the mufflers and between the mufflers and the mid pipes.

I guess the BMW product warranty as well as its two year installation guarantee justifies the total cost.

Hmmm.....Okay, there are those moments when I am at a traffic light and a boy racer next to me revs up his tinny exhaust... that I wish (just briefly) I had the Eisenmann race sound to scare the hell out of him...

So enjoy the pics and video....

645Nm · 07-13-2009, 06:50 PM

Here is a picture of the stock BMW exhaust..

vgame64 · 07-13-2009, 06:53 PM

Thanks

ManyMoonsAgo · 07-13-2009, 06:56 PM

Great write-up. I too greatly enjoy the BMW Performance Exhaust on my coupe - the sound is exactly what I had hoped it to be!

Joeb427 · 07-13-2009, 06:57 PM

Nice write up and pics.

Your decription of the sound and non droning is said by many and what I'm looking for in a system.
Looking forward to getting mine which is on order from Tischer.
You mentioned Dimisa tips.I did order 3.5" DiMisa tips this afternoon which I feel will look much better than the stock look.

645Nm · 07-13-2009, 07:02 PM

Thanks guys. Now to get the videos up...

645Nm · 07-13-2009, 07:30 PM

Sorry guys got too much flack...only two video clips remaining...

Exhaust revving:

A short clip of stunning tail-tip and exhaust still in the box:

skoot3r · 07-13-2009, 07:44 PM

the fin you have on the back is

...

dmurray14 · 07-13-2009, 07:59 PM

No, the M badge you have on the back is

Exhaust sounds great though!

TwinTurboXI · 07-13-2009, 08:06 PM

Great review, Sounds sick.

Now get rid of the M badge and that whale spoiler...

MuchMoore · 07-13-2009, 08:25 PM

Great review any videos!

Any way you could take one of the car in Manual mode? I think we'd get a better idea of how the exhaust sounds throughout the rev range that way. Leaving it in D or DS really kills the note when the car shifts.

King335i · 07-13-2009, 08:29 PM

+1

Exhaust sounds good.

M badge doesn't fit at all, spoiler is just plain bad...But, if you like it I guess that's all that really matters..

Boost Gomez · 07-13-2009, 08:47 PM

You are going to be flamed for the M badge. Just a warning.

Edit: Is that a sticker?

AlpineG05 · 07-13-2009, 09:15 PM

that spoiler has to go and that M sticker or whatever as well. nice exhaust though sounds good.

cn555ic · 07-13-2009, 09:28 PM

I am not completely sold on this exhaust....it looks so similar to the oem exhaust except for the lack of the resonator and the chrome tip but the hefty price tag is a turnoff..It does sound good and there is more of a rumble compared to the OEM exhaust, but nothing bone jarring. I mean really any exhaust will sound better if you took off the resonator!!!...That wing is definitely different, although I am not sure it works well with our cars....The M badge is down right bad!

Topless 335i · 07-13-2009, 09:35 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. I can't decide between the eisenmann race and BMW Perf exhaust. The eisenmann race is by far the best sounding exhaust but it's going to drone really badly in an AT. Does this exhaust ever sound too tame?

cn555ic · 07-13-2009, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topless 335i

I'm in the same boat as you. I can't decide between the eisenmann race and BMW Perf exhaust. The eisenmann race is by far the best sounding exhaust but it's going to drone really badly in an AT. Does this exhaust ever sound too tame?

I have the CPE exhaust on my E93 AT and it sounds amazing to the point where I really don't listen to music anymore! AE also has an exhaust that is similar which is made for the E93 which has a slight almost non-existent drone...I would think the BMW Perf exhaust after listening to one would be too tame for me...it has almost a raspy tone to it and not the deep throaty note that most people would want! This is my opinion on this exhaust, while others will love the shit out of it, for me after hearing it in person, I wasn't too impressed with it and the high price tag...I think you should find someone with the exhaust and hear the exhaust before going forward with the purchase...

Sniz · 07-13-2009, 09:49 PM

please for the love of god take that sticker off your car

I didnt see the wing, but it cant be as bad as the M badge.

it is a nice exhaust.

cn555ic · 07-13-2009, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

please for the love of god take that sticker off your car

I didnt see the wing, but it cant be as bad as the M badge.

it is a nice exhaust.

Take another look!

badass335 · 07-13-2009, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sniz

please for the love of god take that sticker off your car

I didnt see the wing, but it cant be as bad as the M badge.

it is a nice exhaust.

daniel3ooo · 07-14-2009, 01:45 AM

thanks for the review of the exhaust! Any noticeable drone from inside the cabin?

CJ_LO · 07-14-2009, 03:25 AM

that spoiler is just wow ... man
i always that that the performance exhaust is just section 3.
but is that the section 2 also?

07-13-2009, 06:47 PM	#1
645Nm only in it for the torque - awuleth'umshini wami 50 Rep 425 Posts Drives: sapphire black 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nomad iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i sedan [0.00] 2005 120D [0.00] 2007 335i sedan [0.00]	Bmw Performance Exhaust Review (pictures & Video) The 335/135/535 community is spoilt for choice when it comes to exhaust modifications. Sport or racing, cat-back, axle-back, single and quad mufflers, downpipes, mid pipes, straight pipes, catless or catted, complete exhaust systems, larger exit tips, stainless steel or black polished, to the rare titanium tipped ones. Modifying the exhaust is probably the most important power mod to consider before anything else. During 2007, I saw a 335 coupe in Austria with an Eisenmann race exhaust and could never get the amazing raw and guttural sound out of my head and soul. It was “love of sound @ first sight" before performance but of course if one could get both even better! Three months ago, I shopped around for the Eisenmann and was able to get a good price but eventually decided on the BMW performance exhaust, because even though I preferred the Eisenmann race version (it suited my personality) I was not sure if the family would be able to live with the loud, daring sound in the long term. It took awhile to see and hear decent YouTube videos of the BMW performance exhaust but I read the excellent e90post BMW exhaust review and pulled the trigger: (http://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234838&referrerid=43021). In fact, YouTube videos of the BMW performance exhaust is not convincing and does not do justice to the unique sound. I compiled a few pictures and video clips and hope it will at least give an idea of what to expect. Neither does the BMW international website have decent descriptions/pictures or reviews of their performance products especially of its performance exhausts and I think this is unfortunate for a company that supposedly spends so much on marketing its cars. The thumbnail picture and brief description of the BMW performance exhaust (on the BMW website) compared to the marketing of Eisenmann and other brands leave much to be desired. On first sight the performance exhaust looks completely stock and does not “look” the heavy price tag. The mufflers and X pipes are not the good looking crafted polished types either such as Active Autowerke, Remus or even RissRacing. Except for the corrosion resistant chrome-plated stainless steel tail tips everything else looks stock. The chrome tips are far more attractive compared to stock though, but are also the same size in diameter as the stock tips (80mm exactly; the stock outlet tips are just thicker). I would have preferred larger and more aggressive tail tips (101mm) to fill the diffuser openings more completely. For the adventurous: since the performance tips are the same as stock one could consider the Bimmian Dimisa aftermarket tips with 90mm and 101mm diameter – this could be interesting? The performance exhaust comes with two silencers or mufflers (separated) and two mid pipes running from the second cats connected by an X pipe which replaces the stock resonator. The pipes are bolted together with 10 clamps (instead of flanges) which alone will set you back over $600 (R4,000). The performance exhaust improves air and gas flow and reduces backpressure. BMW claims a weight saving compared to stock and when I held (tried) the two exhausts in my hands (one after the other) I could certainly feel the significant weight difference in favour of the performance exhaust. The installation was done by my local BMW dealer and took about 2 hours. The stock exhaust had to be cut (after the second cat) to attach the new exhaust (see picture inserts) but is essentially a perfect fit. The sound has been described as deep, moving and spine-tingling, with an aggressive engine note! Which is all true! But it is the beautiful sounds and tone through the rev range that excites; growling and roaring at low revs with howling crescendos at higher revs. There is zero drone in the cabin, just the pleasing sounds of the exhaust. At cruising speeds the exhaust sound is almost completely stock but wakes up with the slightest touch of the throttle. Those with manual transmission will have fun tapping the throttle/revving at every occasion. The car is loud from the outside and can be heard from a long distance but is not annoying, just enough to draw attention. With an aftermarket DP the sound will certainly be much louder. The JB3 tune detects the performance exhaust and on map 6 the sound is louder (in cabin and outside) and simply amazing! The car pulls stronger, which is very noticeable in DC mode with the rev needle zipping easily to 5000rpms. I have been driving it for two months and the exhaust has settled and opened up nicely. This BMW performance exhaust system will NOT disappoint! I am pleased with the performance of the exhaust but cannot really reconcile the BMW steep price compared with other quality performance exhausts on the market. And most other aftermarket performance exhausts are also complete units without the need for expensive clamps in between the mufflers and between the mufflers and the mid pipes. I guess the BMW product warranty as well as its two year installation guarantee justifies the total cost. Hmmm.....Okay, there are those moments when I am at a traffic light and a boy racer next to me revs up his tinny exhaust... that I wish (just briefly) I had the Eisenmann race sound to scare the hell out of him... So enjoy the pics and video.... Attached Images __________________ Last edited by 645Nm; 07-14-2009 at 07:02 AM..
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07-13-2009, 06:50 PM	#2
645Nm only in it for the torque - awuleth'umshini wami 50 Rep 425 Posts Drives: sapphire black 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nomad iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i sedan [0.00] 2005 120D [0.00] 2007 335i sedan [0.00]	Here is a picture of the stock BMW exhaust.. Attached Images __________________ Last edited by 645Nm; 07-14-2009 at 04:31 AM..
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07-13-2009, 06:53 PM	#3
vgame64 Colonel 143 Rep 2,479 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (9)	Thanks
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07-13-2009, 06:56 PM	#4
ManyMoonsAgo Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pinellas County, Florida, USA iTrader: (0)	Great write-up. I too greatly enjoy the BMW Performance Exhaust on my coupe - the sound is exactly what I had hoped it to be! __________________ Montego Blue / Saddle Brown / Gray Poplar 6-speed Manual (CDV-free) / BMW Performance Exhaust / Dinan Intercooler / Dinan Stage 2 / Dinan Cold Air Intake BMW Performance Suspension / Dinan LSD / 19" Forgestar F14s / Front and Rear M3 Bushings & Arms / Rear Sway / Dinan Monoballs
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07-13-2009, 06:57 PM	#5
Joeb427 BMW CCA Member #420698 18 Rep 720 Posts Drives: '09 335i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Nice write up and pics. Your decription of the sound and non droning is said by many and what I'm looking for in a system. Looking forward to getting mine which is on order from Tischer. You mentioned Dimisa tips.I did order 3.5" DiMisa tips this afternoon which I feel will look much better than the stock look.
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07-13-2009, 07:02 PM	#6
645Nm only in it for the torque - awuleth'umshini wami 50 Rep 425 Posts Drives: sapphire black 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nomad iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i sedan [0.00] 2005 120D [0.00] 2007 335i sedan [0.00]	Thanks guys. Now to get the videos up... __________________
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07-13-2009, 07:30 PM	#7
645Nm only in it for the torque - awuleth'umshini wami 50 Rep 425 Posts Drives: sapphire black 335i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: nomad iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i sedan [0.00] 2005 120D [0.00] 2007 335i sedan [0.00]	Exhaust Videos Sorry guys got too much flack...only two video clips remaining... Exhaust revving: A short clip of stunning tail-tip and exhaust still in the box: __________________ Last edited by 645Nm; 07-15-2009 at 08:52 AM..
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07-13-2009, 07:44 PM	#8
skoot3r BMW n00b 51 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: 09 e92 M3/ 2013 GMC 2500hd Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Jose iTrader: (4)	the fin you have on the back is ... __________________ 09 SpaceGray M3 DCT Power: Dinan 3.62, Gintani Race Mufflers, Dinan Intake, Gintani Xpipe, RPi Scoops Cosmetic: Vrs Poly-Lip, CSL Trunk, LED Interior Lights, LUX H8, Smoked Tails, Challenge Diffuser
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07-13-2009, 07:59 PM	#9
dmurray14 The Stig 32 Rep 1,232 Posts Drives: Quickly Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: US iTrader: (1)	No, the M badge you have on the back is Exhaust sounds great though! __________________
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07-13-2009, 08:06 PM	#10
TwinTurboXI Lieutenant Colonel 162 Rep 1,523 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: . iTrader: (12)	Great review, Sounds sick. Now get rid of the M badge and that whale spoiler...
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07-13-2009, 08:25 PM	#11
MuchMoore Colonel 87 Rep 2,325 Posts Drives: 08 E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: CenFla iTrader: (28)	Great review any videos! Any way you could take one of the car in Manual mode? I think we'd get a better idea of how the exhaust sounds throughout the rev range that way. Leaving it in D or DS really kills the note when the car shifts. __________________ \| Andrew \| M Technik \| BMW Performance \| BBS \| Forge \| V1 \| LUX \| Bilstein \| Precision-Sport \|
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07-13-2009, 08:29 PM	#12
King335i Captain 48 Rep 726 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 CP 6MT, '13 X1 35i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Eugene, Oregon iTrader: (1)	+1 Exhaust sounds good. M badge doesn't fit at all, spoiler is just plain bad...But, if you like it I guess that's all that really matters.. __________________ 2007 E92 335i--SG, Fully loaded, minus the dead weight..err..iDrive and Active Steering.
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07-13-2009, 08:47 PM	#13
Boost Gomez Colonel 53 Rep 2,359 Posts Drives: C63 AMG Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	You are going to be flamed for the M badge. Just a warning. Edit: Is that a sticker? __________________
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07-13-2009, 09:15 PM	#14
AlpineG05 hi 198 Rep 1,195 Posts Drives: Alpine White G80 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bakersfield, Cali iTrader: (1)	that spoiler has to go and that M sticker or whatever as well. nice exhaust though sounds good. __________________ 2022 M Sport G05 Jb4, CTS catless dp, M performance exhaust, bms intake, IND goodies, Maxton kit
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07-13-2009, 09:28 PM	#15
cn555ic 460 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	I am not completely sold on this exhaust....it looks so similar to the oem exhaust except for the lack of the resonator and the chrome tip but the hefty price tag is a turnoff..It does sound good and there is more of a rumble compared to the OEM exhaust, but nothing bone jarring. I mean really any exhaust will sound better if you took off the resonator!!!...That wing is definitely different, although I am not sure it works well with our cars....The M badge is down right bad!
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07-13-2009, 09:35 PM	#16
Topless 335i Captain 40 Rep 984 Posts Drives: AW E93 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	I'm in the same boat as you. I can't decide between the eisenmann race and BMW Perf exhaust. The eisenmann race is by far the best sounding exhaust but it's going to drone really badly in an AT. Does this exhaust ever sound too tame?
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07-13-2009, 09:49 PM	#18
Sniz Lieutenant General 679 Rep 10,584 Posts Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (1)	please for the love of god take that sticker off your car I didnt see the wing, but it cant be as bad as the M badge. it is a nice exhaust. __________________
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07-14-2009, 01:45 AM	#21
daniel3ooo Private First Class 12 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 07 E92 335i BSM Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	thanks for the review of the exhaust! Any noticeable drone from inside the cabin? __________________
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07-14-2009, 03:25 AM	#22
CJ_LO Lieutenant 26 Rep 406 Posts Drives: X5 35I Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1) Garage List 2014 F15 X5 35I [0.00]	that spoiler is just wow ... man i always that that the performance exhaust is just section 3. but is that the section 2 also?
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