"prototype" Vanguard Performance dual exhaust on my E90, impressions, pix, etc.

lookin4e90 · 11-16-2009, 05:42 PM

Hi All,

I've been looking for a full DP-back exhaust upgrade for the last couple of months for my pre-LCI E90. What I'm looking for in an exhaust is in the following order:

1. Build quality
2. Sound
3. Esthetics
4. Performance (HP, weight savings, etc)

Cost is also ranked in there somewhere, it isn't the most nor the least important criteria. I can afford a $3000 exhaust, if I really wanted to, but would never pay that if I feel I can get comparable quality for $1500 if you know what I mean.

I was ready to jump on one of major exhausts on here when I found out Vanguard Performance was looking for a local E90 to test fit their new dual exhaust system. Vanguard does have a full exhaust for the E92 already (and I know some have fitted the E92 exhaust on their E90, the tips just stick out a bit more). Vanguard made a few adjustments on that and built a prototype to test-fit on the E90, and me being local and looking for an exhaust anyway, it was the perfect opportunity. So on w/ the review.

Car:
2007 E90 335i with suspension and cosmetic mods. Only performance mod is a JB+. Car has 22xxx miles, and problem free.

Disclaimer: This was not my first aftermarket cat-back, but it is for my E90. I don't regularly work on my car and have never tracked, and this review is quite honestly, just my "impressions." So I'm sorry if I don't have any Dyno numbers or if it's not "technical" enough for some of you "true enthusiasts"

QUALITY
So Moses (from Vanguard) and I met up @ LTBMW to do the install. Long has already installed a few of these (not to mention the Vanguard M3 exhaust) so I was more than comfortable having him working on my car. First of all, the OEM exhaust was huge, and HEAVY! I was glad to see that off my car. When Moses took the new Vanguard pipes out of the wrappers, all of us (there were other E90post members present) took a long moment and just STARED at them... They were just so clean and shiny! I didn't meticulously inspect the parts (looking @ the welding, etc) but all in all it looks to be of GREAT quality and build. I also don't have any pictures off the car, but I think there are some of those floating around here of the E92's.

The install went smoothly, for the most part. There were no major issues with the fitment, however, we did have a minor rattling issue that was quickly resolved by adding four small spacers to create more separation between the piping and the part that it was rattling against. After that it was rattle free! The exhaust was also very adjustable and it was easy to have the tips sit squarely in the middle of the rear bumper outlets, no tipping, drooping, angulation, etc. The tips come out just shy of the outlets, however, and Vanguard says they will make the tips longer when they go in production.

Sound
So this is the main reason why I wanted to go aftermarket, as vain as it may sound. I wanted something moderately louder and significantly deeper/richer, especially at WOT. Well, the Vanguard definitely didn't disappoint. In fact, it sounds reaaaaally good! The whole car roars to life when you press the "start" button, and it quiets significantly after about 30 seconds or so. It will idle very conservatively, not much louder than stock, if you just let it sit there. Make no mistake, though, this exhaust is LOUD, DEEP, and dare I say, EXOTIC. There is zero rasp. At WOT, it wails to the redline and it is definitely quite intoxicating. I find myself finding excuses to jump in the car and cruise just to listen to the exhaust. There is going to be a small bit of cabin hum, aka "drone," right around the 1.8-2.5K RPM. Vanguard is still working on that and see if it can be diminished even more. It really is not much, however, it's hard for me to put it objectively since this is my first E90 exhaust. I really think it's something that most of you can tolerate or simply get used to after some time. I will try to have some local members that have other aftermarket exhausts to ride in my car and see if they can tell me if this thing is "louder" than others on the market. But after around 2.5K RPM this thing sounds, in my opinion, quite perfect! I find myself paddle shifting and running through all my gears almost exclusively now. If you have a 6MT (therefore eliminating much of the lower RPM situations), you really owe it to yourself to listen to it in person because I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't fall in love w/ the sound instantly.

Esthetics
This thing's got some fat tips, and I know that's good news for most of you. It's also highly polished and well proportioned. In my opinion the tips look perfect. They are aggressive and fill out the bumper outlets perfectly, albeit slightly short. Again, Vanguard will extend the tips out by around an inch or so on their production units.

Performance
I think for the most of us, performance isn't the biggest issue when it comes to choosing the right cat-back. Of course, if you are paying hundreds to (more likely) thousands of dollars to modify your car, you want to get the most performance out of it possible. I think Vanguard claims +10 HP increase, although I have no way of knowing how accurate that is. I can tell you that the car feels differently, for sure. Throttle response seems quicker, and more importantly, smoother. Remember I have the JB+ so my car was more jerky than stock initiately. Car also feels quicker, not necessarily off the line, but quicker going through the gears. And I can almost (sort of ) hear the turbos now, finally

So that's really all I have to say, performance wise. Hopefully there will be some hard data coming out soon.

Conclusion
Overall, I'm really impressed with this exhaust. Vanguard really got it spot on as far as making a great quality exhaust that sounds insanely good. Keep in mind though, it is very loud, but in a good way (not raspy or "ricey" but deep and rich). So if you only want to "slightly" increase the sound or don't want to draw any attention to your car, this may not be the right exhaust for you. Lastly, I'm not sure what the final MSRP is, but I imagine it will be significantly lower than their competitors'. So if cost is one of your considerations, it'd be a no-brainer to give Vanguard a look.

Sorry this was way long and may not be the most technical review. Please feel free to leave some feedback or PM me for any questions. Sound clip now available and pix following:

creaminz · 11-16-2009, 07:39 PM

Glad you got your Vanguard installed! I totally agree with you on"Exotic Sound" I can't stop driving this carrrr LOL

nlakind · 11-16-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creaminz

Glad you got your Vanguard installed! I totally agree with you on"Exotic Sound" I can't stop driving this carrrr LOL

nice write up OP & if you love the sound darren, it has to be amazing cuz we all know how picky your ass is!!!

MrChessy · 11-16-2009, 08:22 PM

Nice...The sound must be intoxicating....

Topless 335i · 11-16-2009, 08:23 PM

I want this exhaust so bad. Your review pretty much guaranteed I'm gonna get one.

midlife · 11-16-2009, 10:39 PM

Congrats: heard good things about vangaurd
Btw, is it your pics - or are the tips kinda on the large size ?

Chaka · 11-16-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midlife

Congrats: heard good things about vangaurd
Btw, is it your pics - or are the tips kinda on the large size ?

not on the large size but the perfect size.

5soko · 11-16-2009, 10:52 PM

This exhaust really is looking awesome!!! Congrats. I really like this DP back exhaust!

creaminz · 11-17-2009, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlakind

nice write up OP & if you love the sound darren, it has to be amazing cuz we all know how picky your ass is!!!

get it Nick...asap.

sokdo · 11-17-2009, 02:54 AM

how would you compare the sound to AE?

Former_Boosted_IS · 11-17-2009, 05:42 AM

Great review!

The only problem I see is the driver's side canister is noticeably lower than the passenger side. Maybe a quick adjustment can fix that?

JHFW89225 · 11-17-2009, 09:52 AM

does anybody know if this is louder than the Autobahn Exotics's (AE) Catless?

lookin4e90 · 11-17-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by creaminz

Glad you got your Vanguard installed! I totally agree with you on"Exotic Sound" I can't stop driving this carrrr LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaka

not on the large size but the perfect size.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sokdo

how would you compare the sound to AE?

I haven't heard the AE in person, from what I read, Vanguard is louder. I will try to sit in an AE car and report back

Quote:

Originally Posted by Former_Boosted_IS

Great review!

The only problem I see is the driver's side canister is noticeably lower than the passenger side. Maybe a quick adjustment can fix that?

Thanks! That says a lot coming from the King of Great Reviews

Good eye on the tips. It does look that way on the pix, I haven't noticed that in person. I'll check on that today. And yes based on what I saw @ the install, it can be easily adjusted if needed.

Shurge · 11-17-2009, 03:56 PM

Great review.. I'm loving my Vanguard

Nater · 11-17-2009, 05:52 PM

Great review, love my Vanguard as well. I am not sure I would call it loud, loud, but then again I come from the land of LS1s, headers, and SLP exhausts and the like lol. Nevertheless I would agree that exhaust tone Vanguard got out of there exhaust is spot on for the type of car the 335 is!

Proper Motion LLC · 11-17-2009, 06:27 PM

Whats the design like? Any pics? I have a feeling it's a lot like the HKS exhaust

Alex@WickedParts · 11-17-2009, 07:14 PM

Excellent review!

ianthegreat · 11-17-2009, 07:22 PM

good review. sound clips?

lookin4e90 · 11-17-2009, 09:32 PM

Here it is, a short sound clip for ya

JeffC · 11-17-2009, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lookin4e90

Here it is, a short sound clip for ya

Sounds great

For the lazy

[u2b]<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/USWTDzN6HO4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/USWTDzN6HO4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>[/u2b]

goodstuff448 · 11-18-2009, 12:16 AM

If you guys need another test car just let me know. I'll drive down to test it out and let you guys know how it is driving from LA to SF. haha.

Craig@SupremePower · 11-18-2009, 01:05 AM

sounds good..

11-16-2009, 05:42 PM	#1
lookin4e90 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 239 Posts Drives: P car F car Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: so cal iTrader: (4)	"prototype" Vanguard Performance dual exhaust on my E90, impressions, pix, etc. Hi All, I've been looking for a full DP-back exhaust upgrade for the last couple of months for my pre-LCI E90. What I'm looking for in an exhaust is in the following order: 1. Build quality 2. Sound 3. Esthetics 4. Performance (HP, weight savings, etc) Cost is also ranked in there somewhere, it isn't the most nor the least important criteria. I can afford a $3000 exhaust, if I really wanted to, but would never pay that if I feel I can get comparable quality for $1500 if you know what I mean. I was ready to jump on one of major exhausts on here when I found out Vanguard Performance was looking for a local E90 to test fit their new dual exhaust system. Vanguard does have a full exhaust for the E92 already (and I know some have fitted the E92 exhaust on their E90, the tips just stick out a bit more). Vanguard made a few adjustments on that and built a prototype to test-fit on the E90, and me being local and looking for an exhaust anyway, it was the perfect opportunity. So on w/ the review. Car: 2007 E90 335i with suspension and cosmetic mods. Only performance mod is a JB+. Car has 22xxx miles, and problem free. Disclaimer: This was not my first aftermarket cat-back, but it is for my E90. I don't regularly work on my car and have never tracked, and this review is quite honestly, just my "impressions." So I'm sorry if I don't have any Dyno numbers or if it's not "technical" enough for some of you "true enthusiasts" QUALITY So Moses (from Vanguard) and I met up @ LTBMW to do the install. Long has already installed a few of these (not to mention the Vanguard M3 exhaust) so I was more than comfortable having him working on my car. First of all, the OEM exhaust was huge, and HEAVY! I was glad to see that off my car. When Moses took the new Vanguard pipes out of the wrappers, all of us (there were other E90post members present) took a long moment and just STARED at them... They were just so clean and shiny! I didn't meticulously inspect the parts (looking @ the welding, etc) but all in all it looks to be of GREAT quality and build. I also don't have any pictures off the car, but I think there are some of those floating around here of the E92's. The install went smoothly, for the most part. There were no major issues with the fitment, however, we did have a minor rattling issue that was quickly resolved by adding four small spacers to create more separation between the piping and the part that it was rattling against. After that it was rattle free! The exhaust was also very adjustable and it was easy to have the tips sit squarely in the middle of the rear bumper outlets, no tipping, drooping, angulation, etc. The tips come out just shy of the outlets, however, and Vanguard says they will make the tips longer when they go in production. Sound So this is the main reason why I wanted to go aftermarket, as vain as it may sound. I wanted something moderately louder and significantly deeper/richer, especially at WOT. Well, the Vanguard definitely didn't disappoint. In fact, it sounds reaaaaally good! The whole car roars to life when you press the "start" button, and it quiets significantly after about 30 seconds or so. It will idle very conservatively, not much louder than stock, if you just let it sit there. Make no mistake, though, this exhaust is LOUD, DEEP, and dare I say, EXOTIC. There is zero rasp. At WOT, it wails to the redline and it is definitely quite intoxicating. I find myself finding excuses to jump in the car and cruise just to listen to the exhaust. There is going to be a small bit of cabin hum, aka "drone," right around the 1.8-2.5K RPM. Vanguard is still working on that and see if it can be diminished even more. It really is not much, however, it's hard for me to put it objectively since this is my first E90 exhaust. I really think it's something that most of you can tolerate or simply get used to after some time. I will try to have some local members that have other aftermarket exhausts to ride in my car and see if they can tell me if this thing is "louder" than others on the market. But after around 2.5K RPM this thing sounds, in my opinion, quite perfect! I find myself paddle shifting and running through all my gears almost exclusively now. If you have a 6MT (therefore eliminating much of the lower RPM situations), you really owe it to yourself to listen to it in person because I can't imagine anyone that wouldn't fall in love w/ the sound instantly. Esthetics This thing's got some fat tips, and I know that's good news for most of you. It's also highly polished and well proportioned. In my opinion the tips look perfect. They are aggressive and fill out the bumper outlets perfectly, albeit slightly short. Again, Vanguard will extend the tips out by around an inch or so on their production units. Performance I think for the most of us, performance isn't the biggest issue when it comes to choosing the right cat-back. Of course, if you are paying hundreds to (more likely) thousands of dollars to modify your car, you want to get the most performance out of it possible. I think Vanguard claims +10 HP increase, although I have no way of knowing how accurate that is. I can tell you that the car feels differently, for sure. Throttle response seems quicker, and more importantly, smoother. Remember I have the JB+ so my car was more jerky than stock initiately. Car also feels quicker, not necessarily off the line, but quicker going through the gears. And I can almost (sort of ) hear the turbos now, finally So that's really all I have to say, performance wise. Hopefully there will be some hard data coming out soon. Conclusion Overall, I'm really impressed with this exhaust. Vanguard really got it spot on as far as making a great quality exhaust that sounds insanely good. Keep in mind though, it is very loud, but in a good way (not raspy or "ricey" but deep and rich). So if you only want to "slightly" increase the sound or don't want to draw any attention to your car, this may not be the right exhaust for you. Lastly, I'm not sure what the final MSRP is, but I imagine it will be significantly lower than their competitors'. So if cost is one of your considerations, it'd be a no-brainer to give Vanguard a look. Sorry this was way long and may not be the most technical review. Please feel free to leave some feedback or PM me for any questions. Sound clip now available and pix following: Last edited by lookin4e90; 11-17-2009 at 09:34 PM.. Reason: upload pix
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11-16-2009, 07:39 PM	#2
creaminz Major General 556 Rep 7,704 Posts Drives: E90 LCI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (33)	Glad you got your Vanguard installed! I totally agree with you on"Exotic Sound" I can't stop driving this carrrr LOL
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11-16-2009, 08:22 PM	#4
MrChessy Magical Pill... 158 Rep 12,775 Posts Drives: wreckless Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Smallville iTrader: (2)	Nice...The sound must be intoxicating.... __________________
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11-16-2009, 08:23 PM	#5
Topless 335i Captain 40 Rep 984 Posts Drives: AW E93 335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	I want this exhaust so bad. Your review pretty much guaranteed I'm gonna get one.
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11-16-2009, 10:39 PM	#6
midlife ocasionally in crisis 54 Rep 2,358 Posts Drives: '08 335i cabrio Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: .......... iTrader: (0)	Congrats: heard good things about vangaurd Btw, is it your pics - or are the tips kinda on the large size ? __________________ If your car isn't scary - it's just not fast enough ! RPI IC / UR catless DPs / JB3 2.0 beta / UR CAI / Quaife LSD / Snow Methanol Injection / VK oil cooler upgrade / Forge DVs / M3 rear sway / Riss catch can / Paddle shifting 6AT / M Sport steering wheel / Logic 7 / Dunlop Direzza Z1 255/235 /
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11-16-2009, 10:52 PM	#8
5soko Brigadier General 350 Rep 4,633 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (4)	This exhaust really is looking awesome!!! Congrats. I really like this DP back exhaust!
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11-17-2009, 02:54 AM	#10
sokdo Lieutenant 54 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 335i E92 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fullerton, CA iTrader: (0)	how would you compare the sound to AE?
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11-17-2009, 05:42 AM	#11
Former_Boosted_IS Major General 315 Rep 5,175 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Planet Earth! iTrader: (15)	Great review! The only problem I see is the driver's side canister is noticeably lower than the passenger side. Maybe a quick adjustment can fix that?
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11-17-2009, 09:52 AM	#12
JHFW89225 Major 178 Rep 1,251 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: HK/Vancouver iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i [0.00]	does anybody know if this is louder than the Autobahn Exotics's (AE) Catless? __________________ 2013 Scion FR-S 2009 BMW E92 M3 2008 BMW E90 335i 2005 BMW X3 3.0i
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11-17-2009, 03:56 PM	#14
Shurge Member 0 Rep 47 Posts Drives: 335 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chi-town iTrader: (0)	Great review.. I'm loving my Vanguard
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11-17-2009, 05:52 PM	#15
Nater Private First Class 11 Rep 196 Posts Drives: Briskly Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: IL iTrader: (2)	Great review, love my Vanguard as well. I am not sure I would call it loud, loud, but then again I come from the land of LS1s, headers, and SLP exhausts and the like lol. Nevertheless I would agree that exhaust tone Vanguard got out of there exhaust is spot on for the type of car the 335 is!
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11-17-2009, 06:27 PM	#16
Proper Motion LLC Custom Powder Coater 149 Rep 2,784 Posts Drives: White 335i Sedan Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Orange County CA iTrader: (2)	Whats the design like? Any pics? I have a feeling it's a lot like the HKS exhaust __________________ www.propermotion714.com
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11-17-2009, 07:14 PM	#17
Alex@WickedParts 5 Rep 83 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Van Nuys, CA iTrader: (0)	Excellent review!
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11-17-2009, 07:22 PM	#18
ianthegreat Colonel 63 Rep 2,314 Posts Drives: n54 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Pittsburgh/Houston iTrader: (1)	good review. sound clips?
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11-17-2009, 09:32 PM	#19
lookin4e90 Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 239 Posts Drives: P car F car Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: so cal iTrader: (4)	Sound clip up!! Here it is, a short sound clip for ya
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11-18-2009, 12:16 AM	#21
goodstuff448 First Lieutenant 18 Rep 328 Posts Drives: BSM M2, MGray Tacoma, e46 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (5)	If you guys need another test car just let me know. I'll drive down to test it out and let you guys know how it is driving from LA to SF. haha.
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11-18-2009, 01:05 AM	#22
Craig@SupremePower G.O.A.T.! 1018 Rep 74,992 Posts Drives: '18 GMC Yukon XL Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (14)	sounds good..
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