Recommendation for e46 Exhaust System

[JonRP 59]

Hi all, looking for recommendations please with replacement exhaust system for Milliy 2003 325ci, something fitting the awesome sports suspension package and wheel set up on this old girl.   I'm interested to see what modifications others have done and the results as I'm not mechanically savy and will end up paying way to much at the exhaust shop.  Thank you in advance.

[qube 3570]

http://www.e46zone.com/forum/topic/1681-butterfly-valve-exhaust-mod/

[JonRP 59]

Thank you qube, I found the link interesting but not really what I'm after as I'd prefer to spend some $ on a full new system.

[qube 3570]

magnaflow, borla, remus, supersprint, eisenmann, all depends on how much some $ is

 

[JonRP 59]

Thank you once again qube, for the right exhaust setup the $$ will stretch.

Wondering if this set up looks right to more experienced eyes as it's been recommended online?

Headers, full 2x 55mm exhaust with 200 cell cats and an x-pipe. 
 

 

[zero 1162]

What are you looking for in an exhaust? 

Is it mostly the noise, or the performance?

If its just looks, you could just get a new backbox and tips.

[Olaf 3317]

I'd be going for stock, or a reputable zorst as per Kyu's list above.  

I've experienced the 'get a local exhaust specialist to build one' (that turned out bloody noisy, a little quieter, and then choked), and seen many others take this approach with a variety of quality, and usually the kind of noise they weren't hoping for.  

I've also experienced buying a full cat-back system from a specialist that sold them commercially, and was very happy with the fit and finish, and the sound to boot.

More predictable results with the off-the-shelf system made for your car by a reputable manufacturer.  

HTH

[JonRP 59]

On 11/25/2019 at 10:40 PM, zero said:

What are you looking for in an exhaust? 

Is it mostly the noise, or the performance?

If its just looks, you could just get a new backbox and tips.

Hi,

Performance and efficiency at the higher end of rev counter.

Edited November 27, 2019 by JonRP
Spelling mistake

[JonRP 59]

16 hours ago, Olaf said:

I'd be going for stock, or a reputable zorst as per Kyu's list above.  

I've experienced the 'get a local exhaust specialist to build one' (that turned out bloody noisy, a little quieter, and then choked), and seen many others take this approach with a variety of quality, and usually the kind of noise they weren't hoping for.  

I've also experienced buying a full cat-back system from a specialist that sold them commercially, and was very happy with the fit and finish, and the sound to boot.

More predictable results with the off-the-shelf system made for your car by a reputable manufacturer.  

HTH

I agree with full cat-back system from specialists, guess being not mechanically minded I'm here to seek advise and learn from seasoned BMW enthusiasts, thank you.

Milliy is booked in at BMW EUROCARE locally here in Chch in December for some neglected preventive maintenance by previous owner so I will have a chat with them on recommendation of local specialist.

Jon

[Olaf 3317]

To be clear:

I'd buy an commercially available off-the-shelf specialist system from someone like magnaflow, borla, remus, supersprint, eisenmann et al.   And you can get some idea of how they'll sound from Youtube clips.

I think the custom-made thing is a crap-shoot, you can't really predict what you'll get.  

HTH

[zero 1162]

7 hours ago, JonRP said:

Hi,

Performance and efficiency at the higher end of rev counter.

You wont get much more power from an exhaust on these engines. And it will be expensive for a minimal gain.

If you do decide to do it though, and money is not too much of a barrier, buy a complete setup from a quality manufacturer like the ones the others have mentioned.

Go catless, and use the same manufacturers headers too.

 

But if you want more performance, you can get more power for less money.

[JonRP 59]

Hi up there.  I appreciate the input thank you.  I only paid $8.5k, once I got it home from New Plymouth after a great roadie South, the BMW precheck found about $2ks worth of overdue preventive maintenance which I'm happy to carry out.  Great thing about these e46s they seem to be relatively economical to repair/maintain compared to other Euros I've owned.  Yes there's plenty of budget left to play with and I like the idea of new headers and complete new set up as above.  As I'm keeping Milliy long term.

Sorry don't follow about more power for less money?  If you have the time please do expand further as I'd be really interested to read.

Thank you, Jon

[zero 1162]

For cheaper than a high end exhaust system, you can put in the m54b30 engine which is 39 more hp, and 55 more nm of torque, and a much nicer torque curve.

Buying a high end exhaust will just give you a single digit increase.

 

If you don't want to do that, put on the m54b30 intake manifold, run a *proper* cold air intake, replace your vanos seals, reset the throttle adaptions (free) and that will give you more power than an exhaust and even cheaper again.

Or you could change your diff ratio, or for more money go lsd.

[JonRP 59]

On 11/28/2019 at 5:31 PM, zero said:

For cheaper than a high end exhaust system, you can put in the m54b30 engine which is 39 more hp, and 55 more nm of torque, and a much nicer torque curve.

Buying a high end exhaust will just give you a single digit increase.

 

If you don't want to do that, put on the m54b30 intake manifold, run a *proper* cold air intake, replace your vanos seals, reset the throttle adaptions (free) and that will give you more power than an exhaust and even cheaper again.

Or you could change your diff ratio, or for more money go lsd.

Thank you @zero you know your stuff as I'm a complete novice, this community is great thank you for the suggestions.  Milliys in at EuroCare on the 9th for a early Xmas prezzy.  

[Gaz 1060]

This would be a good start

https://www.trademe.co.nz/2422087846

[M3AN 4016]

Yeah, seriously don't get a whole exhaust system, there's no value in that. Absolutely don't get new headers, that will be a nightmare and give you nothing meaningful.

I was going to post just get a new back-box, you don't even need a mid section but Gareth bet me to it, get one like in that TM link, clean it up and take it to any old exhaust shop to install it. I'm not sure I'd pay $450 though... but you probably don't have heaps of options.

[JonRP 59]

Thank you @M3AN, once again much appreciated!  Guess your right with headers as they aren't even really visible.  I offered $400 incl freight on TM & wait response.  In reality if I'm in $ aren't a priority with Milliy as she's special not like her stable mate that needs to go! 

[KwS 2425]

The E46 is a nice car, but at the least the supercharged Rangie could pull the skin off a pudding. Dont waste your time trying to get more power, just make it look and sound how you want and enjoy it as it is.

[JonRP 59]

Agreed Kelvin Milliy's a wee beauty.  Guess I'm still coming to terms of 330kw to 141kw but yes your right my S/C Autobiography is a tad special! 

[JonRP 59]

Sorted today, rear fast-flow type box with appealing looking tips I think.

Thank you one & all for all the recommendations and advise.

Next week job are the rimms to be cleaned up & front left buckle sorted fingers crossed.

[zero 1162]

What is the performance and drivability difference like?

[JonRP 59]

I'll tell you after the weekend when I get out on the open road.  Milliy's hopefully going into EUROCARE today/tomorrow for an early Christmas present as I've got a 2 page list of preventative maintenance over due thanks to the cheap-skate previous owner.

Edited December 19, 2019 by JonRP
Update

[JonRP 59]

On 12/4/2019 at 12:41 AM, zero said:

What is the performance and drivability difference like?

@zero  nice difference with secondary cats removed & 2" pipes.  Sounds better without the typical drone noise and a little difference with performance but in reality like stated there's not a real increase in power which never was the aim. Happy motoring over the festive season.