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      05-26-2016, 10:48 AM   #1
Bobroham
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BMW Performance Exhaust vs Magnaflow Muffler

Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I have a 2012 128i vert.

I want to make an exhaust upgrade and would like some advice from people who have already done it. I am looking for the best value for my money. Good acceleration note with no drone. Not expecting any power increases.

I have the option of getting the BMW performance exhaust for $820 CDN for just the part from the dealer (I am planning on installing myself).
Alternatively, I can get the Magnaflow muffler for $450 installed. With the full cat-back it may be more expensive than the BMW PE.

1) Is the BMW option justified more than 2x the price?
2) To improve sound, is getting just the muffler going to be acceptable or do I need the full cat-back system?
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      05-26-2016, 11:09 AM   #2
squidge
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I don't have experience with both but I know a couple other members do. I will say that the BMW PE sounds great, is a dead-simple install, and gives me plenty of aural satisfaction in exchange for the cost. Plus I like using BMW-branded parts whereever possible just for consistency.
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      05-26-2016, 04:19 PM   #3
asbrr
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Agree with what Squidge said. The sound improvement you get from the BMW PE alone is quite nice and very noticeable while not being over the top. The magnaflow is a good quality exhaust, but will sound different, some say a bit mild even with a full cat-back solution.

There are a few videos out there comparing the two, so have a listen. If money is not a big deal go for the BMW PE.
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      05-27-2016, 03:12 PM   #4
andrey_gta
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobroham View Post
I have the option of getting the BMW performance exhaust for $820 CDN for just the part from the dealer (I am planning on installing myself).
Alternatively, I can get the Magnaflow muffler for $450 installed. With the full cat-back it may be more expensive than the BMW PE.
How about you cut off your muffler at the spot where the 128i PE asks for the cut. See how it sounds. People like n52 muffler deletes... Then consider cost & benefit, and either buy PE or Magnaflow or even a 135i muffler or weld on some tips on the delete.
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"The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is
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      05-27-2016, 03:18 PM   #5
asbrr
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Quote:
Originally Posted by andrey_gta View Post
How about you cut off your muffler at the spot where the 128i PE asks for the cut. See how it sounds. People like n52 muffler deletes... Then consider cost & benefit, and either buy PE or Magnaflow or even a 135i muffler or weld on some tips on the delete.
Good plan - but how to know what exact spot the PE needs it cut? Also the down side here is the empty "space" left by the muffler looks weird when viewed from behind....I've seen pics of a 135i like that and it was odd no?
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      05-27-2016, 03:50 PM   #6
squidge
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Quote:
Originally Posted by asbrr View Post
Good plan - but how to know what exact spot the PE needs it cut? Also the down side here is the empty "space" left by the muffler looks weird when viewed from behind....I've seen pics of a 135i like that and it was odd no?
Regarding where to cut, see: https://goo.gl/photos/LVGwCuFwQ1rEbwvt5

I put a ring of 1-1/2" painter's tape starting at the weld holding the muffler to the pipe, and sawzalled at the other end of the tape.

Last edited by squidge; 05-27-2016 at 05:22 PM.. Reason: clarity
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      05-27-2016, 04:05 PM   #7
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The simple answer is YES, the PE is worth twice the price. It sounds AWESOME! It fits perfectly(something the aftermarket never gets right) and it comes with a BMW guaranty! Did I mention is sound GREAT!!! The PE is the most over priced, must have option - everyone should get!

I LOVE my PE on my 135i. I've also heard PE's on 130i's and 128i's and even a 116i. They also sound really good. Get one before BMW stops making them.

My PE and my SSK(short shifter kit)MT are the best mods I have done. Ohh and the "CDV delete".


DIY: BMW Performance Exhaust on 128i cabrio
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=450937
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      05-27-2016, 06:39 PM   #8
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PE does sounds greatttttttttttttt

But it could be a little louder...

Waiting for SS section 1/2 to go on a sale @ Turner.....................
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      05-27-2016, 09:20 PM   #9
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If I was starting from scratch with the exhaust, I'd would consider a 135i muffler with Supersprint Section 1 & 2 pipes (only need section 1 if your car has cats). All perfect fit. Right now you could probably get that combo for about $450 USD for SS pieces + whatever the 135i muffler costs.
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      05-27-2016, 09:45 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sprp85 View Post
PE does sounds greatttttttttttttt

But it could be a little louder...

Waiting for SS section 1/2 to go on a sale @ Turner.....................
Well the wait is over. SS Sections 1&2 on sale at Turner now @ 20% off
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      05-28-2016, 10:03 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by JDamian View Post
Well the wait is over. SS Sections 1&2 on sale at Turner now @ 20% off
I know, very good deal IMO. Secondary cat delete pipes are $267! I'm tempted, but I like my sound/volume so much right now and I don't want to make it too loud.
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      05-28-2016, 09:38 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chris82 View Post
I know, very good deal IMO. Secondary cat delete pipes are $267! I'm tempted, but I like my sound/volume so much right now and I don't want to make it too loud.
Your exhaust vids and this sale officially changed up my upgrade plans. I think I'll get the Section 2 and call it good for my summer mods. An AA tune and headers will have to wait until winter. Hopefully I can find a 3 stage IM by then.
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      05-30-2016, 10:00 AM   #13
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Everyone, thank you for your replies.

The route of cutting the muffler out before I buy the PE makes the most sense to me. I tried to loan a tailpipe cutter from an auto parts store. It seems the blades were so dull, I squeezed it so hard the handles fell off the tool. Am considering buying a sawzall or asking the store to loan me a new tool instead.

Quote:
Originally Posted by squidge View Post
Regarding where to cut, see: https://goo.gl/photos/LVGwCuFwQ1rEbwvt5

I put a ring of 1-1/2" painter's tape starting at the weld holding the muffler to the pipe, and sawzalled at the other end of the tape.
Where did you get the 1-1/2" number from? Is there a good guide somewhere online that points out the correct cut point?
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      05-30-2016, 12:28 PM   #14
JDamian
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobroham View Post
Everyone, thank you for your replies.

The route of cutting the muffler out before I buy the PE makes the most sense to me. I tried to loan a tailpipe cutter from an auto parts store. It seems the blades were so dull, I squeezed it so hard the handles fell off the tool. Am considering buying a sawzall or asking the store to loan me a new tool instead.



Where did you get the 1-1/2" number from? Is there a good guide somewhere online that points out the correct cut point?
Here's a pic of my stock exhaust and where I cut it. I took the measurement from the Performance Exhaust and came up with 1-3/4" The included clamp allows a bit of tolerance so 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" is good. I also used a sawzall and the blade pictured. It took less than 10 secs but I did manually get the cut started with a hacksaw so that the sawzall blade wouldn't jump off the exhaust pipe.
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      05-30-2016, 01:09 PM   #15
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installed magnaflow after-cat on my 2008 128... love it. not overly loud, but better than stock - driving with windows down!!! a lot lighter than stock as well. install is pretty simple... cut stock pipes about 7" after catalytic. squirt some wd-40 on hangers. remove flat bars from under car and loosen the clamp just behind catalytic. pull off old exhaust, install new, clamp down. took about an hour. all you need is a sawzall, stainless cutting blades, wd-40, good pry bar to get old exhaust off rubber hangers.
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      05-30-2016, 11:52 PM   #16
squidge
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JDamian is on the ball. I bought a $25 sawzall from Harbor Frieght and it lasted exactly long enough to do the job. Piece of crap but better than using a hacksaw, and I don't have any need for a quality sawzall to keep around.
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      05-31-2016, 08:52 PM   #17
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I've been very interested in the Performance Exhaust for some time now, but I'm hesitant cutting stock piping. Does anyone know if getting SS section 2 piece and PE would allow me to replace stock 128i muffler without cutting it off?
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      05-31-2016, 10:02 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RetroGrade View Post
I've been very interested in the Performance Exhaust for some time now, but I'm hesitant cutting stock piping. Does anyone know if getting SS section 2 piece and PE would allow me to replace stock 128i muffler without cutting it off?
I believe if you go with the SS Section 2 and PE you'll have to make 2 cuts. The Section 2 ends about 1 foot from the exhaust so you'll have to reuse 1 foot of stock piping between the end of the Section 2 and the PE inlet. This also requires an additional clamp. I just ordered my Section 2 and am debating whether to take it to a shop or make another cut and order another clamp. Look at part 985806 in the pic. That 1 foot piece is provided if you buy the SS exhaust. If you go with the PE that will be the stock pipe you will have to cut out and re-clamp at both ends.
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Last edited by JDamian; 05-31-2016 at 10:09 PM.. Reason: Adding additional information
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      05-31-2016, 10:35 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JDamian View Post
I believe if you go with the SS Section 2 and PE you'll have to make 2 cuts. The Section 2 ends about 1 foot from the exhaust so you'll have to reuse 1 foot of stock piping between the end of the Section 2 and the PE inlet. This also requires an additional clamp. I just ordered my Section 2 and am debating whether to take it to a shop or make another cut and order another clamp. Look at part 985806 in the pic. That 1 foot piece is provided if you buy the SS exhaust. If you go with the PE that will be the stock pipe you will have to cut out and re-clamp at both ends.
Got it. Thanks for the feedback.
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      06-01-2016, 09:21 PM   #20
Bobroham
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Today I cut the stock muffler off and have driven the car a bit.

I am surprised that it is not too loud. Only some drone around 2k-2.5k rpm.
I love the sound at low rpms. When it starts to get high the exhaust becomes drowned out by the sound of the stock engine/intake sounds.

Will the PE increase the high rpm sounds? That's what I'm really looking for. I watched some videos but I can't really tell 'till I hear it in person. Anyone who tried the muffler delete and got the PE after?
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      06-08-2016, 03:33 PM   #21
Bobroham
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Update

Previously I chopped of the muffler and drove around for a few days. I was enjoying the sound, but the drone on the highway and the slightly obnoxious low tones from the exhaust were starting to bother me.

Due to all the good reports I ended up going to the BMW PE.
Sounds as good as I expected and I am now pleased with the sound.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback
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      06-09-2016, 02:29 PM   #22
RetroGrade
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobroham View Post
Update

Previously I chopped of the muffler and drove around for a few days. I was enjoying the sound, but the drone on the highway and the slightly obnoxious low tones from the exhaust were starting to bother me.

Due to all the good reports I ended up going to the BMW PE.
Sounds as good as I expected and I am now pleased with the sound.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback
Excellent, my should come in any day now. Really looking forward to the sound, as I think that's one of the things that is lacking from the awesome driving experience.
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