BMW Performace Exhaust help please

sardius · 06-30-2011, 12:33 PM

Hi guys,

The BMW PE is growing on me. Eventhough I did some research here to learn more about the PE the only thing I ended up with were more questions

. Can someone tell me the pros and cons of having this exhaust again? I know that it's much lighter than the stock exhaust and it does relieve some back pressure. However, some dynos indicate loss of ~3hp and other dynos gain of ~5hp, am I correct? What is the verdict on this? Do we gain or lose hps? Honestly I am not putting this on for the gain of ~5hp, I could live without it, however, I don't want to lose any pony as well.

Thanks a bunch guys

parky1215 · 06-30-2011, 12:46 PM

you will gain HP from its straight flow design.
You will gain even more HP if you also install aftermarket downpipe and/or larger diameter midpipe.

rogm · 06-30-2011, 01:07 PM

i have it, it sounds good, but i get some drone at the highway...

sardius · 06-30-2011, 01:32 PM

@parky1215 thank you for the insight and it's good to know there are more gains in HP after DP install. However, I will see how it feels and sounds like after PE first

@rogm thank you. So I hear but I guess I could live with a little bit of droning, but just a little bit

1SerieStud · 06-30-2011, 01:59 PM

Best sounding exhaust for this car. I sold mine because I am getting ready to trade in my car, otherwise I would have kept it. The "drone" that everyone speaks of is not too bad, but then again, I come from a line of performance cars, many of which were louder than what my 135i used to sound like with the PE.

Really, there truly aren't any drawbacks to this exhaust. Looks and sounds great throughout the entire power band.

RealityDesign · 06-30-2011, 03:37 PM

You're not going to lose HP, but honestly, if even if you did lose 3hp, I would still buy it. It sounds great. It's unfortunate that catback exhausts don't really make any power on this platform, but that's just how it is.

Downpipes will give you a decent gain if you go that route later.

As for the droning, with catless downpipes, I get the slightest drone between 3000-3200 RPM in 6th under light load on the freeway. It's really not an issue though, as you can just either drive the speed limit (which is under 3k in 6th), drive faster (which is what I do...hah), or just put it in 5th instead which puts you around 3400 RPM.

parky1215 · 06-30-2011, 03:43 PM

my n55's drone range was between 1900 to 2300 with iCarbon catted downpipe, BMW performance midpipe (no cat, no resonator), and BMW performance axleback.

RealityDesign · 06-30-2011, 03:49 PM

Ooops, I totally forgot the OP has an N55. Forget about what I said regarding the droning as that's for N54.

rogm · 07-01-2011, 01:23 PM

Sounds great when you first turn it on!

TT1351 · 07-03-2011, 07:25 AM

Have had one on my 2008 almost since day 1, it really is an intoxicating sound, especially when going between tall buildings on narrow streets, exotic sounding.
Fran

sardius · 07-03-2011, 11:46 AM

Great input guys, thanks a lot. Will have one on my car pretty soon.

leo135i · 07-05-2011, 01:06 PM

my car with performance exhaust + dps

1013mm · 07-05-2011, 01:51 PM

i

mine. for people complaining about drone... LOL. you guys dont know drone until you experience something like eissenmann race lol

sardius · 07-05-2011, 03:27 PM

@leo135, that sounds awesome

thanks for the video!

Pol · 07-05-2011, 03:39 PM

I had some drone on the highway around 1500 RPM when the Steptronic stands on D and as a result shifts more quickly. Since I have the BMW Performance Kit installed, the drone has gone.

Kamal · 07-05-2011, 04:24 PM

Pros - sounds great, OEM product with the expected OEM fit and finish, keeps your warranty on the exhaust

Cons - expensive, other more affordable options are out there, doesn't really do much for the car

If you like it, go for it... I've heard it and it sounds good, but it was overpriced in my opinion. I opted for the Berk Technology FULL sport exhaust for $750 shipped from David@EAS. HP gains/losses are minimal, if any, on a system like the BMW Performance one.

leo135i · 07-06-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sardius

@leo135, that sounds awesome

thanks for the video!

when it is cold, the sound is more powerful

soon, I will more videos

GT1281 · 07-16-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogm

i have it, it sounds good, but i get some drone at the highway...

I have it on my 135I N55 and I get some drone on the highway as well. It's not bad but it is noticeable.

I also didn't notice any weight difference. I held both mufflers and they felt almost exact.

Lee123 · 07-17-2011, 01:40 PM

I've had it on my 2011 since it was a week or so old. No noticeable change in power, but it would be hard to notice 3 hp one way or the other particularity on and new car that isn't broken in. It sounds great. I went through 3 exhausts on my previous car, a 370z and none were as good as this. The first was a Nissan Nismo, their equivalent of the BMW Performance Exhaust. It sucked. Over $1000 and no one could tell any difference in sound from the one that came on the car!

06-30-2011, 12:33 PM	#1
sardius Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	BMW Performace Exhaust help please Hi guys, The BMW PE is growing on me. Eventhough I did some research here to learn more about the PE the only thing I ended up with were more questions. Can someone tell me the pros and cons of having this exhaust again? I know that it's much lighter than the stock exhaust and it does relieve some back pressure. However, some dynos indicate loss of ~3hp and other dynos gain of ~5hp, am I correct? What is the verdict on this? Do we gain or lose hps? Honestly I am not putting this on for the gain of ~5hp, I could live without it, however, I don't want to lose any pony as well. Thanks a bunch guys __________________ MY2011 135i / 6MT / Alpine White / Navigation / Premium Pack / BMW Performance Exhaust / aFe Pro Dry S
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-30-2011, 12:46 PM	#2
parky1215 Lieutenant Colonel 564 Rep 1,984 Posts Drives: F90 M5C \| G06 X6 M60i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA iTrader: (13)	you will gain HP from its straight flow design. You will gain even more HP if you also install aftermarket downpipe and/or larger diameter midpipe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 01:07 PM	#3
rogm Private First Class 6 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN iTrader: (1)	i have it, it sounds good, but i get some drone at the highway...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 01:32 PM	#4
sardius Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	@parky1215 thank you for the insight and it's good to know there are more gains in HP after DP install. However, I will see how it feels and sounds like after PE first @rogm thank you. So I hear but I guess I could live with a little bit of droning, but just a little bit __________________ MY2011 135i / 6MT / Alpine White / Navigation / Premium Pack / BMW Performance Exhaust / aFe Pro Dry S
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 01:59 PM	#5
1SerieStud Brigadier General 184 Rep 3,939 Posts Drives: '11 VO 1M (498 of 740) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (11)	Best sounding exhaust for this car. I sold mine because I am getting ready to trade in my car, otherwise I would have kept it. The "drone" that everyone speaks of is not too bad, but then again, I come from a line of performance cars, many of which were louder than what my 135i used to sound like with the PE. Really, there truly aren't any drawbacks to this exhaust. Looks and sounds great throughout the entire power band.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 03:37 PM	#6
RealityDesign realitydesign.com 14 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 2008 Silver 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (5)	You're not going to lose HP, but honestly, if even if you did lose 3hp, I would still buy it. It sounds great. It's unfortunate that catback exhausts don't really make any power on this platform, but that's just how it is. Downpipes will give you a decent gain if you go that route later. As for the droning, with catless downpipes, I get the slightest drone between 3000-3200 RPM in 6th under light load on the freeway. It's really not an issue though, as you can just either drive the speed limit (which is under 3k in 6th), drive faster (which is what I do...hah), or just put it in 5th instead which puts you around 3400 RPM. __________________ 2008 135i MT - JB4 15ohm, Map 3 CM VC2 2.7gal Meth Kit \| CP-e Downpipes \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMS DCI \| Stett CP & Forge DV's \| ETS FMIC \| 3.46 Quaife LSD \| KW V2 Coilovers \| Breyton GTS-R's \| Dunlop Z1 Starspecs \| Complete BMW Performance Exterior & Interior
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 03:43 PM	#7
parky1215 Lieutenant Colonel 564 Rep 1,984 Posts Drives: F90 M5C \| G06 X6 M60i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA iTrader: (13)	my n55's drone range was between 1900 to 2300 with iCarbon catted downpipe, BMW performance midpipe (no cat, no resonator), and BMW performance axleback.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2011, 03:49 PM	#8
RealityDesign realitydesign.com 14 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 2008 Silver 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (5)	Ooops, I totally forgot the OP has an N55. Forget about what I said regarding the droning as that's for N54. __________________ 2008 135i MT - JB4 15ohm, Map 3 CM VC2 2.7gal Meth Kit \| CP-e Downpipes \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| BMS DCI \| Stett CP & Forge DV's \| ETS FMIC \| 3.46 Quaife LSD \| KW V2 Coilovers \| Breyton GTS-R's \| Dunlop Z1 Starspecs \| Complete BMW Performance Exterior & Interior
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-01-2011, 01:23 PM	#9
rogm Private First Class 6 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 135I Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN iTrader: (1)	Sounds great when you first turn it on!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-03-2011, 07:25 AM	#10
TT1351 Captain 508 Rep 929 Posts Drives: 135, GTS, E30 M3+ Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (2)	Have had one on my 2008 almost since day 1, it really is an intoxicating sound, especially when going between tall buildings on narrow streets, exotic sounding. Fran
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-03-2011, 11:46 AM	#11
sardius Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Great input guys, thanks a lot. Will have one on my car pretty soon. __________________ MY2011 135i / 6MT / Alpine White / Navigation / Premium Pack / BMW Performance Exhaust / aFe Pro Dry S
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2011, 01:06 PM	#12
leo135i New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: bmw 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lugano iTrader: (0)	my car with performance exhaust + dps __________________ BMW 135i, Sauber Edition Nr.41, full optional, white, interior carbon, spoiler-exhaust-steering wheel performance, downpipes wagner, procede V5, dual cone intake, intercooler wagner
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2011, 01:51 PM	#13
1013mm aka 1013MM 1253 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	i mine. for people complaining about drone... LOL. you guys dont know drone until you experience something like eissenmann race lol __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2011, 03:27 PM	#14
sardius Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 270 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	@leo135, that sounds awesome thanks for the video! __________________ MY2011 135i / 6MT / Alpine White / Navigation / Premium Pack / BMW Performance Exhaust / aFe Pro Dry S
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2011, 03:39 PM	#15
Pol Major 1119 Rep 1,407 Posts Drives: M2 CS BMS DCT August 2020 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	I had some drone on the highway around 1500 RPM when the Steptronic stands on D and as a result shifts more quickly. Since I have the BMW Performance Kit installed, the drone has gone.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2011, 04:24 PM	#16
Kamal Indian Stig 29 Rep 1,002 Posts Drives: '03 540i M, '11 Ducati M796 Join Date: May 2008 Location: StL/CoMO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [7.56] 2011 BMW 328i [8.00]	Pros - sounds great, OEM product with the expected OEM fit and finish, keeps your warranty on the exhaust Cons - expensive, other more affordable options are out there, doesn't really do much for the car If you like it, go for it... I've heard it and it sounds good, but it was overpriced in my opinion. I opted for the Berk Technology FULL sport exhaust for $750 shipped from David@EAS. HP gains/losses are minimal, if any, on a system like the BMW Performance one. __________________ 2008 E82 N54 \|\| Stage 2 -------- Gone to a good home.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2011, 01:40 PM	#19
Lee123 Private First Class 11 Rep 110 Posts Drives: 2011 135i DCT Convertible Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (0)	I've had it on my 2011 since it was a week or so old. No noticeable change in power, but it would be hard to notice 3 hp one way or the other particularity on and new car that isn't broken in. It sounds great. I went through 3 exhausts on my previous car, a 370z and none were as good as this. The first was a Nissan Nismo, their equivalent of the BMW Performance Exhaust. It sucked. Over $1000 and no one could tell any difference in sound from the one that came on the car!
	Appreciate 0 Quote