N55 mid pipes on n54 and related exhaust parts

[dtkw969]

Hi guys , I've a newbie question that I couldn't figure out and I was hoping someone could shed some light.

I currently have an n54 135 and was considering some exhaust upgrades.

My aim is some power upgrades, improved sound, yet pass our local inspection process so i need things to look as stock / OEM as possible on the exhaust system end.

1) I was thinking of the ER charge pipe, as well as the AR catless downpipes.

I intend though, to swap out my n54 mid pipes to the n55 mid pipes as i heard its an upgrade in itself as the n55 has a single cat instead of dual cats on the n54 pipes.

My question and understanding is, if i get the AR catless downpipes meant for an n54, will the n55 midpipes fit onto the n54 AR catless downpipes?

2) My last upgrade is i was thinking of getting the BMW performance muffler. Should i get the one for the n54 or n55, or am i over thinking things here and the n54 one is fine ?

Thank for the help !

[Miko226]

That exhaust setup will sound great and work/fit properly. Although there are cheaper options for downpipes (leaving money for fmic upgrade). N55 pe and n54 pe are the exact same and sound great!

[cbl117]

Originally Posted by dtkw969

I intend though, to swap out my n54 mid pipes to the n55 mid pipes as i heard its an upgrade in itself as the n55 has a single cat instead of dual cats on the n54 pipes.

N55 midpipes have no secondary cats. There is only one resonator after the dual straight pipes meet. Although I have no experience catless, I do have a N54 with a N55 midpipe and it is a nice improvement in sound and performance.

[Miko226]

I plan on swapping out for a set of n55 downpipes down the road looking forward to the sound and the less restriction as well

[dtkw969]

thanks guys.

The mid pipes connect to the axle back on one end, and onto the down pipes on the other end, am i right?

In this regard, since I'm getting the n55 mid pipes, does both the axle back and downpipes have to be meant for the n55, or are exhaust systems in a sense all "direct fits" ?

thanks

[vivanapoli806]

The n55 mids will bolt up to n54 downpipe and axle back. I was thinking about getting n55 mids myself. But after reading about them there really isn't any significant gains in power it's just a sound factor. New n55 mids are around $400 i would rather keep my n54 mids and buy catless dp's that will give me both power and sound

[c_ozanich]

Originally Posted by Miko226

I plan on swapping out for a set of n55 downpipes down the road looking forward to the sound and the less restriction as well

Can't get n55 downpipes, n55 is single turbo, n54 is twin...going to assume you meant mids here but if not I wanted to correct you

[dtkw969]

Originally Posted by vivanapoli806

The n55 mids will bolt up to n54 downpipe and axle back. I was thinking about getting n55 mids myself. But after reading about them there really isn't any significant gains in power it's just a sound factor. New n55 mids are around $400 i would rather keep my n54 mids and buy catless dp's that will give me both power and sound

Thanks for this. Yes i heard its purely a sound play.

ill be changing my DP, but I've heard that it adds power but not much sound, what do you think?

[cbl117]

Originally Posted by dtkw969

Thanks for this. Yes i heard its purely a sound play.

ill be changing my DP, but I've heard that it adds power but not much sound, what do you think?

I felt a slight improvement in throttle response and a bit more top end. All in all I thought it was worth it. The sound was an added bonus too. Sets you up for a nice gurgle/pop sound once you have an axle back.

[Miko226]

Originally Posted by c_ozanich

Can't get n55 downpipes, n55 is single turbo, n54 is twin...going to assume you meant mids here but if not I wanted to correct you

oops im retarded i meant midpipes

[Dieselboy]

AR DP's, N55 mids, Berk Race. Love it or hate it, IMO it sounds brutal.

[Miko226]

Originally Posted by Dieselboy

AR DP's, N55 mids, Berk Race. Love it or hate it, IMO it sounds brutal.

Sounds very similar to my car with the n54 mids still in place but i can definitely tell that it is louder at WOT and the shifts are more aggressive with more pops and gurgles. This reinforces my idea of still swapping my mids for n55 just need to hear it in person to confirm!

[dtkw969]

that sounds too awesome! . haha. i'd get that setup but i will have to look out for enforcement officers in my area as the axle back is illegal here.