BMW Performance Exhaust... Worth it?

sochermit · 08-06-2013, 08:37 AM

I will take the PPK over the PE any day. I would rather have the waking up of the engine and the quick response over a little better sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jester17

Hey there, all -- read this thread complete, and it seems folks are more pleased with the PE than the PPK. So before I pull the trigger on either, I wanted to just query the group(s) again and ask a few perhaps redundant questions:

Is the PPK REALLY and truly more of a placebo effect? For those who've bought the PPK, but NOT the PE, do you regret it? Any of you have a CAI in combination with the PPK?

And while the PE is advertised as suggesting I should "expect higher revving and a deep racing growl," does that higher revving equal a stronger output in terms of either torque or HP?

Thanks everyone!

b1aze · 08-06-2013, 08:40 AM

I just put on the axle-back only portion of the BMWPE and the sound is pretty nice. Its definately throatier just about everywhere, especially under WOT at 3500+rpm. With the stock axleback, it just lost its voice in the upper RPMs but now it sounds better. I am going to install the resonator delete soon, once i get the gaskets and hardware necessary, but I just couldnt hold off on the axleback

It also looks really nice all polished!

My left-side exhaust tip did come in EVER SO slightly out-of-round though. Figured it was from shipping such a large item. Even with the protection around it, i could see how it could be damaged. I was able to tap it into a little more round (or at least I think so) but 99% of people wouldnt notice anyways.

tmaroufi · 08-06-2013, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b1aze

I just put on the axle-back only portion of the BMWPE and the sound is pretty nice. Its definately throatier just about everywhere, especially under WOT at 3500+rpm. With the stock axleback, it just lost its voice in the upper RPMs but now it sounds better. I am going to install the resonator delete soon, once i get the gaskets and hardware necessary, but I just couldnt hold off on the axleback

It also looks really nice all polished!

My left-side exhaust tip did come in EVER SO slightly out-of-round though. Figured it was from shipping such a large item. Even with the protection around it, i could see how it could be damaged. I was able to tap it into a little more round (or at least I think so) but 99% of people wouldnt notice anyways.

I'm getting my PE installed as we speak

... I'm stoked to hear how it's gonna sound with the axel-back, and the Y-pipe

dannypwr · 09-04-2013, 02:46 PM

Anyone can comment how PE compares to a Berk street? I have the Berk on now and its droning, only have about 250 miles on it so far.

mb135is · 09-04-2013, 02:54 PM

The more I live with the PE the more I realize the drone. It does not take away from my satisfaction with it in any way, however. Some are more sensitive to the droning than others - the PE drones at low RPM, but is just amazing with the windows open at all RPM.

3002 tii · 09-04-2013, 03:57 PM

PE actually sounds exotic to me, it's a must.

gregthegr8 · 09-04-2013, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

PE actually sounds exotic to me, it's a must.

I agree, definitely sounds like a Ferrari or some exotic beast, not like an inline 6.

As for the drone, I notice it a little more and more with each passing day and it's occasionally annoying, but I think you also learn it only happens in a very narrow speed/rpm range, so if you speed up or slow down just a bit, it goes away. Tis but a minor annoyance and completely overshadowed by all the good of it. I'd say it's like 90-95% good, 5-10% bad.

mb135is · 09-04-2013, 05:41 PM

Exotic is a very good word to describe it.

gregthegr8 · 09-04-2013, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb135is

Exotic is a very good word to describe it.

I almost want someone else to drive it past me so I can hear what it sounds like from the outside, but not allowing that. Will have to wrangle up some IS owners so we can all drive past each other so everyone can hear.

mb135is · 09-04-2013, 08:12 PM

Haha good point. I heard mine when the service guy parked it one time, but it was low rpm.

PopsnBurbles · 09-04-2013, 11:45 PM

1. My car sounds SEXY from the inside. My friend told me it's one of the best sounding non-exotic car, stock. Every time my right foot dips the accelerator a little bit, the sound in the cabin is golden.

2. Cold starts are even SEXIER! Unfortunately, it was 9PM and it was pretty cold and I had to leave. The PE sounded louder than ever and my neighbor ran out and complained that the sound bothered him. On subsequent starts, it sounds more tame but still nice.

3. In closed environments, the exhaust is thundering! Yes, I shut AC and radio off and put windows down a bit to hear the noise.

4. There's little drone (some people call it "resonating") @ 6th gear/7th gear somewhere between 2000rpm~3000rpm. (more like 2400~2700). I guess it can apply to other gears too but the computer tend to go through 3rd, 4th, and 5th quickly in D mode. It can actually cause some of the interior pieces to squeak and vibrate.

5. Some people think you're instigating a race because the exhaust is loud. Others will find that you're showing off.

6. The tips stick out a little which can potentially be hazardous. I haven't been burnt yet but it's definitely possible.
-------------------

Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you want to stick to BMW/M parts only.
I haven't observed the car past 4k rpms (still in break in).

08-06-2013, 08:40 AM	#46
b1aze Just one more taste... 566 Rep 2,011 Posts Drives: 2013 128i 6MT MSport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Uxbridge MA iTrader: (18)	I just put on the axle-back only portion of the BMWPE and the sound is pretty nice. Its definately throatier just about everywhere, especially under WOT at 3500+rpm. With the stock axleback, it just lost its voice in the upper RPMs but now it sounds better. I am going to install the resonator delete soon, once i get the gaskets and hardware necessary, but I just couldnt hold off on the axleback It also looks really nice all polished! My left-side exhaust tip did come in EVER SO slightly out-of-round though. Figured it was from shipping such a large item. Even with the protection around it, i could see how it could be damaged. I was able to tap it into a little more round (or at least I think so) but 99% of people wouldnt notice anyways.
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09-04-2013, 02:46 PM	#48
dannypwr Private 4 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 135i Vert Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Nyc iTrader: (0)	Anyone can comment how PE compares to a Berk street? I have the Berk on now and its droning, only have about 250 miles on it so far.
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09-04-2013, 02:54 PM	#49
mb135is Captain 89 Rep 912 Posts Drives: '13 135is #180/586 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	The more I live with the PE the more I realize the drone. It does not take away from my satisfaction with it in any way, however. Some are more sensitive to the droning than others - the PE drones at low RPM, but is just amazing with the windows open at all RPM. __________________ E82 '13 135is - Space Gray/Coral Red, 6 MT, Heated Seats, 50% tint, clear bra, BMW Perf. Grilles, BMW Perf. CF Diffuser - #180/586
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09-04-2013, 03:57 PM	#50
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.22]	PE actually sounds exotic to me, it's a must. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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09-04-2013, 05:41 PM	#52
mb135is Captain 89 Rep 912 Posts Drives: '13 135is #180/586 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Exotic is a very good word to describe it. __________________ E82 '13 135is - Space Gray/Coral Red, 6 MT, Heated Seats, 50% tint, clear bra, BMW Perf. Grilles, BMW Perf. CF Diffuser - #180/586
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09-04-2013, 08:12 PM	#54
mb135is Captain 89 Rep 912 Posts Drives: '13 135is #180/586 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Haha good point. I heard mine when the service guy parked it one time, but it was low rpm. __________________ E82 '13 135is - Space Gray/Coral Red, 6 MT, Heated Seats, 50% tint, clear bra, BMW Perf. Grilles, BMW Perf. CF Diffuser - #180/586
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09-04-2013, 11:45 PM	#55
PopsnBurbles Captain 192 Rep 893 Posts Drives: 135is :) 192/586 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: LA, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW 135is Coup ... [10.00]	1. My car sounds SEXY from the inside. My friend told me it's one of the best sounding non-exotic car, stock. Every time my right foot dips the accelerator a little bit, the sound in the cabin is golden. 2. Cold starts are even SEXIER! Unfortunately, it was 9PM and it was pretty cold and I had to leave. The PE sounded louder than ever and my neighbor ran out and complained that the sound bothered him. On subsequent starts, it sounds more tame but still nice. 3. In closed environments, the exhaust is thundering! Yes, I shut AC and radio off and put windows down a bit to hear the noise. 4. There's little drone (some people call it "resonating") @ 6th gear/7th gear somewhere between 2000rpm~3000rpm. (more like 2400~2700). I guess it can apply to other gears too but the computer tend to go through 3rd, 4th, and 5th quickly in D mode. It can actually cause some of the interior pieces to squeak and vibrate. 5. Some people think you're instigating a race because the exhaust is loud. Others will find that you're showing off. 6. The tips stick out a little which can potentially be hazardous. I haven't been burnt yet but it's definitely possible. ------------------- Is it worth it? Yes, especially if you want to stick to BMW/M parts only. I haven't observed the car past 4k rpms (still in break in). Last edited by PopsnBurbles; 09-05-2013 at 12:00 AM..
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