Performance Exhaust Driving Differences

[Judge]

I’m about to pull the trigger on a Performance Exhaust (first “mod”). While there’s been much discussion about the sound difference I haven’t heard anything about how the car drives with the upgraded exhaust. The description on the BMWUSA site makes it sound like a whole new driving experience with that extra five hp at 6000 rpms.

Does the engine really run more smoothly as the website claims? It also says the engine revs higher which makes me wonder if that affects gas mileage. Are there many differences other than sound with the new exhaust?

[Ryan@IND]

Exhaust is largely purchased for look and sound. There is a performance gain but it is not much (generally less than 10whp). The engine will feel slightly peppier and more "free revving".

Your gas mileage can actually increase as it make the engine more efficient (hence the increase in power).

The overall experience of a new exhaust system is worth the money. But don't purchase one expecting crazy power gains.

[BrokenVert]

I noticed right away that the car revs slightly faster and the turbos spool up a bit faster. I have noticed a 2 mpg gain at highway speed. The sound is fantastic. I think that it was worth all of the money that I spent on it.

That being said I got mine for $50.

[ronnyek]

you WILL drive it differently... I find I get her into the upper rpms a lot more now... not because its easier to get there, or because its making tons more horsepower, but it sounds heavenly. From within the car it sounds exotic

[ruffstik]

I cant seem to keep my windows rolled up anymore....

[ru55]

I didnt notice any difference at all in performance.