BMW PE and secondary cats

[mke135i]

Hi guys,
Can someone tell me if the BMW PE removes the secondary cats on the N54? Looking at the pictures from realOEM it doesn't look like it.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...=18&fg=95&hl=3

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...70&hg=18&fg=10

Looks like it only removes the resonator.

Thanks

[Dackelone]

No, your secondary cats are intact. But there is a Y-pipe that removes the rear resonator from the mid pipes. Some people do not install that part of the PE kit. But I would IF you want all the popping and crackling noises when you let off the throttle.

[Jeef Beef]

It keeps your secondary cats like dackel just said. However, the installation requires cutting off the mid resonator just after the cats.

I've got mine installed and DAAAAMMNNN the car really wails on WOT. Definitely cut the resonator out.

[wibbit]

How much louder is it with the resonator removed? I use my car as a daily and would still like the soft exhaust sound most of the time

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by wibbit

How much louder is it with the resonator removed? I use my car as a daily and would still like the soft exhaust sound most of the time

You get a bit more low end noise when accelerating from a start but when I'm just cruising I can't even tell the difference.

[mke135i]

Thanks all for the responses. I'm looking more into freeing up the exhaust (taking the second cats out), so I'm going to go with the N55 mids and stock muffler.

[BrokenVert]

well it looks like everything I was going to say is covered

[Mistahhwong]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

No, your secondary cats are intact. But there is a Y-pipe that removes the rear resonator from the mid pipes. Some people do not install that part of the PE kit. But I would IF you want all the popping and crackling noises when you let off the throttle.

So, some people don't install the Y-pipe because of preference? If I have the exhaust installed at the dealer, will they install them?

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by ConcreteJungle110

So, some people don't install the Y-pipe because of preference? If I have the exhaust installed at the dealer, will they install them?

Some people do not want to cut the mid section of their exhaust so do not put in the Y-pipe. The dealer install will probably saw off your stock exhaust if you don't say anything about it.

TBO, if you've spent the money and bought the PE anyway, why would you hinder its performance by not doing the full install? That should've been something thought about before purchase.

@mke135i, if you're looking to free up the exhaust, get catless downpipes. Removing the midpipe cats don't give many gains.

[tawheed]

I was thinking about getting this exhaust but am not a fan of having to cut my stock mids. Makes it harder to return to stock if/when you want to without either having to buy new mids or clamping the stock system back on.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by tawheed

I was thinking about getting this exhaust but am not a fan of having to cut my stock mids. Makes it harder to return to stock if/when you want to without either having to buy new mids or clamping the stock system back on.

This is very true and a valid point for many owners. Definitely something you should consider before forking out for the PE, it's not a cheap unit.

However, as a BMW OEM accessory, by the gods does it make noise. You wouldn't think BMW made it.

[tawheed]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

This is very true and a valid point for many owners. Definitely something you should consider before forking out for the PE, it's not a cheap unit.

However, as a BMW OEM accessory, by the gods does it make noise. You wouldn't think BMW made it.

Indeed! The price is actually fairly competitive I think, around $850 from some vendors here. I'm thinking of going with a Maddad street axle-back.

[Mistahhwong]

So went ahead and had it installed. Definitely impressed and soo satisfied with it! Sounds truly amazing in person.

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by ConcreteJungle110

So went ahead and had it installed. Definitely impressed and soo satisfied with it! Sounds truly amazing in person.

Good on ya! How you finding the noise down low?

[Mistahhwong]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Good on ya! How you finding the noise down low?

Definitely more of a bark! But cruising at highway speeds is surprisingly quiet. All you need to do is twitch your right foot and it grumbles so damn nicely