Jekyl and Hyde Exhaust

[rvsixdriver]

I’m reluctant to install a PE as I’m not sure I want a louder car all the time. I wish there were a valve selectable exhaust for the 128i that would allow stock sound or PE sound when selected or throttle is mashed. When my wife is in the car, or a cop is nearby, I would prefer the stock sound. When I’m having fun driving the car, I would prefer a more aggressive sound. I know that there are solutions like this for the Vette. Anybody know of a similar solution for the 128?
I think that the flapper valve in the stock muffler opens based on manifold pressure and it looks like the bypass goes through less muffler. I would be fine with this if the less muffler was even less than it is. Though I have not seen one in person, pictures of the BMW PE muff looks like the stock one but without the flapper. I’m sure it has less restriction inside as well.
If there is no existing solution, I would like to cut open a stock muff, attempt a modification that would try to accomplish the Jekyll and Hyde effect. If someone who has installed a PE and sometimes wishes it were quieter and wants to donate a stock muff for me to cut open and play with, I will try a modification. If it works, I would install it on my car and remove my muffer, modify it, and return it to the doner. If it does not work or I decide it is not worth continuing, I will return the opened muffler on request.
Any takers?

[bozola]

IMHO, the BMW PE does just that.

Light footed on the "Champignon" and it's quiet.

Spirited Accelerator Action and it's a Beefy Sweet Sound.

[rvsixdriver]

Originally Posted by bozola

IMHO, the BMW PE does just that.

Light footed on the "Champignon" and it's quiet.

Spirited Accelerator Action and it's a Beefy Sweet Sound.

Thanks Bozola,


I saw another poster complain that he thought his was too loud. I wish I knew someone tin the New Orleans Area that had one installed so I could hear it. Not sure if the real experience comes through on the videos.

I'm pretty tempted to give it a try.

[derekL]

I have the PE on my 128i and I feel that it's perfect for what you are trying to attain. Personally, I don't feel like it's too loud. Hope this helps!

[bozola]

There are videos of it on this forum. I have posted a couple. They give you a decent representation.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I think the PE is definitely louder than stock all the time. IMO the stock exhaust is just way too quiet, though. And the PE exhaust note does change character when you really get on it, and does get quite a bit louder - but I wouldn't say it was as quiet as stock when just cruising. It's a bit louder and burblier, and overall gives some indication of underlying power, unlike the stock exhaust which is sort of discomfortingly quiet by comparison.

BUT - the PE still has a "stock-ish" sound, IMO. Let's face it, this is still a BMW product, and I think it shows in terms of refinement. It won't sound like some fart-canned Civic, where the exhaust note is sort of compensating for a lack of power and sounds strained, raspy, and, well, obnoxious.

But neither will the PE ever be as quiet as the stock exhaust with the flapper valve closed. Also, on the highway, during long drives, there is noticeably more cabin noise. I hesitate to use the word "drone," but the exhaust note is certainly more intrusive than stock. Over time it mellows, though, and I also think you just get used to it.

Seriously, though, it's so worth it. I would hate to go back to stock exhaust - I think the PE gives the 128i so much more character while retaining an OEM level of sophistication. It's just perfect.

[zkeeper]

Agree with all the above. Sound and noise are all so subjective, but I have police around me all the time, and never have had even one turn their head. It is just not obtrusive at all. It's deep, resonant, but has a nice "burble" to it; on trips it is not at all "drony". More than stock of course, but very civilized. It also mellows with time--would not trade back at all. Personally, I do not think you could take one apart, mod it, and make it sound as you wish. One would I suspect have to be pretty skilled at that, especially to make it go back and forth. BUT then maybe you could...if it does not work, at least you now have a good reason to get the PE...

[jksgoh]

agree with the others, PE is great.

one of the other guys in australia wanted to reduce the drone and changed the vibration absorber thingy and had good results.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...rmance+exhaust

[luigimaster24]

I know Meisterschaft has an EV (electronic valve) system for the E9x M3 and other cars. I have it on my F10 550 and I can't be happier.

Contact them to see if they make anything for your 1 series.

Check this sick video out !!!

[Soccs]

Just WOW this things should be illegal!!!! this is so sick!!!

[rvsixdriver]

Will check on meisterschaft., but will probablymorder a BMW pe.

[JimD]

A friend of my son has a 1999 Trans Am with a vette motor and turbo. 700+hp at the rear wheels (from the dyno at his tuner). He used to run it without a muffler but then his wife wouldn't go on a trip in it - too loud. So he added a muffler with an electrically controlled bypass. Now he can flip a switch and have open exhaust. It doesn't sound like what you want and without the turbo it would be even louder but it is an interesting car/system. He and my son like Hooker mufflers.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by luigimaster24

I know Meisterschaft has an EV (electronic valve) system for the E9x M3 and other cars. I have it on my F10 550 and I can't be happier.

Contact them to see if they make anything for your 1 series.

Check this sick video out !!!

It sounds soo nice Wish we had something like that for our 1series quad exhaust style.

[fusion01]

If you do a lot of highway driving between 2k - 3k RPMs stay stock as it certainly can drone. However in every other instance imaginable the PE is simply unbelievable and makes my 135i more than just wicked. It is a prerequisite. I simply could not imagine the car without it. My HK Logic 7 never gets used, I will put it that way. As Nike say, 'Just Do It', you won't be sorry. Must add with PE on a cold start it is quite OTT but feck the neighbours and their judgements