Money Best Spent: PPK v1 or Performance Exhaust

[crimsonsfo]

Got my '11 135i a couple months ago on CPO and have finally been able to save up some cash to start working on it. In your opinion, what has been the more satisfying upgrade -- BMW Power Performance Kit v1 or BMW Performance Exhaust?

NOTE: Yes, I know there are other tunes and exhausts out there that offer more performance for the buck. I'm only interested in OEM for the sake of my CPO. I know I can always revert the tune or that it's hard to prove the aftermarket part caused the issues with the rest of the car.

[gregthegr8]

Originally Posted by crimsonsfo

Got my '11 135i a couple months ago on CPO and have finally been able to save up some cash to start working on it. In your opinion, what has been the more satisfying upgrade -- BMW Power Performance Kit v1 or BMW Performance Exhaust?

NOTE: Yes, I know there are other tunes and exhausts out there that offer more performance for the buck. I'm only interested in OEM for the sake of my CPO. I know I can always revert the tune or that it's hard to prove the aftermarket part caused the issues with the rest of the car.

Tough call as I have both the PPK2 and the PE. But, I think for the money, your better bang for the buck is probably the performance exhaust. It is simply intoxicating and addictive and I think you'll notice a more dramatic effect and difference getting that as opposed to 20 more horsies. The only caveat is they say you get extra pops and burbles on the PE when you let off the gas when you have the PPK.

So, I think you'll find the PPK offers only a subtle change whereas the PE is a night and day difference. My 2 cents. Then I'd say save up for the PPK down the road.

[Tricki]

I've got same car and went PPK1
Sound is intoxicating and it gave a great burble popping on over run.. Increased smooth performance as well... Feels like with PPK I got a new exhaust as well 😀😀 love it and so will u

[jafo1701]

I got the PPK 1 and for exhaust got the Berk Sport Exhaust. Cheaper, lighter then the BMW performance exhaust. It sounds great too.

[Jockey]

I enjoy the PPK1

[crimsonsfo]

Thanks for your opinions. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either. Tough choice on what to do first.

[Overpar56]

You do the golf tee mod yet? It surprised me how much different the car sounds. Give it a try.

I think I'm going with the PPK1 this Spring.

[cat-like]

If I had to choose one over the other it would be a no brainer - PPK hands down if you're not going to get an aftermarket tune!

If you have a look around there are threads on throttle response issues on newer cars and cars that have recently been in for service and had a BMW software update. I assure you that it is not a pleasant situation. The PPK takes care of that + gives you a few more HP and some burble & pop.

Of course the issue doesn't apply to the 135is because it already has the PPK.

[crvz]

I got the PPKv1 comped as a result of some issues I had with the dealer, and I was very surprised at how much more pull the car had once it was installed. 20 horsepowers doesnt seem terribly significant, but it was a great add. I would highly recommend it.

[zakyzozo]

One thing that may help you decide is whether or not your car has the s840 option. Just call the dealer and give them your VIN, they can tell you. It is a requirement for the ppk. But the PE is awesome.

[Joeyb7]

I have both, but the one thing I'd miss the most if it were gone would be my PE.

[johngrossi]

You will love the sound of PE. May not be the best in terms of gains but the sound is incredible

[CAVU]

If you can feel the difference, you might enjoy the extra 20 hp from the PPK1 once in a while (how often are you at full throttle?), but the PE is something that changes the sound and personality of the car 100% of the time! I really enjoy the PE, but I'm not sure it would be obvious if the dealer somehow overwrote the DME's PPK tune.

[jkoral]

Speculating because I've only ever had both and have never driven a stock 135i, but if I had to choose one, it would be the PE.

[alexmtl_135i]

I bought both a JB4 and a PE and even though the JB4 was cheaper than a PPK and gave more power, if I were back with a stock 135i I would buy the PE hands down.

This exhaust is just awesome. I have a C63 now and sometimes I miss it

[barnsdale]

I have both the PPK 1 and PE! Love the combo but I bought it with both so I don't know which one I would originally buy first..probably the exhaust - love the sound of it!

[crimsonsfo]

Originally Posted by barnsdale

I have both the PPK 1 and PE! Love the combo but I bought it with both so I don't know which one I would originally buy first..probably the exhaust - love the sound of it!

Exhaust seems to be the consensus. Thanks for the insight guys.