E46 M3 Exhaust.

[Steve Devaney]

I am used to my weekend car of choice having a decent soundtrack and the M3 is way too muted for me. I have come from TVR with sleeved cans and Porsche with De-cat and Cup pipes so the finesse of the exhaust note is lost on my battered ears!

Apart from the stock rear muffler modification (is it correct that the perforated pipes need chopping out for non-perforated pipe?) with the removal of the lagging from access holes cut to the upside of the box, are there any other budget bolt on rear mufflers that people have tried and would recommend?

I have seen a video on YouTube comparing a stock set-up with three alternative systems but would like the opportunity to hear views from those that have tried the various options available.

Anyone tried this offering that is listed on ebay?.......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Coupe-Cabrio-...

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Stainless-Ste...

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:13

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:23

[pidsy]

Eisenmann.

end of.

ive got the 84mm tip version and it is awesome.

[Steve Devaney]

pidsy said:

Eisenmann.

end of.

ive got the 84mm tip version and it is awesome.

I just couldn't justify the cost of that unit - hence the link to cheaper alternatives.

Not looking for any performance gain really, just aural delight(!) with the hood down(!!).

[pidsy]

Steve Devaney said:

I just couldn't justify the cost of that unit - hence the link to cheaper alternatives.

Not looking for any performance gain really, just aural delight(!) with the hood down(!!).

i did a whole lot of research on this before i invested. the issue with the e46 M3 exhausts (and M3's in general)is that loads of rudeboy types (particularly in london where i am) want to make their M3 loud so the cheaper options open up to them.

the cheaper backboxes might sound loud but the clarity of sound and real raspy noise is lost in a mess of droning road noise.

there is a reason that the reputable systems are expensive - they increase power and sound special. i'd put cheaper systems on other cars i've owned over the years and the difference is immense.

i picked mine up for a good deal. rather than a cheap ebay system get yourself to a decent custom maker and that way you can be sure of the quality and you can tailor the sound to some extent.

the topgear one you linked to will be from their base in St albans. their generic systems are good but there's room for improvement.

Edited by pidsy on Thursday 14th May 15:52

[Steve Devaney]

Lp

pidsy said:

Steve Devaney said:

I just couldn't justify the cost of that unit - hence the link to cheaper alternatives.

Not looking for any performance gain really, just aural delight(!) with the hood down(!!).

i did a whole lot of research on this before i invested. the issue with the e46 M3 exhausts (and M3's in general)is that loads of rudeboy types (particularly in london where i am) want to make their M3 loud so the cheaper options open up to them.

the cheaper backboxes might sound loud but the clarity of sound and real raspy noise is lost in a mess of droning road noise.

there is a reason that the reputable systems are expensive - they increase power and sound special. i'd put cheaper systems on other cars i've owned over the years and the difference is immense.

i picked mine up for a good deal. rather than a cheap ebay system get yourself to a decent custom maker and that way you can be sure of the quality and you can tailor the sound to some extent.

the topgear one you linked to will be from their base in St albans. their generic systems are good but there's room for improvement.

Edited by pidsy on Thursday 14th May 15:52

Thanks for that Pidsy.
Is there anyone out there that has a second hand premium system for 2nd rate money!. 😅

[oxam]

I have the ebay special from the first link on my track car. It's quite loud from the outside, can't really say how it will sound inside as my whole interior is gutted.

Outside

https://youtu.be/Uu_k_E6fX_Y

Inside

https://youtu.be/ppCbsD5x74s

[pidsy]

Thought about modding the standard system?

There are ways to cut out the resonator internals to allow more sound.

[andyman_2006]

Hi,

I have a full Milltek System (from the downpipes back) and its just about the right loudness.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milltek-Stainless-Steel-...

Thats the back box, centre section was £499 i think.

however its far cheaper than replacing with a standard factory system the rear box alone is £900 and centre £670 with only 2 year warranty.

If I'm honest i liked the old rasp from the factory system, only changed it as it corroded away and I refused to pay that much for mild steel rubbish which will corrode again.

Milltek look and sound good, well know Maker of quality systems.

P.S Doubt You'll never make the M3 sound like a TVR.....ever.

Good luck

Andy

[bosshog]

Steve Devaney said:

I am used to my weekend car of choice having a decent soundtrack and the M3 is way too muted for me. I have come from TVR with sleeved cans and Porsche with De-cat and Cup pipes so the finesse of the exhaust note is lost on my battered ears!

Apart from the stock rear muffler modification (is it correct that the perforated pipes need chopping out for non-perforated pipe?) with the removal of the lagging from access holes cut to the upside of the box, are there any other budget bolt on rear mufflers that people have tried and would recommend?

I have seen a video on YouTube comparing a stock set-up with three alternative systems but would like the opportunity to hear views from those that have tried the various options available.

Anyone tried this offering that is listed on ebay?.......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Coupe-Cabrio-...

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Stainless-Ste...

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:13

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:23

Hi Steve,

I have the second one for sale (Cobra) with the next section (really you need to exchange all with way to at least the cats (and ideally to the headers).



Here's a sound clip I made - not very good but you get the idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_ABHI991AY

Looking for £450 for both

[bennyboysvuk]

Don't forget to remove the sound deadening underneath the back seat. It's a 10 minute job to remove and allows the exhaust noise to permeate the cabin a little more.

[Steve Devaney]

pidsy said:

Thought about modding the standard system?

There are ways to cut out the resonator internals to allow more sound.

I had indeed Pidsy and that then got me thinking about S/S options as I fear all of the chopping about of the standard box would be sure to rust through at the welds.

[Steve Devaney]

oxam said:

I have the ebay special from the first link on my track car. It's quite loud from the outside, can't really say how it will sound inside as my whole interior is gutted.

Outside

https://youtu.be/Uu_k_E6fX_Y

Inside

https://youtu.be/ppCbsD5x74s

That is the kind of sound I am after. Not too worried about any droning as I do so few miles (shamefully around 500 per annum).

[Steve Devaney]

andyman_2006 said:

Hi,

I have a full Milltek System (from the downpipes back) and its just about the right loudness.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Milltek-Stainless-Steel-...

Thats the back box, centre section was £499 i think.

however its far cheaper than replacing with a standard factory system the rear box alone is £900 and centre £670 with only 2 year warranty.

If I'm honest i liked the old rasp from the factory system, only changed it as it corroded away and I refused to pay that much for mild steel rubbish which will corrode again.

Milltek look and sound good, well know Maker of quality systems.

P.S Doubt You'll never make the M3 sound like a TVR.....ever.

Good luck

Andy

You are right Andy, 4.0 Red Rose Speed Six did sound great through the sleeved end cans. The TVR convoy through the Cheddar Gorge sure rattled the locals windows and will will live long in the memory :-)

[Steve Devaney]

bosshog said:

Steve Devaney said:

I am used to my weekend car of choice having a decent soundtrack and the M3 is way too muted for me. I have come from TVR with sleeved cans and Porsche with De-cat and Cup pipes so the finesse of the exhaust note is lost on my battered ears!

Apart from the stock rear muffler modification (is it correct that the perforated pipes need chopping out for non-perforated pipe?) with the removal of the lagging from access holes cut to the upside of the box, are there any other budget bolt on rear mufflers that people have tried and would recommend?

I have seen a video on YouTube comparing a stock set-up with three alternative systems but would like the opportunity to hear views from those that have tried the various options available.

Anyone tried this offering that is listed on ebay?.......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Coupe-Cabrio-...

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-Stainless-Ste...

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:13

Edited by Steve Devaney on Thursday 14th May 14:23

Hi Steve,

I have the second one for sale (Cobra) with the next section (really you need to exchange all with way to at least the cats (and ideally to the headers).



Here's a sound clip I made - not very good but you get the idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_ABHI991AY

Looking for £450 for both

Thanks BH,
I am now sorted with a Top Gear rear section (just back box) from a chap who is replacing this with the OEM quiet box. He bought the car recently and the unit is only 4 months old so should be in decent nick. It's mine for £200 delivered so I will get it fitted when time allows.
What gaskets do I need - olive type or flat pressed metal type? Is there a fitting kit available?

[Steve Devaney]

bennyboysvuk said:

Don't forget to remove the sound deadening underneath the back seat. It's a 10 minute job to remove and allows the exhaust noise to permeate the cabin a little more.

Not sure this is what I am after in all honesty. I will give the box swap a go and see how I get on. I am having a shed/garage/2nd shed clear out so I should have some space to store the OEM box should I get bored of the music!
My 964 was really fruity having had the De-cat and cup pipe units installed so I think the M3 will be pretty mild to the ear :-)

[bennyboysvuk]

Steve Devaney said:

Not sure this is what I am after in all honesty. I will give the box swap a go and see how I get on.

Is it the volume of the current exhaust that's the issue or the noise it makes? If the former, then removing the sound deadening can only help. If the latter then fair enough.

[Steve Devaney]

bennyboysvuk said:

Steve Devaney said:

Not sure this is what I am after in all honesty. I will give the box swap a go and see how I get on.

Is it the volume of the current exhaust that's the issue or the noise it makes? If the former, then removing the sound deadening can only help. If the latter then fair enough.

It's volume and noise that needs addressing for me. I may change my mind in time but for now the OEM behemoth is hitting the shed! :-)