135i exhaust and remap.
Discussion
Hi,
I'd appreciate some help and info on exhausts and remaps for my 135i. At the moment I've just had the stock exhaust rear section replaced with the bmw performance version and i'm surprised at the 'farty' sound coming from it at around 4500 rpm. I know it's all a matter of taste but to me it sounds a bit boy racerish.
Bmw said they had to cut into the existing exhaust system to fit the new rear section so simply replacing the old part isn't possible. Does that sound right?
Secondly has anyone had their 135i remapped and if so how does it feel? I spoke to DMS ( i've previously had an E46 m3 done by them ) and they say 370 bhp and 412 lb/ft are possible. That sounds like a massive difference that would surely alter my cars characteristics.
Advice gladly accepted. Thanks.
I'd appreciate some help and info on exhausts and remaps for my 135i. At the moment I've just had the stock exhaust rear section replaced with the bmw performance version and i'm surprised at the 'farty' sound coming from it at around 4500 rpm. I know it's all a matter of taste but to me it sounds a bit boy racerish.
Bmw said they had to cut into the existing exhaust system to fit the new rear section so simply replacing the old part isn't possible. Does that sound right?
Secondly has anyone had their 135i remapped and if so how does it feel? I spoke to DMS ( i've previously had an E46 m3 done by them ) and they say 370 bhp and 412 lb/ft are possible. That sounds like a massive difference that would surely alter my cars characteristics.
Advice gladly accepted. Thanks.
Have a search around, there is plenty on tuning the 135/335...
Best to date are Evolve, DMS et al. Mine is done by Evolve and have 387 if i remember rightly (exhaust only). But to be fair both have great reputations.
The only plug-in style device that allows that kind of convenience (for warranty work) is from the states, from the likes of BMS and Vishnu (and now the CP-E standback). They tend to boost higher, meaning you go quicker
but of course are not actually part of the DME itself.
You'll also find that most remaps, worldwide, for the N54 are around the same power and torque. So it's more of a question of who you want to deal with rather than who has the best map.
Best to date are Evolve, DMS et al. Mine is done by Evolve and have 387 if i remember rightly (exhaust only). But to be fair both have great reputations.
The only plug-in style device that allows that kind of convenience (for warranty work) is from the states, from the likes of BMS and Vishnu (and now the CP-E standback). They tend to boost higher, meaning you go quicker
but of course are not actually part of the DME itself.You'll also find that most remaps, worldwide, for the N54 are around the same power and torque. So it's more of a question of who you want to deal with rather than who has the best map.
3ftandclean said:
Thanks very much. How does your car drive now compared to stock?
Compared to stock its just night and day, literally. For our engines, as in twin turbo, the remapping gives us the best possible gains. You will not believe the difference (and probably why the N54 owners seem to harp on about it so much, without feeling it it's difficult to explain)Hi 3ftandclean.
I have a 135 on order and expect delivery to be at the beginning of September. I am looking to replace the exhaust for the BMW performance item and having spoken to a few people you definitely do have to cut the old system. Basically the performance part includes the axle back exhaust and a new centre section straight pipe that replaces the centre silencer. I am looking to do this as soon as my new car arrives but I am nervous about not liking it and then being stung by the dealer for a new centre silencer section just to put the old exhaust back on.
I know someone who doesn’t live near me but has had a 135 for a short time with the exhaust. He thought it was brilliant but did say that it needs time to settle in. His words were that it was a little ‘zingy’ before it bedded in but that developed into a lovely deep sound. Maybe stick with it for a while and see if it changes?
As far as a remap goes I too will probably be going to Evolve. They have a great rep and if you search on here I am pretty sure they offer a great discount to Pistonheads members. I joined 1addicts on e90post.com and there is a lot of great information on there. Most seem to be running the JB3 box in the states and swear by it. The UK forum for the 135 is a little quiet but there is plenty to go on stateside. I am happy to go for a remap after speaking to my mech that used to look after my M3. Both he and his apprentice (who has just left BWM to work for him) confirmed that there should be no warranty issues around a remap. The only time they would overwrite the flash is if they had to change a control module in the car. His words not mine. I am still a little skeptical but I am pretty sure that Evolve will offer a free reflash or a cut priced one should the map get wiped. My mechs young apprentice is running an 08 123d with a remap so that made me a little more inclined to believe him.
Just out of interest, if anyone has a 135i with teh BMW Performance Exhaust and lives in the home counties I would be interested to have a listen before commiting to cut my exhaust.
I have a 135 on order and expect delivery to be at the beginning of September. I am looking to replace the exhaust for the BMW performance item and having spoken to a few people you definitely do have to cut the old system. Basically the performance part includes the axle back exhaust and a new centre section straight pipe that replaces the centre silencer. I am looking to do this as soon as my new car arrives but I am nervous about not liking it and then being stung by the dealer for a new centre silencer section just to put the old exhaust back on.
I know someone who doesn’t live near me but has had a 135 for a short time with the exhaust. He thought it was brilliant but did say that it needs time to settle in. His words were that it was a little ‘zingy’ before it bedded in but that developed into a lovely deep sound. Maybe stick with it for a while and see if it changes?
As far as a remap goes I too will probably be going to Evolve. They have a great rep and if you search on here I am pretty sure they offer a great discount to Pistonheads members. I joined 1addicts on e90post.com and there is a lot of great information on there. Most seem to be running the JB3 box in the states and swear by it. The UK forum for the 135 is a little quiet but there is plenty to go on stateside. I am happy to go for a remap after speaking to my mech that used to look after my M3. Both he and his apprentice (who has just left BWM to work for him) confirmed that there should be no warranty issues around a remap. The only time they would overwrite the flash is if they had to change a control module in the car. His words not mine. I am still a little skeptical but I am pretty sure that Evolve will offer a free reflash or a cut priced one should the map get wiped. My mechs young apprentice is running an 08 123d with a remap so that made me a little more inclined to believe him.
Just out of interest, if anyone has a 135i with teh BMW Performance Exhaust and lives in the home counties I would be interested to have a listen before commiting to cut my exhaust.
Hi Mike,
I've just been to my local BMW dealer ( Monday morning ) and spoken to the mechanic. He's suggested just changing the centre section ( the part you mentioned ) and leaving the new rear box on. Might be a good compromise, I'll see how it sounds. To be fair to them they've been very helpful with discounts and the like. I guess it's true what they say about a fool and his money...!
I'll let you know how it sounds later.
I've just been to my local BMW dealer ( Monday morning ) and spoken to the mechanic. He's suggested just changing the centre section ( the part you mentioned ) and leaving the new rear box on. Might be a good compromise, I'll see how it sounds. To be fair to them they've been very helpful with discounts and the like. I guess it's true what they say about a fool and his money...!
I'll let you know how it sounds later.
Excellent that would be great. ? though, can you buy the centre section on its own? I do like the straight cut pipes of the performance exhaust tbh.
Why not give it another 300 miles before you make the change and see if it settles in. That is of course if you have a problem with the tone. If you have a problem with the volume you might as well change as that will only get louder.
Why not give it another 300 miles before you make the change and see if it settles in. That is of course if you have a problem with the tone. If you have a problem with the volume you might as well change as that will only get louder.
Edited by ///Mike on Monday 20th July 16:49
Just got the car back and for me it sounds much better, somewhere between standard and performance. The raspy top end note is much reduced which is what I was after but it still sounds much richer than stock. Plus I've still got the performance pipes which is good and a nice little burble when lifting off the throttle. They charged me one hours labour for putting the original centre section back which I don't think is too bad plus they put in a litre of oil free of charge.
I know we all have different opinions and tastes but for me I reckon this combination sounds about right.
I know we all have different opinions and tastes but for me I reckon this combination sounds about right.
RacingTeatray said:
What was amiss with just having the Performance Exhaust fitted that necessitated the re-fitting of the central pipe? - I ask as I'm planning on getting a Performance Exhaust fitted next week as I find my 135i rather too civilised....
Yes I felt the same but having had it put on I just didn't like the sound of it at around 4500/5000 revs. It seemed to get a bit 'boy racerish'. However, thats just my opinion and I certainly wouldn't want to put you off it. I think ///Mike mentioned previously that it needs time to bed in. The machanic at my local dealer suggested putting the original centre section back as a compromise.A week or so later it has got quieter so maybe the full exhaust system would too. Either way it certainly sounds better than the original. Hope that helps. By the way I've changed the run flats for Continentals and the ride is so much better. I'd recommend doing that without a doubt.
Edited by 3ftandclean on Friday 31st July 23:37
Ok. Thanks. Dropped the car off for its surgery on Saturday so let's see how it goes. Nothing they do to it can make it louder than my Z1, so it should be ok since I thoroughly enjoy the racket that makes!
RFTs? Somebody told me you could potentially invalidate the warranty by fitting them because the car is designed for use with RFTs?? Did you fit them to the original rims or replacement ones? (I quite fancy M3 CSL-style alloys but that's for another day I think).
RFTs? Somebody told me you could potentially invalidate the warranty by fitting them because the car is designed for use with RFTs?? Did you fit them to the original rims or replacement ones? (I quite fancy M3 CSL-style alloys but that's for another day I think).
RacingTeatray said:
Ok. Thanks. Dropped the car off for its surgery on Saturday so let's see how it goes. Nothing they do to it can make it louder than my Z1, so it should be ok since I thoroughly enjoy the racket that makes!
RFTs? Somebody told me you could potentially invalidate the warranty by fitting them because the car is designed for use with RFTs?? Did you fit them to the original rims or replacement ones? (I quite fancy M3 CSL-style alloys but that's for another day I think).
There's another thread about RFTs where the rims and tyres are discussed ( just ditched my run flats and am happy ) but basically non run flats fit just fine on our rims ( both standard and performance ) BMW were very happy to fit them, no worries. RFTs? Somebody told me you could potentially invalidate the warranty by fitting them because the car is designed for use with RFTs?? Did you fit them to the original rims or replacement ones? (I quite fancy M3 CSL-style alloys but that's for another day I think).
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