Exhausts why did hey switch to 2x2 pipes v 1x2?

[Welshbeef]

All M cars pre the E39 M5 and E46 M3 were strictly 1 side of the car with two pipe exit.

Why did BMW change to two side exit thus making it more obvious it's not a stealth car) plus adding additional weight (though marginal is additional weight none the less).

Was it style? Stamping a standardised trait for all M cars. Was it identified as offering higher BHP that would negate the additional weight ?

[Welshbeef]

Doesn't look like any PH M owners know?

[Welshbeef]

But why change the lovely single twin exit which M cars first started to a twin double exit?

[Welshbeef]

SebringMan said:

Probably to help differentiate them from 'normal' BMWs, like the M Sports.

Let's be honest unless you looked inside an E36 M3 and it didn't have the wheels on or badges they do look like like a 328i Sport. Same for the E39s.

I'd agree. Though the principle of the E28 M5 was to be an utter Q car which it is the two double exit exhausts.

[Welshbeef]

Is it anything to have symmetry of weight on either side of the car? Or is the E46 exhaust down one side then a wide back box with 2 pods of 2 tips.

[Welshbeef]

Wills2 said:

Indeed so what, but that won't stop the PH bores from droning on, I mean who cares, I wouldn't be bothered by 2 pipes but I certainly don't care why it's 4.

All M cars look good to me, be that an E30 M3 or E28 M5 or the latest F80 and all the others in between.

That wasn't the point though.
It should only be there if it enhances performance otherwise it's more weight &/or to differentiate it from its other model siblings (which for the M5 specifically is losing a part of its history).