[CactusDweller]

I'm shopping for a new exhaust for my M2. I want something that is fully bolt-in, no cutting the OEM exhaust. I also want to keep the OEM valve controllers, no remotes or extra wires to route. I want to retain a quiet valve closed sound for cold starts and driving in my neighborhood, but I want louder than OEM for when it's time to let loose. I've watched tons of videos of various exhaust systems, but most videos highlight the valve open sounds and don't show much of the valve closed sound. I also kind of like the raspy tones compared to a deeper smooth tone. I'd also like to avoid drone, I plan on road tripping a fair amount in this car.

I've done a few days of researching and I'm having trouble identifying which brands meet my criteria. I know I'll have to do a full catback to keep it bolt-in. Some exhaust systems clearly advertise that they use the OEM valve motors and wiring, others are more vague, and some clearly use a separate valve controller.

I'm pretty sure Dinan, Active Autowerke, and Fi Exhaust make a catback set that meet my requirements. What other brands should I look at?

If I have options between single midpipe or EL pipes, and with or without resonator, which options should I choose to get a raspy, loud sound that can still be tamed with the valves closed and won't drone? Is all of that feasible at one time?

[Good 4 2 reasons]

Originally Posted by CactusDweller

I'm shopping for a new exhaust for my M2. I want something that is fully bolt-in, no cutting the OEM exhaust. I also want to keep the OEM valve controllers, no remotes or extra wires to route. I want to retain a quiet valve closed sound for cold starts and driving in my neighborhood, but I want louder than OEM for when it's time to let loose. I've watched tons of videos of various exhaust systems, but most videos highlight the valve open sounds and don't show much of the valve closed sound. I also kind of like the raspy tones compared to a deeper smooth tone. I'd also like to avoid drone, I plan on road tripping a fair amount in this car.

I've done a few days of researching and I'm having trouble identifying which brands meet my criteria. I know I'll have to do a full catback to keep it bolt-in. Some exhaust systems clearly advertise that they use the OEM valve motors and wiring, others are more vague, and some clearly use a separate valve controller.

I'm pretty sure Dinan, Active Autowerke, and Fi Exhaust make a catback set that meet my requirements. What other brands should I look at?

If I have options between single midpipe or EL pipes, and with or without resonator, which options should I choose to get a raspy, loud sound that can still be tamed with the valves closed and won't drone? Is all of that feasible at one time?

This is not feasible. With all of these things you want to achieve simultaneously, you will have to "pay the price" in doing things you stated you do not want to do. No point in spending many thousands of dollars on a full midpipe/catback replacement just to have the exhaust noisier than you seem to want most of the time.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Our catback will be a full bolt on when you purchase the Midpipe and axleback together. Our exhaust also utilizes the factory oem valves/motors and settings.

https://mad-us.com/m2/

[Mikesbimmer]

I’m kind of in the market for the same. Hate the idea of cutting my exhaust. I like any modding to be fully reversible to 100% stock without a huge price to do so.

[jmg]

FWIW, its just a pipe. I’ve cut all my exhausts and never had a warranty issue nor problems with lease returns or even selling the car back to the dealership. Clamp it and off you go!

[Ronin76]

I hve always been interested in exhaust upgrades but no nothing bout them. If one does upgrade their exhaust do you also have to flash or tube your car? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Also would you get a check engine light? Would def like to avoid that and any issues with annual inspections as well.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

I hve always been interested in exhaust upgrades but no nothing bout them. If one does upgrade their exhaust do you also have to flash or tube your car? Sorry if this is a stupid question.

Also would you get a check engine light? Would def like to avoid that and any issues with annual inspections as well.

There is no need to tune your car after an exhaust upgrade, and there is also no check engine light unless you are messing with the downpipes.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

There is no need to tune your car after an exhaust upgrade, and there is also no check engine light unless you are messing with the downpipes.

Thank you…would a car back exhaust be the simplest to install and give a better note than OEM but not be obnoxious?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

Thank you…would a car back exhaust be the simplest to install and give a better note than OEM but not be obnoxious?

That depends on the catback, but in genera,l doing the catback with stock downpipes is a safe option for non-obnoxious sound

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Mikesbimmer

I’m kind of in the market for the same. Hate the idea of cutting my exhaust. I like any modding to be fully reversible to 100% stock without a huge price to do so.

Even if you cut it its 100% reversible. The cut point is done at the Bmw recommended cut location. They use these cut dimples when replacing the rear muffler under warranty. All you need is some slip clamps and you can use bmw part numbers as well so there will be no issue on lease returns or returning to stock.

[Mikesbimmer]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Even if you cut it its 100% reversible. The cut point is done at the Bmw recommended cut location. They use these cut dimples when replacing the rear muffler under warranty. All you need is some slip clamps and you can use bmw part numbers as well so there will be no issue on lease returns or returning to stock.

Ah interesting!

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Mikesbimmer

Ah interesting!

Yup. It’s a non issue on the g8x and f8x.

[Mikesbimmer]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Yup. It’s a non issue on the g8x and f8x.

Which midpipe do you recommend for the most mild sound upgrade. Like maybe 10-20% more volume / aggression/ emotion to the sound. OEM+ essentially.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Mikesbimmer

Which midpipe do you recommend for the most mild sound upgrade. Like maybe 10-20% more volume / aggression/ emotion to the sound. OEM+ essentially.

Resonated single is my preferred choice but you can also go with the non resonated.

Resonated will be the smoother tone and less chance of any drone at highways speeds.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Resonated single is my preferred choice but you can also go with the non resonated.

Resonated will be the smoother tone and less chance of any drone at highways speeds.

+1

I have tried a bunch of midpipes, the resonated single is my favorite daily driver choice

[CactusDweller]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Even if you cut it its 100% reversible. The cut point is done at the Bmw recommended cut location. They use these cut dimples when replacing the rear muffler under warranty. All you need is some slip clamps and you can use bmw part numbers as well so there will be no issue on lease returns or returning to stock.

Oh, that's good to know. Maybe I'll go with just a midpipe and see how I like it. Add in an axleback later if I want more volume.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by CactusDweller

Oh, that's good to know. Maybe I'll go with just a midpipe and see how I life it. Add in an axleback later if I want more volume.

That’s the direction I would suggest.