[CPT Smuggs]

Replacing your stock exhaust with the BMW M Performance Exhaust is not hard to do. I took if very slow and careful, and it still only took 2 hours, start to finish. This could be done in as little as 30 minutes.

Tools:

Pipe cutter from Autozone (rent)
17MM socket
Small flatheat screwdriver
Adjustable groove-lock pliers
Car ramps


Step 1: Raise the rear end with ramps (preferrably) or jack stands.


Step 2: Ensure that you have the correct parts before cutting!


Step 3: Locate the valve connection release, just above the tailpipes. Gently push in on the tab with a small screwdriver while slowly pulling down on the connector. Don't pull by the wires!


Step 4: Once off, tuck the connector above.


Step 5: Grab the pipe cutter you rented / purchased.


Step 6: Locate the factory dimple on the exhaust pipe just behind the rear axle. (red circle)


Step 7: Line up the pipe cutter with the dimple and slowly turn back and forth until the pipe is cut in half.


Note: Be sure the pipe cutter is 90 degrees to the pipe and not angled.


Step 8: Once the pipe is cut, support the exhaust with a jack or jack stand and remove the hanger bolts as seen in step 4. The old exhaust can be moved out of the way. Transfer the rubber hangers and brackets to the new exhaust and re-install the hanger bolts.


Step 9: Slide the clamp onto the exhaust pipe.


Step 10: Install the new muffler onto the hangers, position the tail pipes with your foot while tightening the clamp to hold the desired tail pipe position.


Step 11: Install the exhaust tips. (Not installed in picture)

I'll post some exhaust sounds next week. It's only been 1 day, so I don't have a strong opinion so far other than positive. The tone is a good deal louder than stock from outside the car, and just audible without being annoying from the inside. It has a "blurp" when upshifting and should develop a crackle on down shifts after a few hundred miles. So far, so good.

[alohasurftoad]

not sure if it's the same but my 428i exhaust hangers are bolted on so just undo those.

[CPT Smuggs]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

not sure if it's the same but my 428i exhaust hangers are bolted on so just undo those.

Might be, I didn't look too closely as they appeared to be riveted. Next time I crawl under the back end I'll check. Thanks!

[YeaG30]

Originally Posted by CPT Smuggs

I'll post some exhaust sounds next week. It's only been 1 day, so I don't have a strong opinion so far other than positive. The tone is a good deal louder than stock from outside the car, and just audible without being annoying from the inside. It has a "blurp" when upshifting and should develop a crackle on down shifts after a few hundred miles. So far, so good.

Got any sound clips yet?

[CPT Smuggs]

Originally Posted by YeaF30

Got any sound clips yet?

I think so, at least I attempted to record some on my camera. Just need to download them off the camera and upload them here. I'll try to do that tonight.

So far I have a few hundred miles on the exhaust and it has a huge thumbs up from me. I love it! Purely cosmetic (no noticeable performance gains), but it brings a smile to my face every time I press the start button. Would definitely do it all over again.

[CPT Smuggs]

Stock and MPE exhaust audit clips are linked below. These were recorded using a high quality external mic attached to a Canon 60D camera on the same day from the same distance before and after exhaust installation. Audio levels have not been adjusted. Recorded in Sport mode.

Unfortunately my in cabin comparison clips did not work out. I can say that the stock exhaust is almost inaudible in the car, while the MPE is just audible without being droning.

Stock has an almost hollow sound. MPE has a deeper gurgle at idle is much more pronounced under load. Maybe this summer I will get some mic attachments and record the nice blow-off heard under wide-open throttle shifts.

Note: The MPE audio is much louder due to the louder exhaust, be warned if you're wearing headphones!

Stock Exhaust

MPE Exhaust

[YeaG30]

Good comparison and excellent quality sound clips. Thanks for sharing.

[moorty]

Originally Posted by CPT Smuggs

Replacing your stock exhaust with the BMW M Performance Exhaust is not hard to do. I took if very slow and careful, and it still only took 2 hours, start to finish. This could be done in as little as 30 minutes. The hardest part is getting the exhaust hangers off.

Tools:

Pipe cutter from Autozone (rent)
17MM socket
Small flatheat screwdriver
Pry bar or crow bar
WD40
Adjustable groove-lock pliers
Car ramps


Step 1: Raise the rear end with ramps (preferrably) or jack stands.


Step 2: Ensure that you have the correct parts before cutting!


Step 3: Locate the valve connection release, just above the tailpipes. Gently push in on the tab with a small screwdriver while slowly pulling down on the connector. Don't pull by the wires!


Step 4: Once off, tuck the connector above.


Step 5: Grab the pipe cutter you rented / purchased.


Step 6: Locate the factory dimple on the exhaust pipe just behind the rear axle. (red circle)


Step 7: Line up the pipe cutter with the dimple and slowly turn back and forth until the pipe is cut in half.


Note: Be sure the pipe cutter is 90 degrees to the pipe and not angled.


Step 8: Once the pipe is cut, spray the WD40 on the exhaust hangers and use the pliers + crowbar to pull off the existing muffler.


Step 9: Slide the clamp onto the exhaust pipe.


Step 10: Install the new muffler onto the hangers, position the tail pipes with your foot while tightening the clamp to hold the desired tail pipe position.


Step 11: Install the exhaust tips. (Not installed in picture)

I'll post some exhaust sounds next week. It's only been 1 day, so I don't have a strong opinion so far other than positive. The tone is a good deal louder than stock from outside the car, and just audible without being annoying from the inside. It has a "blurp" when upshifting and should develop a crackle on down shifts after a few hundred miles. So far, so good.

OP thanks for the write up! Would you be able to post the step by step photos again? Your original photos are no longer showing. Thanks again for doing this.

[CPT Smuggs]

Originally Posted by moorty

OP thanks for the write up! Would you be able to post the step by step photos again? Your original photos are no longer showing. Thanks again for doing this.

Oh thank you Photobucket...

Original images should be working again.

[Undisputed0365]

Really debating getting this exhaust for my 328i. How does it sound WOT ? Was thing either this or the Active AutoWerke signature exhaust but I don't wanna risk a warranty issue since the car is pretty new.

[CPT Smuggs]

Originally Posted by Undisputed0365

Really debating getting this exhaust for my 328i. How does it sound WOT ? Was thing either this or the Active AutoWerke signature exhaust but I don't wanna risk a warranty issue since the car is pretty new.

I can't comment on the Active exhaust, but I enjoyed the MPE. (Sold it after trading in my 328) I will likely buy another MPE for my 335. The MPE has no drone, sounds awesome on cold start, has a good amount of pops and gurgles when driving it hard, but is still pretty quiet on hard acceleration. Pro for some, con for others.

This video has some pretty good clips with WOT.

[murphius1118]

Great thread and well put together set of instructions. Just installed my MPE today and it went flawlessly. Rented exhaust cutter from Autozone. Total rental cost = FREE...gotta love that

[YeaG30]

Performed the installation yesterday using this DIY and wanted to provide some additional thoughts. I would rate the overall difficulty as low (similar to installing an intake but one could argue that is more time consuming in some aspects).

Tailpipe cut: The part that was the most time consuming and perhaps the most scary/frustrating step was making the cut into the pipe. I rented the tool from Autozone by paying $50 as "deposit" and then being refunded the money upon return. I would recommend that you inspect the tailpipe cutter they provide to ensure it is sharp and capable of doing the job. Most of the little cutting wheels were okay but a few in the middle were less sharp and created an issue when making the cut. The top portion of the pipe was not cut completely, so I finished the cut with a small hand pipe saw. Also, lubricate the cutting wheels to make it easier and when gripping the tool you do not have the squeeze it as hard as possible, more like a moderate squeeze to let the cutting wheels do the work.

Exhaust hangers: I found it much easier to remove the entire hanger bracket using a 13mm socket. This way you remove the old exhaust, place it on the ground, remove the hangers, and re-install the hangers on the new exhaust before installing. An easy method for removing the exhaust hangers from the old exhaust once detatched from the car is to spray some lubricant on the rubber then use pliars (I used a slip joint) with one side on the rubber (inner) and one side on the metal hanger tip (coming off the exhuast). Muffler shops have a special tool called a hanger removal tool that is used to quickly pop them on and off so I figured out what was the most similar type tool in my garage.

Alignment: It took me three attempts to get the exhaust aligned to where I wanted it. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BEND THE EXHAUST TO INSTALL CORRECTLY. The exhaust clamp used to join the new part to the existing exhaust pipe is what allows you to make fine adjustments. Once inserted into the clamp, grab the new exhaust end and the existing exhuast pipe and pull them together. When you make the final tightening on the clamp this is where the exhaust will stay, so as the OP stated, using your foot (I used my knee) to place exhaust tips where you want and then fully tighten the clamp.

Tips: I ended up painting my tips gloss black to match the rest of the gloss black components on my car. I have no chrome and wanted to avoid any chrome additions. I used VHT spay paint (the engine enamel which requires you to bake the parts at 200 deg for an hour) and I am happy with the results. The little M logo is not as visible as before but honestly with all the whoring out of the M logo these days, and my car not being an M Sport or M car, I didn't really care if you could see it or not.

Initial opinion on the modification: I am very happy with this exhaust and I know it gets better after the 1k miles break-in. When I completed the install and was ready to start the engine to hear the sound, I brought my wife out (who is a car person) to listen and we both approved. It is a subtle yet satisfying sound and out of all the sound clips and videos I watched, none do it any justice. You can't hear it from inside the cabin unless WOT but even then it is still subtle. To quote Bueller "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

[meetoo]

Great instructions.

I am thinking of doing this myself to my 428i. It's the base model with stock exhaust and n20 engine. I have a couple of questions for you guys, if you could help me out.

I took a look the other day at my exhaust and I could not locate the factory dimple, is there another way to know where to cut?

Are there major differences between 328i and 428i exhaust swap to MPE?

Is the MPE exhaust same for 328i and 428i?

Where did you buy your MPE? What was the cost for it and also shipping?

Thank You.

[YeaG30]

Originally Posted by meetoo

Great instructions.

I am thinking of doing this myself to my 428i. It's the base model with stock exhaust and n20 engine. I have a couple of questions for you guys, if you could help me out.

I took a look the other day at my exhaust and I could not locate the factory dimple, is there another way to know where to cut?

Are there major differences between 328i and 428i exhaust swap to MPE?

Is the MPE exhaust same for 328i and 428i?

Where did you buy your MPE? What was the cost for it and also shipping?

Thank You.

To my knowledge, there should be the same dimple on your exhaust as the F30. The MPE has the same part number and applies to the F30, F32, F33, and F36 (both N20 and N26). I wouldn't know how to locate the correct cutting location without the dimple. Just take a look again and spray some cleaning solution and wipe down, it may be covered in some road debris.

Also, I purchased mine from eBay from a seller that is a dealership (seller username sunmotorsbmwparts) for $780 with free shipping. I PM'd you a link.

[7iM3less]

For what it's worth my 328 factory pipe had the dimple as well. At first it was hard to point out.

Bought mine off our classified section and picked up a clamp at my local dealer for an arm and a leg.

[FTHREEZERO]

were there any issues removing the complete hanger bracket?

[chhappy7]

Originally Posted by FTHREEZERO

were there any issues removing the complete hanger bracket?

Don’t know if you got your answer, but I just installed mine and I had no issues getting the rubber bracket off. Just sprayed some WD40 and it slid right out.

[MacklinUSOB]

Originally Posted by chhappy7

Don’t know if you got your answer, but I just installed mine and I had no issues getting the rubber bracket off. Just sprayed some WD40 and it slid right out.

Similarly, I did the install myself and just sprayed some white lithium grease on the hangers, makes that step even easier. For anyone else looking to DIY, you can totally do this with one person, but having someone else to help you replace the exhaust under the car and then keep an eye on the tail pipes while tightening/adjusting makes it painless.

[chhappy7]

Originally Posted by MacklinUSOB

Similarly, I did the install myself and just sprayed some white lithium grease on the hangers, makes that step even easier. For anyone else looking to DIY, you can totally do this with one person, but having someone else to help you replace the exhaust under the car and then keep an eye on the tail pipes while tightening/adjusting makes it painless.

Totally agree. The stock muffler resting on my chest was a less than pleasant experience as I tried to move it to the side without any help.

[MojoRider]

Originally Posted by CPT Smuggs

Stock and MPE exhaust audit clips are linked below. These were recorded using a high quality external mic attached to a Canon 60D camera on the same day from the same distance before and after exhaust installation. Audio levels have not been adjusted. Recorded in Sport mode.

Unfortunately my in cabin comparison clips did not work out. I can say that the stock exhaust is almost inaudible in the car, while the MPE is just audible without being droning.

Stock has an almost hollow sound. MPE has a deeper gurgle at idle is much more pronounced under load. Maybe this summer I will get some mic attachments and record the nice blow-off heard under wide-open throttle shifts.

Note: The MPE audio is much louder due to the louder exhaust, be warned if you're wearing headphones!

Stock Exhaust

MPE Exhaust

That was very helpful. Thanks

[zeyad.habeeb]

Originally Posted by CPT Smuggs

Replacing your stock exhaust with the BMW M Performance Exhaust is not hard to do. I took if very slow and careful, and it still only took 2 hours, start to finish. This could be done in as little as 30 minutes.

Tools:

Pipe cutter from Autozone (rent)
17MM socket
Small flatheat screwdriver
Adjustable groove-lock pliers
Car ramps

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/4434/BPkVD1.jpg[/IMG]
Step 1: Raise the rear end with ramps (preferrably) or jack stands.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/9964/FG44xC.jpg[/IMG]
Step 2: Ensure that you have the correct parts before cutting!

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/879/d8RpOb.jpg[/IMG]
Step 3: Locate the valve connection release, just above the tailpipes. Gently push in on the tab with a small screwdriver while slowly pulling down on the connector. Don't pull by the wires!

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/2417/6gKYfv.jpg[/IMG]
Step 4: Once off, tuck the connector above.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2604/AwsLKQ.jpg[/IMG]
Step 5: Grab the pipe cutter you rented / purchased.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/67/wQQrSL.jpg[/IMG]
Step 6: Locate the factory dimple on the exhaust pipe just behind the rear axle. (red circle)

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1025/uAaCFq.jpg[/IMG]
Step 7: Line up the pipe cutter with the dimple and slowly turn back and forth until the pipe is cut in half.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/5489/mq3muW.jpg[/IMG]
Note: Be sure the pipe cutter is 90 degrees to the pipe and not angled.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2236/tzVx5x.jpg[/IMG]
Step 8: Once the pipe is cut, support the exhaust with a jack or jack stand and remove the hanger bolts as seen in step 4. The old exhaust can be moved out of the way. Transfer the rubber hangers and brackets to the new exhaust and re-install the hanger bolts.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/716/4lpesH.jpg[/IMG]
Step 9: Slide the clamp onto the exhaust pipe.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/1449/Texl4H.jpg[/IMG]
Step 10: Install the new muffler onto the hangers, position the tail pipes with your foot while tightening the clamp to hold the desired tail pipe position.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/6925/s2sHey.jpg[/IMG]
Step 11: Install the exhaust tips. (Not installed in picture)

I'll post some exhaust sounds next week. It's only been 1 day, so I don't have a strong opinion so far other than positive. The tone is a good deal louder than stock from outside the car, and just audible without being annoying from the inside. It has a "blurp" when upshifting and should develop a crackle on down shifts after a few hundred miles. So far, so good.

Originally Posted by CPT Smuggs

Replacing your stock exhaust with the BMW M Performance Exhaust is not hard to do. I took if very slow and careful, and it still only took 2 hours, start to finish. This could be done in as little as 30 minutes.

Tools:

Pipe cutter from Autozone (rent)
17MM socket
Small flatheat screwdriver
Adjustable groove-lock pliers
Car ramps

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/4434/BPkVD1.jpg[/IMG]
Step 1: Raise the rear end with ramps (preferrably) or jack stands.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/9964/FG44xC.jpg[/IMG]
Step 2: Ensure that you have the correct parts before cutting!

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/879/d8RpOb.jpg[/IMG]
Step 3: Locate the valve connection release, just above the tailpipes. Gently push in on the tab with a small screwdriver while slowly pulling down on the connector. Don't pull by the wires!

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/2417/6gKYfv.jpg[/IMG]
Step 4: Once off, tuck the connector above.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2604/AwsLKQ.jpg[/IMG]
Step 5: Grab the pipe cutter you rented / purchased.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/67/wQQrSL.jpg[/IMG]
Step 6: Locate the factory dimple on the exhaust pipe just behind the rear axle. (red circle)

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img923/1025/uAaCFq.jpg[/IMG]
Step 7: Line up the pipe cutter with the dimple and slowly turn back and forth until the pipe is cut in half.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/5489/mq3muW.jpg[/IMG]
Note: Be sure the pipe cutter is 90 degrees to the pipe and not angled.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/2236/tzVx5x.jpg[/IMG]
Step 8: Once the pipe is cut, support the exhaust with a jack or jack stand and remove the hanger bolts as seen in step 4. The old exhaust can be moved out of the way. Transfer the rubber hangers and brackets to the new exhaust and re-install the hanger bolts.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/716/4lpesH.jpg[/IMG]
Step 9: Slide the clamp onto the exhaust pipe.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img924/1449/Texl4H.jpg[/IMG]
Step 10: Install the new muffler onto the hangers, position the tail pipes with your foot while tightening the clamp to hold the desired tail pipe position.

[IMG]http://imageshack.com/a/img922/6925/s2sHey.jpg[/IMG]
Step 11: Install the exhaust tips. (Not installed in picture)

I'll post some exhaust sounds next week. It's only been 1 day, so I don't have a strong opinion so far other than positive. The tone is a good deal louder than stock from outside the car, and just audible without being annoying from the inside. It has a "blurp" when upshifting and should develop a crackle on down shifts after a few hundred miles. So far, so good.

Hello,
Thanks for sharing this.
I have 435. replaced mine but I'm hearing whistle when it reach 5 or 6 Rpm, I'm not sure if that's normal or not? I don't know if it was the same before I changed the muffler. What do you think, please advice?