Originally Posted by EddieA1
I just had my M Performance exhaust ("MPE") installed today on my m340i. I will be posting videos of the sound when I have time later.
The difference vs. stock is like night and day. On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the best), I would rate this a clear 10. The absolute best modification I've made to the car. The acoustics completely change the character of the car, and perfectly complement the improved driving dynamics of the m340i. Frankly, it makes the car whole. In my opinion, this is an absolutely critical mod if you have a m340i.
The MPE completely blows away the stock exhaust (which I thought was a huge improvement over the F30's base 340i exhaust). I would say that it closely resembles the sounds of the 340i MPPSK. In fact, I think this version of MPE is slightly better than prior versions I've had. As an aside, I would speculate that BMW does not release a power kit for the m340i as its "m" performance moniker means the car already comes power tuned, so purchasing the MPE is the last piece to getting the desired MPPSK effects.
Unfortunately, BMW so far has done a very poor job clearly delineating the MPE vs stock, or even that the MPE exists. But it does exist, as it has a unique part number, carries a hefty price tag (I got a good deal at around $1,400), and it's clearly identified by the MPE branding on the unit (this is an absolute tell-tale sign that it's a MPE). But ultimately it's the sound of the exhaust that validates it's existence.
You can tell the difference immediately on cold start. The car absolutely roars during the initial cold start phase and gradually quiets down to a subtle, but present rumbling sound (that sounds very refined, yet subtlety menacing as it continues to quite down, but hinting at what lies beneath).
Comfort ("C") mode remains civil (as you'd expect from a BMW), but there is a noticeable difference vs. stock. In C mode you barely, if ever, hear any crackles and pops, but there are some slight burbles on down-shift, but it's very subtle. However, what's nice about C mode with MPE, is that the exhaust gives off a nice, satisfying, consistent muffled sound when driving that sounds very sporty, yet refined from a luxury standpoint (absolutely no droning, which is typical of MPE quality).
However, the exhaust takes a 180-degree turn in Sport mode... very beast-like, totally different character. Since I'm still breaking my car in, I haven't yet heard the full extent of the upshift sounds, which I hope will mirror the bark-like, fart-like sound as the C43 AMG does on upshift.
However, it's on downshifts where you can immediately tell the difference vs. stock. I know from experience that each MPE can give off its own unique set of sounds, so I'm not sure if other MPE owners have experienced the same, but my downshift burbles are so prominent, like I've never heard before (and I've owned a few MPEs). The sounds on downshift are a series of very prominent, constant burbles, cracks, pops, each in quick succession. And it doesn't take much effort to elicit these sounds. You can hear them very clearly through the cabin (which is so satisfying and very hooligan-like, I love it). Yet, it's even more prominent outside the car and had garnered the attention of quite a few pedestrians. Also, absolutely no droning, which is what you would expect from BMW.
I have yet to hear any gun shots, but I do expect those to come under harsher driving conditions, once the exhaust has fully broken in, and the temperatures rise. As an aside, I do like the gun shot sounds, but sometimes they come across like a sound you'd here from a jalopy, so I really only like the gun shots in moderation. They definitely catch pedestrians by surprise and can be embarrassing at times, so we'll see how that develops with time. My prior experience has shown that gun shots are most prominent in Sport + mode.
Speaking of Sport +, everything gets amplified by a factor of 2. The cracks, burbles, pops continue in quick succession, but a bit louder. Another sound I love is when the car is in park or neutral, and you press on the gas, the sound that emanates from the exhaust is hard to explain, but it sounds very futuristic-like, with a kind of sonic boom-like sound of raw power (it's readily present, yet subtle and refined). It's really interesting and perfectly encapsulates the character of this thing.
I know I'm waxing poetic about this MPE, but it really is that good. I'm sure the videos I'll load won't do it justice. You just have to experience it yourself in person. If your on the fence about getting one of these, I would advise taking the plunge as you won't be disappointed. It's really satisfying, and money well spent. Again, it makes the m340i complete.
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