[chrish.22]

Thought I would do a little write up on the AWE exhaust setup that my gf just got for her 2020 m340i (which I luckily get to vicariously enjoy). I had always mentioned the idea of a downpipe and exhaust to her, but she hadn’t really taken it that seriously until recently! I had suggested perhaps just getting an exhaust for now as she didn’t want something too rowdy and also didn’t want to spend too much. Just for context, her m340i is the pre-update version that still retains that original exhaust character with all the pops/bangs we all know of! Here was her/our experience through the whole process:

Deciding between exhausts:

We were initially deciding between Dinan, MPE, and AWE. After doing some research and watching some videos, we decided to rule out the MPE just because we didn’t feel the price of the MPE justified the “oem+” exhaust upgrade. This helped a bit, but still made things hard as we loved the sound of both the Dinan and AWE exhausts. She loved hearing the rowdiness of some of the exhausts, but kept herself in check knowing this was going to be the exhaust she would have to ride with everyday for who knows how long. This meant that even though the rowdy exhausts could bring a big smile, they would also bring some drone and she didn’t want to deal with that. She ultimately decided to go with AWE after watching even more videos and reviews and also because that was the setup her shop had recommended (shoutout REN Autoworks in San Mateo for all the help and 2-day shipping!). Now the hard part was choosing which AWE to go with!

She wanted something loud, but not too loud. Something with the smallest amount of drone, and something that would emphasize the pops and bangs that were, luckily, already on her 2020 m340i. Her shop had recommended the resonated touring version and that pretty much helped confirm that was the one she wanted. I had mentioned to her that while it did cost more, the resonated version would be the more conservative choice and thus best choice as we could always cut out the resonator if it was too quiet. The only “downside” was that none of the AWE setups had valves, but she didn’t feel like that would be an issue as she was leaning towards the safer, resonated version. Lastly, she decided to go with the Diamond Black tips, which gave it a very nice “stealth” look with the oem diffuser (she wants to go with a mean theme).

Install:

As I mentioned above, we ordered the exhaust through Ren Autoworks in San Mateo and also had them do the install. The whole installation took probably about two hours max (we went to grab a bite and they were already done when we came back so probably 1-1.5 hours). No fitment issues, tips looked great and fit perfectly! No rattles, leaks, etc.

First Impressions:

The exhaust is definitely louder and she’s more than happy with it! There was a mini gunshot pop when they first started it up! You can also hear more of the turbo spool both inside and outside. We both felt it was a tad bit quiet, but we’ll give it some time to break in and see whether or not we want to chop the resonator off! As far as the note goes, it’s a more “refined” and pronounced sound of the original exhaust. You can hear more of that infamous b58 and, surprisingly, more of the turbo spool. From the inside, it’s slightly louder, but really not noticeable as the sound insulation is already pretty good to begin with. There are definitely more pops and bangs and they are also a bit more “crisp” sounding. This is her favorite part! There’s a slight drone around 1900rpm while cruising on the freeway, but it’s not a huge deal and is something we’ll likely get used to very quickly. Unfortunately I’m having issues with posting videos here, but feel free to check our IGs below for more! Our plan is to get her a splitter and diffuser, maybe wheels later, intake, and who knows what else!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjZiU..._web_copy_link

If you're on the edge of deciding whether or not you want an exhaust, don't hesitate. You'll be happy! Feel free to reach out for clips/sounds, questions, etc!

Hers: @hansel_m340i
Mine: @t3eye

[Chubbiejones]

Originally Posted by chrish.22

Thought I would do a little write up on the AWE exhaust setup that my gf just got for her 2020 m340i (which I luckily get to vicariously enjoy). I had always mentioned the idea of a downpipe and exhaust to her, but she hadn't really taken it that seriously until recently! I had suggested perhaps just getting an exhaust for now as she didn't want something too rowdy and also didn't want to spend too much. Just for context, her m340i is the pre-update version that still retains that original exhaust character with all the pops/bangs we all know of! Here was her/our experience through the whole process:

Deciding between exhausts:

We were initially deciding between Dinan, MPE, and AWE. After doing some research and watching some videos, we decided to rule out the MPE just because we didn't feel the price of the MPE justified the "oem+" exhaust upgrade. This helped a bit, but still made things hard as we loved the sound of both the Dinan and AWE exhausts. She loved hearing the rowdiness of some of the exhausts, but kept herself in check knowing this was going to be the exhaust she would have to ride with everyday for who knows how long. This meant that even though the rowdy exhausts could bring a big smile, they would also bring some drone and she didn't want to deal with that. She ultimately decided to go with AWE after watching even more videos and reviews and also because that was the setup her shop had recommended (shoutout REN Autoworks in San Mateo for all the help and 2-day shipping!). Now the hard part was choosing which AWE to go with!

She wanted something loud, but not too loud. Something with the smallest amount of drone, and something that would emphasize the pops and bangs that were, luckily, already on her 2020 m340i. Her shop had recommended the resonated touring version and that pretty much helped confirm that was the one she wanted. I had mentioned to her that while it did cost more, the resonated version would be the more conservative choice and thus best choice as we could always cut out the resonator if it was too quiet. The only "downside" was that none of the AWE setups had valves, but she didn't feel like that would be an issue as she was leaning towards the safer, resonated version. Lastly, she decided to go with the Diamond Black tips, which gave it a very nice "stealth" look with the oem diffuser (she wants to go with a mean theme).

Install:

As I mentioned above, we ordered the exhaust through Ren Autoworks in San Mateo and also had them do the install. The whole installation took probably about two hours max (we went to grab a bite and they were already done when we came back so probably 1-1.5 hours). No fitment issues, tips looked great and fit perfectly! No rattles, leaks, etc.

First Impressions:

The exhaust is definitely louder and she's more than happy with it! There was a mini gunshot pop when they first started it up! You can also hear more of the turbo spool both inside and outside. We both felt it was a tad bit quiet, but we'll give it some time to break in and see whether or not we want to chop the resonator off! As far as the note goes, it's a more "refined" and pronounced sound of the original exhaust. You can hear more of that infamous b58 and, surprisingly, more of the turbo spool. From the inside, it's slightly louder, but really not noticeable as the sound insulation is already pretty good to begin with. There are definitely more pops and bangs and they are also a bit more "crisp" sounding. This is her favorite part! There's a slight drone around 1900rpm while cruising on the freeway, but it's not a huge deal and is something we'll likely get used to very quickly. Unfortunately I'm having issues with posting videos here, but feel free to check our IGs below for more! Our plan is to get her a splitter and diffuser, maybe wheels later, intake, and who knows what else!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjZiU..._web_copy_link

If you're on the edge of deciding whether or not you want an exhaust, don't hesitate. You'll be happy! Feel free to reach out for clips/sounds, questions, etc!

Hers: @hansel_m340i
Mine: @t3eye

Appreciate the write up!

[TupperBMW]

You should’ve gone non-resonated if you have the stock downpipe. You were not advised well

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for the review

[chrish.22]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

You should’ve gone non-resonated if you have the stock downpipe. You were not advised well

We wanted to, but decided to go with the safer option and she's happy with it!

[TupperBMW]

You guys will chop off the resonator, trust me.

If you think that a new exhaust is too quiet as an initial impression, then you’re already bored. That’s only supposed to happen when you’ve gotten used to it.

But you said it’s your wife’s car, and women are different than us belligerent guys, I guess

[chrish.22]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

You guys will chop off the resonator, trust me.

If you think that a new exhaust is too quiet as an initial impression, then you’re already bored. That’s only supposed to happen when you’ve gotten used to it.

But you said it’s your wife’s car, and women are different than us belligerent guys, I guess

You're probably right haha. I'll update the post when we decide! Would love to experience it without the resonator!

[Daily_Dravit]

I have non res touring. Will take a cold start and a few other clips today and post.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Daily_Dravit

I have non res touring. Will take a cold start and a few other clips today and post.

[m340ninja]

I'm biased, but I think a catted downpipe with the resonated touring system is healthy mix of loud and quiet when you want it to be.

[chrish.22]

Originally Posted by m340ninja

I'm biased, but I think a catted downpipe with the resonated touring system is healthy mix of loud and quiet when you want it to be.

I think I would agree with you on that!

[Daily_Dravit]

Will get some drive-by clips etc later.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Daily_Dravit

Will get some drive-by clips etc later.

Sounds great

[malibuboats91]

Originally Posted by Daily_Dravit

Will get some drive-by clips etc later.

Sounds awesome! I had this system on order but bought a new house and didn't want to roll into a new neighborhood with a loud car so I cancelled. Definitely regret it haha

[Daily_Dravit]

congrats on the new house, but Its not too late! if you're in comfort/eco and not driving like "that guy", its not loud or obnoxious at all.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Daily_Dravit

congrats on the new house, but Its not too late! if you're in comfort/eco and not driving like "that guy", its not loud or obnoxious at all.

+1

[Daily_Dravit]

With that said, I have to say I've been less than thrilled with the customer service from AWE. It's a major consideration when you're investing 2k+ on an exhaust. Drafted a full write up on my experience, but after finally hearing back from them yesterday, I'm going to give it a day or two for them to rectify situation. If not, I'll post it.

[chrish.22]

Originally Posted by Daily_Dravit

With that said, I have to say I've been less than thrilled with the customer service from AWE. It's a major consideration when you're investing 2k+ on an exhaust. Drafted a full write up on my experience, but after finally hearing back from them yesterday, I'm going to give it a day or two for them to rectify situation. If not, I'll post it.

Sorry to hear that :/. We unfortunately did not get to interact with AWE directly as the shop ordered for us and took care of everything, but we did chat a bit with their social media specialist and had a great experience!

[hansel_m340i]

New update after 2 weeks of installation.
I never drive my car in sport mode as much as now (I put it in sport everyday now) The pops and bangs really makes me so so happy.
The cold start is LOUD, and the pops when the car is cold are actually gunshots. (surprisingly). As Chris mentioned, this is my daily drive. Although I love it loud and pops, but I don't want it to be too rowdy and drones. I love how it can be quiet when I want to, and how it can be loud too. I mostly drive in sport on local streets so I can enjoy the pops without droning, and I would drive in comfort on freeways at a higher speed and rpm to avoid the droning. Overall, I love the exhaust a lot, and even after I read the comments, I think I still like it with resonator. (at least for now). Next step, I am thinking doing a tune before any cosmetic mods. ))))) Please let us know if you have any tuning advice!!!!

[hansel_m340i]

Originally Posted by hansel_m340i

New update after 2 weeks of installation.
I never drive my car in sport mode as much as now (I put it in sport everyday now) The pops and bangs really makes me so so happy.
The cold start is LOUD, and the pops when the car is cold are actually gunshots. (surprisingly). As Chris mentioned, this is my daily drive. Although I love it loud and pops, but I don't want it to be too rowdy and drones. I love how it can be quiet when I want to, and how it can be loud too. I mostly drive in sport on local streets so I can enjoy the pops without droning, and I would drive in comfort on freeways at a higher speed and rpm to avoid the droning. Overall, I love the exhaust a lot, and even after I read the comments, I think I still like it with resonator. (at least for now). Next step, I am thinking doing a tune before any cosmetic mods. ))))) Please let us know if you have any tuning advice!!!!

Also, I think it is maybe like 2x louder than my stock exhaust in general.

[TupperBMW]

Originally Posted by malibuboats91

Sounds awesome! I had this system on order but bought a new house and didn't want to roll into a new neighborhood with a loud car so I cancelled. Definitely regret it haha

This “neighbors will complain” bit is overrated and all in our heads.

If you know how to drive appropriately, a loud exhaust will hardly go noticed.

The worst is the cold start. But other than that, just drive in your neighborhood slowly in comfort mode and you are good.

[malibuboats91]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

This "neighbors will complain" bit is overrated and all in our heads.

If you know how to drive appropriately, a loud exhaust will hardly go noticed.

The worst is the cold start. But other than that, just drive in your neighborhood slowly in comfort mode and you are good.

Lol I know. I've had performance exhaust on every I've owned and always drive respectfully. I definitely overthought it. Next summer it'll happen.