exhaust question

[srmast1]

Hi there everybody, I am actually considering upgrading exhaust and adding a tune to my e90. The question is what setup would be best? I want to keep this to less than $5k. I also must have mid pipes with high flow catalytic converters. I do not want to go cat-less. I am also a 37 yr old professional, thus I don't want an unpleasantly loud setup and need minimal drone. So under that price range and with the high flow cat thing, what do you all think is the best setup for sound, power, and everyday livability?
The setup I had in mind was:

A)Borla atak series exhaust (loud and exotic note at the right times with minimal drone, or so I hear)
B) Active auto works signature xpipe with high flow cats
C) Custom Tune from Dr. Benvo at BPM

What do you all think of that setup?

I am inexperienced with this, so while listening to tons of youtube sound bytes of exhaust notes is a fantastic way to spend my time, I also want some opinions from those of you that live with these exhaust systems please.

Any suggestions or input is appreciated!

[atranho]

Any X pipe with HFC + resonators + dinan rear section and a tune would be good for your needs. Used dinan should run about 1500 x pipe should be another 900-1500 depending on which you choose. Go with any tuner and you are set. Dinan rear section has zero drone and changes the note of exhaust with some more sound rather than make it super loud.

[M'EM]

I recently upgraded to the Borla ATAK. One of the best sounding exhausts in my opinion for this car if You are looking to stay under 2 k. I have received several compliments about it . It was between Dinan and the ATAK for me and after hearing to both the ATAK was the clear cut winner. It is pretty loud but in a good way. As for drone - there is minimal drone right around 3k rpms but negligible. The sound in the cabin is another major plus for this Exhaust - I hardly turn on the music in my car. I installed it myself in my garage with Jack stands, it was a breeze.

[monterey]

I suggest taking a ride in the setup you want before investing. I have a corsa rear end and its exactly perfect loudness for me.

[MachinesWithSouls]

Borla ATAK here. I can't imagine spending 3-4K on an exhaust when this one is made so well and sounds just as good, if not better. Minimal drone, deep rumble that falls away as you rev the motor, letting the induction sound fill in.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by monterey

I suggest taking a ride in the setup you want before investing. I have a corsa rear end and its exactly perfect loudness for me.

good advice. OP, if you can attend a car meet or something and get first hand experience

[srmast1]

Thank you for the advice

[R3dliner]

I've heard and sat in a Borla Atak and they are loud. Any other "Race" Exhaust is going to drone and be loud.
Have you looked into a MPE or Eisemann sport with HFC combo?

[dparm]

Go to a local meetup to hear them in person and then buy what sounds best. YouTube videos are terrible approximations.

[///BMW Junkie]

I'm getting my full Borla Atak system later this week, will share my impressions.

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

I've heard and sat in a Borla Atak and they are loud. Any other "Race" Exhaust is going to drone and be loud.
Have you looked into a MPE or Eisemann sport with HFC combo?

Yes, it's just the MPE v2 is quite pricey with no power bump. The Eisemann is an interesting idea though, thank you for that!!

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by Euroonly

I'm getting my full Borla Atak system later this week, will share my impressions.

Perfect, please do share..

[PetrolFumes]

don't roll out a used full Akra system

[burtonsbs5114]

I have the Active Autowerk signature exhaust, just cats back, and I love it! I get so many compliments on the sound. Im a 32 y/o professional and I have zero issues with it.

[Flying Ace]

it all comes down to how poor are you?

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

it all comes down to how poor are you?

Not poor and with cash in hand. The biggest (and mostly only) barrier is my fiance. Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to spend a bundle on this, but I would like to keep it to 5k or less used parts. I don't track, all I want is a throatier rumble and a power bump. I actually dropped the suggestion to her today about modding the car and it was the "but you don't need it" answer.

[Flying Ace]

used? $5k buys a ton...I would say a BPM tune with a used Eisenmann race or Akra Evolution, and call it a day.

[eroc0808]

Originally Posted by srmast1

Not poor and with cash in hand. The biggest (and mostly only) barrier is my fiance. Now don't get me wrong I'm not trying to spend a bundle on this, but I would like to keep it to 5k or less used parts. I don't track, all I want is a throatier rumble and a power bump. I actually dropped the suggestion to her today about modding the car and it was the "but you don't need it" answer.

You don't need it? Lol. Tell her that next time she wants a Gucci purse :

[Tylenol Jones]

OP if you're not in a rush I'm going to have Eisenmann sport with test pipes set up in the next ~1-2 weeks. I feel like we are(were) in the same boat with regards to what we're looking for from an aftermarket exhaust. Will be posting comparison videos. I know YouTube videos aren't that helpful but it might add some perspective.

[K-M3]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

used? $5k buys a ton...I would say a BPM tune with a used Eisenmann race or Akra Evolution, and call it a day.

Too bad they had to stop selling the full akra evo .... that too just as I was getting ready to get one for me ... I have heard quite a few set ups in person and the only one that I really liked was the akra .... not too loud but very sonorous and just quality sound .... that + BPM stage 2 + some custom coding and the euro MDM would have been my ideal set up .... oh well ... maybe I'll convince wifey for a Slovenia trip n pick it up n bring it back with me in person as an art piece ... loll ... one can always dream stupid shit

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by K-M3

Too bad they had to stop selling the full akra evo .... that too just as I was getting ready to get one for me ... I have heard quite a few set ups in person and the only one that I really liked was the akra .... not too loud but very sonorous and just quality sound .... that + BPM stage 2 + some custom coding and the euro MDM would have been my ideal set up .... oh well ... maybe I'll convince wifey for a Slovenia trip n pick it up n bring it back with me in person as an art piece ... loll ... one can always dream stupid shit

Right exactly...we can always dream, but I'm gonna attempt to wear her down over the next few weeks.. now leaning towards akra+eisenmann+tune.
I love this forum..so handy and informative!!

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by Tylenol Jones

OP if you're not in a rush I'm going to have Eisenmann sport with test pipes set up in the next ~1-2 weeks. I feel like we are(were) in the same boat with regards to what we're looking for from an aftermarket exhaust. Will be posting comparison videos. I know YouTube videos aren't that helpful but it might add some perspective.

Yah..no rush. I've got a big fat red light on this right now.