[geramata]

Will be picking up a 2020 x4m next week and plan to get an ots tune.
I am coming from the b58 world and am completely new to the s58 but everywhere i’ve read it seems like the exhaust is kinda restrictive.
A lot of people are going catless DP’s and some going with straight midpipes.
I know there is not much data on this subject but what section do you guys think is more restrictive if left stock, midpipes or downpipes?
I plan on going either cat-less dp or straight midpipes, but not the two combined.
I am personally leaning towards replacing the midpipes since the dp look like they’re a pain in the ass to replace. But any input is appreciated

[cutnsew]

I have AA midpipe, noncomp muffler, and Bootmod3 stage 1. I love the way my exhaust sounds right now (except I still want more volume bc I have yet to set off a car alarm).

You should get the new AA equal length midpipe so I can live vicariously though you

[NoTanks52]

Definitely the midpipe as prior poster said - I have it also, and paired it with the AA muffler, which made it deeper/louder at wot.. overall im happy with it. Next best thing would have been the valvetronic titanium full exhaust.

[Stereolab42]

Midpipe plus exhaust valve controller is really all you need to get plenty loud. The muffler is mostly (completely?) bypassed when the valve is forced completely open so you really don't need to spend thousands on an aftermarket one.

[cutnsew]

Originally Posted by Stereolab42

Midpipe plus exhaust valve controller is really all you need to get plenty loud. The muffler is mostly (completely?) bypassed when the valve is forced completely open so you really don't need to spend thousands on an aftermarket one.

Since they’re getting a 2020 they don’t even need a valve controller. Just use BimmerLink. I leave mine plugged under the dash and control the valves from my phone. Was cheaper and has diagnostic capability

[Jnat]

I recommend you watch the Jordan RKtunes video on his X3M where he is clearly surprised at how little a difference catless downpipes made while he was tuning. It did make a difference but per him, not much of one. So with that said i too came from the B58 ( previous N55/N54 ) and had upgraded turbo's, catless ect. What i've done with this 20 X3M is install the ER mid with the stock muffler, pulled fuse #203 in the rear fuse box to keep the valves open and i'm stage 2 95 MHD. IMO a BMW M should have a nice exhaust tone not an overbearing exhaust note, this set up gives me that. Good luck but that's my experience.

[thestimp]

Originally Posted by Jnat

I recommend you watch the Jordan RKtunes video on his X3M where he is clearly surprised at how little a difference catless downpipes made while he was tuning. It did make a difference but per him, not much of one. So with that said i too came from the B58 ( previous N55/N54 ) and had upgraded turbo's, catless ect. What i've done with this 20 X3M is install the ER mid with the stock muffler, pulled fuse #203 in the rear fuse box to keep the valves open and i'm stage 2 95 MHD. IMO a BMW M should have a nice exhaust tone not an overbearing exhaust note, this set up gives me that. Good luck but that's my experience.

yeah I went with high flow cats to capture a little more sound... Going with a full system here soon. The rasp is real with these beasts.

[Jnat]

Originally Posted by thestimp

yeah I went with high flow cats to capture a little more sound... Going with a full system here soon. The rasp is real with these beasts.

So if i were doing downpipes like you they would definitely by high flow, i'm done with dealing with the fumes (getting old) lol...

[mike@x-ph.com]

I recommend the active autowerke full catback exhaust

[hybridel]

I have a couple different options available, send me a DM if you would like to know more

Valved catback, equal length midpipe, single midpipe

The catback and single midpipe are sitting in my garage, once the equal length midpipe is finished, I'll install and post sound clips for everything

[geramata]

This is the answer i was looking for. Based on your comment and jordan rk tunes, its not worth the hassle of replacing the dp’s since they are very hard to replace for a non experienced mechanic (or a lazy ass)

Originally Posted by Jnat

I recommend you watch the Jordan RKtunes video on his X3M where he is clearly surprised at how little a difference catless downpipes made while he was tuning. It did make a difference but per him, not much of one. So with that said i too came from the B58 ( previous N55/N54 ) and had upgraded turbo's, catless ect. What i've done with this 20 X3M is install the ER mid with the stock muffler, pulled fuse #203 in the rear fuse box to keep the valves open and i'm stage 2 95 MHD. IMO a BMW M should have a nice exhaust tone not an overbearing exhaust note, this set up gives me that. Good luck but that's my experience.

[Jnat]

Originally Posted by geramata

This is the answer i was looking for. Based on your comment and jordan rk tunes, its not worth the hassle of replacing the dp’s since they are very hard to replace for a non experienced mechanic (or a lazy ass)

Thanks and good luck! Also, i can't express enough how impressed i am with the combination i described... awesome tone

[cutnsew]

Originally Posted by geramata

This is the answer i was looking for. Based on your comment and jordan rk tunes, its not worth the hassle of replacing the dp’s since they are very hard to replace for a non experienced mechanic (or a lazy ass)

I thought ppl on here were saying the downpipes were a straightforward swap and didn’t take much time at all??

[Jnat]

Originally Posted by cutnsew

I thought ppl on here were saying the downpipes were a straightforward swap and didn’t take much time at all??

I think it is straight forward.