Calling All Exhausts! – The Ultimate Z4M Exhaust Guide

[tiltmode43]

There really is a lot of useful information on the forum regarding various exhaust systems. Pics and descriptions for everything from modified-stock cans to ultra exotic exhausts exist, but the info is scattered throughout tons of threads.

I really like to learn all the options available for any given mod I’m working on so figured, while doing the research, I’d throw together a nifty little guide for current and new owners to reference. The goal was to create a single place where ALL Z4M axel-back options could be compared and contrasted with at least a few words & pics of each, a comprehensive overview of sorts. This guide can be useful when looking at new exhausts, or if something rare pops up in the Classifieds. I link back to useful threads when I can. This will be focused towards axel-back options thus excludes headers, Section 1, & X-pipe. Credit is given to respective owners wherever possible. If any additional exhaust systems or info is found/posted, or if I've misspoken on any of this, I'll update the thread.

Please, if you have any feedback or tips about your current exhaust setup and want to contribute, post info here and of course, pics of your exhaust installed!

Exhausts reviewed:
AC Schnitzer
Amuse Ericsson (Powerhouse Amuse)
Arqray
Bluewave
BMS
DKF Modular Exhaust
Eisenmann
Hamann
Hartge
KKS
Meisterschaft
Modified/Gutted OEM
Muffler Delete
Remus
Rogue Engineering - Diablo
RPi – GT exhaust
Saclam
Stromung
Supersprint – Sport & Powerloop
Fluid MotorUnion’s custom exhaust build
Studie – Saclam Custom build


Finnegan’s Exhaust Option Comparison thread
Here is a multi-year, EPIC real life comparison concept, complete with objective and subjective data. dB levels, comments, etc. HUGE thanks to Finnegan for making this happen. This thread died, but I wanted to add it to this database as it’s definitely useful for anyone shopping around for a Z4M exhaust: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=680796

2012 Results:

Firsthand Comments: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...lU4ckktZ3d3dGc

2013 Results:

Firsthand Comments: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...0E&usp=sharing

MIKe86’s Official Aftermarket Exhaust Pic Thread
Here’s an older thread with similar premise, but lacking some details. Still a good place to see some more pics/video, so thought it was worthwhile including: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=512439


And now, let's begin...


AC Schnitzer
Retail: Discontinued(?)
ACS is a BMW tuning legend with unmistakable styling. This system is manufactured by Remus and I’m really not sure if there are many differences, other than tips. I have read this system is mellow and does not drone, just like the Remus. Typical ACS styling with 2 options of dips - double rounded “Racing” trim tips and rectangular “Sport” trim tips.

Sound clips on ACS site: http://www.ac-schnitzer.de/en/bmw-ca...8/engineering/



“Sports” trim tips:

“Racing” trim tips:

Walkurie’s M fitted with the Racing trim ACS exhaust:

Lastly, not sure if it’s custom or what but this is supposedly an ACS exhaust as well. Gold/bronze tips, interesting:




Amuse Ericsson (Powerhouse Amuse)
Retail: $?
This has to be the most rare exhaust systems available for the Z4M! I’m a huge fan of the Amuse systems for the S2000 and a true sucker for JDM so this is right up my alley. Just amazing. Now if only there was more info on this one! 604skyline's thread here -> http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=926918




Arqray
Retail: $2250-$6875
Arqray is another Japanese tuner with a great exhaust out for our car, though this one is a bit more well known. Offered in both Stainless and Titanium with optional X-Pipe. Prices range is huge so yes, this is an exclusive one! EAS had this system on their Z4M so lots of videos are floating around illustrating the sound of the Ti system. Overall, relatively tame compared to some of the other options (Arqray builds the exhausts to US spec, differing from JASMA/Japanese spec).

Stainless videos + some pics from @Zubydafa’s FS thread:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=809552


zubydafa’s old stainless setup:

Titanium setup:




Bluewave
Retail: $4000+
Not a whole lot of info here. Str8 RippiN had the only set Stateside. Gorgeous system with a helmholtz resonator to reduce drone. Rare, JDM, and looks to be well made, that's a great combo!






BMS
Retail: Discontinued
Looks to be a pretty standard system based on Magnaflow mufflers. No longer in business from what I found. Still, might be a good starting point for anyone considering a custom system.






DKF Modular Exhaust
Retail: $1700-$2400 but Discontinued(?)
DKF is seems best known on the boards for the modular section 1 he makes but some searching pulled up a full exhaust full of interchangeable goodies. The Section 1 is still the breadwinner in my eyes (Cough cough, emissions), but pretty cool to see this option once existed. TONS of useful information in the thread, including a multitude of videos:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=612475
Another massive thread here: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=419023


Prototype on crfine88’s old car:



Eisenmann
Retail: $2200-$2350
The name speaks for itself, a true BMW/Euro classic exhaust manufacturer. From speaking with Eisenmann owners on other cars, you will not be disappointed with the attention to detail, build quality, and sound from any Eisenmann exhaust. For the Z4M they’ve got a total of four options options – quad 83mm tips or dual 160mm x 80mm tips, either of which can be paired with the “Sport” or the “Race” cans. The "Race" version has proven to be fairly loud while the “Sport” is the quieter, more street-friendly of the two.

Dual configuration (rare!):



bmwtmx’s setup:


Quad configuration:



On mousitch’s Z4MC



Hamann
Retail: $4000(?)
Not a whole lot of info on this one. Hamann exhausts are made by Supersprint, this may be an iteration of the Powerloops? 4x 76mm tips. They look pretty standard, anyone have more info?






Hartge
Retail: $? Discontinued?
No longer listed on their site, but there’s a single webpage on it here -> http://www.birdsauto.com/sites/defau...8518850150.pdf If anyone knows whether this one actually existed or not, speak up


KKS
Retail: $3000-3500 with today’s rates
KKS is a German brand and their exhaust sports a titanium construction with optional valve to control overall loudness. Another one of those rare ones. This thread has some fun discussion: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232931





Meisterschaft
Retail: $1750-$3400
Awesome looking setup and no doubt high quality - Meisterschaft is known as one of the best. Fairly rare so not a whole lot of information but this one is available in both Stainless Steel and Titanium. 4x 83mm tips for both SS & Ti options with a $400 option for silver, dry carbon, black chrome, or matte black tips (or Ti on the Ti version ).



Some pics of the stainless system on a nice AW roadster:




Modified/Gutted OEM
Retail: Varies depending on shop.
Quite a few varieties here such as removing the packing, creating a more direct flow stream, or simply cutting everything out. Mixed reviews depending which style you choose to go with but overall a great option that’s cost effective, and flies under the radar in terms of looks.

Good thread regarding the subject can be found here -> http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=755714

Thanks v3.2mc for the pics:
Internals, without packing:


exdos' preferred style:



Muffler Delete
Retail: Varies depending on shop.
Unsophisticated. Cheap. Loud. Gets the job done. With other exhaust components being stock this is barely streetable, but you can get by if you’re lucky (many have posted otherwise). You can choose whatever style tips you’d like. Deep and throaty, no rasp, buckets of drone. You’ve been warned.

My car with some oval style tips (Thanks to anthony @ eas for the pic )

Evoking’s muffler delete with a nice quad tip arrangement:

More detailed pics + a few videos in his thread: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160803


Remus
Retail: $1300
Out of Austria, the Remus system is one of the more docile systems available. Minimally louder than OEM, though with a deeper tone, this system has 4x 76mm rolled tips. IMO, this is how the factory exhaust should have been designed! Remus has been around for some time now and manufacturers exhausts for many different cars and motorcycles. I haven’t had the chance to run one of their exhausts firsthand but I have no doubt the quality should be great. Attention to detail is there – the cans come mostly black from the factory to not draw too much attention.


ZED4Mjjl’s setup:


AtoB’s Roadster sporting the Remus system



Rogue Engineering - Diablo
Retail: $1200
These look to be one of the louder options available with some reporting highway speed droning. Nice large tips that don’t seem to stick out as far as the other systems. If you want something on the louder side with an aggressive burble/pop on deceleration, but not RPI loud, the Rogue Diablos would be worth looking into. Note, the cans appear to hang a bit lower than some of the options (though not as low as stock).

Compared to OEM:



On mousitch’s Z4MC

On MIKe86’s coupe



RPi – GT exhaust
Retail: $965
Probably the most popular system on the forums. These tend to come up used from time to time but sell immediately. LOUD, with more of a resonator there than muffler. Simply put, if you don’t mine drawing some attention to yourself (especially if you’ve got headers, S1, etc.) and want a no compromise system, buy the RPi cans. Nice little touch of Porsche-esque staggered tips help make the RPi stand out from the rest and be instantly recognizable from afar. Note, the center/larger tips have a tendency to gather soot quicker than the outside tips, so clean regularly

Lots of good info (+video) in this GB thread by Dammmittt: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280036

Dammmittt’s pics:


r4gs’ Coupe:

ga41’s RPIs:

crfine88 with Matte Black RPIs:




Saclam
Retail: ~$2400 (285,000 JPY) + Shipping from Japan
Another Japanese exhaust with very limited info. The tips are staggered like the RPIs, but have some other stuff going on there. Interesting approach from yet another Japanese tuner!









Stromung
Retail: $895
One of the more affordable options out there (and there have been Group Buys) but damn, this is a nice exhaust! Great tone, not too loud but definitely there when you get on it. Some people have reported some drone on the highway but personally, I don’t think it’s too bad – definitely minor and tolerable, nothing like an “implode your eardrums” sort of drone. I’m personally a big fan of the dimpled inner piping on the tips. You may get some decel gurgle on occasion but nothing compared to the RE Diablo or RPis.


Great comparo pic by @dekaliber of OEM Vs. Stromung

Zeddy4Me’s initial prototype Stromung exhaust


dubsesd’s Z4MC

Dieselino's setup:




Supersprint – Sport & Powerloop
Retail: $1340-$2086
An Italian brand producing an amazing product, the Supersprint is no stranger to the S54 motor. They’ve developed some innovative header and other exhaust components but we’ll leave that for another thread. They’ve got 2 options for Z4m exhaust – “Sport” and “Powerloop”. The Sport system has subtle 70mm thinwall tips while the Powerloop system has 80mm rolled tips. The Powerloop is going to be the more doscile of the two, while the Sport has little sound deadening and seems to be one of the louder systems available but with a deep tone & little rasp. The price difference also shows there’s a different level of manufacturing required for both of these but knowing they’re Supersprint, you know you’ll get quality. If anyone knows about a “Race” version that differs from the “Sport” version, please let me know.


mfanatic325’s Supersprint Sport system:


Starscream’s Imola Roadster with the Powerloops






Bonus – Awesome, custom, non-mass produced exhaust builds:


Fluid MotorUnion’s custom exhaust build
Retail: N/A
This system looks amazing! Wish I lived in the area so I could have them build a masterpiece for my own car. The design is similar to the Amuse setup in some ways. More info here -> http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/archives/15686 and here -> http://www.fluidmotorunion.com/archives/15217





Studie – Saclam custom build
Retail: N/A
Studie used some Saclam pieces and made something one of a kind. Not sure if I'm a huge fan of the Saclam tips (see above), but love the work that went into these to have two in-line mufflers per side. Maybe the purpose was to bring the dB down for a certain track’s regulations? No clue, but I love it.





…what started as a little project sure turned into quite the novel

[SlickShift]

Awesome write-up!

[inTgr8r]

Wow, a lot of work pulling this all together.
Nicely done Matt.

[ZMCoupe]

Great job! Nice to have everything in one place.

[Mirko]

Nice work!

[Steenos]

My setup is DKF section 1 with Stromung Exhaust. Such a nice setup. Today it's going to be a little more ballsy though. Adding Active Auto Headers. Cannot wait!

[pokeybritches]

Wow! I spent about 4 hours yesterday compiling my exhaust videos, plus steenos's DKF setup. They include dyno runs, revs, in-car footage, drive-by's, etc. Setups are as follows:

1a) 2003 Z4 3.0i
VF Engineering supercharger
OEM catted headers
OEM resonated mid-pipe
OEM straight pipe section 2
OEM muffler

1b) 2003 Z4 3.0i
VF Engineering supercharger
OEM catted headers
OEM resonated mid-pipe
Supersprint non-resonated Y-pipe
Supersprint race muffler

1c) 2003 Z4 3.0i
VF Engineering supercharger
Supersprint catless headers
OEM resonated mid-pipe
Supersprint non-resonated Y-pipe
Supersprint race muffler

1d) 2003 Z4 3.0i
VF Engineering Supercharger
Supersprint catless headers
Magnaflow cats + OEM resonated mid-pipe
Supersprint non-resonated Y-pipe
Supersprint race muffler

1e) 2003 Z4 3.0i
All exhaust mods of 1D
JB Racing lightweight flywheel
Clutchmasters organic sprung hub clutch

2a) 2006 Z4M
ESS Tuning VT2-500 supercharger
OEM catted headers
OEM catted S-pipe
OEM resonated X-pipe
Supersprint race mufflers

2b) (no videos yet) 2006 Z4M
ESS Tuning VT2-500 supercharger
CPI catless stepped headers
OEM catted S-pipe
OEM resonated X-pipe
Supersprint race mufflers

3) 2006 Z4M
G-Power SK I supercharger
Supersprint V1 stepped headers
Supersprint S-pipe with 200 cell HJS metallic race cats
OEM resonated X-pipe
Rogue Diablo mufflers

4a) 2007 Z4M
OEM catted headers
DKF resonated S-pipe
OEM catted X-pipe
Stromung mufflers

4b) (no videos yet) 2007 Z4M
Active Autowerke catless headers
DKF S-pipe with 300 cell cats
OEM catted X-pipe
Stromung mufflers

[pokeybritches]

I'lll post the videos in two ways:

1. Group the videos together of each individual setup I have. So it will be like setup #1a dyno, rev, drive-by, in-car.

2. Group the videos by type, so that exhausts can be compared side-by-side. I'll put all my dyno runs in a video, all my drive-by's in a video, and so on.

[Beedub]

mine is

oem euro catless headers.
DKF stepped section 1 with tiny 100 cell metallic cats
oem resonated section 1
RPI mufflers with removable silencer

All this equals a pretty much straight piped sound, its WAY WAY to loud. sounds incredible but unliveable imo. If the silencers don't calm things down enough the RPI will have to go.

[pokeybritches]

If you go with another set of cans, the Diablos might be a good fit for your style. They are about 75% of the volume of RPI's, and probably the most ballsy exhaust out there. Tons of bass, some fiery rasp, no buzz. I haven't had anyone say my setup sounds bad. The only criticism I've had is the volume.

A few weeks ago I was on my way home, and I ended up behind my girlfriend. She said she heard my car before she saw me... and that's from a few cars ahead of me lol. Overall, people think the car is utterly INSANE, in a good way. Two of my employees were arguing (unbeknownst to me), one saying his 370z would smoke my car, while the other saying no way. I just so happened to walk out and fire it up (again, not knowing what they were talking about). The guy with the 370z said nevermind and walked away lol.

My setup is very similar to yours with catless headers, 200 cell cats, and stock X-pipe.

OP - the Supersprint race (sometimes labeled as "sport") DO drone. They are like adding a subwoofer to the car. They have about 50% of the drone of my catless headers / race cats / Diablos setup. They are loud all the time, not just when you get on it. I would prefer they were quieter down low, with more up top. They're just bassy as hell (not necessarily a good thing). No rasp though, so they do a good job filtering out that noise.

[torchmedia]

Originally Posted by Beedub

mine is

oem euro catless headers.
DKF stepped section 1 with tiny 100 cell metallic cats
oem resonated section 1
RPI mufflers with removable silencer

All this equals a pretty much straight piped sound, its WAY WAY to loud. sounds incredible but unliveable imo. If the silencers don't calm things down enough the RPI will have to go.

This is almost the setup I am going with this spring, except SS section 1 without cats. I am so excited now.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Beedub

mine is

oem euro catless headers.
DKF stepped section 1 with tiny 100 cell metallic cats
oem resonated section 1
RPI mufflers with removable silencer

All this equals a pretty much straight piped sound, its WAY WAY to loud. sounds incredible but unliveable imo. If the silencers don't calm things down enough the RPI will have to go.

you also have FI punching more flow through the system....

I'm in the same boat with RPIs.... I'm going to hang in for a while & see how it goes.
not sure where I'd go from RPIs though; most likely something custom.
(like RPI but with bigger cans)

[tiltmode43]

Thanks for the compliments on the thread, guys. Just trying to do my part to make the forums an even better resource

Originally Posted by Steenos

My setup is DKF section 1 with Stromung Exhaust. Such a nice setup. Today it's going to be a little more ballsy though. Adding Active Auto Headers. Cannot wait!

In your DKF do you have the resonators or cats currently in place? I've really been curious as to how the cats and resonators change the sound. I imagine the resonators being louder and a bit higher pitched while the cats would be a lower pitch, but perhaps a tad more rasp? Maybe someone can fill me in who has done both.

Once you get those headers in, report back!

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

OP - the Supersprint race (sometimes labeled as "sport") DO drone. They are like adding a subwoofer to the car. They have about 50% of the drone of my catless headers / race cats / Diablos setup. They are loud all the time, not just when you get on it. I would prefer they were quieter down low, with more up top. They're just bassy as hell (not necessarily a good thing). No rasp though, so they do a good job filtering out that noise.

Updated, thanks!

Looking forward to those videos BTW

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

you also have FI punching more flow through the system....

I'm in the same boat with RPIs.... I'm going to hang in for a while & see how it goes.
not sure where I'd go from RPIs though; most likely something custom.
(like RPI but with bigger cans)

You know, our market is small as it is but when making this thread it really got my head spinning in terms of what people would appreciate. I imagine a 1-to-1 straight through muffler, similar in size to the DKF or in between DKF & RPi, with a selection of 4 tips ranging from staggered porsche style, rectangular Eisenmann style, Burnt Ti thinwall, to standard dual rolled tip a la Supersprint Powerloop. The last thing I need to do right now is try to develop a part in an already saturated market though

[VMRWheels]

Wow really comprehensive! Thanks for sharing!

Sticky?

[PLCZ4MC]

I love this write up. I hope if I can be part of the pictures in the SuperSprint xD they are sooo gooood xD

[tiltmode43]

Originally Posted by PLCZ4M

I love this write up. I hope if I can be part of the pictures in the SuperSprint xD they are sooo gooood xD

Which Supersprint setup do you have? Will definitely have to check it out at one of the meets!

[Beedub]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

you also have FI punching more flow through the system....

I'm in the same boat with RPIs.... I'm going to hang in for a while & see how it goes.
not sure where I'd go from RPIs though; most likely something custom.
(like RPI but with bigger cans)

i agree.... i just can't stand it anymore, after 15 mins i just want to take the car home, its actually killing my enjoyment of it, not what i need tbh.

[ZeD4Mr]

Great work.

Quite a few did the Magnaflow cans with custom tips as well. For the tone, I prefer it over stromung but it's a bit louder. Let me see if I can find the link.

[Finnegan]

Great thread! A chunk of work went into this.

[tiltmode43]

Originally Posted by ZeD4Mr

Great work.

Quite a few did the Magnaflow cans with custom tips as well. For the tone, I prefer it over stromung but it's a bit louder. Let me see if I can find the link.

If you can find any links please share! If there are any super common custom options maybe we can add that here, along with which muffler part numbers used.

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Great thread! A chunk of work went into this.

Thanks! When I came across your exhaust threads it kind of blew my mind that actual measurements were taken with the meetup, pretty cool!

[Beedub]

the fluid setup is incredible !! The workmanship is nothing short of breath taking.

[Z4Murder]

Awesome thread. Great work OP