BMW Performance Exhaust Systems: A Buyer’s Guide

Choosing performance parts, like the right exhaust for your BMW, can seem like a daunting task if you’re unfamiliar with what is offered. Below serves as a mini guide to help you find the best BMW performance exhaust system and everything in between to suit your needs and specific vehicle model.

The stock exhaust system that comes with your vehicle allows it to do its job of letting your vehicle “breathe”, without any of the fun. With the right modifications, you can upgrade your vehicle to really see how much horsepower your BMW has when it’s unleashed. The exhaust system can include one or more exhaust pipes, depending on the type of vehicle you drive and your needs. In addition, depending on your vehicle’s system design, there are other areas of the exhaust that you can tweak, upgrade or customize, such as:

• The cylinder head
• The exhaust manifold
• Turbocharger for increased engine power
• Catalytic converter for reduced air pollution
• Muffler for reduced noise

How To Upgrade Your Exhaust

It’s important to determine how much of your vehicle you want to update. The modifications offered for your car will depend on the line, the engine, and other factors. Other things to consider include the type of weather and elements your car will generally face, as a stainless style performance exhaust system is more suited to areas with high moisture, in order to withstand corrosion. In addition, while you may like the idea of a loud exhaust system, it’s important to choose one that won’t irritate you, especially if you drive long distances.

Other things to consider to update your exhaust system include:

Upgrade Your Headers

Performance headers can free up horsepower, and give your vehicle that edge. Headers are designed to balance the engine exhaust flow through the use of equal length runners, which makes it easier for the engine to expel gas that is spent more easily, allowing for more horsepower. It’s important to choose the right type of headers for your vehicle, as the wrong fit can slow down your performance.

Headers generally come in two different types, shorty headers and long tube headers. Shorty headers, also known as block huggers, usually bolt directly to the vehicle without modifications required. They are ideal for daily drivers; increasing horsepower and torque from low-mid RPMS. Long tuber headers extend to about a foot behind the engine and provide the best flow and balance of exhaust gases, making them ideal in situations where mass power is necessary.

Upgrade Your Catalytic Converter

Depending on where your vehicle was made, the catalytic converter will either adhere to the Environmental Protection Agency regulations or the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations, which are much stricter. If your vehicle was sold in California it will have emission equipment in line with CARB regulations. If you vehicle is not from California, you may have more leeway with your catalytic converter. It’s important to determine where your vehicle is registered and what rules it adheres to, in order to see how you can update your catalytic converter.

Upgrade Your Mufflers

The mufflers in your stock exhaust system are designed for quieter functionality which can hamper exhaust flow. With the right modifications, you can have high performance mufflers that have less baffles in them, therefore not compromising on its flow abilities. In addition, mandrel bent tubing can be installed along with free flowing mufflers, which together, increase torque and horsepower. Performance exhaust systems include mufflers that feature a rumble and throttle sound to match your tastes, and offer a better aesthetic to complement your style.

The exhaust says a lot about two important aspects of your vehicle: its power and its sound. When you press your foot on the gas, you what to feel the power beneath you, and hear how the vehicle comes to life and roars. Your exhaust should complement your style and tastes. If you are looking to upgrade your performance parts contact Foreign Affairs Motorsports, South Florida’s Premier German Auto Repair, Performance & Race Facility Since 1978.