M235 Performance Exhaust Interior Sound

Ello · 05-13-2015, 07:53 AM

Hi all.

I'm getting ready to buy my M235 and am wondering about sound inside the car from the M Performance exhaust. Does it change the sound you hear when you're driving?

I realize that some engine noise is piped in already, and that the car is fairly well insulated. I'm just wondering how or if the exhaust changes what you actually hear or feel, or if it's more of an exterior effect only.

I am a bit tired of driving new cars that are so silent I can't judge shifts audibly, but also don't want a deafening roar or highway drone. Frankly I just love the effect in older cars when you feel the whole frame vibrate a bit at high revs, and am wondering if the M Performance exhaust gives a civilized version of that effect?

335BOY · 05-13-2015, 08:51 AM

I test drove one for about 20 minutes and thought it sounded amazing with windows up and down. I really dont understand the problem with some piped in sound. Who cares? I doesnt sound fake.

DanG · 05-13-2015, 08:59 AM

I couldn't tell the difference between the stock exhaust and the M Performance exhaust with the windows up.

alz0rz · 05-13-2015, 09:03 AM

With the windows up you can barely hear it.

335BOY · 05-13-2015, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alz0rz

With the windows up you can barely hear it.

I sure could.

mmmmm235i · 05-13-2015, 12:52 PM

I have the active sound coded off and have since installed MPE. It is definitely noticeable on cold starts and in sport +, but unless you are encouraging it, the exhaust is very quiet with the windows up or down. (comfort/sport (chassis only)

Ello · 05-13-2015, 03:49 PM

Helpful, thanks. Questioning whether to pay for it given all this!

Supernaut · 05-13-2015, 08:44 PM

It's fantastic with the windows down, but mostly "active sound" in the cabin with the windows up.

alz0rz · 05-13-2015, 08:54 PM

I too have had Active Sound turned off since I bought the car, I did not hear much of a volume increase when installing the MPE.

Db750 · 05-13-2015, 09:33 PM

I have been considering purchasing this exhaust for my wife's 235i. The only way she would put up with it is if it makes no difference in sound in comfort mode with the windows up.

Do you guys think this exhaust would be a good "wife friendly" set up, while still offering a nice roar for me when I drive her car? I am concerned that it will either be too loud for her, or it won't be loud enough for me.

MrBucket · 05-13-2015, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Db750

I have been considering purchasing this exhaust for my wife's 235i. The only way she would put up with it is if it makes no difference in sound in comfort mode with the windows up.

Do you guys think this exhaust would be a good "wife friendly" set up, while still offering a nice roar for me when I drive her car? I am concerned that it will either be too loud for her, or it won't be loud enough for me.

Its definitely quiet in comfort mode with the windows up unless you floor it, and even then its still not that loud.

My intake probably did more for the sound than the exhaust did to be honest.

th1rd3y3 · 05-14-2015, 07:01 AM

My tires make more noise than my M Performance exhaust does.

midwest 340xi 6sp · 05-14-2015, 07:24 AM

I had the opportunity to test drive an MPE car and OEM exhaust before purchasing...

IMO the MPE was noticeably louder, deeper and richer than OEM - but not enough to be droning or obtrusive. I did not hesitate buying it.

For the $? I would do it again. My wife drives the car and she loves the sound - I attribute that to no droning.

If you want something more aggressive than consider other options - they are plentiful. ITs a personal taste matter, not whats right or wrong. For me? the MPE was "just right"

Supernaut · 05-14-2015, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by th1rd3y3

My tires make more noise than my M Performance exhaust does.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest M235i

...
IMO the MPE was noticeably louder, deeper and richer than OEM - but not enough to be droning or obtrusive. I did not hesitate buying it.

For the $? I would do it again. My wife drives the car and she loves the sound - I attribute that to no droning.

If you want something more aggressive than consider other options - they are plentiful. ITs a personal taste matter, not whats right or wrong. For me? the MPE was "just right"

I agree on both accounts. Windows up, the tire noise is louder, so I drive with the windows down a lot more than I used to. The burble when letting off the gas is delicious.

The exhaust is loud enough to turn heads, but not so loud I worry about the neighbors (unlike some of the local Subies and Mustangs that'll wake people up). My wife, who is not a car person, loves the sound of the MPE.

Djaak1974 · 05-14-2015, 09:04 AM

Same here, ASD off, MPE and very quiet (too quiet for my liking). I unplugged the exhaust flap (golf tee). It drones a bit more in eco on low rpm at constant speed. Look at http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1122531 where I moan about it being to quiet.

Djaak1974 · 05-14-2015, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrBucket

Its definitely quiet in comfort mode with the windows up unless you floor it, and even then its still not that loud.

My intake probably did more for the sound than the exhaust did to be honest.

What Intake did you fit?
Send picture's

wjones14 · 05-14-2015, 09:30 AM

When outside the car, I notice that the MPE is fairly loud for about 30 seconds after a cold start, even in Comfort mode. I have not compared it to the stock exhaust on cold start, however.

Inside the car, the MPE is not loud at all. Ever.

atxlos · 05-14-2015, 10:04 AM

so does the MPE make the car noticeably louder outside on a drive-by or pulling up to something? I'm curious how 'loud' the m235 is since I've only ever been inside mine,I'm curious at the difference in the OEM vs MPE, odes the MPE make it noticeably sound more 'sportier??

MrBucket · 05-14-2015, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djaak1974

What Intake did you fit?
Send picture's

BMS

2msport · 05-16-2015, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atxlos

so does the MPE make the car noticeably louder outside on a drive-by or pulling up to something? I'm curious how 'loud' the m235 is since I've only ever been inside mine,I'm curious at the difference in the OEM vs MPE, odes the MPE make it noticeably sound more 'sportier??

I had the same question so I had my buddy drive my car while I stood outside so I could hear what it's like. It's very audible from the outside. Especially from behind. When he got on it, it was quite loud. My gf drove behind me and told me that she could hear it especially starting from a stop. It's a perfect volume on the outside imo. Ever since installing my 328 MPE on my 228, more heads turn when I pull up or drive by. I know all this wasn't true with the stock exhaust. I think you'll see a proportionate increase in volume and sportiness that I've seen with my 228.

What others have said about the low volume in the cabin is true. You get more ASD than anything else (unless you're really getting on it). This is due to our cabin being extremely quiet which is why bmw has implemented ASD. Imo.

Ello · 05-20-2015, 07:58 PM

Thank you for all the replies. Helpful. Going for it on the exhaust!

Bee Pee · 05-21-2015, 07:22 AM

If you specified thru load then fold down rear seats so as there's no bulkhead between you and the trunk. Sounds bloody epic

05-13-2015, 07:53 AM	#1
Ello New Member 7 Rep 22 Posts Drives: M235xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Vermont USA iTrader: (0)	M235 Performance Exhaust Interior Sound Hi all. I'm getting ready to buy my M235 and am wondering about sound inside the car from the M Performance exhaust. Does it change the sound you hear when you're driving? I realize that some engine noise is piped in already, and that the car is fairly well insulated. I'm just wondering how or if the exhaust changes what you actually hear or feel, or if it's more of an exterior effect only. I am a bit tired of driving new cars that are so silent I can't judge shifts audibly, but also don't want a deafening roar or highway drone. Frankly I just love the effect in older cars when you feel the whole frame vibrate a bit at high revs, and am wondering if the M Performance exhaust gives a civilized version of that effect?
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05-13-2015, 08:51 AM	#2
335BOY Colonel 197 Rep 2,802 Posts Drives: 2017 SQ5 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I test drove one for about 20 minutes and thought it sounded amazing with windows up and down. I really dont understand the problem with some piped in sound. Who cares? I doesnt sound fake. Last edited by 335BOY; 05-13-2015 at 12:05 PM..
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05-13-2015, 08:59 AM	#3
DanG Major General 10656 Rep 6,937 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [7.68]	I couldn't tell the difference between the stock exhaust and the M Performance exhaust with the windows up.
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05-13-2015, 09:03 AM	#4
alz0rz What goes here? 450 Rep 1,356 Posts Drives: 2019 G30 M550i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida Space Coast iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [0.00] 2021 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00]	With the windows up you can barely hear it. __________________ 2019 G30 M550i GBNF: 2021 G80 M3, 2019 F90 M5 Competition, 2016 F80 M3, 2014 F22 M235i
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05-13-2015, 12:52 PM	#6
mmmmm235i Captain 104 Rep 835 Posts Drives: 440xi GC Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: NY -> CO iTrader: (12)	I have the active sound coded off and have since installed MPE. It is definitely noticeable on cold starts and in sport +, but unless you are encouraging it, the exhaust is very quiet with the windows up or down. (comfort/sport (chassis only) __________________ 2020 X3M Comp., Alpine White on Black/Beige RETIRED: 2018 440xi GC, Carbon Black on Black/Blue 2014 M235i Black on Black, DINAN Stage 2
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05-13-2015, 03:49 PM	#7
Ello New Member 7 Rep 22 Posts Drives: M235xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Vermont USA iTrader: (0)	Helpful, thanks. Questioning whether to pay for it given all this!
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05-13-2015, 08:44 PM	#8
Supernaut Little Deuce Coupe 391 Rep 635 Posts Drives: SO M2C Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW M2 competi ... [0.00]	It's fantastic with the windows down, but mostly "active sound" in the cabin with the windows up. __________________ ex: 2004 Thermonuclear Yellow RX-8\|6MT ex: 2015 Estoril Blue M235i \|6MT\|slicktop\|MP exhaust - PCD 2020 Sunset Orange M2C\|6MT\|Black 788s
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05-13-2015, 08:54 PM	#9
alz0rz What goes here? 450 Rep 1,356 Posts Drives: 2019 G30 M550i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida Space Coast iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 BMW M550i [0.00] 2021 BMW M3 Competi ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M5 Competi ... [0.00] 2016 BMW M3 [0.00] 2014 BMW M235i [0.00]	I too have had Active Sound turned off since I bought the car, I did not hear much of a volume increase when installing the MPE. __________________ 2019 G30 M550i GBNF: 2021 G80 M3, 2019 F90 M5 Competition, 2016 F80 M3, 2014 F22 M235i
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05-13-2015, 09:33 PM	#10
Db750 Captain 278 Rep 620 Posts Drives: 2014 991S & 2013 M3 CP Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lexington, KY iTrader: (1)	I have been considering purchasing this exhaust for my wife's 235i. The only way she would put up with it is if it makes no difference in sound in comfort mode with the windows up. Do you guys think this exhaust would be a good "wife friendly" set up, while still offering a nice roar for me when I drive her car? I am concerned that it will either be too loud for her, or it won't be loud enough for me.
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05-14-2015, 07:01 AM	#12
th1rd3y3 Private First Class 31 Rep 199 Posts Drives: '20 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	My tires make more noise than my M Performance exhaust does.
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05-14-2015, 07:24 AM	#13
midwest 340xi 6sp Lieutenant Colonel 360 Rep 1,797 Posts Drives: 2018 340xi Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: The Great Midwest iTrader: (6)	I had the opportunity to test drive an MPE car and OEM exhaust before purchasing... IMO the MPE was noticeably louder, deeper and richer than OEM - but not enough to be droning or obtrusive. I did not hesitate buying it. For the $? I would do it again. My wife drives the car and she loves the sound - I attribute that to no droning. If you want something more aggressive than consider other options - they are plentiful. ITs a personal taste matter, not whats right or wrong. For me? the MPE was "just right" __________________ Previous Rides: 535xi, M235xi, X3, E92 M3, E70 X5 35d, X6 50i, X6 35i, E60 550i, E46 M3 Cabriolet, E39 540i, E36 328i
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05-14-2015, 09:04 AM	#15
Djaak1974 New Member 9 Rep 18 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SA iTrader: (0)	Same here, ASD off, MPE and very quiet (too quiet for my liking). I unplugged the exhaust flap (golf tee). It drones a bit more in eco on low rpm at constant speed. Look at http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1122531 where I moan about it being to quiet.
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05-14-2015, 09:30 AM	#17
wjones14 Captain 659 Rep 891 Posts Drives: 2021 M2C Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Niantic CT iTrader: (0)	When outside the car, I notice that the MPE is fairly loud for about 30 seconds after a cold start, even in Comfort mode. I have not compared it to the stock exhaust on cold start, however. Inside the car, the MPE is not loud at all. Ever. __________________ Vehicles: 2021 Alpine White M2C 6MT; 2011 Kawasaki Z1000 (1/4 mile 10.3 seconds @ 129 mph - stock) Previous: 2018 Camaro 2SS 1LE 6MT; 2015 BMW M235i 6MT; 2015 Mini Cooper F56 6MT; 2005 Mustang GT 5MT; 2003 Mini Cooper R50 5MT
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05-14-2015, 10:04 AM	#18
atxlos Private 14 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2015 EB M235i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	so does the MPE make the car noticeably louder outside on a drive-by or pulling up to something? I'm curious how 'loud' the m235 is since I've only ever been inside mine,I'm curious at the difference in the OEM vs MPE, odes the MPE make it noticeably sound more 'sportier??
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05-20-2015, 07:58 PM	#21
Ello New Member 7 Rep 22 Posts Drives: M235xi Join Date: May 2015 Location: Vermont USA iTrader: (0)	Thank you for all the replies. Helpful. Going for it on the exhaust!
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05-21-2015, 07:22 AM	#22
Bee Pee Brigadier General 1779 Rep 4,516 Posts Drives: AW M2 DCT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SW London iTrader: (3)	If you specified thru load then fold down rear seats so as there's no bulkhead between you and the trunk. Sounds bloody epic __________________ Fettled M135i EB AT then AW M2 DCT - both gone but not forgotten: Current '22 X3M LCI..
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