[gotkarma]

I've got a 2019 M240i x-drive currently with an Active Autowerke Stage 1 tune and have been enjoying it.

I'm looking into Stage 2 options and looking to slowly amp the sound, but I *really* don't want to end up with a harsh noise.

Based on guidance from my local shop, they're suggesting the following:

1.QUOTE: ADVISE FOR STAGE 2 TUNING AND SUPPORTING HARDWARE
PART : 18 32 8 612 537 EXHAUST CLAMP 1 @ $44.34
PART : 18 32 8 612 538 TURBO GASKET 1 @ $27.90
PART : 18 30 8 635 798 EXHAUST CLAMP 1 @ $44.34
PART : 11-062 ACTIVE AUTOWERKE BMW B58 F3X M240I 340I 440I
CATTED DOWNPIPE
1 @ $1,499.00
PART : D760-0046-A DINAN SEMI-OPEN INTAKE - 2016-2021 BMW
M240I/340I/440I
1 @ $491.95
LABOR : CATALYTIC CONVERTER, R&R, 2 SERIES, 3.0L $608.00
LABOR : INSTALLING DINAN PERFORMANCE AIR INTAKE $160.00

Work is being done in NJ, catless not an option. I inquired about the price of the downpipe as I've seen things as low as $500 and here was their response.

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Yes, I'm guessing you might be comparing against VRSF's offering. The difference is all in the quality of materials and workmanship, the former of which varies wildly when it comes to the catalytic converter portion of the downpipe. This is evidenced in the warranties offered, which is 1 year for the VRSF pipe on the whole product, and from Active 5 years on the pipe/2 years on the cat itself. With the labor to install being a $600 proposition, all it would take is a single mishap on the cheaper/lower quality VRSF pipe before you're exceeding the cost of just going with something like Active's the first time around.
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This BMW-only shop has hundreds of reviews and a 5.0 rating and their staff have been amazing so I trust them but would love feedback from the forum on the choice.

Regarding sound, the tech suggested starting with the intake and making decisions from there once stage 2 is done. I'm struggling finding how to evaluate different options as there's tons of videos on exhaust setups etc online, but difficult to do an A/B comparison.

Thoughts or suggestions? Long story short, I'd love a more audible rumble/growl at 1-2k RPM than exists on stock, and a healthy roar when I open up the throttle. I just do NOT like an overly raw/crackly sound.

Lastly ... the biggest complaint I have about the Active Autowerke tune is that my tech gave me a number range to set it, but it appears to apply to ALL modes post-tune whereas stock it was only on Sport and Sport+ modes only. I love the burble, but not all. the. time. Any suggestions on that front? I can't find information on the tune's range of settings and what my options are in that department.