2011 335i N55 BMW Performance Exhaust Review

it is a tad noisy when it first starts up cold... but once it settles down it def seems to get quiet and civilized. even while driving away it seems quieter at the same RPM than the initial start.

i have a sound proofed garage door, and i always make sure to start the car with the garage door closed in the morning as a courtesy to the neighbors... i just dont want to gas myself or reverse into it thankfully the RPMs settle and it quiets quickly.

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

the PE is louder-- no exhaust valve like the stock IS exhaust, plus i'm pretty sure the mufflers themselves are different

That's actually not entirely correct.

The Euro-spec PE Exhaust actually do have the exhaust valve due to EU emission and sound regulations. US versions are missing this valve.

Either way, I the exhaust note from my PE Exhaust or from the "is" model is pretty indistinguishable when going full bore. When the valve is close in lower RPMs, the "is" exhaust note is definitely more subdued.

sounds great, and nice writeup

Kudos for the great, comprehensive write-up and videos! Me, I'm a little bummed because my '11 335i 'vert 6MT was at our dealer for them to troubleshoot our windows going back down (as if the pinch protection activated). Anyway, BMWNA told them to re-load the car's program completely, and in the process, they updated to the most current software version (not sure of the version numbers).

Long story short, the latest update significantly changed the exhaust characteristics, noticeably for the worse. While I still get a decent (but not as loud) 1st-to-2nd pop at WOT, the best I can hope for during normal driving is now just a muted burble. Previously, just sitting at idle, I could blip the throttle and produce a very significant pop. Now it's just a sad burble. Also, when I push in the clutch and let off the throttle, the RPMs stay where they are for at least two seconds, as if I were keeping the throttle down. There may be a reason for this, but it sounds/feels unnatural.

It's going back in next week because the windows are still not fixed. I'll be talking with the shop foreman to see if it can be reverted.

PS: the new version brought a few improvements to the Navigation, like better lane graphics for upcoming instructions for example.

Great post!

This review just pushed me over the edge and decide to get the PE when my car finally arrives

Thanks for the amazing review; I'm sold on it! Now just wait for a sale.

Thanks, all. I was hoping to get an "in action" video up a long time ago, but work has been hectic the past couple of months, so just haven't had the time. I had plans to do it this Holiday weekend, but I decided to see if my phone could swim instead ("she's" dead ) and the old phone I'm using right now doesn't do video very well. I'm looking to get the HTC Sensation 4G next week, so if all goes perfectly, I might be able to post up a video on the 12th.

Anyway, the exhaust is just awesome. It seems to have gotten a little deeper since new, although my slightly older neighbor asked me, "what's wrong with your car"...ha...lighten up Francis. The first 30-60 seconds on startup is a tad loud in the garage, but it calms down nicely once warmed up, unless you stomp on it. Again, I would highly recommend this exhaust.

It is a tad loud at start-up, and if you rev over 3,500-4,000 there is a nice wail. On downshifts there is a nice gurgle over stock. From the inside of the car it isn't at all annoying.

The PE opens up the system, and with other mods helps the whole system breathe better.

great write up, chris!

Does anyone have a video of PE installed on a 328? i didn't see any good vids on youtube, but i admittedly didn't search very long.

/edit - meh... nevermind. i found a few and all they did was convince me that i'd need to hear it in person. on vid it all sounds too high-pitched and whiny... i assume it must sound better in person.

Where are you getting this deal? I've called several dealers in the DC-Northern VA area for my N55 335i xdrive and this is what I have so far:

BMW Alexandria/Arlington: $2,550 installed price
VOB: $2,000 installed price
Fairfax BMW: $1,950 installed price (they do not have in stock and have to order)
Sterling BMW: $1,860 installed price (they do not have in stock and have to order)

Any recommendations how to get a $1,400 price? I don't mind paying another $150 - $225 for install (that's what most these places charge.) I'd love a referral to anyone you know who can get me a similar deal. Please let me know!

Well, it looks like all those dealers are charging MSRP ($1693) on the exhaust itself and anywhere from 1 hour-ish of labor (Sterling) to who the hell knows what for from BMW Alexandria/Arlington. I'm assuming the install is the same for an xDrive 335i as it is for RWD 335i. If not, that could be some of the difference, but $2550 is nuts. Best bet is to look for one of the sponsors on Bimmerfest to run a special on the exhaust and have it shipped to yourself and then just get install prices from those dealers again. That's what I did. My dealer (Philly area) charged an hours labor at $125, so I would say 1-2 hours is legit, again, assuming the xDrive install is the same as RWD 335i. Other than that, I'd just ask the dealer how they are coming up with their price and go with the cheapest hourly rate after you've ordered the exhaust from a sponsor. Good luck!

E-mail Patrick Casey directly for a price quote, linking to this thread. He'll respond with a great price with shipping. It should be in the ball park that you're looking for. I paid $1300 shipped to Long Island for a '11 E92 335xi PE. Tischer has a good price also, but Patrick will be slightly better. Both are good vendors to deal with in my experience.

The other option would be to print out Tischer's price from their website, and see if the parts manager at your local dealership would match it or come close - then negotiate installation if you want to go that route. The parts manager at my local GMC dealership used to match or beat internet pricing when you included shipping in the comparison.

Originally Posted by Mk23

Hate all the popping noises from the N55 but other than that it sounds good. Been wanting the PE for my N54 for years now. Eventually it will be mine...

Personally, I love the burbling!

Originally Posted by chrisk03

Thanks, all. I was hoping to get an "in action" video up a long time ago, but work has been hectic the past couple of months, so just haven't had the time. I had plans to do it this Holiday weekend, but I decided to see if my phone could swim instead ("she's" dead ) and the old phone I'm using right now doesn't do video very well. I'm looking to get the HTC Sensation 4G next week, so if all goes perfectly, I might be able to post up a video on the 12th.

Anyway, the exhaust is just awesome. It seems to have gotten a little deeper since new, although my slightly older neighbor asked me, "what's wrong with your car"...ha...lighten up Francis. The first 30-60 seconds on startup is a tad loud in the garage, but it calms down nicely once warmed up, unless you stomp on it. Again, I would highly recommend this exhaust.

Sorry to hear about your non-amphibious phone, I did the same last year!

Thanks for the great post!

Great write up. Thanks for taking the time to do this for those thinking about it.

Originally Posted by Saintor

I like mine. My only issue is that people out there get much more of a "treat" (want it or not lol!) than me inside the car.

Windows down, baby!

I always enjoyed driving our G35 coupe with the windows down. That car has one of the nicest stock exhaust notes!

Roll your windows when the weather and driving allows and don't miss out on the sound!

Thanks for the awesome write up!!

I had been looking for a solid comparison on YouTube even before I took delivery of my car. Now I REALLY want one

Originally Posted by chuckee98

E-mail Patrick Casey directly for a price quote, linking to this thread. He'll respond with a great price with shipping. It should be in the ball park that you're looking for. I paid $1300 shipped to Long Island for a '11 E92 335xi PE. Tischer has a good price also, but Patrick will be slightly better. Both are good vendors to deal with in my experience.

The other option would be to print out Tischer's price from their website, and see if the parts manager at your local dealership would match it or come close - then negotiate installation if you want to go that route. The parts manager at my local GMC dealership used to match or beat internet pricing when you included shipping in the comparison.

Thanks, will do!

Here's a couple drive-by's...





Second video is a tad long, so you can jump to 10 secs, 21 secs, 45 secs, 109 secs and 140 secs for the sound.

Kinda disappointed in the video's because of the wind, but I assure you the exhaust sounds awesome. Enjoy!!

PS. Anyway to post these vids on my first, review post?

So are there are 3 sets for the three series? Stock, Stock IS a little more aggressive & Performance add-on aggressive.

First time I started the IS at the dealer I thought it was a bit louder then a I model. Sounds real nice & does not seem to be noisy inside. I was thinking of ordering the performance system but when I actually heard the IS unit I thought it was good enough for government work.

Hi. Thanks for the great review. I'm in Philadelphia and would like to hear your car! I have an 09 335 convertible. Thinking about BMW exhaust. Thx!

I was so disapointed in the sound (or total lack there of) on my E90 328i that I got the PE installed. It totally transformed the driving experience for me. The power increase is no doubt just the 5 HP BMW claims but the psycological effect is a lot more. The audible feedback also helps with getting the response you want from the auto transmission. It always bugged me when what i wanted was a 1 gear downshift and i get a 2 down response instead. Now the car seems to read my mind and give me the gear I wanted.

Sound is almost the same as standard when not accelerating but just the right amount of straight 6 BMW sound with added throttle. Best investment in the car yet.