exhaust note, advice needed!

[jnejman]

Today I test drove 2004 BMW Z4 2.5
Have to admin that I did fall in love with one thing; the way exhaust sounded. Wow, these BMW guys did get the exhaust sound right!
It sounds deep, not too loud, growling like it wants to say: "look, even though I am only 2.5 I will kick some serious ass!'

My questing is: I own 2001 530i and, that car is totally "silenced" in the exhaust department. Occasionally I do hear "deep growl", but I want that Z4 growl.
Does anybody know of a good exhaust replacement I can use to get close to it?
Or should I just buy Z4 muffler and install it in my 2001 530i?

Please help!

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Hey mate,

I'm always wary of fitting non-factory spec items to a car, especially if it's a BMW. I do know what you mean though; BMW have differing characteristics for the exhaust systems on their different cars. My dad drives a 740il which sounds pretty damn mean but just listen to the exhaust note in the X5 4.4i which has the same engine[headbang]. In terms of installing the Z4 exhaust on your 530i i highly doubt it will work because the Z4 is a MUCH shorter car and so the design of its exhaust will be incompatible to your 5-series. What you might be able to do is ask a BMW dealer for info on getting a more raucious exhaust note. I noticed when a family member bought a 325i recently that the brochure offered a 'sports exhaust' as an option. I know they will probably charge a bit for what is essentially just a more free-flowing rear muffler but its worth keeping the car original. After all, the car was designed initially by the engineers who knew best. BMW sixes have the most sonorous sounding notes i think i've ever heard so it'll be worth getting yours more 'vocal'!

Hope that helps mate.

 

[jnejman]

thanks for your advice. I figured I will want to keep the car as stock as possible, but this is one thing I want to "upgrate"
I will try to contact my BMW dealer for more agressive muffler choice.

Does anybody have any more suggestions?