Active Autowerke has been an industry leader in engineering high-quality BMW performance products for over 40 years. Dedicated to improving the enjoyment of your driving machine with the highest quality products, Active Autowerke has been recognized as the leading BMW innovator. Our philosophy on developing refined BMW performance parts and making them available to the larger BMW community is highlighted by our most recent R&D program focused on improving the sound of the S55 exhaust. This R&D has resulted in the development of the Active Autowerke F80 M3 and F82 M4 equal length mid-pipe (patent pending) the other option to our world-famous F8X single mid-pipe.
WE RECOMMEND TO OWNERS WITH AFTERMARKET DOWNPIPES TO USE THE RESONATED VERSION BUT WE HAVE ONLY TESTED WITH THE STOCK REAR EXHAUST AND ACTIVE MAAD MAXX EXHAUST. WITH STOCK DOWNPIPES, THERE IS MINIMAL RASP. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE RESULTS WITH OTHER MAKES OF REAR EXHAUSTS.
An inline 6 engine naturally produces an evenly spaced exhaust pulse, resulting in a smoother and fuller sound. However, the twin-turbo setup of the S55 engine, while providing additional power, creates a noise that resembles two independent inline 3 engines competing for sound, rather than the expected throaty roar. This is due to the variance in the lengths of the front and rear down-pipes, which differ by almost a foot and a half, leading to unevenly spaced pulses. When these pulses merge in any crossover system—whether stock, x-pipes, double x-pipes, single mid-pipe, or rear-section solutions—they create a higher-pitched sound, often described as a "weed eater" noise. After extensive research and testing by BMW experts, it was determined that equalizing the length of the exhaust pipes before merging the sounds was the solution to this problem.
Initial solutions focused on correcting this variance behind the differential housing, but these often required replacing the entire rear exhaust system, which many BMW owners found undesirable. Active Autowerke leveraged its expertise from developing a single mid-pipe system for the F-series M cars and devoted its R&D resources to creating the mid-pipe solution presented here. By adding length to the passenger side mid-pipe section and developing a new crossover section, they were able to produce an exhaust note different from the typical "S55 sound." The patented crossover with sinusoidal pipes corrected the downpipe length variance before mixing the sounds, achieving the expected 6-cylinder sports car exhaust note.
Product Highlights:
-
Equal Length Design: Specifically engineered to equalize the exhaust pipe lengths, addressing the variance between the front and rear downpipes.
-
Improved Sound Quality: Eliminates the "weed eater" sound, producing a smoother and fuller 6-cylinder sports car exhaust note. Engineered to provide a noticeable difference in sound the first time you open the throttle.
-
Exact Fit: Designed for an exact fit on both the F80 M3 and F82 M4 models.
-
Enhanced Performance: Optimizes exhaust flow and sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.
- Quicker turbo spool.
- Increased low end and mid-range power.
- Lighter weight than the factory system.
-
Innovative Crossover Section: Features a patented crossover with sinusoidal pipes for effective sound mixing.
-
No Rear System Replacement Needed: Allows BMW owners to retain their existing rear exhaust systems.
- R&D Backed: Developed through extensive research and testing by BMW experts.
Installation Manuals
F8x Mid-Pipe to Stock BMW Rear (Resonated)