BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
M2 Technical Topics > S55 Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust / Bolt-ons / Tuning > Active Autowerke M2 Competition Midpipe Install Instructions

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-12-2019, 10:01 AM   #1
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Active Autowerke M2 Competition Midpipe Install Instructions

I installed the AA midpipe yesterday on my M2 Comp and it came without instructions. The link on the AA webpage ended up being the M3/M4 and not the M2.

Here is a link the the M2C install instructions:
https://www.pdfhost.net/index.php?Ac...5da4999c9c1e77

My quick review:
- Not a crazy difference in sound on the M2C to be completely honest. Slightly deeper and slightly louder...slightly. (Stock Downpipes, No tune, Efficient/Sport/Sport+ tested) For anyone in California you should not be worried about installing this mod...not in the slightest.
- Rear clamps definitely don't fully seal and they seem like junk to me but I've been spoiled with V-band everything for quite some time. I will most likely get v-bands installed and these ball clamps removed/piping welded together at a later date.
- Lastly I'm still after a deeper and better sounding symphony from the exhaust so if anyone in SoCal has the Signature Exhaust maybe we could get together for a listen. I have VRSF downpipes to install at a later date when I decide to tune but that will be a little bit.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 1
Madmat50.00
      02-12-2019, 11:09 AM   #2
pz619
Brigadier General
3274
Rep
3,254
Posts

Drives: F87 M2C 6MT, Tesla 3
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

Very nice! I couldn't open the PDF though, says the file is damaged. Might be a problem with my comp though.

I'm considering pairing the midpipe with the Remus exhaust. Any difference in power/feel?
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2019, 11:41 AM   #3
chmura
Colonel
chmura's Avatar
1557
Rep
2,504
Posts

Drives: 2019 M2 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orange County, California

iTrader: (1)

I have a hard time believing that the sound is minimal. You are getting rid of two secardary cats and a reasonstor. This should increase the sound.

I am thinking of doing the same thing. Are there any leaks in the clamps AA provided to couple the cut muffler and mid pipe together?
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2019, 07:28 PM   #4
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pz619 View Post
Very nice! I couldn't open the PDF though, says the file is damaged. Might be a problem with my comp though.

I'm considering pairing the midpipe with the Remus exhaust. Any difference in power/feel?
I just checked the link and it downloaded fine with no issue on a separate computer.

If there is a power difference it isn't substantial enough to notice.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 1
pz6193274.00
      02-12-2019, 07:35 PM   #5
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chmura View Post
I have a hard time believing that the sound is minimal. You are getting rid of two secardary cats and a reasonstor. This should increase the sound.

I am thinking of doing the same thing. Are there any leaks in the clamps AA provided to couple the cut muffler and mid pipe together?
I'm being very serious when I mean the sound increase is very minimal. It still sounds way too quiet; when I was tracking the car at Big Willow I could barely hear the motor with my helmet on in sport mode. I've had ASD disabled since my pickup at the dealer (before I even started the car). I actually don't know what the ASD sounds like and never want to. There are leaks at the AA provided clamps where I made the cut as I could see the water dripping from them on startup. The ball clamps are sealed. I removed the whole system and put everything back on a second time to see if there was something off when I found the leaks and it seems to be inherent to the clamp design. Regardless the fit is good and it's installed as designed. It doesn't quite meet my expectations but many things seldom do.

I definitely want to hear a full signature exhaust with open downpipes...I think that might be the ticket for what I'm after. Next step for me will be to see how the sound is with my VRSF downpipes and I'll go from there.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2019, 07:47 PM   #6
epic
M Comp
epic's Avatar
United_States
132
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Chicago Suburbs

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I was considering this in hopes to open up the sound. Knowing this, I'll put the money towards an actual exhaust. Thanks for sharing.
__________________
'19 M2 Competition | '07 Heads/Cam/Stall C6 Corvette | '17 Ford Escape Titanium
Past: '14 M235i, '07 335i xDrive, '06 GTO, '02 Trans Am Firehawk, '99 Grand Prix GTP
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2019, 08:37 PM   #7
chmura
Colonel
chmura's Avatar
1557
Rep
2,504
Posts

Drives: 2019 M2 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orange County, California

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by epic View Post
I was considering this in hopes to open up the sound. Knowing this, I'll put the money towards an actual exhaust. Thanks for sharing.
Hopefully others will chime in and since I read another person on here who is very happy with this setup.

OP said he could not hear exhaust with helmet. That’s very expected since a helmet would silence even a loud exhaust.
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2019, 09:23 AM   #8
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chmura View Post
Hopefully others will chime in and since I read another person on here who is very happy with this setup.

OP said he could not hear exhaust with helmet. That’s very expected since a helmet would silence even a loud exhaust.
A helmet doesn't silence a loud exhaust, not in the slightest. I think many people who have loud cars would agree. Keep in mind I plan to keep this car the quietest in my fleet but it's definitely too quiet at the moment. My X5 and M3 are way louder than my M2 by a mile. When I put the VRSF downpipes I expect the volume to go up quite a bit. I'm hoping that will be what I'm after.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 1
JeremyDFW458.00
      02-13-2019, 09:41 AM   #9
chmura
Colonel
chmura's Avatar
1557
Rep
2,504
Posts

Drives: 2019 M2 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Orange County, California

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
A helmet doesn't silence a loud exhaust, not in the slightest. I think many people who have loud cars would agree. Keep in mind I plan to keep this car the quietest in my fleet but it's definitely too quiet at the moment. My X5 and M3 are way louder than my M2 by a mile. When I put the VRSF downpipes I expect the volume to go up quite a bit. I'm hoping that will be what I'm after.
Maybe get this exhaust?

https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=B5462.20904

Still waiting for some sound clips from this exhaust.
__________________
2019 M2 Competition- October 2, 2018 ED
2011 BMW M3 Sedan Alpine White
Picked up via ED 9/27/2011 & Redelivered 11/23/2011 **SOLD**
Appreciate 1
mcvaughan702.00
      02-13-2019, 10:13 AM   #10
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chmura View Post
Maybe get this exhaust?

https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=B5462.20904

Still waiting for some sound clips from this exhaust.
The muffler doesn't change much of the exhaust note imo unless you're in efficient mode. The valves open in Sport and Sport+ mode is going to be similar. Once I decide to tune it then I'll put in the downpipes...disable all burbles and then decide if something else is needed. I'm hoping downpipes and disabling burbles will be the ticket for now. The wife even agrees that the car is too quiet and she also hates the burbles lol...
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2019, 11:49 AM   #11
JeremyDFW
Private First Class
JeremyDFW's Avatar
United_States
458
Rep
126
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2 CS
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Dallas, Texas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chmura View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
A helmet doesn't silence a loud exhaust, not in the slightest. I think many people who have loud cars would agree. Keep in mind I plan to keep this car the quietest in my fleet but it's definitely too quiet at the moment. My X5 and M3 are way louder than my M2 by a mile. When I put the VRSF downpipes I expect the volume to go up quite a bit. I'm hoping that will be what I'm after.
Maybe get this exhaust?

https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=B5462.20904

Still waiting for some sound clips from this exhaust.
I have exchanged messages with IND, and I believe they are installing on their shop car this week and sound clips should be coming shortly after.

I've held out on ordering the AA until getting feedback on the Eis. Race version.
__________________
2019 BMW M2 Competition, Long Beach Blue
2020 BMW M2 CS, Alpine White
2021 BMW X5M, Donington Grey

Instagram - @its.bad.karma (inactive/parked)
Appreciate 1
      02-13-2019, 01:51 PM   #12
CosmosMpower
Brigadier General
CosmosMpower's Avatar
2049
Rep
3,714
Posts

Drives: F87c, GT3, MK7 GTI
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Frisco, TX

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the review, kind of disappointed it's not that dramatic of a difference. I may pass and go for a full exhaust instead.
Appreciate 1
      02-13-2019, 07:29 PM   #13
mike@x-ph.com
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
23784
Rep
190,103
Posts


Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

The sound different from only the midpipe is about 20% with a deeper tone throughout the RPM range.

The greatest benefit of this midpipe is not just a louder tone but a rasp free clean sound
__________________
Check out our current sale by clicking on this link!
https://x-ph.com/sale/

Phone number 702-494-9435
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2019, 02:24 PM   #14
evolved///M
Private First Class
56
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2019 F87 M2C, had 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (4)

Just another viewpoint here, but I did the midpipe, painted the stock rear, and added a VSC-2 to keep the exhaust valves open as I choose. I find the sound level to be quite increased and acceptable. Still much cheaper than a full exhaust, too.

The stock rear, when the valves are open, is pretty much a straight-through design. Keeping the ability to close the valves maintains the ability to keep the neighbors asleep and at other times your passengers happy.
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2019, 11:33 AM   #15
CosmosMpower
Brigadier General
CosmosMpower's Avatar
2049
Rep
3,714
Posts

Drives: F87c, GT3, MK7 GTI
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Frisco, TX

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by evolved///M View Post
Just another viewpoint here, but I did the midpipe, painted the stock rear, and added a VSC-2 to keep the exhaust valves open as I choose. I find the sound level to be quite increased and acceptable. Still much cheaper than a full exhaust, too.

The stock rear, when the valves are open, is pretty much a straight-through design. Keeping the ability to close the valves maintains the ability to keep the neighbors asleep and at other times your passengers happy.
How much increase in sound volume would you say with the valves open? 20% 50%?
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2019, 01:28 PM   #16
evolved///M
Private First Class
56
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2019 F87 M2C, had 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower View Post
How much increase in sound volume would you say with the valves open? 20% 50%?
I'd say 50% sounds about right. Maybe even a bit more. And I have ASD turned off.
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2019, 01:57 PM   #17
Blue2
Second Lieutenant
172
Rep
247
Posts

Drives: 2024 M240i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
I'm being very serious when I mean the sound increase is very minimal. It still sounds way too quiet; when I was tracking the car at Big Willow I could barely hear the motor with my helmet on in sport mode. I've had ASD disabled since my pickup at the dealer (before I even started the car). I actually don't know what the ASD sounds like and never want to. There are leaks at the AA provided clamps where I made the cut as I could see the water dripping from them on startup. The ball clamps are sealed. I removed the whole system and put everything back on a second time to see if there was something off when I found the leaks and it seems to be inherent to the clamp design. Regardless the fit is good and it's installed as designed. It doesn't quite meet my expectations but many things seldom do.

I definitely want to hear a full signature exhaust with open downpipes...I think that might be the ticket for what I'm after. Next step for me will be to see how the sound is with my VRSF downpipes and I'll go from there.

What did you use to turn the ASD off?
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2019, 04:03 PM   #18
evolved///M
Private First Class
56
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2019 F87 M2C, had 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue2 View Post
What did you use to turn the ASD off?
I can't speak for the OP, but there's two ways you can do it:
  1. Code it off using Bimmercode or ESYS. Or use Bimmerlink to turn it off each and every time you're in the car. See the "Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics" forum for threads on those.
  2. Install an "ASD delete" harness on the amplifier in the trunk. A physical bypass. https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1202389
Appreciate 1
      02-27-2019, 07:45 PM   #19
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blue2 View Post
What did you use to turn the ASD off?
I used Bimmercode and I have a Delete Harness as well which I just haven't installed yet. Some say the harness improves audio sound quality.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 0
      02-27-2019, 07:53 PM   #20
Commanderwiggin
Major
Commanderwiggin's Avatar
2043
Rep
1,200
Posts

Drives: M2C - X3M - Turbo E46 M3 - 45E
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: SOCAL

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CosmosMpower View Post
How much increase in sound volume would you say with the valves open? 20% 50%?
I would say 15-20% increase in sound with the valves open. As an aside I get hearing tests annually and I have 0 hearing loss on all spectrums which I'm told is very good :P Also I installed it myself in under an hour so my back to back sound comparison was very direct. Basically don't get your hopes too high that this will be a game changer in sound...I think most people who have posted have never modified their car with real exhaust systems before, based on all the threads on the AA Midpipe I definitely went in with higher expectations.

Comparisons:
My X5 Diesel with straight pipes is considerably louder and better sounding. I would say 1.5x loud but the diesel is super smooth sounding and the turbo whistle is intoxicating.

My E46 M3 with 4" turbo back and a couple vibrant resonators is very loud but sounds so much better; probably twice as loud.

The M2 Comp is still too quiet for me and my wife and she didn't notice a difference when I put it in. I quote "When are you going to put the new exhaust on" and I said it is on.

So I have VRSF downpipes in a box waiting until I decide to tune it; currently waiting to see what EcuTek comes out with.

I have listened to nearly every exhaust over and over again and done extensive searching on youtube, facebook, instagram for all different exhausts and I believe the best sounding seems to be the Active Signature setup for what I'm specifically looking for which is a deeper, smooth and louder tone. It's not perfect but the main sound is due to the twin turbo/wastegate design...a big single has proven to make the exhaust note a beautiful symphony but that requires some extensive changes for another day.
__________________
575RWHP F87 M2C - ECUTEK RACEROM with flex fuel tuning by Bend Calibration
1000+RWHP E46 M3, Lab22 Built Turbo S54, Bend Calibration Tuned - BMW Half Mile Record Holder
Appreciate 0
      02-28-2019, 08:54 AM   #21
srwatters
Second Lieutenant
srwatters's Avatar
146
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: '23 M340i, '16 X3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: West Plano, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Just a thought, but perhaps your perception of "loud" is different based on your more than average experience on the race track with that breed of beast? I find this a lot with high end audio equipment and my other passion, wine. The perception you might have is based on the sum total of your experiences and expectations. A nubile's first listen to a Bose sound system will be far different from someone accustomed to electrostatic Magneplanars powered by Mark Levinson monoblocs. That $50 bottle of Robert Mondavi Napa might be lovely to most, but I guarantee that a Pritchard Hill Cabernet from Chappellet fits my palette and is far different, yet most people can't tell the difference.

It would be really interesting to do a spectral and volume measurement from high quality samples pre and post installation of just the mid-pipe.
__________________
Current - 23 G20 M340i, 16 F25 X3 2.8i xdrive
Gone - 19 F87 M2C, 11 E90 335i, 08 E70 X5 3.0i, 04 E46 330i, 95 E36 M3
Appreciate 0
      02-28-2019, 09:39 AM   #22
evolved///M
Private First Class
56
Rep
159
Posts

Drives: 2019 F87 M2C, had 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Commanderwiggin View Post
I think most people who have posted have never modified their car with real exhaust systems before, based on all the threads on the AA Midpipe I definitely went in with higher expectations.
I'm recently coming from an E92 M3 with a challenge race midpipe (catless, high flow secondaries) and a gintani sport rear. Before that I had a Evo X with a straight pipe a flow-through resonated muffler. I do know loud.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:03 AM.




m2
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST