AA Equal Length Midpipe (stock muffler and downpipes)

ESB · 03-07-2021, 11:51 PM

I got my midpipe installed earlier this week! I'm loving it.

I won't bother trying to write up a detailed review. I don't have any past experience with other after-market exhausts & haven't had a chance to listen to other M2C systems in person.

I'll just say that I am really glad I made this purchase. Maybe I'll pair it up with AA's muffler (or any other) some time in the future. But I'm plenty happy with just the midpipe.

I did find the burbles to have gotten way too loud and obnoxious now so I coded them out with BimmerLink. I was never a big fan of them but after getting the midpipe replaced they really just went too far for my personal taste.

Here are some clips I recorded yesterday. Nothing fancy ... just my iphone. I recorded from inside with mixture of windows down and up which I don't think I had seen/heard before.

I haven't found the cold starts to be obnoxiously loud which I think I've heard others mention. I wouldn't feel much worse starting this up at night or early morning compared to the stock setup.

I am noticing two issues though. I am not sure if it was installation error by the shop or if this is just to be expected. Would appreciate input from others.

1. At very low RPMs I'll sometimes hear a bit of a strange vibration towards the front of the car. It's a bit unpredictable and hard to make it happen on demand but happens most frequently shortly after starting the car (even warm starts). It doesn't sound pleasent so I'd be surprised this is is intentional by AA.

2. Fairly constant creaking/rattling after starting from a stop (stop sign, traffic light, etc) I think it's behind me. It sort of sounds like it is coming from inside the car but I doubt that. It's quiet enough to not be an issue if I'm playing music but I worry this one might annoy me over time. Is this worth asking the shop to address? Or is it expected for things to start creaking after doing some exhaust work?

ESB · 03-08-2021, 12:05 AM

And thank you to mike@xph for the great price and great service!

workerONE · 03-08-2021, 01:51 AM

I know they recommend the non resonated version for stock dp. Did you get resonated or non resonated?

AM///X3M · 03-08-2021, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

I got my midpipe installed earlier this week! I'm loving it.

I won't bother trying to write up a detailed review. I don't have any past experience with other after-market exhausts & haven't had a chance to listen to other M2C systems in person.

I'll just say that I am really glad I made this purchase. Maybe I'll pair it up with AA's muffler (or any other) some time in the future. But I'm plenty happy with just the midpipe.

I did find the burbles to have gotten way too loud and obnoxious now so I coded them out with BimmerLink. I was never a big fan of them but after getting the midpipe replaced they really just went too far for my personal taste.

Here are some clips I recorded yesterday. Nothing fancy ... just my iphone. I recorded from inside with mixture of windows down and up which I don't think I had seen/heard before.

I haven't found the cold starts to be obnoxiously loud which I think I've heard others mention. I wouldn't feel much worse starting this up at night or early morning compared to the stock setup.

I am noticing two issues though. I am not sure if it was installation error by the shop or if this is just to be expected. Would appreciate input from others.

1. At very low RPMs I'll sometimes hear a bit of a strange vibration towards the front of the car. It's a bit unpredictable and hard to make it happen on demand but happens most frequently shortly after starting the car (even warm starts). It doesn't sound pleasent so I'd be surprised this is is intentional by AA.

2. Fairly constant creaking/rattling after starting from a stop (stop sign, traffic light, etc) I think it's behind me. It sort of sounds like it is coming from inside the car but I doubt that. It's quiet enough to not be an issue if I'm playing music but I worry this one might annoy me over time. Is this worth asking the shop to address? Or is it expected for things to start creaking after doing some exhaust work?

I had the same problem. The midpipe was touching the F brace. Check that. I simply put washers and longer bolts to lower it.

JustinHEMI · 03-08-2021, 08:17 AM

Exactly the same as me, EL midpipe, otherwise stock, burbles disabled = PERFECTION to my ears!

ESB · 03-08-2021, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by workerONE

I know they recommend the non resonated version for stock dp. Did you get resonated or non resonated?

Non-resonated

ESB · 03-08-2021, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AM319///M2C

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

I got my midpipe installed earlier this week! I'm loving it.

I won't bother trying to write up a detailed review. I don't have any past experience with other after-market exhausts & haven't had a chance to listen to other M2C systems in person.

I'll just say that I am really glad I made this purchase. Maybe I'll pair it up with AA's muffler (or any other) some time in the future. But I'm plenty happy with just the midpipe.

I did find the burbles to have gotten way too loud and obnoxious now so I coded them out with BimmerLink. I was never a big fan of them but after getting the midpipe replaced they really just went too far for my personal taste.

Here are some clips I recorded yesterday. Nothing fancy ... just my iphone. I recorded from inside with mixture of windows down and up which I don't think I had seen/heard before.

I haven't found the cold starts to be obnoxiously loud which I think I've heard others mention. I wouldn't feel much worse starting this up at night or early morning compared to the stock setup.

I am noticing two issues though. I am not sure if it was installation error by the shop or if this is just to be expected. Would appreciate input from others.

1. At very low RPMs I'll sometimes hear a bit of a strange vibration towards the front of the car. It's a bit unpredictable and hard to make it happen on demand but happens most frequently shortly after starting the car (even warm starts). It doesn't sound pleasent so I'd be surprised this is is intentional by AA.

2. Fairly constant creaking/rattling after starting from a stop (stop sign, traffic light, etc) I think it's behind me. It sort of sounds like it is coming from inside the car but I doubt that. It's quiet enough to not be an issue if I'm playing music but I worry this one might annoy me over time. Is this worth asking the shop to address? Or is it expected for things to start creaking after doing some exhaust work?

I had the same problem. The midpipe was touching the F brace. Check that. I simply put washers and longer bolts to lower it.

I'll look into that, thanks. For both issues or just the first one?

mike@x-ph.com · 03-08-2021, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

And thank you to mike@xph for the great price and great service!

My pleasure

Double-check the install and make sure the midpipe is not touching any other car component. We had the same issue when we installed the EL midpipes on the shop's car. Once the fitment was adjusted, the rattle was gone.

cpxchewy · 03-08-2021, 03:08 PM

I agree with this sentiment. With burbles it's too loud. No burbles is perfect.

Also tbh, cold start still sounds terrible to me. I have stock everything else and I still hate cold starts.

JustinHEMI · 03-08-2021, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpxchewy

I agree with this sentiment. With burbles it's too loud. No burbles is perfect.

Also tbh, cold start still sounds terrible to me. I have stock everything else and I still hate cold starts.

Try coding valves open. I love it.

Apex Hitter · 03-08-2021, 04:58 PM

That sounds really nice and exactly how it should have come from the factory.

mike@x-ph.com · 03-09-2021, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex Hitter

That sounds really nice and exactly how it should have come from the factory.

+1

cpxchewy · 03-09-2021, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinHEMI

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpxchewy

I agree with this sentiment. With burbles it's too loud. No burbles is perfect.

Also tbh, cold start still sounds terrible to me. I have stock everything else and I still hate cold starts.

Try coding valves open. I love it.

Haha I have an exhaust flap controller and cold start is too loud with exhaust flap open. It also doesn't sound good either IMO.

I just keep it closed until engine is warmed and then flap open.

JustinHEMI · 03-09-2021, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpxchewy

Haha I have an exhaust flap controller and cold start is too loud with exhaust flap open. It also doesn't sound good either IMO.

I just keep it closed until engine is warmed and then flap open.

I'll have to try coding the flaps to normal and try it. I've had my flaps coded open since new so I don't actually know what this midpipe sounds like with them closed.

blitzyo · 03-10-2021, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

I got my midpipe installed earlier this week! I'm loving it.

I won't bother trying to write up a detailed review. I don't have any past experience with other after-market exhausts & haven't had a chance to listen to other M2C systems in person.

I'll just say that I am really glad I made this purchase. Maybe I'll pair it up with AA's muffler (or any other) some time in the future. But I'm plenty happy with just the midpipe.

I did find the burbles to have gotten way too loud and obnoxious now so I coded them out with BimmerLink. I was never a big fan of them but after getting the midpipe replaced they really just went too far for my personal taste.

Here are some clips I recorded yesterday. Nothing fancy ... just my iphone. I recorded from inside with mixture of windows down and up which I don't think I had seen/heard before.

I haven't found the cold starts to be obnoxiously loud which I think I've heard others mention. I wouldn't feel much worse starting this up at night or early morning compared to the stock setup.

I am noticing two issues though. I am not sure if it was installation error by the shop or if this is just to be expected. Would appreciate input from others.

1. At very low RPMs I'll sometimes hear a bit of a strange vibration towards the front of the car. It's a bit unpredictable and hard to make it happen on demand but happens most frequently shortly after starting the car (even warm starts). It doesn't sound pleasent so I'd be surprised this is is intentional by AA.

2. Fairly constant creaking/rattling after starting from a stop (stop sign, traffic light, etc) I think it's behind me. It sort of sounds like it is coming from inside the car but I doubt that. It's quiet enough to not be an issue if I'm playing music but I worry this one might annoy me over time. Is this worth asking the shop to address? Or is it expected for things to start creaking after doing some exhaust work?

100% its touching some brackets next to the pipes. I had the same issue and had to bend one of my brackets slightly

Nettles · 03-11-2021, 01:36 AM

Would you be able to upload more? This sounds so good snd love the no burbles.

Pottah · 03-11-2021, 05:32 PM

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Any chance you can put the burbles back and get some clips? Thanks!

ESB · 03-11-2021, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pottah

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Any chance you can put the burbles back and get some clips? Thanks!

I think this video does a good job of showing that:

ESB · 03-11-2021, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nettles

Would you be able to upload more? This sounds so good snd love the no burbles.

Haha what else do you want to see/hear?

Nettles · 03-12-2021, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

Haha what else do you want to see/hear?

Cold start with higher revs in closed/open valves? More drive bys from the outside?

This is asking a lot but if you ever are that bored I'm sure people would appreciate it. Enjoy it

ESB · 03-13-2021, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nettles

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESB

Haha what else do you want to see/hear?

Cold start with higher revs in closed/open valves? More drive bys from the outside?

This is asking a lot but if you ever are that bored I'm sure people would appreciate it. Enjoy it

Here's a clip of shifting close to redline til 80ish mph

I did a few drivebys but ran out of battery and the video ended early. Bummer.

I'll grab a cold start in next couple days. Spoiler alert: it doesn't sound good.

CPT Smuggs · 03-18-2021, 12:01 AM

Thank you for the videos ESB.

For those with the AA EL midpipe, the internet videos make the car sound amazing from the outside, but it makes the inside sound "duller" unless you're stepping on it. Is there any truth to that statement?

I like the low growls and other noises stock provides while driving around town under 3k. (above 3k sounds great to me as well, but too quiet) Looking for something about 20% louder without going over the top with the burbles, or eliminating them altogether. Basically trying to get a more aggressive sound without entering the JDM or muscle market.

03-07-2021, 11:51 PM	#1
ESB Captain 1045 Rep 605 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2020 BMW M2 Competi ... [9.33]	AA Equal Length Midpipe (stock muffler and downpipes) I got my midpipe installed earlier this week! I'm loving it. I won't bother trying to write up a detailed review. I don't have any past experience with other after-market exhausts & haven't had a chance to listen to other M2C systems in person. I'll just say that I am really glad I made this purchase. Maybe I'll pair it up with AA's muffler (or any other) some time in the future. But I'm plenty happy with just the midpipe. I did find the burbles to have gotten way too loud and obnoxious now so I coded them out with BimmerLink. I was never a big fan of them but after getting the midpipe replaced they really just went too far for my personal taste. Here are some clips I recorded yesterday. Nothing fancy ... just my iphone. I recorded from inside with mixture of windows down and up which I don't think I had seen/heard before. I haven't found the cold starts to be obnoxiously loud which I think I've heard others mention. I wouldn't feel much worse starting this up at night or early morning compared to the stock setup. I am noticing two issues though. I am not sure if it was installation error by the shop or if this is just to be expected. Would appreciate input from others. 1. At very low RPMs I'll sometimes hear a bit of a strange vibration towards the front of the car. It's a bit unpredictable and hard to make it happen on demand but happens most frequently shortly after starting the car (even warm starts). It doesn't sound pleasent so I'd be surprised this is is intentional by AA. 2. Fairly constant creaking/rattling after starting from a stop (stop sign, traffic light, etc) I think it's behind me. It sort of sounds like it is coming from inside the car but I doubt that. It's quiet enough to not be an issue if I'm playing music but I worry this one might annoy me over time. Is this worth asking the shop to address? Or is it expected for things to start creaking after doing some exhaust work? Last edited by ESB; 03-14-2021 at 08:09 PM..
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03-08-2021, 12:05 AM	#2
ESB Captain 1045 Rep 605 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2020 BMW M2 Competi ... [9.33]	And thank you to mike@xph for the great price and great service!
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03-08-2021, 01:51 AM	#3
workerONE Private 70 Rep 71 Posts Drives: M2C, GTI Stage 3 Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Coachella Valley, CA iTrader: (0)	I know they recommend the non resonated version for stock dp. Did you get resonated or non resonated?
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03-08-2021, 08:17 AM	#5
JustinHEMI Not great. Not terrible 7445 Rep 2,700 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Lebanon, TN iTrader: (2)	Exactly the same as me, EL midpipe, otherwise stock, burbles disabled = PERFECTION to my ears! __________________ Current: 2024 BMW X3 M40i.
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03-08-2021, 03:08 PM	#9
cpxchewy Monkey 119 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2020 M2C Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: California iTrader: (1)	I agree with this sentiment. With burbles it's too loud. No burbles is perfect. Also tbh, cold start still sounds terrible to me. I have stock everything else and I still hate cold starts.
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03-08-2021, 04:58 PM	#11
Apex Hitter Enlisted Member 12 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW M2C Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	That sounds really nice and exactly how it should have come from the factory.
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03-11-2021, 01:36 AM	#16
Nettles Lieutenant 761 Rep 445 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1)	Would you be able to upload more? This sounds so good snd love the no burbles.
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03-11-2021, 05:32 PM	#17
Pottah Private First Class 203 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2019 LBB M2C Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: MA iTrader: (1)	Very nice. Thanks for sharing. Any chance you can put the burbles back and get some clips? Thanks!
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03-18-2021, 12:01 AM	#22
CPT Smuggs Private First Class 98 Rep 196 Posts Drives: F87 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Rocky Mountains iTrader: (0)	Thank you for the videos ESB. For those with the AA EL midpipe, the internet videos make the car sound amazing from the outside, but it makes the inside sound "duller" unless you're stepping on it. Is there any truth to that statement? I like the low growls and other noises stock provides while driving around town under 3k. (above 3k sounds great to me as well, but too quiet) Looking for something about 20% louder without going over the top with the burbles, or eliminating them altogether. Basically trying to get a more aggressive sound without entering the JDM or muscle market. __________________ 2019 F87 M2C - DCT / 10mm spacers w 246/265 / RW lip / Suvneer skirts / PSM spoiler / BMW diffuser / 3M gloss black
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