How to Make Your E46 M3 Sound Amazing
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- Опубликовано: 24 апр 2018
- The S54B32 is a wonderful engine but can often sound awful when modified improperly. Today, we discuss how to avoid this.
Parts on this M3:
Status Gruppe Catless Racing Headers
Megan Racing Axle Back Exhaust
Injen Cold Air Intake
Dinan Stage III Tune
Lightweight Flywheel
M5 Clutch
Reinforced Subframe 
Авто/Мото
Great cinematography, great education, and a couple of M cars. This video is a winner my friend. Looking forward to the next one!
Hands down, you upload the most relaxing yet informative videos on youtube. Subbed and can't wait to see more!
I subscribed literally because of how you spoke in this video. Very informative, calm and collected. Not to mention the amazing clips. You should have a million subs!
As an e46 M3 owner since 2009, I love the induction sound when driving and I’ve never cared for what the sound is like outside. Great quality video though and respect to you for posting.
Totally understand, I think driving the convertibles has made me a lot more sensitive to the exhaust note as that’s primarily what you hear top down. With a coupe, an Eventuri or CSL style intake would be perfect.
@@BuzzytheBlue very good point!!
Well done. Sounds better than most other exhaust mods I've watched.
You have nailed the sound from this engine. Great work.
Thanks for this video, I thought the muffler delete E46 sounded so bad because of the engine design, glad to see this isn't the case.
thank you, I found this video genuinely informative.
You’re a f’king legend for uploading this.
Thank you !!!!
Great short informative video
Holy crap never heard an e46 that sounded that good, thats amazing! Completely changed my opinion on these.
Rewatched this video many times in the past. Finally installing the headers to go with the muffler. Thanks for the video
Hell yeah, still one of the craziest sounding cars I’ve heard, it’ll be fun. Extra note, if you ever want to tone it done slightly you can try the CPI Rasp terminator in the section 1, kills80% of the rasp and tames the volume slightly. Let me know how it goes, will be curious to hear your thoughts.
I have an interesting outlook now. The car sounds awesome at high rpms and low in the rev range but the noise at 3-4.5k rpms sounds like a mix between a VQ and stock M3 rasp. I definitely didnt expect that, but suspect it is because the headers I have are the newer V4s after the redesign. The setup overall is the exact same (Status gruppe catless headers w/ meghan backbox) as yours, with an Eventuri intake. The volume is awesome but the sound is nothing like yours. Maybe the video audio and irl are different. Slightly disappointed but still a large improvement. Maybe i'm missing something.
The car will be tuned in the next few days. At least the power gains will be sweet🤙
@@Alex333I6 Only other thing I'd say is to maybe try a rasp terminator midpipe down the road. We put one on this car a while back and it cleaned up the sound a lot. Changed the tone a bit too so maybe that could help.
Great and honest video! Keep it up
It already sounds amazing
Great Advice I need a exhaust system for my 06' E46 M3....
Amazing video thank you
Great video! thank you!
Amazing dude thank you for this
Great video and awesome sounding e46. Ended up here from trying to solve the f80 sound haha. The equal length has come out to solve that issue. Same problem, people kept getting expensive axle backs and it just made the base farty tone just louder and not actually fix the issue.
AWESOME SHIFTS FOR AN INNOCENT LOOKING GUY. GREAT SOUND!!
Hahaha, thanks Bruce!
I just bought an E46 M3 with Borla exhaust and really disappointed with the sound. I started researching the subject and came across this video, really helpful.
Great informative video man! I got a really good deal on a section one pipe with a different resonator and now I'm trying to decide what axle back and headers I want!
Driver's Side Thank you!
And Fabspeed or Status Gruppe would be my choice unless you want the crazy “stepped” headers for the most gains. (Though I’d say the difference isn’t worth the money) Then as far as the axle back is concerned it’s just about finding which is the right level of loud for you. The Megan is bonkers, “cop can hear you 3 miles away” loud but doesn’t drone. I’ll be curious to see/hear what you end up going with!
Great info 👍🏻
Great advice.
More videos on the sound of this by chance? The BEST sounding M3 e46 ever
Sure! The car is in storage at the moment but when it’s out I’ll shoot a new video with it.
That sounds deadly.
Great video! Just wondering if you could help with a question or two? I have a euro M3, so would changing *just* the headers to Status Gruppe headers make much of a difference? All I really want is a bit more volume while keeping the signature rasp. I've been told I could just swap the OEM section 1 for a non-resonated version to achieve this - do you think that's right? And would it have the same effect has changing the Section 2 / X-pipe for a non-resonated version? Thanks for any help.
Super informative! How did you record your exhaust so cleanly?
Oh my god this sounds soooooo good
Chris Puder It’s addicting man, running through the gears to 8200 RPM (Dinan Tune), with that sound is spectacular.
Thank you
Once again thank you for being an informative E46 M3 owner youtuber. After watching your videos, there should be a law that all other E46 M3 RUclips videos should be immediately deleted and taken down, due to their lack of knowledge about the car from its owners or reviewers, and horrific modding knowledge on the car.
Jason S Thanks Jason, that’s very kind of you. I’ve watched automotive content on RUclips for many years so I try to only make things that I’d actually want to watch.
BuzzytheBlue thank you for doing that, because we are enjoying your videos
Best ever video
Sound was the only problem I had with the E46. I loved the E36 sound but they killed with (now that I know) the header design and that rasp. Looks like I will be in the market for an E46 now since I still can't afford an E92. Thanks
E46's are miles ahead of E92's funwise, E92's are pretty damn sanitary for an M3
Another way to transform the sound of these and keep the exhaust system stock is to fit an Evolve Eventuri CAI system. Proven gains of upto 15hp (or slightly more), and a massive improvement on the low end driveability. But the best thing is the noise. In 3rd gear, a progressive build up of the revs and hit just under 2.5k revs and you are met with a deep burble/ intake growl that is instantly addictive. Beyond that it just gets even better! I've held back fitting a scorpion back box I got really cheap for the exact reasons you demonstrated. Sure, it will likely adjust the tone somewhat, but the volume will likely also go up with it. Plus there is also the chance of droning at motorway cruising speed. The eissenmann systems are well respected but I just couldn't justify that kind of cost for relatively little gain. Each to their own but I personally hate loud rear ends! I'd rather keep the system as close to stock for as long as I can. Not looking forward to when it comes to needing replacement.
sarcastixx74 Exactly, it’s all very subjective. To me I’d either go your route and just fit a CAI and enjoy the beautiful induction sound, or go all the way with headers and the works. Like you said, without headers the sound of just a back box is questionable and could very likely have highway drone.
sacastixx74 Hi, y'know what, I recently fitted the Scorpion backbox, and like you I liked the oem sound, and worried it would be too loud, but honestly, it's just too quiet as standard. At least with the Scorpion you can take a little satisfaction in blipping/rev matching, I like the car a lot more now. I think M3 owners get a 'designer label consumerist' when it comes to exhausts, trust me, Eissenmann/Supersprint, all's the same sound.
how do i fix droning? in the back of my car it tends to do that with my rouge engineering exhaust
would putting the status gruppe headers with cats be any different with sound? im concerned with inspection
I think the muffler is closer to zero than 10hp, but dropping 20-40lbs does help.
I added the Eventuri intake yesterday and it sounds amazing over stock but comes at a cost. But adds fair bit of hp as far as S54 mods and doesn’t heat soak as badly as some.
My set up CPI headers, AR20 X2 sec 1, Racing Dynamics sec 3, is raspy from like 2.2-3k but sounds good before and after that. I was surprised and intake could improve the WOT sound so much.
Carbon Air boxes with snorkels are like twice as loud as the Eventuri and its snorkle
Greg's Depot Yeah I agree on the muffler, I figured I’d go with the high end of what some of them claim to show that even in a “best case” scenario there are far more efficient uses of money performance wise.
I’ve been considering the Eventuri on my Z4M but I’m almost 100% certain that I’m going to be going ESS supercharged in the future so I’ve been trying to avoid dumping money into NA mods for now. Love the sound of them though.
Funnily enough, I actually have an AR20 in my garage that I bought to have put on originally but ended up liking the sound of just the headers and muffler unrestricted.
+BuzzytheBlue yeah your car seems to sound nice without the extra resonator, not sure on Z4Ms but on the M3 the Eventuri holds its resale value well ive seen used for 6-850 selling and i paid new $854 from modbargains with military discount. I think the $600 one was with he scoop selling separately for $150 so that would make the used value $750.
Greg's Depot Wow if they hold their value that well I may consider just getting one for now for the sound. Then sell it off once I decide to supercharge the car.
Good video dude I had k&n intake
catless headers
megan supremo muffler
Sounded like a pure racecar if anyone with car is curious i have a few videos.
the headers are euro headers?
@@BiocasmGaming on my car? No fully catless headers i got from ebay. But be warned fitment was a pain in the ass. Man i miss that car. Im spoiled with some really amazing cars but fuck e46 m3 is something special.
Keep the exhaust stock and stick a csl airbox on or do a velocity stack conversion ( that's what I have ) imo to get the best sound from these
Chris Clarkson I agree the CSL airbox/velocity stack conversions make the induction sound excellent. Personally, I love the sound of them mixed in with a louder exhaust though. Very much so personal preference I think. I am putting an Evolve CSL style box on my Z4M but also have headers and an Axle Back. I’m a sucker for fairly loud setups though lol.
Great video! I have a question for you - I recently purchased an E46 M3 that has an aftermarket muffler on it. It sounds pretty good when winding the gears out, but it is very loud even at normal speeds. I also have a loud droning sound when cruising, especially on the highway. Does your setup have much drone when just cruising? Also, is there any way you could post a video of you taking of a normal speeds from a stop? I'd love to have something that doesn't sound obnoxious when driving through my neighborhood...
Dan Rettenmaier Thank you! The setup on the car in the video has no real drone at any speed. It is however extreeeemely loud unless 1/4 throttle and
How do deal with the exhaust fumes with catless headers?
This is hands down the most helpful video on E46 M3 exhausts. For a while, I have been convinced that I needed to spend $3000+ on an entirely new exhaust system but just these headers and muffler sound great.
Edit: Also, just to be sure, the M3 in this video only has SG headers and a Megan muffler? No aftermarket mid pipe/X pipe?!
Haha thank you! And yes I’m certain. This is a family members M3 and I bought the headers and muffler as a gift lmao. For this setup to sound perfect I think I would add a rasp eliminator or catted mid-pipe.
BuzzytheBlue What a great gift haha! Thanks a lot
2:06 65mph 😂😂 good video man
Tom Walsh Nothing funny about a cool, relaxed, and legal 14 miles per hour. 🙂(I gotta start blurring speedo/signs) (and thank you)
BuzzytheBlue you get up to 100 in those and it feels like 80
Hi there, I have a euro spec e46 m3 with euro headers are the A’s good as the ones you’re put on thanks keep up the good s54 vibe
nick sutcliffe euro headers are great, keep those. High flow cats on your section 1 would be great.
nick sutcliffe Like Mr. Schlong said, the European headers are great out of the box, a lot of US M3 owners actually upgrade to those. So you may as well stick with them.
Looking to buy one and will tastefully mod it. I just subbed because of this vid. I want to do a side exit tho
Thought you said tastefully modify it?
Your car sounds great. I just put on a set of Megan headers on my S54 and now it needs to be adjusted for the rasp. From what I'm understanding you're saying is "do the headers first then change up the ale back or resonators etc". So if we like what your showing us we could try the same thing or a reasonably similar set up. Did you leave the section 1 alone (stock) and just add the ale back listed in your description? Thanks again.
Yep, the section 1 on the M3 in the video is completely stock. Headers and axle back are the only changes. It has a huge amount of rasp though, we just haven’t cared enough about it to add the rasp eliminator section 1. That’s all you need to add to this setup to reduce/kill the rasp.
Hii I have a 2003 BMW e46 m3 convertible and I was wondering what you had for the mid pipes? Did you get an aftermarket one or are they the stock ones???
Stock mid section. Just headers and axle back.
The engine I think sounds great stock, the raspy exhaust is what I've never been a fan of lol
How did you get that oval rear view mirror to work with the vert?
Amazing! Got my M3, my do this tbh. Sounds fucking amazing!
Great video!! just got the same car what kind of headers did you install sound great!!!
These are Status Gruppe headers on this M3. Thanks!
Hello,
Have you already tried to attach the camera to wind deflector somehow? I am looking for a way to attach a gopro without modifying the deflector. If anyone has any idea please let me know.
which headers do you recommend with the combination to supersprint end muffler only?
I have a E46 Eurospec M3. The headers are different in the US. mine has 343hp and US cars have 333hp (ish) due to catalytic converter in the headers. Will changing headers change much on my Eurospec car? Anyone know? :)
Unless you’re going to spring for some extremely expensive SS Stepped headers, there’s really no need to upgrade from your Euro ones. And even then the power difference may not be worthwhile. In the US it’s actually a popular change to go from our spec to yours.
Man!!..Great video !!! So tired of seeing guys get these beautiful machines and then turn around and make them sound like the riced out civics you see running around, if you don’t have the money and time to do the research to make them sound right my opinion by a different car lol
Do you have any advice for us CA folks (other than move :P)? I saw in one of your others vids you are running catless.
Conrad Trzeciecki Living in CT, I’m not well versed on CA emissions haha. Stock S54 cats are mounted on the headers, but there are catted section 1s that you can buy as well. I would think that if you added cats back in at the section 1 (with 02 sensors) you would be able to pass. I know CA is difficult though, so even that may not work. If you can’t do headers at all I would just look at getting a high end intake instead.
Don’t know if you’ll see this being a couple years later.. but are the headers the stainless steel ones? Also could you provide a link?
What megan racing muffler did you get? I see two or three different options. Did you also use the megan racing mid section pipes, or leave that stock?
Mid section is stock. The axle back is the “Supremo”.
In this video did your car have catless headers and the rest was stock?
Video of exhaust set up
it's the centre box that makes the rasp
vxlgsi Yeah there are section 1’s you can buy that get rid of it. I personally don’t mind it if the car has headers, sounds a bit more raw. I was going to do the section 1 on this car but ended up liking how it sounds.
But yeah also did headers, sec 1 resonators, and sec 3 all at once
Where did you go to get this installed for 500? My Indy mechanic wants 900ish just for header install
DefiningKicks Very shop dependent. Shops with lots of experience doing headers on S54s will charge less as it will take them less time. We went to a local shop that specializes in BMWs, specifically M cars.
are headers this expensive necessary? I could pick up a set of 230 dollar ebay headers, but will it not produce as good of sound?
I would argue these are “cheap” by comparison to other name-brand offerings for the S54. Fitment and quality of eBay headers would be my main concern because there is zero quality control nor real customer service if there are issues. However, depending on your situation it could work well, particularly if you’re installing them yourself and are comfortable modifying them slightly for fitment (I’ve heard of some install nightmares). As far as the sound is concerned I really can’t speak to that, it could be similar.
Song?
awesome video man 👏🏻. i recently picked up my e46 m3 and im purchasing some status gruppe catless headers. i was looking at a megan racing exhaust (not the axle back) do you think id still get the same noise as you ? thanks, jeff
Thank you! Is the Megan exhaust you’re talking about a full catback system? If anything, your car may sound even better with a more extensive system.
BuzzytheBlue i dont believe so, its the megan racing supremo exhaust
Jeff Playford To my knowledge, that’s the same exhaust on the M3 in the video haha. I just looked up the Supremo and it’s identical, they list it as “Megan Racing Supremo Exhaust BMW E46 M3 (01-06) MR-ABE-BE46M30E”
BuzzytheBlue awesome thank you so much man
Can you tell me, was that m3 running on status gruppe v4 headers, or earlier model? Sound nice btw. 🙂
Unsure, the headers were purchased back in like 2016 or 2017 if that’s any help.
@@BuzzytheBlue probably V3, because they updated design this year.
Hi, I would love to get my M3 to sound just like this - do you have the exact part numbers of the Status Headers and the Megan Racing Axle back? To be clear....are you running the stock section from the headers to the axleback??
Hey there, these headers are the only ones that Status Gruppe make for the S54. And yes, from the headers to the axle back (muffler) its all stock M3 exhaust. And I believe this is the part number for the axle back MR-ABE-BE46M30E
@@BuzzytheBlue wonder how it's gunna sound with my magnaflow Cat-Back 😋
Great tips. But avoid resting your right hand on gear stick. It causes excessive wear on the mechanism.
Thank you, I appreciate the tip but I’d hardly call it excessive. Lightly resting your hand on the shifter is doing little to nothing in regard to damage to the synchros.
Exhaust setup? do you think the headers still need to be changed on the euro version to achieve a similar sound ?
cheers
Joel Bumpstead euro headers are going to sound far better than US spec ones but won’t give you this particular tone. I’d recommend watching as many videos of different setups as you can to find what you like best. You may end up just wanting a cat-back system.
Okay thanks!
How do Euro headers compare to SG headers in this video?
I believe they make fairly similar amounts of power, their shared advantage primarily being the elimination of the cats. Definitely a different sound though, I prefer the SG personally. The next step up from a Euro/SG header etc. would be the “stepped” offerings from SS or others. Personally, I didn’t find the gains were sizable enough to warrant paying double for the stepped headers.
Was the middle section straight piped?
Michael Yeung Nope, everything but the headers and axle back were left stock. We were going to do a rasp eliminator section 1 and add in resonators but we ended up loving the sound as-is.
What is the name of the paint from the E46 ?
Carbon Schwarz metallic
I'd like to hear this cruising at 2.500 rpm. Previous owner of mine threw on a Mangnaflow that I like the sound of under load, but lordy it drones like nobody's business.
Zero drone whatsoever with this setup. Huge volume but no drone. Keep in mind that the headers likely play a part in that, I never heard this car with JUST the axle back muffler.
Where do you get those headers for that cheap!?
Their website haha! They list brand new for $850 with gaskets.
Do you know if the headers will fit RHD cars?
Super Sprint headers will fit RHD Check it out!
So what your saying is I should order the $170 headers off ebay?
I’m not exactly into putting parts I can’t trust on such an expensive engine. Fitment can also be absolute hell on cheap headers like that, requiring fabrication to get on properly. But hey! If you can make them work that’s a hell of a deal, especially if you install them yourself.
Damn that does sound good! And thats with oem section 1 and 2? Im almost wishing i stayed with the stock section 2, it had a more high pitched exotic sound than the sgt xpipe i have now
Machine Spirit Miami Yes, stock section 1 and 2. We were planning on doing one of the rasp eliminator pipes or a catted section 1 but ended up falling in love with how raw the sound was as is.
BuzzytheBlue interesting yeah it sounds very angry and aggressive. I have catless headers (not sure of brand from previous ownwr) and a mxp muffler which is very similar to the megan you have. But my car has more of the raspy sound down low, but more high pitched up top. So seems like the headers really are the biggest factor like you hinted at. Im considering welding an ar20 resonator in the stock section1.
Machine Spirit Miami I wasn’t low RPM often in this video. Ours has a ton of rasp down there too. It’s the section 1 that causes that. An AR20 welded in or, better, the rasp eliminator section that Status Gruppe sells would probably help with that.
BuzzytheBlue yeah sounded great up top, that 2nd to 3rd shift was beautiful to hear. Do you have a short shifter as well or is it all oem?
Machine Spirit Miami I believe the previous owner put in a UUC short shifter, the throws are extremely short and direct. Really fantastic.
Hey Buzzy, why the "Service Engine Soon" sign? does it have to do with the mods?
The car is running without catalytic converters and the tune doesn’t turn off the CEL. Other tunes, like Evolve or Epic can shut it off.
@@BuzzytheBlue Thanks for the reply. I guess the only problem would be that you couldnt tell if other legitimate problems cause the SES light to come on. Ive been considering this mod so I'll definitely take note much appreciated
u can install a post cat simulator so u can trick the computer and he will have readings same like u have cats
Offroad use only 😜
Hey man I live in California. How would this setup sound if still had the cats?
Well the factory cats are on the header so it’d pretty much just sound like one with an aftermarket muffler. You could do headers and try adding cats back in at the section 1. (Don’t know if you could make that California complaint) But truthfully I’ve never liked how these sound without changing out the factory headers. If I was in your shoes I’d probably leave the exhaust stock and just get a Turner Carbon airbox instead lol
@@BuzzytheBlue unfortunately the CSL airbox would also not pass California smog regulations… smh
@@bootayyshakin Jeez, sorry to hear that man. Maybe just the Eventuri intake and a more mild muffler setup would do the trick then.
@@BuzzytheBlue yeah California’s emissions laws are a real buzzkill but thanks man I’m look into those
Outstanding video, that car sounds like a formula 1 car hands down... it sounds just beautifully 👍🏻
good thing an ear has to be cultured to sound so listening to this video ear is in revolt...unlike yours ...you probably think rap is great music or heavy metal which is what this sounds like ..here!!Get an ear!!
Did you need to run a tune following the header installation ?
You don’t have to but you should to take full advantage of the header, plus if you’re going to run catless certain tunes will clear the CEL.
@@BuzzytheBlue are you using these headers on your Z4M as well? I noticed Gruppe also sells high flow cats. Thanks for the video and response.
scott spencer I likely will be running them on my Z4M in the future. I would really only consider STG or Supersprint Stepped to be honest. I ended up getting a CSL style airbox for the Z in the meantime instead.
@@BuzzytheBlue again much appreciated. I purchased an 07 Z4M Roadster last April and just started buying parts and planning out next purchases. I started with a aFe intake and cat back exhaust. As I don't want to ruin the car it's great seeing what others have done.
scott spencer Ah awesome, intake, headers, exhaust, and tune on a Z4M is pretty much all you need in my eyes for a street car. Enjoy your Z4M, and thanks for watching!
Did you add any resonators to yours?
Nope, the one you hear in the video doesn’t have any added resonators. Some people like to add AR20s in to tame the sound a bit.
@@BuzzytheBlue What I had done to mine is I cut out the Cats from the headers and made a stright pipe so I have custom oem headers, but it sounds very raspy Im hoping a resonator and Megan Racing Axle Back Exhaust will make the sound better.
Been changing out my exhaust for years I give up no combo sounds good on these cars
Did you do headers?
@@BuzzytheBlue yes sgt headers, cpi sec 1, ss non res sec 2, filthy habits exhaust
Step one: get a straight cut gearbox
Step two: profit
2 years later and i cant find a set of AP HEADERS
get yourself a 4.1 final drive differential because those gears are really long
Oscar Thorpe Likely leaving them stock as the car is going to end up supercharged. 4.10s with 500+ hp would be a bit much. If it ends up staying NA then yeah, we’ll probably go that route.
right ok you plan on SCing
You have that sound with a Megan Racing muffler??? O.O
Andy Freeman Yep! Like I mention in the video, the muffler really just controls volume for the most part, so I wasn’t about to spend 2k on one lol. This car sounds the way it does primarily because it has aftermarket headers.
BuzzytheBlue I'm not about to spend 1k on bent pieces of metal called headers either. I feel as though certain headers make different sounds but something like Megan Racing headers, which are cheaper, would be pretty close to this. In theory, those with section on resonators, section 2 x pipe and maybe oem muffler would be ideal. Muffler should be the last thing people change if and anything is going to be changed in air flow. Intake comes first though
Andy Freeman I don’t know much about the Megan headers but the build quality of the muffler was certainly good so I’m sure it’d be fine. To me $850 for the Status Gruppe set was still a deal and I love the sound they provide, for the sake of a couple hundred dollars more I liked KNOWING that I would enjoy the sound. The moral of the video is pretty much just to avoid making the cars louder without changing the abysmal US spec S54 headers.
BuzzytheBlue That's definitely true. Otherwise you basically get rice.
Mine was megan supremo and ya same sound with the catless header. Have a few videos up if youre curious.
It almost sounds like a V12
What is on this car? You can't tease us with noise and no info!
Iain Armstrong Should’ve mentioned it’s in the description haha. My bad! The only exhaust mods are Status Gruppe headers and a Megan Racing axle back.
People who say that have never been to a real race, namely F1. Let them talk all they want. ::)
Sounds good, BUT without the cats...that smell!
Can always add them back in further down in the system.
ruclips.net/video/c09OEq2HXY4/видео.html another awesome true Bimmer M3 sound!!
I dont understand you dont hear the tin sound of your before and after sound!!Yes heads make a diff. but the clarinet is the exhaust it self!!
Dinan is crap and expensive!!