AA Equal Length Midpipe Review - M4 ZCP 6MT

[ellipsis212]

If you want to do anything on these cars spend the $20 and get yourself a full set of e-torx sockets.

[IrishCoffee]

Update: After having this on the car for a couple weeks, I am happy to say that this really has changed the car for me. Coming from an E92 M3, followed by a couple of Camaros with big ass V8s, I was really underwhelmed by the exhaust note of the M4. It sounded OK before, but now it sounds great when I'm on the throttle hard. Right around 4k rpm it just starts to wail in all the right ways. If you're on the fence about it, I definitely recommend going EL. It has made me enjoy driving the car a lot more.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by IrishCoffee

Update: After having this on the car for a couple weeks, I am happy to say that this really has changed the car for me. Coming from an E92 M3, followed by a couple of Camaros with big ass V8s, I was really underwhelmed by the exhaust note of the M4. It sounded OK before, but now it sounds great when I'm on the throttle hard. Right around 4k rpm it just starts to wail in all the right ways. If you're on the fence about it, I definitely recommend going EL. It has made me enjoy driving the car a lot more.

[sagi]

I have the non ZCP exhaust and thinking EL mids...just debating between resonated and non resonated! Who knows if I will end up changing the axle back in the future lol..I’m on stock downpipes and won’t ever change that bth. Anyone run this set up? How does it sound resonated with stock non comp exhaust?

[IrishCoffee]

Originally Posted by sagi

I have the non ZCP exhaust and thinking EL mids...just debating between resonated and non resonated! Who knows if I will end up changing the axle back in the future lol..I’m on stock downpipes and won’t ever change that bth. Anyone run this set up? How does it sound resonated with stock non comp exhaust?

I can only speculate, but my assumption is that it won't be much louder than stock. With stock DP I believe the recommendation is non resonated. The pipes with the resonators are separate from the main EL pipes. I think eventually they'll sell the pipes separately. I'd start with non resonated since it's cheaper and the recommended route. If you're unhappy with it after swapping out the rear section you could always swap with someone or buy the res pipes from AA.

[k9lovr]

Originally Posted by sagi

I have the non ZCP exhaust and thinking EL mids...just debating between resonated and non resonated! Who knows if I will end up changing the axle back in the future lol..I’m on stock downpipes and won’t ever change that bth. Anyone run this set up? How does it sound resonated with stock non comp exhaust?

I have the resonated EL on stock non-ZCP exhaust with stock downpipes. I love it. Cleans up the sound and makes it so much better. When driving regular it is no louder than stock but still smoother. When you get on it is where you hear more bark when compared to the stock exhaust and its still smooth. I went resonated for the ability to add downpipes and/or axleback in the future. Would do it again and was very happy with the service I received from X-PH when ordered as they were great with communication and answering all my questions. Hope this helps

[sagi]

Thanks it does help! My goals were to have no drone..increase volume when driving..I ideally would like to hear the exhaust a bit more when windows are down..I have a DCT so when it downshifts or shifting over 3-4K rpm would be nice to have a good exhaust tone. I drove a v8 m3 with an exhaust which I can’t recall and loved it..these damn s55 sound nothing like the v8’s hahah!

[k9lovr]

Originally Posted by sagi

Thanks it does help! My goals were to have no drone..increase volume when driving..I ideally would like to hear the exhaust a bit more when windows are down..I have a DCT so when it downshifts or shifting over 3-4K rpm would be nice to have a good exhaust tone. I drove a v8 m3 with an exhaust which I can’t recall and loved it..these damn s55 sound nothing like the v8’s hahah!

Originally Posted by sagi

Thanks it does help! My goals were to have no drone..increase volume when driving..I ideally would like to hear the exhaust a bit more when windows are down..I have a DCT so when it downshifts or shifting over 3-4K rpm would be nice to have a good exhaust tone. I drove a v8 m3 with an exhaust which I can't recall and loved it..these damn s55 sound nothing like the v8's hahah!

Yeah there is no drone at all...I think this will help you achieve those goals...although as you said there is nothing like the sound of a good V8.

[bmwmdistrict]

I want to throw out a link for an exhaust setup I believe to be the best:
AA EL non-resonated midpipe with Dinan axle back, stock downpipes



Scroll through for a few videos this guy has posted. It sounds so good. I was really set on a Remus axle back with a single AA midpipe (which also sounds amazing) but in my opinion this beats it.

Once I get about $3K of play money (it's gonna be awhile) this is the exhaust setup I plan on going with.

[Moony]

Originally Posted by bsm.m4

I want to throw out a link for an exhaust setup I believe to be the best:
AA EL non-resonated midpipe with Dinan axle back, stock downpipes



Scroll through for a few videos this guy has posted. It sounds so good. I was really set on a Remus axle back with a single AA midpipe (which also sounds amazing) but in my opinion this beats it.

Once I get about $3K of play money (it's gonna be awhile) this is the exhaust setup I plan on going with.

omg thanks for helping me decide on my next setup

[sagi]

Yes this exhaust sounds awesome on these videos. I messaged him and he mention there’s no drone. If you close the flaps and windows up it’s like oem stock feel.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by sagi

Yes this exhaust sounds awesome on these videos. I messaged him and he mention there’s no drone. If you close the flaps and windows up it’s like oem stock feel.

[Electric]

Any one comment on the real difference of the resonated versus non resonated on a ZCP with OEM downpipes? I too might want to do DPs in the future so iffy about going non-resonated. What is downside of the resonated version with stock downpipes, too quiet?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Electric

Any one comment on the real difference of the resonated versus non resonated on a ZCP with OEM downpipes? I too might want to do DPs in the future so iffy about going non-resonated. What is downside of the resonated version with stock downpipes, too quiet?

resonated is quieter .. If you might get downpipes in the future, do not get non-resonated. it's too raspy in my opinion.

[Electric]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

resonated is quieter .. If you might get downpipes in the future, do not get non-resonated. it's too raspy in my opinion.

But if I don't get downpipes, is the only downside to the resonated they are just quiet. Im just trying to figure out the real world diff if I go resonated vs non-resondated with stock downpipes.

[biggripper]

Originally Posted by omgf80

This pretty much sums it up for me as well. Stock DP, EL non-res paired with MPE. This setup is frightening loud when opened up and with the stock, burbble tune it's almost obnoxious. I luckily got a pair of resonated rear pipes from Justin and it tones it down (still loud).

Anyone else experience a loud "tin canny" sound during cold start warm ups? Kicks in around 1.5k-2k

Yep. Every time. Mine goes away in 30-45 sec.

Does anyone happen to know if there's any risk to the cats or the engine if one chooses to tune out the cold start feature.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Electric

But if I don't get downpipes, is the only downside to the resonated they are just quiet. Im just trying to figure out the real world diff if I go resonated vs non-resondated with stock downpipes.

yes that's the only downside