Active Autowerke MAD MAX M3 M4 Exhaust - 3 Can Valved

[frankzlin79]

I just got my Mad Max exhaust (with matte black tips) and Equal Length Midpipe (non-resonated version) installed by my local dealership. I am running the catted OEM downpipes. I have OEM ZCP tune.

The fitment of the exhaust and Midpipe looks very good and no complaints from the tech who did the install.

There were only two issues that I could see with install when I got home:

(1) the two outer exhaust tips were very difficult to slide onto the muffler. And once the tips slide in, it was very tight and difficult to slide in and out. I feel that my two outer tips are stuck on the pipe as I guess my feeble hands didn't have enough power to slide them out. Maybe the tips were slightly bent and deformed, which made this a major pain for me to adjust the amount the tips sticks out from under the rear diffuser. The tips were on so tight that I could probably get away without even using the exhaust tip clamps. After lots of effort, I was able to adjust the tips staggered and tucked slightly underneath / near flush with the rear diffuser (just like OEM). Luckily, I had to push in on the tips (easy) to get them more tucked, rather than slide them out (hard). (Note: The two inner tips had no issues and would slide in and out with no issues.).

(2) the Mad Max comes with an optional heat shield that bolts on with two screws to the long brace of the Mad Max that connects all 3 cans together. The heat shield is designed to protect your stock OEM (painted) diffuser from the hot exhaust gases exiting the dump pipes. Since I have a CF diffuser with fins (BMW Performance), it was not possible to install the heat shield because the fins of the diffuser are in the way. I don't see lack of using the heat shield and heat as an issue though. I don't track the car so I doubt my exhaust gases get hot enough to star melting my rear diffuser.

The exhaust setup sounds very good. I would say that it is similar to a much louder, and smoother version of the ZCP exhaust. On Sport+, the burbles and crackles really come alive on my stock ZCP tune.

Inside the cabin, it is very pleasant. There is little to no drone. I can't tell I have an after market exhaust on deceleration. When you accelerate moderately or aggressively, you can definitely tell it's not stock, though.

When accelerating and then suddenly getting off the throttle, the ZCP gurgle is very prominent and you can hear the pops very loudly.

I've only driven the car one time (for only 20 min) and that was from the dealership to home. So I haven't had time to really get to know this exhaust setup yet under different driving conditions and different modes (Efficient, Sport, and Sport+). So I'll try to update once I get some more miles on it with my impressions. The exhaust is brand new, so it's still in break in period. I'm sure that over time, it will get deeper and more warm in tone.

I haven't had time to make any video clips yet but hopefully someday.

For now, enjoy the photos.

[BananaSlug]

Originally Posted by frankzlin79

I just got my Mad Max exhaust (with matte black tips) and Equal Length Midpipe (non-resonated version) installed by my local dealership. I am running the catted OEM downpipes. I have OEM ZCP tune.

The fitment of the exhaust and Midpipe looks very good and no complaints from the tech who did the install.

There were only two issues that I could see with install when I got home:

(1) the two outer exhaust tips were very difficult to slide onto the muffler. And once the tips slide in, it was very tight and difficult to slide in and out. I feel that my two outer tips are stuck on the pipe as I guess my feeble hands didn't have enough power to slide them out. Maybe the tips were slightly bent and deformed, which made this a major pain for me to adjust the amount the tips sticks out from under the rear diffuser. The tips were on so tight that I could probably get away without even using the exhaust tip clamps. After lots of effort, I was able to adjust the tips staggered and tucked slightly underneath / near flush with the rear diffuser (just like OEM). Luckily, I had to push in on the tips (easy) to get them more tucked, rather than slide them out (hard). (Note: The two inner tips had no issues and would slide in and out with no issues.).

(2) the Mad Max comes with an optional heat shield that bolts on with two screws to the long brace of the Mad Max that connects all 3 cans together. The heat shield is designed to protect your stock OEM (painted) diffuser from the hot exhaust gases exiting the dump pipes. Since I have a CF diffuser with fins (BMW Performance), it was not possible to install the heat shield because the fins of the diffuser are in the way. I don't see lack of using the heat shield and heat as an issue though. I don't track the car so I doubt my exhaust gases get hot enough to star melting my rear diffuser.

The exhaust setup sounds very good. I would say that it is similar to a much louder, and smoother version of the ZCP exhaust. On Sport+, the burbles and crackles really come alive on my stock ZCP tune.

Inside the cabin, it is very pleasant. There is little to no drone. I can't tell I have an after market exhaust on deceleration. When you accelerate moderately or aggressively, you can definitely tell it's not stock, though.

When accelerating and then suddenly getting off the throttle, the ZCP gurgle is very prominent and you can hear the pops very loudly.

I've only driven the car one time (for only 20 min) and that was from the dealership to home. So I haven't had time to really get to know this exhaust setup yet under different driving conditions and different modes (Efficient, Sport, and Sport+). So I'll try to update once I get some more miles on it with my impressions. The exhaust is brand new, so it's still in break in period. I'm sure that over time, it will get deeper and more warm in tone.

I haven't had time to make any video clips yet but hopefully someday.

For now, enjoy the photos.

How much did the dealership charge for the install?

[frankzlin79]

Dealership charged $510 to install both. Yes expensive, but it was actually cheaper than a quote I got from an independent shop. Plus, I needed the perk of getting a free loaner (gave me a 2021 330i with only 220 miles) for two days.

[Mintsopoulos]

I'm loving this. I think as soon as we close on our house I'm pulling the trigger on it.

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[icegrill]

Pmd

[icegrill]

Anyone know if this damn thing interferes with carbon diffusers?

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[Mintsopoulos]

This is exhaust is the best damn thing out there for this car.

Also, mike for what it's worth, your XPH carbon tips fit on the Mad Max rear section.

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]

[mike@x-ph.com]