Best M52 Exhaust options in 2020?

[JungleGus]

I've got a copy of the Fritz Bitz manifold and full system but I've never been thrilled with it - I am debating if I go to BTB and get them to fit up the S50 manifolds I have...it's obviously a fair whack of $ so am thinking, are there any other options that people are happy with out there? Or any feedback on BTB would be superb.

Ideally I am after something that lets the 3.3 breathe, but isn't too loud (I'll do 1-2 track days a year max and having something fairly subtle is nice). She's fairly loud and not too droney currently...I'm just not over the moon with it

[JungleGus]

Another thought - my exhaust keeps shifting over time and starting to leak slightly before needing re-adjusting - could this be movement of the engine that a stiffer engine mount would resolve?

[flybynite]

Hi Gus

As you know I have been talking to BTB quite a bit and I would say they are expensive but worth it. The workmanship is excellent, they are organised and easy to talk to (in the quieter times of year).

They just returned a repair they did on a BTB3 X-pipe I have and the repair is a thing of beauty.

I will be getting them to adapt the S14 twin-pipe system to the bottom of the M20 X-pipe for the chromie as I don't want a single-pipe exhaust on it no matter how well it flows.

I like the Eisenmann back box but they have nothing that joins the bottom of the BTB3 X-pipe

If and when the M54 is done on the FL, I will ship it to them to build an exhaust (unless anyone takes a M5x-swapped car to them beforehand Hint Hint and saves me the bother ) They have a Jig for the S50 into the E30 but the height difference to the M5x is the problem.

Dan keeps threatening to get a proper mandrel-bent stainless system for M5x cars but haven't seen anything yet and I think most go for his modified M52 manifold anyway.

I am not at that stage yet with either car so I thought I would wait and see what comes up.

[JungleGus]

Ah yes - I forgot to mention, I'm likely dropping the car there this Sunday.. I keep having issues with the slip on joints...slipping off over time, and figured I may as well just bite the bullet. Unsure if I'll go the full system but I have a worry I'll be tempted on the day.

Figured I'll try get in before the post-Covid rush. It'll be interesting to see what they say regarding the deck height, as they have mentioned it could be an issue. Really need to get under the car and have a scratch around.

I'd love a stock+ type sound, a bit raspy, something that's welded nicely and has a secure fitting that can be removed easily. Can't be that much to ask....

I used to have DanThe manifolds but figured that the standard wasn't flowing enough for the 3.3. Although I did like the 325i system on the old 2.8.

[johnmaccow]

I'm using Dan's manifolds with the Ashley race system which is 2.5" from y price join at front to back box.
Deep and bubbles at low revs but it is loud when you open it up and spits the odd flame as well lol
I may fit a midbox sometime but just enjoying having it on the road finally

[DanThe]

If your chucking flames out John get the fault codes read, may have a dodgy sensor somewhere

[johnmaccow]

Cheers Dan will do, seems to be on warm up when booting it but clears when warm.
Makes a weird popping knocking noise sometimes as well which scares the crap out of me.
Clutch shat itself same as what Micks did so off road at mo lol