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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Drivetrain, ECU Software Modifications M5 Mufflers installed on 550xi - with OEM M Sport Diffuser
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      10-19-2013, 03:52 PM   #1
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M5 Mufflers installed on 550xi - with OEM M Sport Diffuser

Finally got to installing these at Maximum PSI in Linden, NJ yesterday. Great shop, well known for their incredible single turbo kits for E36 and E46 M3's, but they do all work on BMW's and others, including service work. Can't say enough good things about Mike, the owner.

So I know most people on here installing the F10 M5 exhaust on their 550i's have also installed the M5 rear diffuser. For me, that was silly since: (a) I don't love the look (b) have comfort access and relocating the module is a pain (c) my car is leased (d) didn't want to pay extra unnecessarily.

I picked up a set of the F10 M5 mufflers from a local board member in NJ. The install was very straight forward.

The M5 piping diameter is 3", while the 550i piping is 2.75". To install, we fabbed a small section of piping on each side using 2.75" piping to connect to the factory 550i side, and expanded to 3" for the M5 muffler side. We then TIG welded it instead of clamping for obvious reasons. Maxiumum PSI does MIG welding as well, but it wasn't worth it, for me, for this.

Front hanger (on muffler itself) was left as is, and rear hanger was modded for fitment as the M5 tips sit closer to the center than the 550i's M sport diffuser allows. Also, the M5 exhaust flap controls are on the outside instead of inside, and we needed to extend the vaccum line to keep the flaps functional. I might end up unplugging them in the future, but wanted the option.

As for sound, the oem 550i exhaust is literally the quietest V8 I think I've been in - you only hear engine noise, even at cold start. With the M5 mufflers installed, it sounds like it should have from the factory. A deep growl/grumble, but still overall tame sounding and pleasant in-cabin under all driving conditions. I'd like it to be a little louder, so I plan on cutting out the center muffler, which isn't present on the M5 exhaust, upon removal making it nearly identical to the M5 aside from the piping diameter .25" difference and the difference in downpipes. Removal of this center muffler should make this perfect sounding for me.

The tips fit perfectly and look great. Was thinking of installing the larger black tips that Cyba sells, but I think I'm just going to have these hi-temp powder coated gloss black in the spring, we'll see.

Video's to come when I borrow my friends GoPro, but enjoy the pics in the interim. For me, this install was a no brainer, even on a lease. Mufflers for the 550i are stupidly priced at $2-$3k, so this is OEM, retains the flaps, and is a relative steal. I was going to pick up a set of used Eisenmann Race Mufflers for $1600 but even that to me wasn't worth it.

Enjoy the pics until I get a chance to take video.... I am extremely happy. M5 mufflers are much smaller and lighter in weight.

















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      10-19-2013, 05:56 PM   #2
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in for sound clips
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      10-20-2013, 08:25 AM   #3
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I agree. It's the best sounding for the buck. I have the center muffler and secondary cats removed and added a vibrant resonator to get it that deeper growl. I'll post up sound clips when I get the chance.
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      10-20-2013, 08:25 AM   #4
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I for one didn't think the round tips would work with the inner slant of the 550 diffuser - I stand corrected. Looks good.

Very interested in your feedback on pulling out center muffler. I'd like a *little* more sound, but don't want to go overboard and regret it. It's almost perfect as is (sounds almost stock when cruising, and a pleasing deep throat rumble when you get on it)...
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      10-20-2013, 08:26 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kthankzbye View Post
I agree. It's the best sounding for the buck. I have the center muffler and secondary cats removed and added a vibrant resonator to get it that deeper growl. I'll post up sound clips when I get the chance.
Did you do it all at once, or did you do mufflers first?
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      10-20-2013, 11:08 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badblack550xi View Post
in for sound clips
You can hear in person... relax..
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      10-20-2013, 12:36 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scott135i View Post
You can hear in person... relax..
you can hear my down pipes relax =D
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      10-20-2013, 06:30 PM   #8
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Thanks for posting these pics. This is something I wanted confirmation on for a while now. Like you I don't want to go with an M5 diffuser either. Looks great. Looking forward to sound clips.
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      10-20-2013, 08:01 PM   #9
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Op, why go after M5 muffler ? If you are going to upgrade, I would think Eisenmann Sport or Race would give you much better sound.
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      10-20-2013, 08:39 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobblehead View Post
Op, why go after M5 muffler ? If you are going to upgrade, I would think Eisenmann Sport or Race would give you much better sound.
"Better" is subjective for starters, but the pricing on mufflers for the 550i is ridiculous. The Eisenmann setups cost $2500 + shipping, the Active Autowerks, $2200, ect ect. Full Exhausts for a 535i from the downpipe back can be had for $2000.

For a muffler only setup, the M5 oems are louder, deeper, and cheaper. They can be found for $500-800 depending on who is selling them. Plus they have the factory flap to ensure no drone and for those who want more sound, they can unplug them.

I am going to remove the center muffler that is not present on the M5, thus making this exhaust setup basically identical minus the 0.25" smaller piping diameter and slightly more restrictive downpipes. Should be perfect, and all for less than $1000.
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      10-22-2013, 09:20 AM   #11
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come tell me when you put a power increasing mod :
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      10-23-2013, 05:19 PM   #12
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Thanks for posting the write up Scott. You did a better job than I would have ha ha. I have not installed the M5 downpipes yet, but when I do I will post in this thread.
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      10-30-2013, 09:28 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CloudVIII View Post
Thanks for posting the write up Scott. You did a better job than I would have ha ha. I have not installed the M5 downpipes yet, but when I do I will post in this thread.
Downpipes installed yet?

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      11-02-2013, 04:21 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by airjoe
Quote:
Originally Posted by kthankzbye View Post
I agree. It's the best sounding for the buck. I have the center muffler and secondary cats removed and added a vibrant resonator to get it that deeper growl. I'll post up sound clips when I get the chance.
Did you do it all at once, or did you do mufflers first?
I did it all at once. Get some vibrant resonators to replace the secondary cats. It makes the growl deeper.
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      11-03-2013, 10:57 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kthankzbye View Post
I did it all at once. Get some vibrant resonators to replace the secondary cats. It makes the growl deeper.
99% sure they're not secondary cats, they're resonators...

If you're in NYC, I'd love to swing by and check out your exhaust in person some time.... PM me.
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      10-09-2014, 10:08 PM   #16
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Looks great !

I work right near this shop and I have the same exact car as you I've been wanting to do this month for a while. How much did they charge you for the install ?

How far do the Tips extend past the diffuser ?
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      09-13-2015, 02:35 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine550
Looks great !

I work right near this shop and I have the same exact car as you I've been wanting to do this month for a while. How much did they charge you for the install ?

How far do the Tips extend past the diffuser ?
Can you please share the cost of installation? Also, are you planning on installing the 550i pipes back? Will that be the same price for installation?
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      09-13-2015, 03:35 PM   #18
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Out of curiosity, why pay more for Tig instead of Mig? and tough to see from the pictures, but unless they fed a few rods worth of material into it, it still looks migged.

Looks nice though and glad it sounds good!
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      09-16-2015, 08:50 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alpine550
Looks great !

I work right near this shop and I have the same exact car as you I've been wanting to do this month for a while. How much did they charge you for the install ?

How far do the Tips extend past the diffuser ?
Can you please share the cost of installation? Also, are you planning on installing the 550i pipes back? Will that be the same price for installation?
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      09-16-2015, 11:15 PM   #20
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Those r 3" tips right?
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      10-05-2015, 02:47 AM   #21
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did you have to extend the vaccum lines
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