Akrapovik or MPE System for 2017 ZCP M3

JM5W · 01-23-2018, 10:30 AM

Hey guys,

I am a first time M owner and loving it. The Competition package was worth it, but i still feel like the Exhaust note is still lacking compared to the old V8 Engine. I am considering the Akrapovik or M Performance Exhaust Systems. I wanted to get everyones opinions on the 2 systems. Do you have to buy a Midpipe for these systems? What is the best price you have seen for each of these?

I am located in NYC and would love to meet up with anyone that has one of these systems so I can hear it in person. Please text me at 516-448-8800

Lastly, if anyone is selling a used system, I would be very interested. Thanks for everyones help!

damageprone · 01-23-2018, 10:41 AM

Go with the Akra. The MPE has many documented quality issues, and you'd be happy with the Akra in the long run.

I have an MPE that has had to be replaced once already (under warranty luckily). Although the MPE does sound nice, I don't want to have to deal with it once it inevitably breaks again. But then again, this could also be a case of "the grass is always greener."

SROC3 · 01-23-2018, 11:16 AM

AWE Non-Resonated

aajjcc · 01-23-2018, 11:29 AM

Full Akrapovic

tom @ eas · 01-23-2018, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMWM3

Hey guys,

I am a first time M owner and loving it. The Competition package was worth it, but i still feel like the Exhaust note is still lacking compared to the old V8 Engine. I am considering the Akrapovik or M Performance Exhaust Systems. I wanted to get everyones opinions on the 2 systems. Do you have to buy a Midpipe for these systems? What is the best price you have seen for each of these?

I am located in NYC and would love to meet up with anyone that has one of these systems so I can hear it in person. Please text me at 516-448-8800

Lastly, if anyone is selling a used system, I would be very interested. Thanks for everyones help!

Both are fantastic systems, the Akrapovic EVO and catless downpipes are my favorite setup on this model. The Akrapovic EVO includes their own midpipe and is 100% bolt-on.

We've sold Akrapovic systems for 10+ years, they set the bar for exhaust systems in both quality and sound. Hear one in person and you'll be hooked.

edwinm3 · 01-23-2018, 08:11 PM

Nothing comes even close to akra

SanchoDivine · 01-23-2018, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwinm3

Nothing comes even close to akra

In terms of quality but when talking about sound, it doesn't beat the MPE paired with a Fabspeed midpipe. In fact I know someone who put a Fabspeed midpipe on his Akra and had a shop do a resonator delete to get the same sound with his higher quality Akra muffler.

F80Moe · 01-24-2018, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

In terms of quality but when talking about sound, it doesn't beat the MPE paired with a Fabspeed midpipe. In fact I know someone who put a Fabspeed midpipe on his Akra and had a shop do a resonator delete to get the same sound with his higher quality Akra muffler.

Fabspeed mid pipe comes with no secondary cats and no resonator.

Akra slip on has no resonator too.

So what did he exactly delete?

SanchoDivine · 01-24-2018, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F80Moe

Fabspeed mid pipe comes with no secondary cats and no resonator.

Akra slip on has no resonator too.

So what did he exactly delete?

This

F80Moe · 01-24-2018, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

This

So he replaced the Akra EVO mid pipe with a Fabspeed mid pipe. Not have a shop remove the resonator

Makes sense now

edwinm3 · 01-24-2018, 02:45 AM

sound is subjective as we all know, but yes the quality on the akra sets the bar very high as we all know, exhausts that are rigged and welded on a park bench will never ever be even close. Expensive yes, very. Some love the sound some don't, can't please everyone. Fitment is just so spot on. Had many many exhausts throughout many years and some just have crappy fitment

aBMWfan · 01-24-2018, 02:59 AM

I used to have the Akra Evo, but it's too quiet for me, I now have a custom midpipe with MPE muffler. Sounds more proper this way IMO

F80Moe · 01-24-2018, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bem4

I used to have the Akra Evo, but it's too quiet for me, I now have a custom midpipe with MPE muffler. Sounds more proper this way IMO

I assume the custom midpipe has no resonators?

Did you try out the same midpipe with the Akrapovic muffler by any chance?

SanchoDivine · 01-24-2018, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F80Moe

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

This

So he replaced the Akra EVO mid pipe with a Fabspeed mid pipe. Not have a shop remove the resonator

Makes sense now

No, the Fabspeed mid was made to pair with the MPE which comes with pipes that reach to the secondary cats. The Akra muffler is only axel back and the Evo mid pipe is from the downpipes all the way to where the Akra axel pipes meet. In order to mate the Fabspeed with the Akra, he needed to use the portion of the Evo that had the resonator. It wasn't as loud as the MPE + Fabspeed because of that resonator so he had it cut out and replaced with pipes. Now he has the tone and volume that he had been seeking with the piece of mind that the Akra provides.

Obviously this was a discovery process. He had the Akra Evo but heard the MPE Fabspeed and so he bought the Fabspeed to hook up with his Akra. He got the deepening of tone from the dual x-pipes but not the loudness because that resonator is essentially a little muffler. Once removed he ended up with probably one of the best setups.

In hindsight, it would have saved money to have just bought the Akra muffler, Fabspeed x-pipes, and have a shop use the stock pipes from the factory system and deleting the resonator of that.

F80Moe · 01-24-2018, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

No, the Fabspeed mid was made to pair with the MPE which comes with pipes that reach to the secondary cats. The Akra muffler is only axel back and the Evo mid pipe is from the downpipes all the way to where the Akra axel pipes meet. In order to mate the Fabspeed with the Akra, he needed to use the portion of the Evo that had the resonator. It wasn't as loud as the MPE + Fabspeed because of that resonator so he had it cut out and replaced with pipes. Now he has the tone and volume that he had been seeking with the piece of mind that the Akra provides.

Obviously this was a discovery process. He had the Akra Evo but heard the MPE Fabspeed and so he bought the Fabspeed to hook up with his Akra. He got the deepening of tone from the dual x-pipes but not the loudness because that resonator is essentially a little muffler. Once removed he ended up with probably one of the best setups.

In hindsight, it would have saved money to have just bought the Akra muffler, Fabspeed x-pipes, and have a shop use the stock pipes from the factory system and deleting the resonator of that.

Got you

That sure did cost a lot combining both together.

Glad he likes it now

SanchoDivine · 01-24-2018, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F80Moe

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanchoDivine

No, the Fabspeed mid was made to pair with the MPE which comes with pipes that reach to the secondary cats. The Akra muffler is only axel back and the Evo mid pipe is from the downpipes all the way to where the Akra axel pipes meet. In order to mate the Fabspeed with the Akra, he needed to use the portion of the Evo that had the resonator. It wasn't as loud as the MPE + Fabspeed because of that resonator so he had it cut out and replaced with pipes. Now he has the tone and volume that he had been seeking with the piece of mind that the Akra provides.

Obviously this was a discovery process. He had the Akra Evo but heard the MPE Fabspeed and so he bought the Fabspeed to hook up with his Akra. He got the deepening of tone from the dual x-pipes but not the loudness because that resonator is essentially a little muffler. Once removed he ended up with probably one of the best setups.

In hindsight, it would have saved money to have just bought the Akra muffler, Fabspeed x-pipes, and have a shop use the stock pipes from the factory system and deleting the resonator of that.

Got you

That sure did cost a lot combining both together.

Glad he likes it now

Yeah but that's what happens sometimes when you pioneer. His car is crazy tricked out now and he's pretty happy so that's all that matters in the end if you have the means to get there.

Celestion · 01-24-2018, 08:43 AM

I replaced the secondary cats with an x-pipe and then straight-piped the resonator, leaving only the rear muffler stock. No drone, it sounds loud yet refined/exotic and the engine response feels improved. It only cost me $280. I’d try this route first before committing to the more expensive stuff.

aBMWfan · 01-24-2018, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F80Moe

I assume the custom midpipe has no resonators?

Did you try out the same midpipe with the Akrapovic muffler by any chance?

I didn't, but I believe both the Akra and MPE mufflers are the best sounding they are both titanium. I used Meistershaft 3.5 inch non Resonated single midpipe.

dmk08 · 01-24-2018, 02:11 PM

I think the full Akra sounds horrible on the S55. Build quality is other worldly tho.

MPE with catless DP is also horrible IMO. Sounds pretty good in just a slip on fashion.

AA sounds the best probably but the build quality is much less than the two above.

Super Spartan · 01-24-2018, 04:12 PM

Here's a video of my M4 Competition with the MPE, you be the judge:

JM5W · 01-24-2018, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Here's a video of my M4 Competition with the MPE, you be the judge:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Here's a video of my M4 Competition with the MPE, you be the judge:

Is this the MPE with Midpipes? It does sound very good!

Arcades · 01-24-2018, 05:18 PM

I have had my Akrapovic Slip-On, then Akrapovic Evolution (w/ Stock DPs) on my older 2015 M4.

I recently got my ZCP Individual M3 which I transferred my Akrapovic Evolution over. I did a short video since my friend martial to help me.

My reply to JMWM3 MPE technically doesn't have midpipes since it salvages your OEM 2nd cats, there for you can pass emissions. Akrapovic Evolution (midpipes) removes your 2nd cats completely.

I don't mind Active Autowerks but it is far too tame w/o aftermarket Downpipes. Videos like mine do not display how an exhaust sounds in person. Especially a little iPhone X video where it utterly distorts the sound. I have heard more than my share of exhausts when it came to F8x and I won't choose others over Akrapovic. Maybe FI but FI is a bit too loud for me.

01-23-2018, 10:30 AM	#1
JM5W Private First Class 79 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 2017 M3 Competition Join Date: May 2011 Location: New York, New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW Competitio ... [0.00]	Akrapovik or MPE System for 2017 ZCP M3 Hey guys, I am a first time M owner and loving it. The Competition package was worth it, but i still feel like the Exhaust note is still lacking compared to the old V8 Engine. I am considering the Akrapovik or M Performance Exhaust Systems. I wanted to get everyones opinions on the 2 systems. Do you have to buy a Midpipe for these systems? What is the best price you have seen for each of these? I am located in NYC and would love to meet up with anyone that has one of these systems so I can hear it in person. Please text me at 516-448-8800 Lastly, if anyone is selling a used system, I would be very interested. Thanks for everyones help! __________________ Ordered: 2020 BMW M5 Current: 2017 BMW Competition M3 ///M
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01-23-2018, 10:41 AM	#2
damageprone Major 581 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Casino iTrader: (1)	Go with the Akra. The MPE has many documented quality issues, and you'd be happy with the Akra in the long run. I have an MPE that has had to be replaced once already (under warranty luckily). Although the MPE does sound nice, I don't want to have to deal with it once it inevitably breaks again. But then again, this could also be a case of "the grass is always greener."
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01-23-2018, 11:16 AM	#3
SROC3 The limit of adhesion is my home. 1702 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: Like a Boss. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: three.one.zero iTrader: (1)	AWE Non-Resonated __________________ 2019 X3 xDrive30i Glacier Silver \| Cognac w/ Fine Cove \| MSport \| Premium \| Dynamic Handling PKG \| Drive Assist \| HK w/ Bavsound Upgrade \|
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01-23-2018, 11:29 AM	#4
aajjcc Captain 426 Rep 611 Posts Drives: F82 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: 34.0522° N 118.2437° W iTrader: (0)	Full Akrapovic
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01-23-2018, 08:11 PM	#6
edwinm3 Brigadier General 980 Rep 4,002 Posts Drives: F82 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Broward iTrader: (32)	Nothing comes even close to akra __________________ Grigio Telesto M4, 6MT. Coyote 5.0 F-150 991 GT3
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01-24-2018, 02:45 AM	#11
edwinm3 Brigadier General 980 Rep 4,002 Posts Drives: F82 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Broward iTrader: (32)	sound is subjective as we all know, but yes the quality on the akra sets the bar very high as we all know, exhausts that are rigged and welded on a park bench will never ever be even close. Expensive yes, very. Some love the sound some don't, can't please everyone. Fitment is just so spot on. Had many many exhausts throughout many years and some just have crappy fitment __________________ Grigio Telesto M4, 6MT. Coyote 5.0 F-150 991 GT3
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01-24-2018, 02:59 AM	#12
aBMWfan Banned 1194 Rep 3,670 Posts Drives: 08' M3/'15 M4/ '06 M3/ '09 M3/ Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Thousand Oaks iTrader: (11)	I used to have the Akra Evo, but it's too quiet for me, I now have a custom midpipe with MPE muffler. Sounds more proper this way IMO
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01-24-2018, 08:43 AM	#17
Celestion Lieutenant 293 Rep 502 Posts Drives: '22 M3 Comp Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I replaced the secondary cats with an x-pipe and then straight-piped the resonator, leaving only the rear muffler stock. No drone, it sounds loud yet refined/exotic and the engine response feels improved. It only cost me $280. I’d try this route first before committing to the more expensive stuff.
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01-24-2018, 02:11 PM	#19
dmk08 Gone Fishin’ 7318 Rep 12,125 Posts Drives: Walks Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (19)	I think the full Akra sounds horrible on the S55. Build quality is other worldly tho. MPE with catless DP is also horrible IMO. Sounds pretty good in just a slip on fashion. AA sounds the best probably but the build quality is much less than the two above.
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01-24-2018, 04:12 PM	#20
Super Spartan Colonel 1554 Rep 2,419 Posts Drives: 2023 Nissan Z Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Dubai iTrader: (0)	Here's a video of my M4 Competition with the MPE, you be the judge: __________________ 2012 BMW M3 E93 (Fire Orange) Akrapovic Evolution Titanium Exhaust Arkym Style Front Lip/CF Diffuser/CF Side Skirt Extensions LUX H8 189 Angel Eyes 2023 Nissan Z Performance (Ikazuchi Yellow)
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01-24-2018, 05:18 PM	#22
Arcades In The Rain 8215 Rep 6,275 Posts Drives: '24 GT4RS, '24 Macan GTS Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 Porsche Cayman ... [10.00] 2024 Porsche Macan GTS [10.00]	I have had my Akrapovic Slip-On, then Akrapovic Evolution (w/ Stock DPs) on my older 2015 M4. I recently got my ZCP Individual M3 which I transferred my Akrapovic Evolution over. I did a short video since my friend martial to help me. My reply to JMWM3 MPE technically doesn't have midpipes since it salvages your OEM 2nd cats, there for you can pass emissions. Akrapovic Evolution (midpipes) removes your 2nd cats completely. I don't mind Active Autowerks but it is far too tame w/o aftermarket Downpipes. Videos like mine do not display how an exhaust sounds in person. Especially a little iPhone X video where it utterly distorts the sound. I have heard more than my share of exhausts when it came to F8x and I won't choose others over Akrapovic. Maybe FI but FI is a bit too loud for me. __________________ '24 Porsche Cayman GT4RS Arctic Grey "Alice" '24 Porsche Macan GTS Dolomite Silver "Gina"
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