Make your M550i sound like the M850i...updated with video clips

modthispny · 05-15-2019, 05:31 PM

sorry for the delay, recorded some clips tonight.

So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job.

The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it.

So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now.

Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better.

ksoze · 05-15-2019, 07:06 PM

Hate to be a contrarian, but not a fan of the crackles and backfires. Like the low, mean growl of the M550iX in Sport mode.

VirtualGuitars · 05-15-2019, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

Not sure if you guys have heard yet, but the M850i sounds sick, much much better sounding than the current M550i.

Some sample clips below..

So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job.

The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it.

So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now.

Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better.

Have fun getting your vehicle inspected. Never hurts to have a "friend" at the dealership.

Superjackson · 05-15-2019, 10:05 PM

Actually, the M850i has one box resonator instead of two in the M550i(the one closer to the back of the car is just pipes in the M850i but the front one is the same). Based on that, resonator deleted M550i should actually be louder than a stock M850i since both mufflers look identical to me.

Krash7172 · 05-15-2019, 11:16 PM

This thread is fun. I have connections at my dealership. Got a M850i loaner that I turned in today. Amazing car. This isnt a review but a reply to the OP. My comments are my opinion only but that exhaust is cool af but is really annoying for daily driving. Custom sport mode makes that car sound like a beast. Put in standard comfort and sounds refined. The fact that you can decide is thumbs up in my opinion. Rumble/gurgle/pops when in the curveys is perfect but in traffic, you are a tool. Imo.

clee1982 · 05-16-2019, 05:33 AM

Daily driving all that pop and crack would be annoying, though I suppose that's what comfort mode switch is for...

ksoze · 05-16-2019, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krash7172

I have connections at my dealership. Got a M850i loaner that I turned in today.

Must be some god connections for a low volume, $100K+ car to be used as a "loaner". I think most dealers would not even let a salesperson drive it around without a confirmed potential buyer. I assume you were mileage limited as every mile on that car will cost them dearly in a future sale.

modthispny · 05-16-2019, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superjackson

Actually, the M850i has one box resonator instead of two in the M550i(the one closer to the back of the car is just pipes in the M850i but the front one is the same). Based on that, resonator deleted M550i should actually be louder than a stock M850i since both mufflers look identical to me.

there you go. that makes sense, so i'd say the m550i is a little louder then.

modthispny · 05-16-2019, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clee1982

Daily driving all that pop and crack would be annoying, though I suppose that's what comfort mode switch is for...

yup. don't hear it at all in comfort, so it's good. only hear it when you want to,

CLABRO · 05-16-2019, 02:57 PM

It would be awesome to be able to cruise around quietly and peacefully and then whenever you want that sound, have it unleash it in Sport+ mode.

It sounds good and I'd take that over the stock sound in Sport+ mode (which sound good for stock). However, for everyday driving though, nah.

modthispny · 05-17-2019, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWModel3

Just get the 2020 model. Same engine

the engine is not what makes the m850i sound like it does, it's the removal of the resonators. I am sure the 2020 m550i will have its resonators out though to sound like the m850i.

Rotherd31 · 05-18-2019, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

the engine is not what makes the m850i sound like it does, it's the removal of the resonators. I am sure the 2020 m550i will have its resonators out though to sound like the m850i.

This is all well and good, but can we have a sound clip of your resonators delete mod?

ksoze · 05-19-2019, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

the engine is not what makes the m850i sound like it does, it's the removal of the resonators. I am sure the 2020 m550i will have its resonators out though to sound like the m850i.

Not so sure about that. The M650 and M550 are different cars for different markets. I'm guessing the sedan will not have the same aggressive sound profile of the 6.

Barry9020 · 05-20-2019, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

yup. don't hear it at all in comfort, so it's good. only hear it when you want to,

would love to hear a sound clip! been thinking about doing the same to my vehicle as well

modthispny · 05-20-2019, 11:44 PM

clips added check out first post

B58 · 05-21-2019, 12:11 AM

Sounds good

B58 · 05-21-2019, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

Not sure if you guys have heard yet, but the M850i sounds sick, much much better sounding than the current M550i.

Some sample clips below..

So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job.

The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it.

So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now.

Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better.

Have fun getting your vehicle inspected. Never hurts to have a "friend" at the dealership.

Not really relevant to this thread? Not sure where you're trying to go with this... please elaborate...

VirtualGuitars · 05-21-2019, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B58

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

Not sure if you guys have heard yet, but the M850i sounds sick, much much better sounding than the current M550i.

Some sample clips below..

So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job.

The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it.

So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now.

Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better.

Have fun getting your vehicle inspected. Never hurts to have a "friend" at the dealership.

Not really relevant to this thread? Not sure where you're trying to go with this... please elaborate...

I was referring to the guy that said that he replaced his stock exhaust with straight pipes to make his M550i sounds like an 850i. That would not be legal in the US.

MileHiGolfer · 05-21-2019, 10:28 AM

Safe to assume this wouldn’t be a good idea for a lease? Could any shop do that and then reverse it for a reasonable amount? Never been one to do a mod like that or any really but it sounds pretty badass, especially if it’s still quiet in comfort mode.

B58 · 05-21-2019, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Quote:

Originally Posted by B58

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

Quote:

Originally Posted by modthispny

Not sure if you guys have heard yet, but the M850i sounds sick, much much better sounding than the current M550i.

Some sample clips below..

So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job.

The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it.

So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now.

Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better.

Have fun getting your vehicle inspected. Never hurts to have a "friend" at the dealership.

Not really relevant to this thread? Not sure where you're trying to go with this... please elaborate...

I was referring to the guy that said that he replaced his stock exhaust with straight pipes to make his M550i sounds like an 850i. That would not be legal in the US.

Hopefully the FBI doesn't inspect my car and find meth in my trunk

modthispny · 05-21-2019, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VirtualGuitars

I was referring to the guy that said that he replaced his stock exhaust with straight pipes to make his M550i sounds like an 850i. That would not be legal in the US.

really appreciate your care and concern, the CATALYTIC CONVERTERS are not touched on the car, only the resonators which have zero affect on any sort of EPA emissions. If you read my original post carefully you would not have been confused.

thank you,

modthispny · 05-21-2019, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MileHiGolfer

Safe to assume this wouldn’t be a good idea for a lease? Could any shop do that and then reverse it for a reasonable amount? Never been one to do a mod like that or any really but it sounds pretty badass, especially if it’s still quiet in comfort mode.

yea you just weld it back when you need to return the car, not a biggy.

05-15-2019, 05:31 PM	#1
modthispny Lieutenant 205 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2022 540i M sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Studio City, CA iTrader: (0)	Make your M550i sound like the M850i...updated with video clips sorry for the delay, recorded some clips tonight. So the M550i has 4 total resonators, right in the middle of the exhaust. Also would like to note the entire exhaust system is 1 piece only, from the turbo-back all the way to the exhaust tips, I was pretty shocked to see this when my car was under the lift. As I wanted something louder without changing the entire exhaust, I had a local shop remove all 4 of the resonators by replacing it with a straight pipe. A simple $160 job. The car sounds much better, much much better. In sport plus it crackles and pops and backfires and is really addicting, it's really how the car should have sounded and is pretty loud and deep, I love it. So after looking at M850i videos for the heck of it, I realized that the M850i sounds identical to my car now and wondered if BMW just omitted the resonators for the M850i. When I went to the dealer today to pick up my car, I saw an M850i and looked under it, and didn't see any resonators at all; so this all makes sense now. Definitely a "mod" I suggest for anybody with an M550i that wants the car to sound significantly better. Last edited by modthispny; 05-20-2019 at 11:41 PM..
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05-15-2019, 07:06 PM	#2
ksoze Major 376 Rep 1,223 Posts Drives: 2018 M550iX Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Hate to be a contrarian, but not a fan of the crackles and backfires. Like the low, mean growl of the M550iX in Sport mode. __________________ 2018 M550iX-Dinan Stage 1 \| 2011 E93 M3 Convertible \| 2002 E46 M3 Convertible \| 2002 E53 X5 3.0 \| 2000 E39 540i \| 1998 E36 M3 \| 1988 E28 M5 \| 1987 E28 528i
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05-15-2019, 10:05 PM	#4
Superjackson Second Lieutenant 122 Rep 293 Posts Drives: M550i Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Actually, the M850i has one box resonator instead of two in the M550i(the one closer to the back of the car is just pipes in the M850i but the front one is the same). Based on that, resonator deleted M550i should actually be louder than a stock M850i since both mufflers look identical to me.
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05-15-2019, 11:16 PM	#5
Krash7172 Second Lieutenant 63 Rep 236 Posts Drives: 2018 530e, 2020 X4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	This thread is fun. I have connections at my dealership. Got a M850i loaner that I turned in today. Amazing car. This isnt a review but a reply to the OP. My comments are my opinion only but that exhaust is cool af but is really annoying for daily driving. Custom sport mode makes that car sound like a beast. Put in standard comfort and sounds refined. The fact that you can decide is thumbs up in my opinion. Rumble/gurgle/pops when in the curveys is perfect but in traffic, you are a tool. Imo.
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05-16-2019, 05:33 AM	#6
clee1982 Lieutenant Colonel 798 Rep 1,736 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 540i xDrive Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW 540i xDrive [0.00]	Daily driving all that pop and crack would be annoying, though I suppose that's what comfort mode switch is for...
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05-16-2019, 02:57 PM	#10
CLABRO THUNDER UP! 263 Rep 292 Posts Drives: BMW M Sport G30 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW 530i M Spo ... [0.00] 2012 Lifted Ford F150 [10.00] 2003 Ford SVT Musta ... [10.00]	It would be awesome to be able to cruise around quietly and peacefully and then whenever you want that sound, have it unleash it in Sport+ mode. It sounds good and I'd take that over the stock sound in Sport+ mode (which sound good for stock). However, for everyday driving though, nah. __________________ G30 l Alpine White l M Sport Package l Executive Tier l Icon Adaptive Full LED Headlights l Mocha Nappa Leather l Multi-Contour Seats l Drivers Assistance Package l Drivers Assistance Plus Package l Dynamic Handling Package l Parking Assistance Package l Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System l M Sport Brakes l Apple Carplay
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05-20-2019, 11:44 PM	#15
modthispny Lieutenant 205 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2022 540i M sport Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Studio City, CA iTrader: (0)	clips added check out first post
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05-21-2019, 12:11 AM	#16
B58 Major 558 Rep 1,457 Posts Drives: 922 Turbo Join Date: May 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Sounds good __________________ 2024 X3 M40i 2014 BMW M5
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05-21-2019, 10:28 AM	#19
MileHiGolfer Private First Class 13 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 18 m550i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0)	Safe to assume this wouldn’t be a good idea for a lease? Could any shop do that and then reverse it for a reasonable amount? Never been one to do a mod like that or any really but it sounds pretty badass, especially if it’s still quiet in comfort mode.
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