[Frozen Fractals]

Trying to decide on a tune and exhaust for my (new to me) 2018 540i xDrive.

For the tune, I've been doing some reading and it seems like there's two kind of tunes out there: piggyback and flash tune. The most popular piggyback seems to be the JB4 and I've seen bootmod3, RK, Dinan and of course MPPSK as popular flash tunes. The JB4 seems the most primitive, but also cheapest and easiest to remove if I need the car serviced (it is CPO). However, I've read that it might not be as "smooth" as a flash tune. MPPSK would keep my warranty intact, but I am not sure about replacing the torque converter or the M Performance Exhaust (more on that later). I've read a lot of good things about bootmod3 and would most likely go that route if going with flash tune. I am not looking to max out the power/torque and would be happy with around 400HP. Not sure if I want to do any bolt-on mods (downpipe with high flow cat, intake, etc.) either due to warranty situation. I also live in CA, so I will be using 91 Octane fuel. Thus, I'm leaning towards either JB4 or bootmod3. Any suggestions?

For the exhaust, I have looked at MPPSK (MPE), ACS, Remus and Armytrix. I've read that the MPE is kind of a let down for the money and drones at highway speeds (something I'm trying to avoid) due to lack of valves. I like the sound of Remus and leaning towards it, but I wished they offered black exhaust tips that aren't insanely expensive (the titanium one). Still unsure about the exhaust, tbh.

[Ictus]

After using MPPSK I can say for sure that it does not have enough power and exhaust sound. So don't waste your money. Now I installed the Remus catback and the sound is noticeably better. I also ordered Remus midpipe. Further plans for a downpipe and chiptune (470 hp).

[Tfb]

Propably U read my comments about mppsk so still dont waste money for that. What is more jb4 etc are also canceling your guarantee even if U switch them off as they left marks in your cpu - still need clearing in your cpu like proper tune so for me its now obvious done it once but proper and dont go half way. Now my car is for full tune with armytrix and decat dp so we will see how it works. But what i know the most important thing is mid pipe and valve for drone. Remus is excelent choice for deep and burbly sound for good money so its realy interesting choice - U can also buy black aftermarket tips from different company in your place - no remus trade mark but they will make it proper and cheap.
And what is important if U do not want change dp and intake dont make it more than 400hp and 550nm on 91. Mine on dte systems pigyback had 410 and 600 (mppsk converter) on 98 RoN and didnt act properly. I chca
Changed air filter for bmc and was better so its cheap modification but realy improve airflow. Sry for my bad eng, but i hope U will get the point

[Frozen Fractals]

Thanks guys for your input. More anecdotal evidence to avoid MPPSK it seems.

Ictus: I'm leaning towards Remus. If it's not too much of a hassle, can you post a video of the sound? I'm also curious about the midpipe as opposed to just the catback.

Tfb: How is the Armytrix exhaust? I did some reading about MPPSK requiring torque converter change. I wonder if it is necessary if I go with a different tune (JB4, bootmod3, etc.)?

[Jams_123]

I can't comment on the tune, but I've been making a lot of enquiries about exhausts also recently (check next thread down).

One of the guys on there has the AC Schnitzer exhaust with black tips which looks awesome. I'm hoping they are able to post some sound videos soon as I just need a last push before I order.

[mike@x-ph.com]

REMUS + Bootmod3

[Tfb]

https://m.youtube.com/user/XTheFasterBoyx

I have posted 2 videos, same phone, same place, sport plus and manualt transmision.

Armytrix with decat is even to loud. I would go for 200cell sport dp next time i guess. Still much quiter that any m car.
Only probme i have noticed is from 4000 to 6000 rpms it screams. I have 470hp and 600nm now and 0-100 is 4.1s and 100-200 is 10.47s.
Woth flaps closed is queit, qentle like stock one even without cat. There is some drone but i had more drone with mmpsk exhaust so its better now. Remus is deeper, more burbly. Armytrix like to scream and pop a lot.

[Tfb]

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And the only problem i have notice is that rear diffuser must be from 540i not from 550i like in mppsk... now im waiting form my carbon diffuser

[Ictus]

Tfb:sounds cool and your car looks perfect!
Now it's my turn)))

Remus cat back with carbon tips. Not tuned. Stock.

Next will be GESI UHO sport catalyzer and tune))

In comfort mode when valve is closed you can drive silently (almos). But when you switch to Sport (Plus) it's become louder!!! And popcorn burbles comes!

[Ictus]

Originally Posted by Tfb

https://m.youtube.com/user/XTheFasterBoyx

I have posted 2 videos, same phone, same place, sport plus and manualt transmision.

Armytrix with decat is even to loud. I would go for 200cell sport dp next time i guess. Still much quiter that any m car.
Only probme i have noticed is from 4000 to 6000 rpms it screams. I have 470hp and 600nm now and 0-100 is 4.1s and 100-200 is 10.47s.
Woth flaps closed is queit, qentle like stock one even without cat. There is some drone but i had more drone with mmpsk exhaust so its better now. Remus is deeper, more burbly. Armytrix like to scream and pop a lot.

With that power you should be faster. 3,9s and 9,9s I think. What tune do you have?

[Tfb]

Custom. Its all about tyres, wind and my 540 is heavy with full comfort seats, all asists, nv, full tank, about 30-50kg in the trunk plus me 86 so last 0.6 can be lost when the wind will be in right dirwction 340i is making 9.9 with 470hp so its all about wind and weight. Last 10 kph is most painfull.

I love that silver so much!!!! U need cf spoiler for me and will be perfect and clean

[Frozen Fractals]

Tfb: Thanks for the notes and clips! That Armytrix exhaust does sound mean! Too bad it's a bit expensive for my tastes! Have you tried the Remus exhaust? I know you mentioned that Remus is deeper than Armytrix, but Armytrix is louder and pops more. Does Remus also make popping/banging on downshifts or upshifts? Also, on letting off the throttle does it make the burbling?

How does Armytrix and Remus compare to MPE?

I am trying to find an exhaust that can be quiet when I'm just cruising and scream when I go Sport+ and drive more aggressively. I also love pops/bangs/burbles

Ictus: Thanks for the clips! Hmmm....I think it does sound good and makes some nice popping when revving it. Does it do that when driving? Is there any drone when in comfort with windows up on the freeway? Also, I see that you have the catback version...is this worth it? For me in the US, it costs almost another $800...not sure if it's worth?

[arik]

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

Tfb: Thanks for the notes and clips! That Armytrix exhaust does sound mean! Too bad it's a bit expensive for my tastes! Have you tried the Remus exhaust? I know you mentioned that Remus is deeper than Armytrix, but Armytrix is louder and pops more. Does Remus also make popping/banging on downshifts or upshifts? Also, on letting off the throttle does it make the burbling?

How does Armytrix and Remus compare to MPE?

I am trying to find an exhaust that can be quiet when I'm just cruising and scream when I go Sport+ and drive more aggressively. I also love pops/bangs/burbles

Ictus: Thanks for the clips! Hmmm....I think it does sound good and makes some nice popping when revving it. Does it do that when driving? Is there any drone when in comfort with windows up on the freeway? Also, I see that you have the catback version...is this worth it? For me in the US, it costs almost another $800...not sure if it's worth?

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

Tfb: Thanks for the notes and clips! That Armytrix exhaust does sound mean! Too bad it's a bit expensive for my tastes! Have you tried the Remus exhaust? I know you mentioned that Remus is deeper than Armytrix, but Armytrix is louder and pops more. Does Remus also make popping/banging on downshifts or upshifts? Also, on letting off the throttle does it make the burbling?

How does Armytrix and Remus compare to MPE?

I am trying to find an exhaust that can be quiet when I'm just cruising and scream when I go Sport+ and drive more aggressively. I also love pops/bangs/burbles

Ictus: Thanks for the clips! Hmmm....I think it does sound good and makes some nice popping when revving it. Does it do that when driving? Is there any drone when in comfort with windows up on the freeway? Also, I see that you have the catback version...is this worth it? For me in the US, it costs almost another $800...not sure if it's worth?

What you mean $800? I was quoted no less than 3.5-4k for exhausts.......

[Frozen Fractals]

Originally Posted by arik

What you mean $800? I was quoted no less than 3.5-4k for exhausts.......

Nah, not $800 for the whole exhaust...$800 is the delta between Remus axle-back and cat-back.

[Ictus]

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

Tfb: Thanks for the notes and clips! That Armytrix exhaust does sound mean! Too bad it's a bit expensive for my tastes! Have you tried the Remus exhaust? I know you mentioned that Remus is deeper than Armytrix, but Armytrix is louder and pops more. Does Remus also make popping/banging on downshifts or upshifts? Also, on letting off the throttle does it make the burbling?

How does Armytrix and Remus compare to MPE?

I am trying to find an exhaust that can be quiet when I'm just cruising and scream when I go Sport+ and drive more aggressively. I also love pops/bangs/burbles

Ictus: Thanks for the clips! Hmmm....I think it does sound good and makes some nice popping when revving it. Does it do that when driving? Is there any drone when in comfort with windows up on the freeway? Also, I see that you have the catback version...is this worth it? For me in the US, it costs almost another $800...not sure if it's worth?

MPE is good with removed resonator only.
For Remus Cat-back price was about 4200 $ [2000 $ (axle-back) + 1400 $ (carbon tips) + 800 $ (midpipe)]. But i paid for all with free instalation 3500$ I know that price is high but the only thing that i hated in my car was exhaust. And now i'm really happy with new sound.

It's silent in comfort mode. The activation of the valve is carried out using the original actuator via the vehicle onboard electronics. Switching to Sport mode is making sound louder and aggresive. Pops and bangs! But no pops and bangs in comfort. When i drive car with my family i use comfort mode. When i'm alone i use Sport+ and having fun)

[Frozen Fractals]

Did you get to hear the exhaust with the resonator (i.e. Remus axleback) and the without the resonator (i.e. Remus catback).

I'm wondering if it's worth the $800 over the axleback...looks like it just removes the factory resonator...wonder if it's cheaper to just have it cut out and straight piped as opposed to buying the catback.

Did you ever check out the Dinan exhaust? Wondering how it compares to the others....seems similar to MPE without the exhaust valve.

Thanks, comrade!

Originally Posted by Ictus

MPE is good with removed resonator only.
For Remus Cat-back price was about 4200 $ [2000 $ (axle-back) + 1400 $ (carbon tips) + 800 $ (midpipe)]. But i paid for all with free instalation 3500$ I know that price is high but the only thing that i hated in my car was exhaust. And now i'm really happy with new sound.

It's silent in comfort mode. The activation of the valve is carried out using the original actuator via the vehicle onboard electronics. Switching to Sport mode is making sound louder and aggresive. Pops and bangs! But no pops and bangs in comfort. When i drive car with my family i use comfort mode. When i'm alone i use Sport+ and having fun)

[Ictus]

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

Did you get to hear the exhaust with the resonator (i.e. Remus axleback) and the without the resonator (i.e. Remus catback).

I'm wondering if it's worth the $800 over the axleback...looks like it just removes the factory resonator...wonder if it's cheaper to just have it cut out and straight piped as opposed to buying the catback.

Did you ever check out the Dinan exhaust? Wondering how it compares to the others....seems similar to MPE without the exhaust valve.

Thanks, comrade!

Yes? I was waiting for midpipe for 3 weeks. With stock midpipe exhaust sound was quiter.

This is sound before installing midpipe.

You can cut out resonator and intall straight pipe. I think result will be same.

[Martin30x]

Wire tune, unless gearbox isn’t done right. Mine does 479/670nm and get below 4.0 3.7 but I only miss active cruise control (wasn’t available from bmw in first days) later it comes as part of package I’ve got on car but I pay low tax as I bought it before 30.03.2017 (from 01.04.2017 I would have to pay premium tax for up to 5 years) haha.

For gearbox in 540i I recommend mission tuning. You don’t have to drive to them just you will laptop and 30 dollar cable of eBay . (massive difference in gearbox) had to adjust to car power after gearbox tune. It was ohh fuck, pulls as crazy in mid section right to the top with lowered springs and (6x geometry adjusts) it’s like sticker to road at speeds 120mph right to top speed speed 200mph.

[Frozen Fractals]

Originally Posted by Martin30x

Wire tune, unless gearbox isn’t done right. Mine does 479/670nm and get below 4.0 3.7 but I only miss active cruise control (wasn’t available from bmw in first days) later it comes as part of package I’ve got on car but I pay low tax as I bought it before 30.03.2017 (from 01.04.2017 I would have to pay premium tax for up to 5 years) haha.

For gearbox in 540i I recommend mission tuning. You don’t have to drive to them just you will laptop and 30 dollar cable of eBay . (massive difference in gearbox) had to adjust to car power after gearbox tune. It was ohh fuck, pulls as crazy in mid section right to the top with lowered springs and (6x geometry adjusts) it’s like sticker to road at speeds 120mph right to top speed speed 200mph.

So, I ended up with Remus exhaust and BM3 (bootmod3) tune. Right now I have the Stage 1 91ACN tune due to having crap gas in Cali. I will probably do Stage 2 later down the road with a highflow cat or catless (haven't decided yet).

Very happy with the combo! However, I am not certain if I need a tune for the transmission. Do you think the Mission 8HP50 tune is needed?

[1uscfan]

Originally Posted by Frozen Fractals

So, I ended up with Remus exhaust and BM3 (bootmod3) tune. Right now I have the Stage 1 91ACN tune due to having crap gas in Cali. I will probably do Stage 2 later down the road with a highflow cat or catless (haven't decided yet).

Very happy with the combo! However, I am not certain if I need a tune for the transmission. Do you think the Mission 8HP50 tune is needed?

I have the Dinan Stage 1 tune on my 540 and I love it but I'm not happy with the transmission. It hesitates between shifts quite often. Would love to hear your experience.

Martin, thanks for the info on the transmission tune. Going to check it out now.

[Frozen Fractals]

Originally Posted by 1uscfan

I have the Dinan Stage 1 tune on my 540 and I love it but I'm not happy with the transmission. It hesitates between shifts quite often. Would love to hear your experience.

Martin, thanks for the info on the transmission tune. Going to check it out now.

I haven't had any issues with the transmission. On comfort it does respond quite slowly (as expected), but on sport or sport plus it is quite responsive with quick shifts. Have you tried resetting adaptations and letting it re-learn? I know I had to do that after applying the tune (BM3 stage 1) and I believe it necessary since the tune changes the hp/tq map. Before I reset adaptations, the transmission was quite sloppy.

[Martin30x]

Tune your gearbox for best effect with extra power.
Above 550nm you need to tune gearbox to avoid clutches damage...