I have been observing the muffler aftermarket for a while, essentially we have a few major manufacturers: Supersprint, Remus, Borla, Scorpion and Eisenmann. This list is not comprehensive though. Plus we have the independent brands like ActiveAutowerkes, UUC and Tri-Flo. Reason why I did not include these in the major manufacturer category is because they mainly target BMWs only, while the major ones offer a wider range to most car manufacturers. There is no specific reason why I went for RET. Certainly not based on recommendations or the popularity. Believe it or not, my choice is 90% based on instinct and 10% comments from SLK owners. The Eisenmann website is not available in English, so I had to request a colleague's help to translate the text from German. Eisenmann, however, is more popular with Mercedes Benz than BMWs, though they manufacture for VW and Volvo too. In particular, Eisenmann has gained some popularity from E46 M3 owners. (check here http://www.leo.nutz.de/bmw/leo/smg2review4.htm) In addition, since not a lot of BMW E46 owners have seen or heard Eisenmann, that drew me to desire the brand more. Besides, to tell you the truth, I am really particular as to what brands go on to my modification list, preferably made in Germany. For instance, at present Alpina wheels and spoilers. But RD sways appear to be an exception so far, unless someone can tell me if Alpina sells anti-sway bars. Anyone? No comments on this very perculiar character of mine. :-)

I ordered the Eisenmann system from John at Bekkers. Apparently there are only 2 places in the US that sell Eisenmann: Bekkers and Evosports. Who's the distributor? Well, Bekkers is. This is ra cat-back system that replaces the resonator. Total including shipping was $555. In my opinion this is cheaper than most other brands out there. Remember, Eisenmann is 100% crafted and designed in Germany. When the muffler arrived, I had a chance to examine closely. If you see from the pictures, you will be surprised that it don't look anything like the AA Gen 3 or the black housing that Supersprint offers. However, this is still a well build muffler. For a rought estimate, this weighs about 23lbs or so. As for whether the stainless steel will rust in the future, I guess only time can tell.

After looking for a muffler shop in LA that has a lot of recommendations, I took the plunge one Friday afternoon. Seeing my car on the lift undergoing a surgery was not easy at all. Afterall, I only have this car for less than 6months. The mechanic who worked on the muffler has 20 years of experience. Please note that for all 330 and 325 models, cutting is required from cat-back. The skills of the mechanic is very crucial at this point since cutting and welding are involved. The connection from the cat to the pipes is recommended to be bolted on. This is because of a physical constraint to weld properly. The other welding connection is from the muffler to the connecting pipes, as you can see from the picture. This operation took about 1.5 hours. There was no need to rush at all.







The mechanic took a great deal adjusting the tailpipes just so that they look symmetric from behind. Once everything was ready, the car was first, of course, driven out by the mechanic from the shop into the parking lot. My first impression? I adore the sound! Deep and very full-bodied tone. The mechanic stepped out and told me that the low-end torque was slightly enhanced too. The moment I drove out of the gates, I was smiling all the way home.

For that weekend, I was driving the car around LA and falling in love with the note. Here's a detail description.

1) Believe it or not, yes I do feel a difference on the lower end torque. This is confirmed by Kaz whom I allowed to rev the engine in his drive way. Based on the sound, his first comment was the enhanced low-end torque. Nothing dramatic because we all know how the exhaust and intake complement each other in terms of performance too.

2) Next, I guess everyone is curious just how loud is the note? If you're expecting passers-by to turn their heads when you rev up the engine, then I am sorry, this Eisenmann is not built to do that. When I visited Kaz two weeks ago, I pulled up near his drive way and he did not even notice the difference. Overall words that I use to describe the note are: Full-bodied, low humming and a wider range of lower tone. I have driven a 330i as a rental for a week, and trust me, this sounds a little better than the 330 model. The humming is especially noticeable on lower RPM. I am not sure what is the break-in period for a new muffler, but about 10 days later, which is today, the muffler yet outputs a more rounded tone. Believe it or not, Eisenmann can also custom tune the note to your liking. Now does Remus or Supersprint do that? ;-) But the order might take 4 to 6 weeks. Here is a clip recorded about 2 feet away from the muffler tip. I used a really cheesy computer microphone and hooked it up to my laptop. Nothing too fancy. I should have more clips soon, but never been able to find the time to record while driving. This clip is not as ideal as I want it to be. Firsly it was recorded after the car cooled down for an afternoon. Secondly, this was recorded in a garage where the tailpipes faced the wall. Thirdly, I only manage to rev up to about 5500 rpm.

3) This is a straight-pipe design with perforation. Like what 31st330i reviewed about his Dinan muffler, if you drop a ball from the tailpipe, it will roll out. Although the idea of the straight-pipe might cost less than $100 at a local muffler shop, I believe getting the right note is part of the manufacturer's design. If only someone out there were to install all major brands of mufflers and record the sounds, I believe that each brand of muffler does exhibit an unique note. Until then we will have to rely on each other's words and short sound clips.

4) Fuel economy has thus increased about 1 mpg. I have driven with both manual and auto, occasionally switching to sport. If you find that the fuel economy decreases then the explanation I can offer is that you have driven harder after installing the muffler. And why not?

In sum, some of you must have wondered, why spend $555 on muffler that does so little performance, barely audible and with such a simple "straight-pipe" design? Well, frankly, much of it is just for thrill of it. Perhaps the note is something which I hear and feel everytime I drive the car now. Trust me, I do look forward to hearing the muffler sings everytime I turn the key in the morning. Almost like having a good cup of macchiato in the morning. The same feeling when one upgrades to UUC or RD anti-sway bars. Also, since 325/330 have been optimized at the factory, there is really "no need" upgrade the muffler.

But much like the "need" to get Alpina wheels and spoilers, at least to me, there is a need to get a better German accent from the exhaust. Yup. :-)