[valbmw]

There are many fast-and-easy ways of exhaust conversion by changing/adding the tips only and leaving the whole OEM exhaust (maybe also a stock diffuser) almost unaffected. But you may decide to go for a bigger work replacing either axleback or even the complete catback with a favorite retrofit (also diffuser), and in my case it was Supersprint and Vorsteiner Aero M5. To complete such a project you will need to apply much more effort and take higher cost, but the result will provide your car with better performance (and sound) characteristics, a cooler look and feel and therefore you will have much more fun.

The most popular aftermarket diffuser for the 5-series is the M5-type. At the pictures below you can see a comparison of two diffusers: one is designed for the 5-series and another one is for the M5. They look and fit the quad tips the very different ways:



Important note: the M5 tips are located closer to the center, about one inch compared to the 5-series.
Because of much better aesthetics of the M5 diffuser and more accurate fit to the quads I decided to go with it. So here is my Vorsteiner Aero M5 set delivered by the local distributor:



With the Supersprint that has (at my opinion) the best website between all the other vendors, there is a number of configurations of the center part and mufflers: http://www.supersprint.com/en/IT/prodt-5-7051-1.aspx. There are two options with Supersprint: with "normal" quad tips and the ones "for M5 rear bumper" (part numbers shown for my 530d):



I have chosen the normal or classic Supersprint mufflers and tips because a) when I've been ordering the exhaust, the M5 style was not commercially available yet, and b) honestly I don't like what they've done to the tips shifting them towards center:



So the exhaust system conversion on my car was done with the selected normal Supersprint quad variant. The tech was a very professional guy so he has adjusted the pipes exactly the necessary way to make the tips fitting the M5 diffuser:



And I believe, the whole work is done very well and the final look is perfect:

[marcuslee2032]

Thanks for the write up, and very nice look indeed!

[eve-slow]

Ya love it! I just put the same exhaust with race pipe and 550 OEM performance diffuser.

[lsturbointeg]

Every time I see your car I love it. Exactly what I want to do and thanks for your help regarding the different diffusers. I went to the super Sprint site but didn't see exactly the cost for the exhaust? Also what site did u order the diffuser from or any forum sponsor you would recommend for the same style diffuser cause I've read some sellers have horrible fitments. Thanks!

[Bobby_Drake]

Looks pretty mean!

[Boss330]

Is your car a 535d?

How is the sound with the Supersprint? Video?

Car looks great

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by marcuslee2032

Thanks for the write up, and very nice look indeed!

Originally Posted by eve-slow

Ya love it! I just put the same exhaust with race pipe and 550 OEM performance diffuser.

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Looks pretty mean!

Thank you guys, the exhaust is really good and of great quality, also the installation was done properly with perfect fit to the M5 diffuser.

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

Every time I see your car I love it. Exactly what I want to do and thanks for your help regarding the different diffusers. I went to the super Sprint site but didn't see exactly the cost for the exhaust? Also what site did u order the diffuser from or any forum sponsor you would recommend for the same style diffuser cause I've read some sellers have horrible fitments. Thanks!

Thank you lsturbointeg, for the Supersprint I will PM you the links and info you asked. The diffuser requested directly from Vorsteiner in CA through webform, but they firmly forwarded me to the local dealer who took it over. Fitment is perfect enough, some minor deviations may be just a couple of millimeters because the carbon is much stiffer than the OEM plastic. Installed on BMW OEM screws and a sealing compound, the 3M stickers are not applicable.

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by Boss330

Is your car a 535d?

How is the sound with the Supersprint? Video?

Car looks great

Thanks Boss330, my car is 530d xDrive M Sport: no 535d are available from BMW dealership in our country. The car is in stock configuration so far, with EGR and cat in place. Therefore the sound is very quiet and smooth, probably needless to take video: it's just very quiet. I didn't aim for the symphony because the car is for city commuting, and before doing Hartge or Steinbauer (maybe next year), I still enjoy the dynamics and handling and economy.

[Boss330]

Originally Posted by Valery.BMW

Thanks Boss330, my car is 530d xDrive M Sport: no 535d are available from BMW dealership in our country. The car is in stock configuration so far, with EGR and cat in place. Therefore the sound is very quiet and smooth, probably needless to take video: it's just very quiet. I didn't aim for the symphony because the car is for city commuting, and before doing Hartge or Steinbauer (maybe next year), I still enjoy the dynamics and handling and economy.

Thanks for the reply

[lsturbointeg]

So this is a true complete exhaust...not like say the megan exhaust where it's just mufflers back? I was gonna go with the megan exhaust but pricing for super sprint isn't too bad considering it's a complete system.

Just to make sure I got this right the picture u posted with the underside the super Sprint stops right before what looks like a middle resonator?

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

So this is a true complete exhaust...not like say the megan exhaust where it's just mufflers back? I was gonna go with the megan exhaust but pricing for super sprint isn't too bad considering it's a complete system.

Just to make sure I got this right the picture u posted with the underside the super Sprint stops right before what looks like a middle resonator?

Exactly.

On 530d and 535d there are two pipes coming out of the resonator and going towards the rear axle. My Supersprint dealer delivered to me this:



The OEM pipes were cut at the measured point after the resonator, and the center part connected to them, then the rear parts are plugged into the center part. Then the full system was adjusted to fit. Done.

[lsturbointeg]

Looks sweet! Same size piping diameter or is it larger than stock? I checked Turner Motorsports but they did not list anything for my 535i? I'll have to give them a call...wonder if your model will be the same part#?

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

Looks sweet! Same size piping diameter or is it larger than stock? I checked Turner Motorsports but they did not list anything for my 535i? I'll have to give them a call...wonder if your model will be the same part#?

Yes, the pipes are of the same diameter so the connection is bolt-on. The most popular retrofit (and the only solution I could choose for my 530d) looks like that (and costs like I've told you):



In that case our models have the same mufflers with 90 mm tips (you see there are also other diameters available, and the oval ones t.b.a. soon). Middle part is specific to 535i and can be with or without resonator. The last one will provide the louder sound.

For the 535i you will have much more options from here: http://www.supersprint.com/en/US/pro...093E280BA.aspx including the catted or catless downpipe, front y-pipe (t.b.a.), middle part with resonator or without it, classic or new mufflers/tips that are yet to be released (100 mm, power loop etc.). Twin cat design that I have never seen at this page before. Here I tried to make a general picture how the full system can be retrofitted using classic components:



Therefore you see, an experienced partner is required here, who will explain all aspects of performance and sound characteristics and help to order proper components. To find one, I would recommend searching your local BMW forums and ask experienced BMW owners. Local BMW meets is another great opportunity to watch cars and discuss all interesting stuff in person with the owners.

This is because BMW themselves will not help you retrofitting and tuning your car

[Jet in Oz]

Happy Easter Val. This is an old thread but I'm hoping you've got your ears on (i.e. I hope you're listening, as opposed to imitating our furry friend ) ... I was reading this with interest and I have a couple of questions:

1 - Vorsteiner won't guarantee the M5 Diffuser will fit an M Sport model vehicle, therefore where exactly did you have the fitment issues? The main reason for the question is that I understand the section underneath near the fuel tank is different and there are three fasteners on the M5 Aero that are supposed to attach to a shield that M Sport models may not have (and the M Sport has five fasteners and one of the fins also floats a little).
2 - Which section did your Exhaust Techs bend to get the pipes to fit the M5 Aero Diffuser? I'm assuming it was the section between the Axle to Muffler as you kept the Supersprint tips where they were rather than choosing the more centred Supersprint option for the M5 Aero Diffuser.
3 - Do you believe the Vorsteiner is a high quality as I now really like the M5 Aero more than the M Sport and the 3D? I'm a person that will always pay for quality but - without being able to see it and touch it first hand - I don't want to get raped as the cost is 2 to 3 times the price of others (3D, DTM, etc).
4 - Your F10 is similar to mine (530d -v- 535d) but did your Supersprint exhaust system enhance the note of the diesel or is it much the same as the original? If it is the same note as the OEM then why not simply have your techs adjust the OEM system to fit the Vorsteiner Aero Diffuser? I'm mindful not to play around with the Cat Converter because of fuel emissions standards here in Oz.

[lsturbointeg]

If I can add to that if I already have the mufflers is it worth upgrading the center pipe kit?

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by Jet in Oz

Happy Easter Val. This is an old thread but I'm hoping you've got your ears on (i.e. I hope you're listening, as opposed to imitating our furry friend ) ... I was reading this with interest and I have a couple of questions:

Hi Jet and thanks for your greetings) I do keep my ears open so will be happy to help you.

1 - The Vorsteiner Aero M5 is a bolt-on piece, it is designed to fit the standard F10 body. So it was plugged into rear bumper and bolted to the 3 holes at the bottom of the former “spare wheel” niche where the battery is actually sitting (as shown at one of the pics). The only little problem is: carbon fiber isn’t flexible at all, so some additional effort and handwork was required to click it into the bumper tightly.

And that’s all.

2 - You’re right, my tips are “normal” vs. the weird option that Supersprint offers for M5. Therefore the techs had to bend and adjust the whole axleback and slightly bend the mufflers themselves to align the tips making them looking properly straight behind.

3 - I am really impressed with Vorsteiner quality. The pieces are perfect and worth every penny. The Aero M5 diff was like US$3000 but I have no regret at all. Also compared to the crazy wheels that I’ve got, this money is not that big)

My car is always noticed. People keep asking, is that the M5)

4 - The exhaust starts after the OEM Cat/DPF filter so emission is not involved at all. But the ugly and heavy OEM system is now replaced with the cool one from Supersprint. Tone is the same; I also never expected my turbodiesel to provide the sound of V8.

[valbmw]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

If I can add to that if I already have the mufflers is it worth upgrading the center pipe kit?

It depends on the level of your perfectionism)) I decided myself to replace the full system. The terrible and heavy OEM pipes are removed. You may want to save money and keep it as is if already done, and looks and works good.

[lsturbointeg]

Thanks VAL!

[Hasser]

on this - I had the super sprint for my active hybrid 5 - N55 engine and I changed the mufflers to M Performance mufflers and kept the super sprint centre pipe with resonater.

probably should have got straight X pipe to save money and weight - probably would not have effected the sound either.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by Hasser

on this - I had the super sprint for my active hybrid 5 - N55 engine and I changed the mufflers to M Performance mufflers and kept the super sprint centre pipe with resonater.

probably should have got straight X pipe to save money and weight - probably would not have effected the sound either.

any performance benefits tho? just thinking in the future if i ever go DP if i should get the centre pipes done?

[Hasser]

probably better performance with just the x pipe with no resonater

[Jet in Oz]

Originally Posted by valbmw

Hi Jet and thanks for your greetings) I do keep my ears open so will be happy to help you.

1 - The Vorsteiner Aero M5 is a bolt-on piece, it is designed to fit the standard F10 body. So it was plugged into rear bumper and bolted to the 3 holes at the bottom of the former “spare wheel” niche where the battery is actually sitting (as shown at one of the pics). The only little problem is: carbon fiber isn’t flexible at all, so some additional effort and handwork was required to click it into the bumper tightly.

And that’s all.

2 - You’re right, my tips are “normal” vs. the weird option that Supersprint offers for M5. Therefore the techs had to bend and adjust the whole axleback and slightly bend the mufflers themselves to align the tips making them looking properly straight behind.

3 - I am really impressed with Vorsteiner quality. The pieces are perfect and worth every penny. The Aero M5 diff was like US$3000 but I have no regret at all. Also compared to the crazy wheels that I’ve got, this money is not that big)

My car is always noticed. People keep asking, is that the M5)

4 - The exhaust starts after the OEM Cat/DPF filter so emission is not involved at all. But the ugly and heavy OEM system is now replaced with the cool one from Supersprint. Tone is the same; I also never expected my turbodiesel to provide the sound of V8.

Thanks Val. That's Val-uable info that I'll be able to give my exhaust guys an idea of what needed to be done so that I can achieve the same result. Really appreciate the guidance Bud