AFE Exhaust for X5M review

[superkevin813]

I was looking for a full exhaust system with louder/deeper sound profile, X-pipe, muffler and most importantly the reasonable price in the market.
AFE has a pretty good deal during blackfriday, their sould clip sounds good and exhaust looks nice integrated with OEM valve control.
Based on website description they charge 25% restocking fee if you don't like the sound and return the product, but I decided to give it a try.
The system comes with X-pipe setup to balance the flow which is the MUST for me. The system comes with Resonator delete but I am disappinted on this setup cuz I feel very raspy so swap with their compatible 12in resonators replacement.
The muffler design is interesting. Outer pipes don't go through muffler and it is the same design that akrapovic did to the E70 X5M. AFE adds a cross pipe in inner pipes and about 1/4 area of gas can go through crosspipe directly. Overall there is probably 65% gas not going through muffler which make it loud
I like their unique sound profile, loud and racing style. You can keep it quiet with the OEM valve control. Link to sound clip:
Bonus point: the tip outlet size is standard 2.5inch, you can swap with whatever exhaust tips you like. I got replica Akrapovic CF tips from ebay.
Disclaimer: Not association with AFE, just a happy customer.

[Blewx5m]

I also picked up this exhaust during Black Friday. I opted for the carbon tips. I believe this is one of the best bang for your buck exhaust out there. It truly an OEM plus sound and looks! I love it esp when its WOT WOT! However the only downside to it and IDK if its just AFE or other brands too but the drone is crazy annoying while cruising. You definitely need to learn to manage it. Otherwise I LOVE it

[superkevin813]

Originally Posted by Blewx5m

I also picked up this exhaust during Black Friday. I opted for the carbon tips. I believe this is one of the best bang for your buck exhaust out there. It truly an OEM plus sound and looks! I love it esp when its WOT WOT! However the only downside to it and IDK if its just AFE or other brands too but the drone is crazy annoying while cruising. You definitely need to learn to manage it. Otherwise I LOVE it

I was on backorder and receive items after one and half month. A bit annoying that they keep me waiting
Before adding resonator, i can feel rasp and drone.
So I strong suggest you also add their resonator for only $150.
Drone and rasp are completely gone now. I believe FI and akrapovic also have resonator right after cat

[BadCompany]

How was fitment? I have read that the fitment was fairly off and it requires a lot of working to get to sit correctly.

[superkevin813]

Originally Posted by BadCompany

How was fitment? I have read that the fitment was fairly off and it requires a lot of working to get to sit correctly.

I don't have any fitment issue. Make sure all pipe insert ALL the way in. the rubber hanging boot should be exact vertical position. then it is good to go putting exhaust tips on

[Blewx5m]

Originally Posted by superkevin813

I don't have any fitment issue. Make sure all pipe insert ALL the way in. the rubber hanging boot should be exact vertical position. then it is good to go putting exhaust tips on

I didnt run into any issues either... It was a pretty straightforward job according to my mechanics. The quality is great and the package was well protected... All in for this unit with an extra set of csrbon tips was under 3k that uses the factory evc...

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by superkevin813

I was looking for a full exhaust system with louder/deeper sound profile, X-pipe, muffler and most importantly the reasonable price in the market.
AFE has a pretty good deal during blackfriday, their sould clip sounds good and exhaust looks nice integrated with OEM valve control.
Based on website description they charge 25% restocking fee if you don't like the sound and return the product, but I decided to give it a try.
The system comes with X-pipe setup to balance the flow which is the MUST for me. The system comes with Resonator delete but I am disappinted on this setup cuz I feel very raspy so swap with their compatible 12in resonators replacement.
The muffler design is interesting. Outer pipes don't go through muffler and it is the same design that akrapovic did to the E70 X5M. AFE adds a cross pipe in inner pipes and about 1/4 area of gas can go through crosspipe directly. Overall there is probably 65% gas not going through muffler which make it loud
I like their unique sound profile, loud and racing style. You can keep it quiet with the OEM valve control. Link to sound clip:
Bonus point: the tip outlet size is standard 2.5inch, you can swap with whatever exhaust tips you like. I got replica Akrapovic CF tips from ebay.
Disclaimer: Not association with AFE, just a happy customer.

Sounds great but the fitment in that insta video is very bad, you can see the heatshield hanging and the tips are hanging 2-2.5" lower.

You seemed to have fitted it perfectly though so well done. Any pics from the back of the X5M after installation?

[superkevin813]

Mine with CF rear diffuser. Perfect fitment.

[0-60Motorsports]

Originally Posted by superkevin813

Mine with CF rear diffuser. Perfect fitment.

Looks great

[M5_508]

Do any of you guys have any videos of the AFE Exhaust?

Saw the one Instagram video but couldn't find anything else online.. looking between one of these or an Eisenmann Race.

Thanks!

[UAEX6M]

Originally Posted by superkevin813

Mine with CF rear diffuser. Perfect fitment.

Will this kind of catback have any drone? Whats the difference in sound from stock from 1-10?

[M5_508]

Originally Posted by UAEX6M

Will this kind of catback have any drone? Whats the difference in sound from stock from 1-10?

I just ordered this exact one with black tips last night. Once installed, I'll make some videos. I did find a video on their Instagram





This is what sold me.

[Blewx5m]

Originally Posted by Kresh508

I just ordered this exact one with black tips last night. Once installed, I'll make some videos. I did find a video on their Instagram





This is what sold me.

Nice choice! I like it bc it has a nice tone to it but its not obnoxious... Idk about that video being accurate bc that sounds extra loud.. Maybe bc it was recorded in the garage or bc that x5m also has downpipes... Regarding the drone.. It does drone but what i do is drive is sport or tranny in 2