MPE or AWE?? Can't decide!!

[Padfan9]

I know there are other threads about this, but I wanted to start my own.

Currently, I have an M4 with dinan tune, all CF m perf parts except I have the CF RKP rear diffuser.

I have done every mod out there except DP and exhaust. I am going to keep my stock DPs, so here is my dilemma.

I do not like the raspy sound AT ALL. I love the throaty sound of a V8, and I've heard AWE is the closest thing to it. I also love the look of the MPE CF tips and think it would match by diffuser very well. Need help!

Options:

1. MPE exhaust with CF tips

2. AWE exhaust (non res or res)


Can someone describe the main difference between res and non res? How would it sound different? Are both systems full catback? Thanks!

[AlterZgo]

non res is raspier both are full cat back. Res deletes secondary cats but has resonators. Non-res deletes both secondary cats and resonators. If you don't like rasp, go with AWE resonated.

MPE sounds super awesome, but it is raspy... which I personally love. It think it's what makes MPE sound exotic.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

non res is raspier both are full cat back. Res deletes secondary cats but has resonators. Non-res deletes both secondary cats and resonators. If you don't like rasp, go with AWE resonated.

MPE sounds super awesome, but it is raspy... which I personally love. It think it's what makes MPE sound exotic.

So if I'm keeping my stock DPs I would get non res? Which one is louder between res and non res? When you say "deletes" secondary cats you mean it has straight pipe that replaces the secondary cats but keeps the primary?

I wish I could hear the MPE in person. I heard awe and loved it but can't decide if I like the look.

[JNoSol]

MPE rasp when the car is cold, but sounds great once it's warm. Rasp is louder when you have DPs. MPE would be 20lbs lighter than AWE.

AWE res if you have DPs and non-res if you don't have DPs. AWE would be deeper and throatier compared to MPE, least amount of rasp and nearly no drone.

Since you have Dinan, you are warranty conscious so DPs isn't an option you would consider. There isn't a DP out there that is warranty safe. AWE non-res with stock DPs would sound much better than MPE with stock DPs.

Hope that helps.

[///M ARMY]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

I know there are other threads about this, but I wanted to start my own.

Currently, I have an M4 with dinan tune, all CF m perf parts except I have the CF RKP rear diffuser.

I have done every mod out there except DP and exhaust. I am going to keep my stock DPs, so here is my dilemma.

I do not like the raspy sound AT ALL. I love the throaty sound of a V8, and I've heard AWE is the closest thing to it. I also love the look of the MPE CF tips and think it would match by diffuser very well. Need help!

Options:

1. MPE exhaust with CF tips

2. AWE exhaust (non res or res)


Can someone describe the main difference between res and non res? How would it sound different? Are both systems full catback? Thanks!

Awe is deeper than mpe.

Personal preference is dp with non res for awe. Some people go with no dp and non res. All personal preference. I heard the dp with non res first and wanted deeper. Non res for me hits the spot. All boils down to personal preference. I know there is a comparison video around here somewhere

[AlterZgo]

Originally Posted by Padfan9

So if I'm keeping my stock DPs I would get non res? Which one is louder between res and non res? When you say "deletes" secondary cats you mean it has straight pipe that replaces the secondary cats but keeps the primary?

I wish I could hear the MPE in person. I heard awe and loved it but can't decide if I like the look.

non res will always be raspier than res regardless of whether you keep the stock DPs or not. Non res with DPs will definitely be loud and raspier.

Yes, there are 2 sets of cats in the car. The primary cats which have sensors hooked up to them. When people buy DPs, they are replacing their primary cats with the DPs. Because primary cats have sensors, when you replace them with DPs, it triggers a code/warning on the dash (can be cleared with other devices).

Then, there are secondary cats which are bolted on right after the primary cats. There are no sensors attached to these secondary cats. So, when they are removed and replaced with a straight pipe, no codes are thrown.

Then, after the secondary cats are resonators. Stock, the car comes with primary cats, secondary cats and resonators. MPE keeps the stock primary and secondary cats, but deletes the resonators. Because there are no bolts between the secondary cats and mufflers, on the MPE, you have to cut the stock exhaust pipe right after the secondary cats to install it. AWE is a bolt on exhaust that bolts on right after the primary cats. No cutting required. There are 2 versions - resonated and non-res. Both versions replace the secondary cats with straight pipes, but on the resonated version, AWE installs their own non-OEM resonators to tame down a bit of the rasp and is also somewhat quieter than non-resonated AWE.

Personally, while AWE sounded great, I went with Remus because I preferred the tip options available on Remus. Remus is very similar to non-resonated AWE in that it is also a full cat back exhaust that replaces both the secondary cats and resonators with straight pipes. I believe AWE is deeper and has larger diameter piping than Remus.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

non res will always be raspier than res regardless of whether you keep the stock DPs or not. Non res with DPs will definitely be loud and raspier.

Yes, there are 2 sets of cats in the car. The primary cats which have sensors hooked up to them. When people buy DPs, they are replacing their primary cats with the DPs. Because primary cats have sensors, when you replace them with DPs, it triggers a code/warning on the dash (can be cleared with other devices).

Then, there are secondary cats which are bolted on right after the primary cats. There are no sensors attached to these secondary cats. So, when they are removed and replaced with a straight pipe, no codes are thrown.

Then, after the secondary cats are resonators. Stock, the car comes with primary cats, secondary cats and resonators. MPE keeps the stock primary and secondary cats, but deletes the resonators. AWE is a bolt on exhaust that bolts on right after the primary cats. There are 2 versions - resonated and non-res. Both versions replace the secondary cats with straight pipes, but on the resonated version, AWE installs their own non-OEM resonators to tame down a bit of the rasp and is also somewhat quieter than non-resonated AWE.

Wow thanks! That was extremely helpful. I've heard non res was much more throaty on awe from most people?

[GOLFFRR]

ok so I Finally heard the MPE this weekend, actually heard it twice. and wow that exhaust note is awesome! I loved it.

I have also heard AWE (both set ups) and it sounded fantastic as well.

all three options are great IMO. The only thing I see is the tips on the MPE are pretty awesome and its from BMW direct.

but other then that it would be a tough choice. Win either way!

[gthal]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

ok so I Finally heard the MPE this weekend, actually heard it twice. and wow that exhaust note is awesome! I loved it.

I have also heard AWE (both set ups) and it sounded fantastic as well.

all three options are great IMO. The only thing I see is the tips on the MPE are pretty awesome and its from BMW direct.

but other then that it would be a tough choice. Win either way!

Could you comment on loudness and tone between the MPE and AWE?

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by gthal

Could you comment on loudness and tone between the MPE and AWE?

Everyone hears different but they both seemed to be deeper then stock obv however the awe to me seemed to be louder and leaning more towards the higher pitch sound where the mpe seemed to be a touch deeper.

I must say though I really liked the mpe. After hearing it!

Also I must say the mpe I was able to hear driving where the two awe set ups I heard at bimmerfest so they were just revs so not a true comparison

[A Frankfurt]

MPE !!!

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

Everyone hears different but they both seemed to be deeper then stock obv however the awe to me seemed to be louder and leaning more towards the higher pitch sound where the mpe seemed to be a touch deeper.

I must say though I really liked the mpe. After hearing it!

Also I must say the mpe I was able to hear driving where the two awe set ups I heard at bimmerfest so they were just revs so not a true comparison

100% agree, BMW has a winner with the M Performance exhaust. Sounded even better with valves opened up.

[Josh/AWE]

Thank you for calling in to chat! As we discussed, Resonated will have a more reserved, deeper tone. Non-Resonated will be more aggressive, sharper, and louder.

Here is a great video of the Non-Resonated system in action, filmed with a professional quality mic.

If anyone ever has questions about which SwitchPath system may be right for you, just shoot me a message and I'd be happy to advise.

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

100% agree, BMW has a winner with the M Performance exhaust. Sounded even better with valves opened up.

Interesting! I felt like the awe sounded more throaty.

[mike@x-ph.com]

We offer both, but i like the AWE one better.
If you do not mind waiting 3-4 weeks for the build time, i would get the AWE.

[04cobra]

I would go with AWE res if you plan on getting DPs.

Is there anyway to get rid of the "fart" noise, that I believer occurs while shifting or at higher RPMs and letting off the gas (no pun intended)?

[Padfan9]

Originally Posted by 04cobra

I would go with AWE res if you plan on getting DPs.

Is there anyway to get rid of the "fart" noise, that I believer occurs while shifting or at higher RPMs and letting off the gas (no pun intended)?

No plan to get DPs at any point.

[MasterC17]

AWE in my opinion.

[RocketBoots]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

ok so I Finally heard the MPE this weekend, actually heard it twice. and wow that exhaust note is awesome! I loved it.

I have also heard AWE (both set ups) and it sounded fantastic as well.

all three options are great IMO. The only thing I see is the tips on the MPE are pretty awesome and its from BMW direct.

but other then that it would be a tough choice. Win either way!

How is it possible YOU, of all people, have not heard the MPE until now??

How was it driving in the car?

And how would you say it compares to your Eisenmann?

Thanks

[tonymac1]

MPE sounds more exotic to me and the tip design is better.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by 04cobra

I would go with AWE res if you plan on getting DPs.

Is there anyway to get rid of the "fart" noise, that I believer occurs while shifting or at higher RPMs and letting off the gas (no pun intended)?

This can be done via flash tune.

[///bproden]

Originally Posted by AlterZgo

non res will always be raspier than res regardless of whether you keep the stock DPs or not. Non res with DPs will definitely be loud and raspier.

Yes, there are 2 sets of cats in the car. The primary cats which have sensors hooked up to them. When people buy DPs, they are replacing their primary cats with the DPs. Because primary cats have sensors, when you replace them with DPs, it triggers a code/warning on the dash (can be cleared with other devices).

Then, there are secondary cats which are bolted on right after the primary cats. There are no sensors attached to these secondary cats. So, when they are removed and replaced with a straight pipe, no codes are thrown.

Then, after the secondary cats are resonators. Stock, the car comes with primary cats, secondary cats and resonators. MPE keeps the stock primary and secondary cats, but deletes the resonators. Because there are no bolts between the secondary cats and mufflers, on the MPE, you have to cut the stock exhaust pipe right after the secondary cats to install it. AWE is a bolt on exhaust that bolts on right after the primary cats. No cutting required. There are 2 versions - resonated and non-res. Both versions replace the secondary cats with straight pipes, but on the resonated version, AWE installs their own non-OEM resonators to tame down a bit of the rasp and is also somewhat quieter than non-resonated AWE.

Personally, while AWE sounded great, I went with Remus because I preferred the tip options available on Remus. Remus is very similar to non-resonated AWE in that it is also a full cat back exhaust that replaces both the secondary cats and resonators with straight pipes. I believe AWE is deeper and has larger diameter piping than Remus.

Do either of these systems "smell"? I've read that with aftermarket downpipes you can get a fuel smell or something. Does one have more of this? I'd assume possibly the AWE if it's getting rid of more of the cats?