The main(only?) thing that I didn't like about my M5 is that it's only distinctive sound was that of the VANOS knocking at idle. The only sensation that you can experience from this incredible engine is that of acceleration mashing you into your seat. The engine sound in fact is a purr that would put you asleep if it were not for your eyeballs being pressed against your brain.
My solution to this problem was a set of B&B Triflo mufflers that so far I am VERY happy with;
The old mufflers:
I couldn't believe the SIZE of the stock mufflers - four humongous "truck" mufflers that would make a AA Fuel Dragster sound like a weak fart - why did they do this? (Maybe they thought they were vying for the E55 geritol crowd).
B&B Construction:
All polished stainless, two individual mufflers with dual oval tips(sideways orientation) on each side that are slightly staggered to match the contour of the rear bumper.
Installation:
Very sraight forward installation that took only 45 minutes; 1)Mark appropriate distance in front of old mufflers and use a Sawzall to cut exhaust pipes. 2)Remove three bolts on each muffler pair assembly and remove old mufflers. 3)Slide on new B&B muffler assembly(the pipe is split on the end) and reinstall three bolts. 3) Tighten clamp over each split pipe end.
Everything fit perfectly without any tweaking and the exhaust tips lined up perfectly with the bumper. (sorry - no photos).
Sound:
* The engine at idle has a much more noticeable "purr"(I don't notice the VANOS anymore).
* The most prominent engine sound with the B&B's is in first gear at launch through 2,000 RPM. There is a distinctive "tight" resonant sound from 1,200-1,600 RPM that will let anyone near know that you are not driving a 4-6 cylinder rice burner.
*Above 2,000 RPM the sound is a "tighter growl" (not as loud) that reminds me of a Ferrari.
* With deceleration there is a disticntive resonant sound as the RPM drops - it is not too loud or obtrusive.
* Overall, I think the sound is a good compliment to a car of this stature and horsepower - you can hear the engine's beautiful notes but it is not too loud like an American "muscle car". Something I want to emphasize;in first gear up to 2,000 RPM you definitely hear a significant engine note(that's what I like about Ferrari's).
The sound recorded on the B&B website is pretty representative of the real thing(www.bbtriflo.com/sounds.html).
Horsepower:
I thought that it might have had a slight increase in horsepower(I could believe the previous thread that had a dyno run with 5-6 HP increase) That level of increase is hard to feel. I wouldn't buy it soley for the horsepower increase.
Cost:
The Triflo's were $1,100 including shipping and it cost $70 to have them installed at the local Santa Rosa muffler shop that B&B recommended.
I can't believe that some of the other competitors are charging $2,000-$3,000 for a set of M5 mufflers! Even the $1,100 for B&B's are exorbitant compared to similar quality products for high performance American cars. It was the best quality/value that I could find, so I sprung for it anyway.
Anyone that wants to hear it in person can visit me in Healdsburg. I know a certain road that will let you experience all of the engine's notes!
John
My solution to this problem was a set of B&B Triflo mufflers that so far I am VERY happy with;
The old mufflers:
I couldn't believe the SIZE of the stock mufflers - four humongous "truck" mufflers that would make a AA Fuel Dragster sound like a weak fart - why did they do this? (Maybe they thought they were vying for the E55 geritol crowd).
B&B Construction:
All polished stainless, two individual mufflers with dual oval tips(sideways orientation) on each side that are slightly staggered to match the contour of the rear bumper.
Installation:
Very sraight forward installation that took only 45 minutes; 1)Mark appropriate distance in front of old mufflers and use a Sawzall to cut exhaust pipes. 2)Remove three bolts on each muffler pair assembly and remove old mufflers. 3)Slide on new B&B muffler assembly(the pipe is split on the end) and reinstall three bolts. 3) Tighten clamp over each split pipe end.
Everything fit perfectly without any tweaking and the exhaust tips lined up perfectly with the bumper. (sorry - no photos).
Sound:
* The engine at idle has a much more noticeable "purr"(I don't notice the VANOS anymore).
* The most prominent engine sound with the B&B's is in first gear at launch through 2,000 RPM. There is a distinctive "tight" resonant sound from 1,200-1,600 RPM that will let anyone near know that you are not driving a 4-6 cylinder rice burner.
*Above 2,000 RPM the sound is a "tighter growl" (not as loud) that reminds me of a Ferrari.
* With deceleration there is a disticntive resonant sound as the RPM drops - it is not too loud or obtrusive.
* Overall, I think the sound is a good compliment to a car of this stature and horsepower - you can hear the engine's beautiful notes but it is not too loud like an American "muscle car". Something I want to emphasize;in first gear up to 2,000 RPM you definitely hear a significant engine note(that's what I like about Ferrari's).
The sound recorded on the B&B website is pretty representative of the real thing(www.bbtriflo.com/sounds.html).
Horsepower:
I thought that it might have had a slight increase in horsepower(I could believe the previous thread that had a dyno run with 5-6 HP increase) That level of increase is hard to feel. I wouldn't buy it soley for the horsepower increase.
Cost:
The Triflo's were $1,100 including shipping and it cost $70 to have them installed at the local Santa Rosa muffler shop that B&B recommended.
I can't believe that some of the other competitors are charging $2,000-$3,000 for a set of M5 mufflers! Even the $1,100 for B&B's are exorbitant compared to similar quality products for high performance American cars. It was the best quality/value that I could find, so I sprung for it anyway.
Anyone that wants to hear it in person can visit me in Healdsburg. I know a certain road that will let you experience all of the engine's notes!
John
