Active Autowerke F80 M3/F82 M4 Equal Length Mid Pipe Gen 2

The Active Autowerke Gen 2 equal length mid pipe was built to fix the sound of the S55 in the BMW F80 M3 and F82 M4. This version uses straight connecting pipes, so it is the loudest and most open of the Gen 2 options. Active Autowerke holds US patent 11248511 and UK and EU patent 3882441 on the design, and the F-brace is included.

The twin-turbo S55 feeds the exhaust from front and rear downpipes that differ in length by almost a foot and a half, so the two banks of three cylinders arrive out of step. That mismatch is what owners describe as the raspy, "two inline-threes" or weed-eater sound.

What It Does

Active Autowerke adds length to the passenger-side pipe and uses a patented crossover with sinusoidal (wave-shaped) pipes, so the pulses from both banks are evened out before they mix. The result is the smoother, fuller note you expect from an inline-six. Because the fix is done in the mid pipe, you can keep the factory rear section or add any Active Autowerke rear exhaust. Gen 2 replaces the first-generation F8X equal length mid pipe, which is no longer sold.

Materials and Construction

The wave-shaped pipes are what make up the length difference between the banks. The kit includes the equal length section, two straight connecting pipes and the Active Autowerke F-brace. Active Autowerke says it is designed for an exact fit on the F80 M3 and F82 M4.

Features

• Patented equal length crossover with sinusoidal pipes
• Straight connecting pipes for the most open tone
• Keeps the factory rear section, or pair it with an Active Autowerke rear
• Lighter than the factory system
• Active Autowerke F-brace included

Specs

• Part number: 11-055G2 (Gen 2, straight pipes)
• Brand: Active Autowerke
• Type: equal length mid pipe
• Engine: BMW S55 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six
• Shipping weight (Active Autowerke): 60 lb (27.2 kg)
• Patents: US 11248511, UK and EU 3882441

Fitment Notes

• Active Autowerke lists this part for the F80 M3 sedan and F82 M4 coupe. The F83 M4 Convertible is not on its list, so contact us before ordering for that car.
• Active Autowerke suggests the resonated pipes for cars with aftermarket downpipes, strongly recommends them with catless downpipes, and says owners with the M Performance or CS exhaust should strongly consider them. With stock downpipes there is only a small amount of rasp.
• Active Autowerke tested these parts with stock and Active Autowerke downpipes and rear exhausts. It does not guarantee results or fitment with other brands of rear exhaust.
• Questions before you order? Call or text (310) 231-0292 or email Online@AutoTalent.com.
• Shop all Active Autowerke mid pipes, every Active Autowerke exhaust or the full Active Autowerke range.

FAQ

Should I get straight or resonated pipes?
Straight pipes are the loudest. Active Autowerke suggests the resonated pipes for cars with aftermarket downpipes, strongly recommends them with catless downpipes, and says owners with the M Performance or CS exhaust should strongly consider them. With stock downpipes there is only a small amount of rasp.

Do I need a new rear exhaust?
No. The sound fix is done in the mid pipe, so the factory rear section stays.

What is new in Gen 2?
Gen 2 adds resonator options developed with Active Autowerke factories and reduces the 2,000 rpm buzz some owners disliked.