Ultimate BMW E46 M3 Exhaust Guide

Joe Terrell
11/21/201821st November, 2018
Filed under E46 Tuning

We list and review the most popular BMW E46 M3 exhaust systems on the market. This is the ultimate guide to selecting your new M3 exhaust.

e46 m3 exhaust


In a hurry? Here is our E46 M3 Exhaust summary

Budget Choice Drifted Choice Premium Choice
megan e46 m3 exhaust supersprint e46 m3 exhaust kreissieg e46 m3 exhaust
Megan Racing BMW E46 M3 exhaust Supersprint Race BMW E46 M3 exhaust Kreissieg BMW E46 M3 exhaust
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The BMW E46 M3 is certainly no slouch from of the factory. In fact, not only is it quick, but it’s also one of the best looking BMW’s of all time.

That being said, and you may disagree, but we think that the stock exhaust tips could be far more exciting.

Some owners love the sound of the stock M3 exhaust as it’s notorious ‘rasp’ screams the car to the redline and feel that it should be left exactly as it left the factory.

We respect that.

However, other owners feel that that’s just a small taste of the potential that the S54 engine has to offer, and they want to unleash the true sound potential.

This is where simple bolt-on modifications can completely transform the sound of your E46 M3. Sure, they sound great from the factory, but what if you could make it sound more like an exotic Ferrari, or dare we even say close to what F1 cars SHOULD still sound like?

Ever wondered the difference between the M3 and M4? You can read our M3 Vs M4 guide.

When doing our research, we were reminded of just how spoiled M3 owners are for choice when it comes to these cars. There are several incredible options on our list and we’ve broken down our preferences from price, to sound, to quality.

Looking for a high-end titanium exhaust to set off car alarms down your street? We’ve got you covered. Looking for a quiet daily driver to keep the wife from complaining, yet it’s still capable of screaming its way through the canyons on the weekend?

Sure, we’ve got you covered too!

We’ve given you all the information you’re going to need, along with images, prices, and videos. Make sure you realize that several modifications can be made to an exhaust from the header to the muffler, so don’t expect every video to be completely stock with just an exhaust added.


E46 M3 exhaust selection

Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a look at our E46 M3 exhaust selection!

Agency Power Titanium E46 M3 exhaust

agency power e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.4″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 70mm (2.75″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Agency Power
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Our comment: One of the most popular E46 offerings kicks off our list in style. Featuring incredible build quality, welds and fitment, this stunning titanium exhaust is understandably a common choice.

    This provides a very loud, aggressive sound. It’s deep in the low end and screams at high revs. There is some drone when cruising, but it’s not unbearable. If you like your M3 to be the center of attention, this is definitely an ideal choice.

  • Manufacturer description:Titanium exhausts are extremely lightweight because of material used. Quality is upheld at undescribable levels because of the process it takes to weld titanium parts. Not only is the weight and strength a key component to the Titanium Exhausts we offer, but the sound is amazing!

    Titanium resonates at a higher pitch than stainless steel. This gives the exhaust a crisper more race like tone. All of the A attributes of the Titanium Exhaust by Agency Power certainly make the purchase and use the most enjoyable exhaust you will ever own!

  • Purchase link: Agency Power BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Agency Power BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Eisenmann E46 M3 exhaust

eisenmann e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: Unknown
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 76mm (3″) (or 83mm) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Eisenmann
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Our comment: Eisenmann is another hugely popular choice and regarded by some owners as the best and most refined sound there is for the M3.

    At your typical cruising around town speeds, it’s not overly loud, but as soon as you put your foot down it roars to life and the typical E46 rasp is enhanced past 4,000rpm.

    If you’re after an exhaust note which sounds good throughout the range without being too ‘boomy’ and screams at the top end, this is a great choice. If you’re after bigger tips, check out the 83mm tip option.

  • Manufacturer description:Eisenmann’s engineers are responsible for designing the OEM systems seen on Porsche and AMG cars, and use this experience to design the best performance exhaust systems in the world. Eisenmann’s performance exhausts are built by hand from start to finish to create an old world craftsmanship simply not available with other exhaust manufacturers.
  • Purchase link: Eisenmann BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Eisenmann BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


GruppeM BMW E46 M3 exhaust

gruppe m e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.4″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 70mm (2.75″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: GruppeM
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: Once again, the GruppeM is arguably one of the most favored exhausts. This delivers an exotic exhaust note and is about as close as you’ll get to an F1 car in the top end.

    Be warned though, it is extremely loud and aggressive and definitely isn’t to everyone’s taste! With minimal sound deadening, it’s very close to being straight pipes but with a much more refined sound.

    If you’re looking for a more exotic sound from your M3 and don’t mind yelling to your passengers, this is well worth considering. However, with its lightweight properties and noise levels, it is probably more suited to the track than the city.

  • Manufacturer description:Our exhaust systems are developed utilizing expertise gained from many years of air induction development. As a result of stringent testing, we have engineered our systems with the correct pipe diameter and layout to extract maximum horsepower from your engine.
  • Purchase link: GruppeM BMW E46 M3 exhaust

GruppeM BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Supersprint Race BMW E46 M3 exhaust

supersprint e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 80mm (3.15″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Supersprint
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Our comment: Supersprint bring three options to the market, Street, Sport, and Race. We’ve opted to review the most popular full-retard Race system here.

    This is probably THE most popular exhaust out there and it sounds absolutely incredible. With a throaty, aggressive sound, it’s note will roar all the way to the redline.

    Any of the Supersprint exhausts will serve you well. Supersprint has an extremely good reputation and the video will undoubtedly speak for itself!

  • Manufacturer description:All Supersprint mufflers are of the flow through resonated design. This means each unit has no chambers or baffles to reduce velocity. Simply, a straight through in & out design. The internal components are 100% stainless steel with a high heat resistant rock wool sound suppressing material, not found in any other systems.
  • Purchase link: Supersprint Race BMW E46 M3 exhaust

Supersprint BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Billy Boat (B&B) BMW E46 M3 exhaust

billy boat e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: Unknown
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 76mm (3″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Billy Boat (B&B)
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: This is a reasonably priced, very low and rumbly system with a fairly loud muffler. Great quality and an excellent all-rounder, assuming you can get past the strange name! If you’re after a deep idle which screams in the upper range, it’s well worth taking a look at.
  • Manufacturer description:Featuring mandrel bent, T-304 stainless steel and precision hand-craftsmanship, the system for the M3 provides custom-tuned performance with a harmonious, subdued exhaust note and no interior resonance. The proprietary design of each Billy Boat Performance Exhaust provides increases in horsepower and torque throughout the entire RPM band.
  • Purchase link: Billy Boat B&B BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Billy Boat B&B BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Kreissieg BMW E46 M3 exhaust

kreissieg e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 70mm (2.75″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 80mm (3.15″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Kreissieg
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: It comes in at the highest price on our list despite being a stainless steel exhaust, but many owners will tell you that it’s worth every penny! Often regarded as the unicorn of E46 M3 exhausts, this is perfect for those of you with big pockets that also hit the track.

    This is the only exhaust to feature internal valves which allow you to change the volume, essentially a straight through when wide open. You can also choose the volume you’d like to have in both the opened and closed positions. This is the most exotic sounding exhaust and it really is an incredible F1-style sound at full throttle.

  • Manufacturer description:With many decades of experience with exotic cars, Kreissiegs engineers have put down significant time and efforts to produce fantastic exhaust systems. Their exhaust systems have very complicated construction to accomplish the best in exhaust sound and quality.
  • Purchase link: Kreissieg BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Kreissieg BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Meisterschaft Titanium BMW E46 M3 exhaust

meisterschaft e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: Unknown
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 83mm (3.2″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Meisterschaft
  • Value for money: ???
  • Our comment: These are one of the rarer options on the market, but those who are lucky enough to have one are delighted. It features an amazing, aggressive tone. Be warned that some have issues with the mounting bracket, and given the difficulty of welding titanium, we recommend ensuring it is a perfect fit.

    If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, their stainless steel alternative is much more affordable with a higher exhaust note.

  • Manufacturer description:Meisterschaft set out with one simple idea: to create exhaust products superior to all others, the pinnacle of performance and quality, and this is the result. Meisterschaft exhaust products boast a background of over ten years in development.
  • Purchase link: Meisterschaft BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Meisterschaft BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Remus BMW E46 M3 exhaust

remus e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: Unknown
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 84mm (3.2″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Remus
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: Remus bring a far calmer, clean option to the market which is the perfect option for those that are looking for a quieter exhaust for their daily driver. It’s a nice, clean sound which isn’t too raspy, with a good throaty growl under acceleration which wakes up in the higher RPM’s.
  • Manufacturer description:Ranked number one in the world, Austrian manufacturer REMUS is ahead of the game with their top of the line exhaust systems. At REMUS, an exhaust is not simply built and put on the market. Each setup is rigorously tested not just for optimum performance, but for the highest quality sound attainable. If they are not perfect, the system is re-engineered and tested until the perfect balance between performance and sound is achieved.
  • Purchase link: Not available

Remus BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Megan Racing BMW E46 M3 exhaust

megan e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 76mm (3″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Megan Racing
  • Value for money: ?????
  • Our comment: Megan Racing often receive mixed opinions from owners, but it looks like they’ve hit the nail on the head at an incredible price with the M3 variant. This has a small amount of drone and may have some slight sag, which is easily rectified. However, it provides a nice, deep, clean tone, is very light and also great quality for the price. If you’re on a tight budget and looking for an aftermarket exhaust to get an increase in exhaust flows, this is the one for you.
  • Manufacturer description:Designed as a direct bolt-on to replace the stock unit, this axle-back system works in conjunction with the OEM Mid-Pipe and is easy to install using clamps instead of heavy flanges to reduce weight in the exhaust system and ensure proper alignment and positioning of the exhaust.
  • Purchase link: Megan Racing BMW E46 M3 exhaust

Megan Racing BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Milltek BMW E46 M3 exhaust

milltek e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 60mm (2.37″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 80mm (3.15″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Milltek
  • Value for money: ???
  • Our comment: Milltek seem to have been hit with a love/hate reaction over their M3 exhaust. Some say it’s very ‘boomy’ and the drone is unbearable with fitment issues. Others say that they love it, and that it’s deep and aggressive in the lower rev range but similar to stock in the high. We recommend doing your own research before buying, there are many happy owners, but we couldn’t ignore the bad comments when trying to provide an honest review.
  • Manufacturer description:Over 20 years of continuous exhaust development and technical expertise are drawn upon to develop the ultimate Milltek Sport range of performance products. Milltek Sport offers an ever-expanding comprehensive selection of Performance exhausts which build on the successes of key marques like Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mini and BMW. This has placed Milltek Sport at the forefront of tuning companies and owners must have list.
  • Purchase link: Milltek BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Milltek BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Borla BMW E46 M3 exhaust

borla e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 44.5-63.5mm (1.75-2.5″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 80mm (3.15″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Borla
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: Borla bring the gentleman’s choice to the game. Owners that are looking for a quiet exhaust are extremely happy with this. It’s the most civilized option on our list, with next to no drone and very little rasp. If you’re looking for good looks without wanting to wake the neighborhood, this is a strong contender.
  • Manufacturer description:The BORLA sound of power. Its been described as a sonic shot of adrenaline. An intoxicating concert of steel, gears and combustion that echoes from the speedways, deserts and highways of the world.
  • Purchase link: Not available

Borla BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Dinan BMW E46 M3 exhaust

dinan e46 m3 exhaust

  • Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm (2.5″)
  • Tailpipe configuration: Quad 76mm (3″) tips
  • Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
  • Fitment: BMW E46 M3
  • Manufacturer: Dinan
  • Value for money: ????
  • Our comment: The last, and most controversial exhaust has arrived! Dinan have taken a unique approach with this exhaust to allow for maximum flow. However, it has come at the expense of having to provide dummy tips for two of the exhausts. Despite the fact this will undoubtedly look a bit strange on a cold day, many owners believe that it’s actually the best sounding exhaust on the market.

    It’s not far off a stock sound, just slightly deeper and louder but sounds stunning as it screams it’s way through the upper revs. If you can tolerate the dummy exhausts, it’s well worth taking a look at.

  • Manufacturer description:If you’ve been searching for a truly high performance rear muffler for your M3 look no further. Dinan’s unique muffler design effectively reduces back-pressure for improved flow, resulting in measurable power gains.
  • Purchase link: Dinan BMW E46 M3 exhaust here

Dinan BMW E46 M3 exhaust video


Own a BMW E46 M3 and wanting even more power than a bolt-on exhaust can offer? Check out the supercharging possibilities of these incredible engines in our BMW E46 M3 supercharger kit guide.

Which BMW E46 M3 exhaust is our winner?

It was a close call between the Eisenmann and the Supersprint Race, but the Supersprint is definitely the most popular choice, and it’s easy to see why. An incredible all-rounder at a mid-range price point which sounds absolutely insane.

We have no doubt some owners will disagree, but we can honestly say that the M3 exhaust guide had some of the best options we’ve seen to date in our exhaust guides. There are so many awesome choices that you really can’t go wrong with!

supersprint e46 m3 exhaust

If you’re looking for a bargain, the Megan exhaust blew us away for the price, and we definitely wouldn’t hesitate to choose that if we were on a budget and wanting to get as much out of the car as possible.

For those of you considering adding a supercharger, you will want to go with one of the louder, more free-flowing options to maximize your power gains and the Supersprint Race will be perfect for the job.

If you’re looking for a quiet setup, the Borla looks and sounds fantastic, yet it won’t annoy your girlfriend or set off car alarms when you try to go for a relaxing drive.

Thank you for reading our BMW E46 M3 exhaust guide

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Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for use of their photography:

author avatar Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.

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