The next (read: final) modification has been one that has played on my mind since getting the car as I felt the stock exhaust tone on the S65 did not do that boomy V8 justice. Much to the contrary of the C63 (W204), that has a somewhat guttural tone that I am very fond of. Whilst the engine noise dominated the front of the car thanks to the individual throttles, the rear was always a little flat and that disappointed me given my penchant for the classic V8 tone. I had procured a stock rear box shortly after buying the car but never got around to doing the M-Performance mod and life just got in the way, with timing to have this done never matching up.
Upon moving to Jhb, I came across an Akra evolution system for sale.. Tried to strike a deal with the seller however he wanted my stock system, plus a massive cash difference and I was really not comfortable with letting my stock system go. I always considered the Akra system to be a worthwhile upgrade but the tone at high revs is a little more metallic than I like, thanks to the titanium material used. Made sense then to opt for a custom exhaust whilst retaining my stock system, allowing me the flexibility to take the car back to OEM spec at any point.
Therein began the research and I had narrowed this down to 3 shops on the shortlist for 2024 - Viper, PowerPipes and TMSS, it was the feedback from forumites on TMSS (Especially Azhar from Sauber Technik and Firi from Rennzport) and the make up of the bespoke TMSS option with side branch resonators that had me thinking.. Coupled with the fact that they are forum advertisers and have an undisputed reputation for quality - who better then to work on my pride and joy.
Fast forward to Soap & Candy at the Sauber event and I ran into
@Nishen@tmss at the event, we had a long chat and he answered the many questions I had and put my mind at ease, giving me that final push to bite the bullet and get the system fitted. I was finally going to unleash the V8 tone in all its aural glory, I couldn't be more excited for my birthday present.
Had the car booked in a few weeks ago, on a very rainy and gloomy Monday.
After a week on tenterhooks, the car was finally ready and I made my way to collect the car, unsure of what the final outcome would be.. Wow! What a difference, the system is beyond my expectation and the craftsmanship is honestly on another level. The system is loud, with an unmistakable V8 symphony and the car really sounds the part. I had so many compliments from friends, family and random passer-bys that absolutely love the new tone.
It is boomy on start up, settles into a slightly louder than stock tone at idle but can really make itself heard throughout the rev range. Happy to report that the side branch resonators do their thing at minimizing drone on the highway, which was a massive fear with changing the system.
A massive shout out to Nish on what I believe is the best crafted performance exhaust I have ever seen done locally!
A soundclip of the car courtesy of TMSS, best listened to with headphones -->
After all the hefty unplanned spending in 2023, my funds have taken a severe self-imposed beating and I just want my bank balance to recover (tongue-in-cheek as I have a host of things coming on the X3, so let’s see how the recovery goes). That brings the thread fully up to date and in terms of what's next, there is an oil service on the cards in a few weeks and thereafter nothing more than regular maintenance (or so I tell myself)...