The S65 is the last naturally aspirated V8 BMW put in an M3, and it revs to 8,400 RPM. That alone is reason enough to hear more of it. The factory mufflers keep the sound tidy and add weight at the very back of the car, exactly where you do not want it.
The Dinan Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust with black tips for the BMW E92 and E93 M3 uses a single-channel, straight-through canister design to cut restriction behind the rear axle. On Dinan's dyno it adds 6 HP and 5 lb-ft at 6800 RPM, and it weighs 10 lb less than the stock axle-back.
How the Dinan Axle-Back Exhaust Sounds
Straight-through mufflers are loud. The worry is that a louder V8 also drones on the freeway. Dinan built a Helmholtz chamber into the system, a tuned resonance cavity that cancels the drone frequency, so cruising stays calm and the car only gets loud when you ask it to. At full throttle toward redline it is enjoyably louder and sportier than stock.
Construction is 100% 304 stainless steel, backed by quad 3 in. tips that are black ceramic coated and laser engraved. They fill the factory bumper cutouts and look right against the E9x rear valance.
Axle-Back Exhaust Fitment and Legal Status
This is a bolt-on part. It uses the factory brackets and hangers for a factory-like fit, with clamps and hangers included, and Dinan lists 1.6 hours of labor. It sits behind the catalytic converters and does not affect emissions, and Dinan classifies it as legal for sale and use on emissions-controlled vehicles. Dinan part number D660-0027. Sold by AutoTecknic, an authorized Dinan dealer.
What's Included
- Dinan Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust in 304 stainless steel
- Quad 3 in. black ceramic coated, laser engraved tips
- Clamps and hangers
Key Features
- Dinan-tested +6 HP and +5 lb-ft at 6800 RPM
- 10 lb lighter than the stock axle-back
- Single-channel, straight-through canister design
- Helmholtz chamber to remove highway drone
- Quad 3 in. black ceramic coated, laser engraved tips
- 100% 304 stainless steel construction
- Uses factory brackets and hangers for a factory-like fit
- Legal on emissions-controlled vehicles per Dinan
Vehicle Fitment
Fits the following S65 V8-powered BMW M3 models:
- BMW M3 / E92 Coupe (2008-2013): M3
- BMW M3 / E93 Convertible (2008-2013): M3
For the E90 M3 Sedan, see Dinan part D660-0028.
Installation Notes
Dinan lists 1.6 hours of labor. A lift makes the job easier, but it can be done on jack stands with basic hand tools and a helper to hold the muffler section. Let the exhaust cool completely first.
- Safely raise and support the rear of the car.
- Loosen the clamps at the factory axle-back joints and unhook the factory mufflers from their hangers.
- Hang the Dinan axle-back on the factory brackets and connect it with the supplied clamps.
- Center the quad tips in the bumper cutouts and tighten all clamps.
- Start the engine and check every joint for leaks and clearance to the body.
