AWE Tuning M4 Switchpath Exhaust Review

[bcass57]

I’ve been threatening to write this for a bit now, and now that I’ve had some seat time, I figure now’s as good a time as any to get this out there!

As some may know, I’m a recent BMW convert - and I also keep a Boss 302 in the stable ... so I’m no stranger to RWD power, and the sound that can come with it. I consider myself acoustically trained!

So as I started to look at the opportunities for exhaust mods for my M4, I spoke to my friends at Morr Wheels as well as my dealership BMW of Devon (Shout out to my main man Chris Blazer!) - and one thing led to another, and the next thing I knew I was on the phone with one of the owners of AWE Tuning - even before they launched the line. I was sworn to secrecy, but the promise of what was to come sounded pretty great (and if anything like their Porsche line… well, woah).

I ended up being one of the first in line for the new system once it became available (www.AWE-Tuning.com/bmw). I live about 45 minutes from where AWE Tuning manufactures their parts (that’s a whole other topic - full on USA manufacturing happening in my backyard). So I put in the order, and set the install date at AWE Tuning HQ. While most of AWE’s business is through their dealers, since I was so close, I wanted to go to to the source.

The install went swimmingly. Here are some shots from that. AWE’s shop is pretty incredible, if you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend a tour, I’m talking heads down engineering, 3D Scanning, dyno testing, welding, serious stuff - Jesse (marketing head) tells me that they’re in the process of moving into a facility about 3x their existing space (hope I’m allowed to say that!).

Here are some shots from the install.



(I really need suspension!)



Before the operation!





Under their BMW flag!







Close up of those signature AWE Tips!


















I went with the non-resonated system. I told AWE that I sometimes take bluetooth calls in the car but for the most part, I wanted more power and more (better) sound.

There are already tons of clips of this exhaust sound out there - I’ll get around to getting some of my own videos out there soon. I will say however: the video clips do not do this system justice.

I went with the 102 tips - pictures speak for themselves.











With the valves closed: The car no longer sounds like my neighbor’s leaf blower - it now has a respectable purr.

With the valves open: All I can say is WOW - especially over 4500 rpm. Exhaust note is aggressive enough, yet in my opinion, no detectable drone in any range. Car also seems a notch peppier - a pleasant surprise.





Off I go!



There seem to be many viable exhaust options presented on this forum. I opted for AWE as their reputation preceded them - and they did not disappoint. I’m very happy with my decision.

PS: AWE was kind enough to deliver my old exhaust back to my home-an unsolicited and very nice gesture-Thanks Guys.

[TeKiZeRo]

Looks great! Are those the 102mm tips?

[rr006rbc]

Nice review man. I've got a couple friends with B8 S5s and I've always been a fan of what AWE does for the Audi cars and now I'm impressed they can carry their philosophy over to the BMW side as well.

[JTO24]

Awesome to hear! Great review. I might need to hear this in person one day. I'm local just over the bridge.

[bcass57]

Yes- took AWEs advice and opted- Glad I did

[bcass57]

will have within a week or so

[Josh/AWE]

Brian thank you again for coming in for the full experience! We're glad you're happy with the results!

[Josh/AWE]

Originally Posted by TeKiZeRo

Looks great! Are those the 102mm tips?

Yes they are!

[TeKiZeRo]

Originally Posted by Mike/AWE

Yes they are!

They look nice! Any concerns with it touching a car with an aftermarket rear diffuser?

[supremepower]

Looks awesome! Thanks for the write up

[MWcoupe]

Originally Posted by Mike/AWE

Yes they are!

Free installation? Lol I'm an hour away and very interested going with awe

[///M.Tonee]

car needs to be lowered... exhaust is legit

[DiscoWagon]

All these pics and no video!!!

[mc3456]

Car looks AWE-some in that color, with those wheels, and exhaust tips. AWE always sound amazing on Audi, so imagine will be great on the M3/M4.

[sales@ESSTuning]

Very nice looking setup

[///M ARMY]

Thanks for the write up. Should be more posting very soon. I also got the non res and 102mm black diamond tips.

[TeKiZeRo]

Originally Posted by ///M ARMY

Thanks for the write up. Should be more posting very soon. I also got the non res and 102mm black diamond tips.

I must hear how the non-res sounds with the downpipes!

[///M ARMY]

Originally Posted by TeKiZeRo

I must hear how the non-res sounds with the downpipes!

I think with dp it will sound aggressive. Just waiting to put it on

[Money2536]

Wayne? That's my old stomping grounds! Well done review and great photos!

[haynstyleM2]

exhaust looks sick with those 102 tips! car will be perfect with a small drop. what's the specs on your rims?

[Bluesummer]

Does the AWE utilize the factory valve control module?

[Josh/AWE]

Originally Posted by TeKiZeRo

They look nice! Any concerns with it touching a car with an aftermarket rear diffuser?

I can only speak for our system, our tips have plenty of clearance with the stock diffuser. A well designed aftermarket diffuser should maintain an acceptable level of room for tips regardless of the brand. Our tips do have some slightly adjustability for best fitment.

Originally Posted by MWcoupe

Free installation? Lol I'm an hour away and very interested going with awe

Our installation rate is fair and you also get a tour and great pictures along with it.

Originally Posted by Bluesummer

Does the AWE utilize the factory valve control module?

Yes.