Valvetronic Exhaust for BMW E46 M3 S54 (01-06) Valved Section 3 - T304 Stainless or Grade 5 Titanium

This Section 3 exhaust lets you make your E46 M3 exhaust loud when you want to hear that S54, then close the valve when you want less volume and more reasonable sound for a daily driver.

Fitment Information

• 2001 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54
• 2002 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54
• 2003 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54
• 2004 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54
• 2005 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54
• 2006 BMW E46 M3 3.2L S54

Fitment Notes

• Fits the E46 M3 only.
• Does not fit the E46 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i or 330xi.
• Does not fit the BMW Z4 M.
• This is a Section 3 rear exhaust and muffler replacement. It is not a complete cat-back system.
• Designed to work best with the factory Section 2.
• It may be adapted to an aftermarket Section 2, but fitment is not guaranteed and modifications may be required.

Available Materials

• Brushed T304 Stainless Steel
  • Approximately 8 lb lighter than the factory exhaust
  • Brushed stainless finish
  • Lower-cost option with the same pneumatic valve function
  • Part number: BMW.E46.M3.VSES.BR
• Ti 6Al-4V Grade 5 Titanium
  • Approximately 18 lb lighter than the factory exhaust
  • Saves approximately 10 lb more than the stainless version
  • Raw/brushed titanium finish
  • Part number: BMW.E46.M3.VSES.TI

Specs and Features

• Valved Section 3 rear exhaust assembly
• Rapid-actuating pneumatic exhaust valve
• Open and closed exhaust settings
• Mandrel-bent exhaust tubing
• Precision TIG-welded construction
• Direct connection to the factory Section 2
• Can be removed and returned to the factory exhaust configuration
• Available in brushed T304 stainless steel or Ti 6Al-4V Grade 5 titanium

What Is Included

• Valvetronic Section 3 exhaust assembly in the selected material
• Rapid-actuating pneumatic exhaust valve
• Exhaust clamps
• Installation hardware

Product Description

This is mainly for an E46 M3 owner who wants more exhaust volume without committing to one loud setting all the time. Open the valve and the rear muffler provides a louder, sharper S54 exhaust sound. Close it and Valvetronic describes the volume as stock-like, which makes more sense for early starts, highway driving or any time you do not want the louder setting.

The rest of the exhaust still matters. A car with the factory Section 1 and Section 2 will not sound the same as one with headers, high-flow catalytic converters or an aftermarket midsection. Valvetronic designed this rear section around the factory Section 2, so that is also the safest setup for fitment.

Both material options use the same basic exhaust and pneumatic valve design. We would choose stainless for a street car where price and durability matter most. The titanium version makes sense when reducing rear weight is worth the additional cost. It saves about 10 lb more than the stainless version, but the valve operation and vehicle fitment are the same.

Installation Notes

• The Section 3 assembly connects to the factory Section 2 and uses the factory mounting area.
• Aftermarket Section 2 pipes may require adjustment or fabrication.
• Support the exhaust and set the tip position before fully tightening the clamps.
• Route pneumatic lines away from exhaust heat, sharp edges and moving suspension components.
• Check valve operation before completing the installation.
• Recheck the clamps and exhaust alignment after the first few heat cycles.

Emissions Information

• This Section 3 exhaust does not replace or modify the catalytic converters or other emissions equipment.
• Adjustable exhaust systems may still be subject to local sound regulations.

Product Video

This manufacturer video shows the Valvetronic E46 M3 exhaust installed and demonstrates the open and closed valve settings. The final sound will depend on the car's Section 1, Section 2, catalytic converters and headers.

Warranty

• T304 stainless-steel and titanium exhaust tubing and welds: Limited lifetime-of-ownership warranty
• Mufflers and resonators: Three-year limited warranty
• Vacuum pots, mechanical valves and electronic remotes: One-year limited warranty
• Vacuum pumps, RF modules and controllers: One-year limited warranty
• Exhaust tip finish: One-year limited warranty
• Coverage begins on the purchase date and applies to the original purchaser.
• Exhaust sound and tone are subjective and are not treated as warrantable issues by Valvetronic.

Northern California Installation

Redline360 is an authorized Valvetronic dealer and installer. If you are in Northern California, contact us for installation and help setting up the pneumatic valve controls.

Before You Buy

• Confirm that the vehicle is an E46 M3. This exhaust does not fit non-M E46 models.
• This listing is for the rear Section 3 assembly, not a complete exhaust from the catalytic converters back.
• The factory Section 2 provides the most predictable fitment.
• Choose titanium for the additional weight savings. Choose stainless if the lower price matters more than saving the extra 10 lb.
• Exhaust volume and rasp will change if the car has aftermarket headers, catalytic converters or Section 2 piping.
• Check local regulations covering adjustable exhaust systems and vehicle sound levels.

Pairs Well With

• Valvetronic Vacuum Exhaust Valve Control Kit: This is the replacement pump, controller, key fob and tubing package for compatible Valvetronic pneumatic exhaust systems. You would only need it if the original control hardware is damaged or missing.
• Injen Evolution Air Intake for BMW E46 M3 S54: The intake adds more S54 induction sound from the front of the car, while the Valvetronic rear section controls how much exhaust volume you hear from the back.

About Valvetronic Designs

Valvetronic Designs develops vehicle-specific and universal valved exhaust systems. Its pneumatic systems let the driver switch between quieter and louder exhaust paths without being stuck with one sound level.