Hey everyone! Just picked up a 2013 JCW and it has the downpipe back Alta exhaust system installed. I have to say that the drone is absolutely killing me at highway speed which is odd because all the advertising material (when it was still sold) stated that there was no drone at highway speed. I was wondering what suggestions everyone might have to eliminate that drone. I'm even toying with going all the way back down to the OEM JCW exhaust system.

Can I replace the axle back portion? The resonator portion? Etc? to eliminate the drone?

Thanks!

 

Are you sure it has a resonator? Most of the time you will get the drone when the resonator is eliminated.

 

Thanks for replying! I thought the same thing you did and that is why I put the car on ramps yesterday to take a look. Unless I'm missing something in my interpretation of what should be there, the resonator is still there.It's also my understanding that if I want to get rid of the Alta exhaust from the axle back and replace it, I'll need to do a 3" to 2.5" adapter, or replace the entire system. I've also thought of maybe doing a dynamat installation in the trunk and rear seat area. Does anyone have any experience with that making a difference?

This is very confusing to me having read all the marketing material about the Alta exhaust having no drone. My other car is an E90 M3 with a straight pipe exhaust system (Active Autowerke) and the sound in the Mini is 3-4 times louder.

https://i.imgur.com/wULK5bf.jpg

 

I feel that almost all the R56 with the Alta exh I've driven have droned, one reason I didn't recommend them.

The best solution to fix it is go with another exh. And honestly someone on here is likely willing to buy your Alta exh as we occasionally get calls for it, even though it isn't made anymore.

 

Thanks WMW. I've always trusted your insight when I had my R53. Is there an exhaust you guys recommend that has no drone but sounds sporty? I've always really liked the OEM JCW exhaust to be honest, but to go back to that now would cost $500 for the exhaust and then $2000 for the midpipe? That's crazy! Any ideas? Thanks again!

 

I'm leaning towards getting the fJCW exhaust and having an exhaust shop weld a straight pipe between that and the downpipe. I have seen that a lot in the forums. Any drone with that? Thanks!

 

You don't have to get another exhaust in order to get rid of the drone. You need to get the longest round cylinder resonator you can fit welded on.
So depending upon the diameter size tubing you have on your exhaust, Magnaflow makes different sizes and different length "round performance mufflers" is what they call them.
My exhaust is a custom 3 inch and OMG it droned like you wouldn't believe until I got a 22 inch long straight round resonator muffler that I ordered from Summit.
Don't waste your time trying to buy it direct from Magnaflow cuz its a headache to find on their website and much easier to filter on Summits site.
They have a nice configuration selector that helps you narrow it down to get it right and it saved me from having to buy another exhaust system.
Cost for the one I got was under $100 with shipping.

 

Thanks for replying! I ordered a fJCW this morning before you replied. Damn. I might have an Alta system for sale here pretty soon.

 

Now I am second-guessing myself and wondering if I should return the JCW muffler and look into getting a large resonator…

 

Mufflers....... that’s cute!

I haven’t dumped any money into my 09’ yet. My last car had a 24” res then split into two 18”s. Anytime you customize your exhaust you’re going to run into some amount of drone at high way speeds. I mean, you’re on a highway, does it really matter if there’s drone? I’d be more concerned when you’re rippin the city streets!

 

Thanks for your insight....