BMW E46 M3 - Exhaust Section 1, 2 & 3 Differences - Euro vs USDM Headers - RASP

I decided to make a video on something that there's a lot of misinformation on out there. Some people call different parts of the exhaust of the E46 M3 different things and it becomes confusing when our customers order something but meant to order something else.
So in this video, I discuss what the exhaust section 1, section 2 and section 3 are. What's the difference between the euro headers and USDM headers, and what's the difference between the euro section 1 and USDM section 1.
I also touch on rasp eliminators, resonators and how they play out on these exhausts.
As always if you guys have any questions about this video, please don't hesitate to ask in the comments below or send us an email and we'd be glad to help.
See all of our E46 M3 Parts here: shop.redline360.com/collectio...

[@Redline360]

See all of our E46 M3 Parts here: shop.redline360.com/collections/all/bmw-e46-m3-parts

[@IvanSchlachter]

Thanks, you answered a lot of my questions! Great video.

[@Star_Taro]

Very informative thank you! This answered all of my questions!

[@hoomana.9723]

Good information!! Thanks!

[@alphabetg33k85]

enjoy the 100th like, good info

[@machina_spirit]

If anyones wanting to know the sound differences of section 1 with a single AR20 resonator welded in I have a few comparison videos on my channel specifically demonstrating it along w the other section 1 setups I’ve had. It definitely also changes the note, makes it less high pitched so just a heads-up if you still want to retain the high pitched top end scream of the S54. Lastly, in my experience replacing the oem section 2 w an unresonated xpipe surprisingly did not increase the exhaust volume, it only seemed to deepen the note a bit and slightly reduce the low rpm drone (but not the rasp! no beating that without resonators lol) Apparently the oem stock section 2 is pretty loud on its own, and pretty good flowing

[@dmheatingplumbing9805]

Great video mate. I’m over in the uk. I’m looking at status Gruppe set ups. Would I gain much from changing my existing stock euro headers being a UK car. Or would you suggest i leave them ? I’m not fussed about power gains if any. Just less rasp. I’m guessing after watching this, my factory stock section 1 will have 2 resonators ? so would you suggest just a back box mufflers would suffice ?

[@PunjabiSylhety]

Where is the video with the eibach coilovers installed and final look with the wheels?

[@aaaaachew]

Can I ask your opinion on a catalytic converter question. The person I bought my E46M from had euro headers and euro sec 1 with cats installed. One of the cats has now gone bad. What would you recommend as a replacement? Do they sell the 200 cell cats individually or do I need to now look for another euro section 2? And do you sell these? Thanks.

[@Smokey-mt6ye]

Great video! Do euro headers (with out cats) make it more raspy or just louder? Thanks

[@bentremy]

If you go to Euro/CSL headers and don't change your section 1 you will gonna increase the rasp.

[@ericmknsana2608]

@Redline360 I'm looking to eliminate the raspy tone on my e46 m3... I was told/recommended to replace the "section 1" part. My question is: Section 1 is not a catalytic converter part is it? I have the impression that it was the catalytic converter because it has that large piece on it? Also, I do not plan on replacing the headers. I'm keeping it stock US version and I also do not want to remove my m3's catalytic converter because I don't want it to fail emissions inspection... If indeed section 1 is not a catalytic converter I will replace the OEM one with a CPI or Rogue Engineering one. I'm still doing my research on which brands to choose...

[@ericmknsana2608]

That larger part of the section 1 is the resonator correct?

[@joshanderson3900]

@@ericmknsana2608 yes a resonator look up AR20 or AR25

[@josephabarca78]

How did you manage to line up the tips so even? when I installed mine the tips lined up crooked and the driver side tips stuck out a tad bit more than the passenger side.

[@Redline360]

Hey. A lot of it has to do with the factory hangers and the connection to the section 2. We had it a bit off at first too, but when we made those adjustments it fit great. We have the full install video here of the Top Speed exhaust: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWmpg6CbltxpjtU

[@josephabarca78]

@@Redline360 Thanks for the quick reply, I watched that video but I didn't see anything where you guys showed where you adjusted. But if say the hangars can but adjusted I'll give that a shot.

[@emilepapillon2275]

If I want to remain as much OEM as possible and get euro headers on a USDM car, can I just swap in a catted Euro section 1 and re-use my stock DME program and O2 sensors ? Or will I have a DLT code because the reading on the O2 sensors are different since my cats aren't being as effective as in the USDM setup? In other words do I have to code-out anything with a complete OEM Euro conversion or are the DME programs for Euro and USDM cars the same ?

[@Qadi90]

I have this exact question. What was the case with you?

[@emilepapillon2275]

@@Qadi90 you can, no need to recode