Magnaflow vs Borla on the E46 330i ZHP with headers

Battle of the cat-back exhausts! Comparing the Magnaflow 16533 to the Borla 140084.
Car is a BMW 330i ZHP with eBay headers (and ESS TS2 supercharger, LSD, etc).
Both systems are used and broken in after thousands of miles. Video taken using the same GoPro Session 4 on the same stretch of highway. Video for each exhaust system was taken approximately 2 months apart following the same "script".
If you liked this video, check out my other video using the Spec E46 Exhaust: • Modifying the Spec E46...

[@alectucker2372]

Can we genuinely take a second and appreciate the fact that this guy gets it. No cuts no bs no stupid music over the exhaust notes really well done video definitely helped me make the decision to go with the borla

[@Thomas-gf2ql]

Video is great. The magnaflow sounds a little more metallic, I really like the deep bassy sound that the Borla has. Seems like a lot fuller of a sound

[@chiapas05]

Thank you for saying this!!! I completely agree and these are the types of videos that actually HELP

[@joshdiaz9523]

Borla or supersprint?

[@Vgk36]

Borla all day !👌💯 Thanks for the video that settled it for me

[@MurkerX89]

Facts

[@idrisrobinson5393]

One of the most informative and clear exhaust videos on this site.

[@samd7476]

This is how you do an exhaust video. Great work.

[@TaylorSatula]

FWIW I dig the Borla a lot

[@ezrabegin8234]

Taylor Satula me too I’m getting a 05 bmw 330i wagon

[@ezrabegin8234]

For my first car

[@tiger_swami]

@@ezrabegin8234 nice car how is it

[@ezrabegin8234]

tiger_swami great until a pruis dented my bumper🤦‍♂️

[@tiger_swami]

@@ezrabegin8234 damn that sucks hate to see a nice wagon damaged

[@geraldschneider9050]

Thanks for this thorough and scientific comparison! Just installed the Magnaflow on my 330 and it sounds even better in person.

[@ecsrepair]

Stellar video. If only all exhaust comparison videos were like this!!

[@ChannelAsh100]

That borla makes it sound so brutal

[@vanosrattle555]

The Borla sounds amazing. Thanks for the video

[@123Ir0nman]

This is definitely one of the most helpful comparison videos I've seen good job! Did you leave in the resonator and cat?

[@rkneeshaw]

Razman thank you, I know how frustrating it can be to find good comparisons so I tried to capture as close to an apples to apples scenario as possible. I have catless headers installed in both these clips, and both systems are the full catback systems

[@123Ir0nman]

Ah ok cool thanks! I'm doing some research on different systems I'm considering for my E46. Looking for something not super loud but definitely present. These both sound pretty good and I'm really liking the Borla sound. Would you say these are on the more expensive side or mid-range in price?

[@rkneeshaw]

Razman the borla is expensive, best I can find is like $1200. The MagnaFlow is cheaper more like $800 I think. The borla is probably as quiet as you will get if you are running catless headers

[@123Ir0nman]

Thanks yeah, I might just save up to get a Borla system. I like that it has a very European performance sound. What was the drone like (if any) for the 2 systems? I don't really like loud drones because it messes with my hearing.

[@rkneeshaw]

The MagnaFlow had more drone, the borla is very civil. I loved the MagnaFlow at WOT, it sounded ferocious, but I can live with the borla on a daily basis much better

[@niewissen9912]

Borla is the only way to go. Never regret it. Best money you will spend. Stay away from that other crap that drones you out of the car and is junk. That's my opinion

[@ezrabegin8234]

nie wissen me too I’m getting a 05 bmw 330i wagon with a borla exhaust kit

[@marcosr666]

I have a Magnaflow muffler as a replacrment for stock because mine came with no muffler. It sounds good, quiet and sporty but I hate the drone it produces

[@colinbrennan8085]

This is definitely the best comparison video i’ve ever seen on youtube

[@M54B30_fan]

I have had magnaflow #16533 on my ‘05 zhp 330ci. I used this as a guide, and compared both online. Magnaflow catback $1200, borla 1400 ish. The magnaflow has a: -2.5 inch bigger diameter vs stock/borla (2inch) -X pipe (vs no xpipe) in borla/stock -Also at time around xmas last year borla would’ve taken months to ship, magnaflow week till i got it - cheaper with more stuff, i also thought sounded better. Next mod is catless active autowork headers :) can’t wait

[@thetonyhope]

i’m thinking about getting a 16533 Magnaflow on my 325ci. Going to swap a B30 motor into it

[@M54B30_fan]

@@thetonyhope good choice, and smart swapping the b30 in. I would say after about 14k miles on the exhaust, not the loudest in the world. At idle and warmed up, you can hear it but nothing crazy, and it makes most of it’s noise around 3k+ or with load (like going uphill in wrong gear). If you get headers I would assume it would be plenty loud, but I will say a good sport exhaust, not a crazy crazy exhaust.

[@samd7476]

The Borla has a lot more fuller sound to me and the Magnaflow sounds a little too tinny.

[@CoachFats]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I was already getting the Borla but you just gave me a teaser of what to expect.

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Thanks for doing this video! Best E46 non-M exhaust comparison vid by far. Wow both sound great! Borla has the nicer deeper tone, but is also like $300 more Isn’t it?

[@rkneeshaw]

Its been a while since I checked but the Magnaflow could be had for around $800 or so at one time, and you can get a Borla for around $1100 if you shop real hard. Glad you liked the video! I was frustrated by other videos that were difficult to compare, so when I came across the opportunity I wanted to document the differences for other folks as best I could. I still miss that Magnaflow sound at WOT, but for daily driving the Borla is much easier to live with.

[@chrisgerarddelossantos2103]

Ryan Kneeshaw is the Borla here the full Borla catback exhaust system? I am planning on getting it next week. Is there significant drone to the car?

[@FlyingCanoe]

link for this borla exhaust? i've got a 2017 330i

[@stephenpato5524]

MagnaFlow for me, sounds S54ish which I like a lot.

[@jtee1106]

Stephen Pato the borla sounds more s54ish .

[@TheMonstertone]

S54ish?

[@rado2g]

I honestly think this sounds a lot better than the S54

[@IPGAuto]

Wow, the magnaflow has a very Porsche 911 Flat-6 sound

[@rxwhat33]

The exhaust note of these engines grows on me by the day.

[@MartinJones123]

This is how all exhaust sound videos should be like... I'd go for the Borla as it has a nicer tone which makes the engine sound better...

[@idokwatcher2062]

I've rewinded 00:03 00:04 transition and 00:15 to 00:16 hundreds of times, Borla sounds deeper.

[@ruskiskii]

impressive this guy kept swapping out his exhausts every other take... how long it must have taken in real time!! borla sounds great.

[@rapstninja]

i don’t know if this is a joke or not

[@metsavend112]

Magnaflow sounds so damn good

[@eastsideofthetracks8311]

Wow! Borla sounds really nice the sound matches the car lol

[@kyleramsey5378]

Best video out. Thanks dude!

[@PassdeDutchie]

Borla....

[@TheBasketproductions]

Definitely going with Borla for my e46..

[@Ky7e_e]

magnaflow sounds great, but the borla sounds even better! downside is that borla pricey :(

[@BBOYMixFive]

All of them have a nice sound)

[@f4t4lity0r4]

I think the headers really make the exhaust. I have seen a mangaflow cat back exhaust do next to nothing for the sound

[@MSchumacherfan]

Borla 👍🏻

[@stephencregorykelley9850]

thanks for this video!!

[@Rimonds]

Hi love the shifts you have, do you have single mass flywheel or something? Because my 320ci rpm drop is so slow.

[@M54B30_fan]

Ok i know your comment is a year old but it’s a zhp. The ‘sport’ 3 series. The cream of the crop, the best 3 series before the m3. Still m54b30, but has several upgrades. Suspension, wheels (heavier but cool), cams, 6800 rev limiter, +10hp +8hp, 3.07 final drive (higher ratio than normal 330) different muffler and maybe slightly larger diameter (i can’t prove that), lighter flywheel, front and rear bumper m sports, interior bits, and more. Yes zhp’s come stock with lighter flywheels, mine is pretty light too. Makes it little annoying when trying to shift smoothly up a gear from like 3->4 because revs climb/drop fast.

[@0megalul309]

​​@@M54B30_fanit's still a dual mass so it sucks for spirited driving. The glazing is real. Broke zhp teenagers really trying to convince themselves they don't need an m3

[@BimmerM5e39]

mangaflow sounded weak and raspy, borla sounded like +50hp and near V8 sound

[@adaamm]

Why would you want that sound from an e46 though... Magnaflow brings the true inline 6 sound

[@BimmerM5e39]

@@adaamm S54 swap then thats the real sound

[@adaamm]

BimmerM5e39 true, but you do know the 3.0 engine has more room for tuning 😯 that is if you have a big wallet.. ever wondered why the E46 hill climb cars are all 330ci

[@BimmerM5e39]

@@adaamm Cheaper to build, displacement regulations. I liked the M54 but they all seem to blow headgaskets around 150k

[@bassman7482]

@@BimmerM5e39 my two M54's on 176k and 216k prove otherwise. I've only heard of these head gaskets going if they're overheated.

[@IKhanNot]

Magnaflow sound reminds me of an E30 BMW 3 Series though I think I like the Borla more.

[@basilo9923]

this vid was very helpful

[@SydeshowMO]

Anything in between headers and muffler? Single pipe or dual?

[@bingram5645]

Borla for the WIN!

[@noloeme3]

Hi, is it full exhaust system or cat back? Borla sounds amazing

[@rkneeshaw]

Hi, these are both cat back systems

[@BlackBearShadow]

Thanks for your time and dedication to makes this video!!!

[@PanicWithoutDisco]

Corsa is the way to go

[@rkneeshaw]

too loud with headers though, but I've heard great things if you still have cats

[@reesehammond4600]

what did you do for the lsd? great video also!!

[@senna2]

there aren't many things that sound as nice as a BMW straight-six imo

[@dizzinessman6683]

Bmw straight six and VW VR6 for me, just pure harmony

[@TheBasketproductions]

BORLA 4 THE WIN! Hands down... Who cares what everyone else can hear!!!! The Cockpit is the only place that really matter!

[@30secondsofcombustionengines]

I think It sounds better than a M3 E46 . Sounds more like a 2jz or rb

[@laurentmaristela7528]

which ebay headers did you get???

[@AllenSpec]

Borla for sure nice deep tone very gets old

[@laurentiu.panait2536]

Evey engine deserves a good set of exhaust headers

[@Mister2j86]

Can the Brola exhaust work also with the E39 as well if the pipes were cut and extended

[@FlyingCanoe]

link for the borla exhaust? i've got a 2017 330i

[@e46fanatic27]

Idk If your turbo 4 is gunna sound quite like that mate

[@tk2070]

Borla all day. But supersprint headers with eisenmann race would literally ruin both of them any day anytime.

[@owenthomas8062]

What did you do to clear the engine code for the headers?

[@jarrodmcmillian1747]

Theres tunes available to delete Emmissions bs

[@M9arioSSS]

Borla 🎉

[@christopherbarger6112]

Not sure what Borla is on my car....but I get dirty looks for how loud it is. Just picked up an E46 M3 and it’s definitely a raspy car. No drone on it. Just loud on the throttle. Quiet when I’m cruising though.

[@danielsane30]

What's the rest of the exhaust setup look like? Cats and resonators play a big role in note and loudness.

[@marzonfire]

any pops and crackles with the borla setup ? thats a selling point for me lmao

[@rkneeshaw]

Nope not really at all. But I think that whether you get crackles or pops will depend more on your tune than the exhaust system you use.

[@JARStudio_Director]

I have a e46 325i. Just installed headers with borla catback exhaust and custom CAI. Definitely hear some crackles and pops. Like others have mentioned, it's a nice deep tone and matches my car perfectly. Can't believe how restrictive cats are. I feel like they may be worse for the environment.

[@RyanMac_11]

What are the catless headers exactly? Thank you for the video

[@josuez.831]

Headers without catalytic converters

[@scoutms3375]

super late but if anyone reads this i would like to know which one is better for daily use?

[@jbelc]

Old video but do you know the name of the interior trim? Looks good in that flat black.

[@rkneeshaw]

That is the stock trim in the zhp package models, it's a black cube.

[@igotmilk6390]

Was there any rasp in the borla?

[@praiseYahshua822]

Borla? No drone at all

[@jaimeb8231]

Magnaflow is good but borla

[@florinel181]

Magnaflow more rasp !

[@magichackerv8]

Borla ! Sounds like an M3

[@ahmetemindemir276]

No question, Borla is much better

[@dvls442]

Magnaflow all the way. Borla only for posers who want to sound like a V8...without even having a V8 lol.

[@H3ND000]

What kind of cold air intake should I get I have an 06 ci

[@christopherfranklin3554]

Antonio Henderson K&N

[@___rocaj]

magnaflow for me

[@osdetailing1761]

Are the resonators removed or still present?

[@rkneeshaw]

Still present in both systems

[@tolyoz]

how doesn't he smiles am kinda worried lmao.

[@losh330]

I find those both too loud when excelarating. But I like the magnaflow more because it's quieter.

[@SheikhZedoo]

100% Borla

[@jaki.888]

same

[@djangodjango6206]

Deffi Borla

[@StevenWilliams66]

Borla all day

[@soundseeker63]

Any difference in power or response?

[@rkneeshaw]

Lost a little power with the Borla. I'm running a supercharger so no doubt the gains/losses are exaggerated compared to a NA car, but it was something like 330rwhp with Magnaflow vs 315rwhp with the Borla.

[@danielsane30]

@@rkneeshaw could be due to thr design of the muffler. I know magnaflow is straight through and uses a packing material, if thr borla is chamber design that would explain it.

[@rkneeshaw]

@@danielsane30 I think it has to do with pipe diameter. The magnaflow was 2.25" pipes, the borla is 2" pipes. Both systems feature straight through design mufflers. Also worth mentioning: the borla I installed had to be welded together and a couple of the welds were boogered a bit, there could have been some slag inside the pipe that caused more restriction than a new borla cat-back would have had.

[@Elvis_Kunda]

Borla 100%

[@xavierfaure43]

It’s a 3.38 diff ?

[@rkneeshaw]

It's a 3.07

[@BlackBearShadow]

I had a ton of cars never a BMW and Im just thinking about buying one E36 or E46 for a daily driver just going to work and take my kids to school (10min drive) and I need it for a drift project on the side but not now I mean I want to keep building it until is done in a close future maybe 5-8 years, should I buy one of this BMW or should I get another car? Are this BMWs reliable and actually good cars or just a headache!?? Really need some help!!!

[@adriananastase5673]

Borla it's same like m3 s54b32 sound

[@Jonathan-tb6fm]

Will a 325i sound like theses ?

[@WarthogGoBRrrtttt]

Not really

[@Jonathan-tb6fm]

@@WarthogGoBRrrtttt :(

[@samiam830]

Borla

[@DaSNoble]

Is it a ZHP though?

[@rkneeshaw]

Kipplur absolutely

[@96bresh]

Magnaflow has better sound

[@vtecboi18]

any backfire??

[@rkneeshaw]

None

[@toohoodrichg]

First of all, Ryan glad to see a post on here. Keep it up, I always love to see what you are up too! Second of all, vtecboi18 I have a vibrant stealth muffler plus both resonator deletes and stock headers and in 1st/2nd gears it backfires and crackles when you decelerate at around 3-4K rpm... its a very affordable set up!

[@vtecboi18]

hell yeah I just got done watching some videos with that exhaust it sounds amazing something I'm looking for thanks!!

[@wxlfsjb4806]

Just get a tune for backfire

[@Hate2Loveme1991]

BORLA

[@pancake7408]

borla > magnaflow

[@thelonewanderer9097]

Borla sounds better

[@Drake-ef1mg]

Borla sounds much more like a racing i6 and not tin can

[@M54B30_fan]

The magnaflow doesn’t sound like a tin can :( i have the magnaflow, it was $200 cheaper which I didn’t care about but it had an x-pipe, 2.5 vs 2 inch exhaust diameter compared to stock and borla, and the borla wasn’t avaliable for over 8 months when I was shopping. You’re paying more money for less stuff given. I don’t have headers yet :( but one day I will. It sounds great, not a tin can. Biggest thing with an L-6 and and x pipe is rasp, rasp, rasp, im gonna step on the rasp. With catless headers I can’t fathom the rasp above 4k, but still want them as those actually give performance gains than just a lil catback.

[@kniksman]

Borla all day long.

[@bgrgamer1138]

Magnaflow

[@Vin_drossell]

Borla wins

[@Riichtofen]

Do you have have Instagram?

[@richlee509]

Borla it is then lol

[@danbradley4513]

Eisenmann

[@cr4zym3x1c4n]

Lmao it’s quiet as hell on a pass

[@connorkuhlman6702]

Borla all day