BMW G87 M2 Exhaust and Intake Guide: Cat-Back, Downpipes and Intakes for the S58

Project Gamma equal-length stainless cat-back exhaust for the BMW G87 M2

The G87 M2 uses the same S58 twin-turbo straight six as the G80 M3 and G82 M4, so much of the exhaust and intake hardware is shared. This guide covers the options for the M2 specifically: what each part changes, whether it needs a tune, and where we would start.

For body kits and aero, see our G87 M2 aero guide. For a deeper look at S58 exhaust sound, see downpipes vs midpipes for the S58.

The options at a glance

Upgrade Main change Tune needed? Best for
Cat-back exhaust Sound, with factory valve control kept Usually not on its own. We confirm for your car Road cars wanting more voice
Intake Throttle response and turbo sound Usually not on its own. We confirm for your car Stock or tuned cars
Downpipes Turbo spool, power and volume Yes Stage 2 builds and track cars
Strut brace Engine bay look and weight No Finishing a build

Cat-back exhaust: the sound upgrade

Project Gamma's equal-length cat-back for the G87 is a bolt-on replacement for the factory system from the catalytic converters back. It's made in stainless steel and designed to work with the factory exhaust valves, so the car keeps its quiet and loud modes through the drive settings.

Because it sits after the catalytic converters, a cat-back usually doesn't need a tune on its own. We'll confirm that for your car before you order, particularly if other parts are already fitted.

Intakes: carbon or silicone

Project Gamma makes two S58 intake systems that fit the G87, both with high-flow filters. Each comes in long and short runner versions, and we confirm which one suits your car.

  • Carbon fibre: Project Gamma builds this as a single-piece 3.5-inch carbon tube with no couplers or joints. They describe it as lighter, stronger and more heat-resistant than multi-piece intakes. It comes in several trim colours.
  • Silicone: 4-layer reinforced silicone with an oil-resistant lining and aluminium connections. It's the lower-cost option, and it suits stock or tuned cars.

Both sharpen throttle response and make the turbos more audible. Neither is a big power gain on its own, but both support a tuned car well.

Downpipes: the power upgrade

The factory downpipes on Australian-delivered S58 cars include particulate filters and are the largest restriction in the exhaust. Replacing them gives faster turbo spool, more mid-range and top-end power once tuned, and a louder, sharper note.

Project Gamma offers two S58 downpipe sets that fit the G87, both in 304 stainless steel with CNC-machined v-band connections at the turbos:

  • Stainless steel downpipes, polished or ceramic coated.
  • 200-cell catted downpipes, which keep a high-flow catalytic converter. For a road car, this is the option we'd look at first.
Downpipes need a tune. The ECU expects the factory parts, and without a matching tune the car will usually show engine warnings. Changing emissions equipment on a registered road car can also breach vehicle standards and affect insurance. Tell us how the car is used and we'll give you a straight answer on what suits it.

Freight on downpipes and exhausts is quoted before you order.

Carbon strut brace

Project Gamma's carbon fibre strut braces replace the factory brace and are substantially lighter, according to Project Gamma. They're mostly an engine bay finishing piece, available in gloss, dry and forged carbon and three carbon-Kevlar colours.

Where to start

  • Want more sound, no tune: cat-back first, then an intake.
  • Want more power: a tune first, then catted downpipes with a tune written for them. See tune stages explained.
  • Doing track days: plan cooling along with power, because heat is what limits an S58 over repeat laps.

Common questions

Do M3 and M4 parts fit the M2?

Some do. The engine is shared, so many intakes and downpipes list the G87. The cat-back and body parts are specific to the M2. We check every order against the supplier's fitment for your specific car before it's placed.

How long do parts take?

Most parts are ordered in for you and usually dispatch within 1–2 weeks. We confirm timing along with fitment.

Can you fit them?

Yes. Supply only, or supply and fit at our Stepney workshop in Adelaide, with fitting quoted up front.

Plan your M2 build

See everything for the car in our BMW G87 M2 parts collection, or send us your VIN and what you want from the car.