The Akrapovič exhaust system for the BMW M3 G80/G81 and BMW M4 G82/G83 has become one of the most recognisable upgrades for the current G8X generation. Built from titanium, considerably lighter than the factory exhaust and developed specifically around BMW's S58 engine, it combines a more engaging sound with the quality and refinement expected from Akrapovič.
There is now another important reason for owners of newer cars to consider the system. Akrapovič officially lists the Slip-On Line for the latest BMW M3 and M4 LCI models, including ECE type approval for the approved OPF/GPF configuration.
There is an important distinction, however. This is not an entirely new exhaust developed exclusively for the LCI. Akrapovič uses the current S-BM/TI/33H Slip-On Line across the wider G8X range, including pre-LCI and LCI versions. The important development for European LCI owners is the official application and homologation.
Which BMW M3 and M4 models does the Akrapovič exhaust fit?
The Akrapovič Slip-On Line covers considerably more than just the original G80 M3 and G82 M4. The current application includes the Sedan, Touring, Coupé and Convertible versions of the G8X platform.
- BMW M3 G80 Sedan
- BMW M3 Competition G80
- BMW M3 Competition xDrive G80
- BMW M3 Touring G81
- BMW M3 Touring Competition xDrive G81
- BMW M4 G82 Coupé
- BMW M4 Competition G82
- BMW M4 Competition xDrive G82
- BMW M4 G83 Convertible
- BMW M4 Competition xDrive G83
- BMW M3 and M4 LCI models
The system also physically fits several CS and CSL applications. ECE approval has separate restrictions for these models, so the exact vehicle specification should always be checked before ordering when road homologation is important.
Akrapovič Slip-On Line Titanium for the BMW G8X
For most BMW M3 and M4 owners, the Akrapovič Slip-On Line Titanium is the logical starting point. It replaces the rear section of the factory exhaust with a lightweight titanium system and retains an exhaust-valve-controlled setup.
Akrapovič manufactures the system from high-grade titanium and incorporates collectors produced in its own foundry. The rear silencer is paired with a specially developed Akrapovič control kit, while a separate carbon-fibre tailpipe set completes the system.
The largest difference is not simply volume. Akrapovič has engineered the system to change the character of the S58. At normal cruising speeds the sound remains controlled and refined. As engine speed and load increase, the tone becomes deeper and considerably more pronounced.
Akrapovič G8X Slip-On performance
Akrapovič tested the system against a standard BMW M4 Competition and recorded measurable gains without requiring an ECU remap in the Slip-On configuration.
| Akrapovič part number | S-BM/TI/33H |
| Material | High-grade titanium |
| Power increase | +8.0 kW / +10.9 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque increase | +13.9 Nm at 5,000 rpm |
| Weight saving | 8.3 kg |
| Weight reduction | 35% compared with the factory rear exhaust section |
| ECU remap required | No, in the Slip-On configuration |
For a road-driven G8X, this balance is one of the strongest arguments for the Slip-On. The car gains a more distinctive exhaust note, lower exhaust weight and a measurable performance improvement without turning the M3 or M4 into a car that is difficult to live with every day.
View the Akrapovič Slip-On Line for BMW M3 G80/G81 and M4 G82/G83
Is the Akrapovič exhaust ECE approved for the BMW M3 and M4 LCI?
Yes. Akrapovič now lists the Slip-On Line for BMW M3 and M4 LCI applications with ECE type approval when used in the approved configuration on cars equipped with an OPF/GPF gasoline particulate filter.
This is particularly relevant for European customers. The physical exhaust system can be installed on compatible OPF/GPF and non-OPF cars, but the ECE certificate applies only to vehicles and configurations covered by the homologation.
It is also important to distinguish the ECE-approved Slip-On configuration from the more extensive Akrapovič exhaust options. Adding components such as the Evolution Link Pipe, downpipes or Akrapovič Sound Kit changes the configuration and means the ECE type approval of the Slip-On no longer applies.
For an owner who wants a more distinctive exhaust while retaining the benefit of an ECE-approved configuration, the Slip-On Line on its own is therefore the key setup to consider.
What changed for the G8X LCI?
Visually, the latest Akrapovič Slip-On will look very familiar to anyone who has seen the system on an earlier G80 M3 or G82 M4. That is because the LCI application is not based around a completely different rear silencer.
The current Akrapovič part number S-BM/TI/33H is listed across the G8X range, including the latest LCI cars. The significance of the LCI update is therefore primarily official compatibility and homologation rather than an entirely new exhaust architecture.
For customers considering an exhaust for a new BMW M3 LCI, M3 Touring LCI, M4 LCI or M4 Convertible LCI, that distinction matters. There is now a manufacturer-supported Akrapovič solution covering these newer applications without having to rely simply on the fact that an earlier system may physically fit.
Slip-On or Evolution: which Akrapovič G8X exhaust should you choose?
Akrapovič offers two very different levels of upgrade for the G8X M3 and M4. The Slip-On changes the rear section. Adding the Evolution Link Pipe Set (Titanium) – Long replaces the centre section as well and creates the complete Akrapovič Evolution configuration.
| Slip-On Line | Slip-On + Evolution Link Pipe | |
|---|---|---|
| Character | Deeper, sportier and refined | Significantly more intense |
| Material | Titanium | Titanium |
| Power gain measured by Akrapovič | +8.0 kW / +10.9 hp | +17.7 kW / +24.1 hp |
| Torque gain measured by Akrapovič | +13.9 Nm | +25.4 Nm |
| Remap required | No | Yes |
| ECE-approved configuration | Yes, where applicable with OPF/GPF | No |
| Intended use | Road-focused performance upgrade | Racetrack / closed-course use |
Akrapovič Evolution Link Pipe: the next step
For customers who want substantially more sound and performance than the Slip-On alone provides, the Akrapovič Evolution Link Pipe Set E-BM/T/12 is the next step.
The centre section is also constructed from high-grade titanium and incorporates a resonator designed to produce a deeper exhaust note while controlling unwanted resonance. The link pipe itself saves approximately 8.4 kg compared with the corresponding factory section, a reduction of 62.7% for that component.
When Akrapovič tested the Evolution Link Pipe together with the Slip-On Line on a BMW M4 Competition with OPF/GPF, the complete configuration produced a maximum increase of 17.7 kW / 24.1 hp and 25.4 Nm compared with the standard exhaust.
The difference in sound is more substantial as well. Where the Slip-On is designed to retain a significant level of refinement, the Evolution configuration brings considerably more of the S58 straight-six character into the cabin and behind the car.
There is an important trade-off. Akrapovič specifies that remapping is mandatory with the Evolution Link Pipe, and the product does not meet emission-compliance requirements for street or highway use. Akrapovič specifies it for racetrack and closed-course applications.
View the Akrapovič Evolution Link Pipe for BMW M3 G80/G81 and M4 G82/G83
What does the Akrapovič exhaust sound like on the S58?
The factory G8X M3 and M4 exhaust has to satisfy increasingly strict noise and emissions requirements. As a result, much of the character of BMW's 3.0-litre twin-turbo S58 straight-six is muted in standard form.
The Akrapovič Slip-On does not try to turn the S58 into something it is not. Instead, it adds more depth and definition to the six-cylinder sound. During normal driving the exhaust remains composed, while opening the valves and increasing engine load produces a deeper and more purposeful tone.
The Evolution Link Pipe takes that character considerably further. With less restriction through the centre section, the S58 becomes more present as revs rise and the difference between the exhaust-valve positions becomes more obvious.
Which system is better therefore depends less on the car and more on how it will be used. For a road-driven M3 Touring or daily-driven M4, the Slip-On is usually the more balanced choice. For a car where outright sound and performance take priority over road homologation, the Evolution configuration offers the more dramatic result.
Which Akrapovič tailpipes are available?
The carbon-fibre tailpipes are one of the most visible parts of the G8X Akrapovič system. A compatible tailpipe set is a mandatory component of the Slip-On Line and is ordered separately from the titanium rear silencer.
Akrapovič offers different designs including its distinctive octagonal outlet and a more traditional cylindrical shape. There is also a chopped-carbon version for customers looking for a more contemporary finish.
The current compatible Akrapovič tailpipe references include TP-CT/68, TP-CT/69 and TP-CT/73/CF. The correct choice depends primarily on the preferred design and finish rather than a change to the fundamental Slip-On system.
Does the Akrapovič Slip-On require an ECU tune?
No. The Akrapovič Slip-On Line itself does not require ECU remapping. This is another reason why it works particularly well as a standalone upgrade for a road car.
The answer changes when the Evolution Link Pipe is installed. Akrapovič explicitly specifies a mandatory remap for the Evolution configuration. This should therefore be considered when planning the complete exhaust setup rather than treating the link pipe simply as another bolt-on sound upgrade.
What is the best Akrapovič setup for a BMW M3 or M4?
For most European G8X owners, we would start with the Akrapovič Slip-On Line Titanium. It delivers the largest part of the visual and acoustic transformation while retaining a relatively OEM-like level of usability. On the applicable OPF/GPF cars it also provides the advantage of an ECE type-approved configuration.
The Evolution Link Pipe makes sense when the objective changes. If the car is intended for circuit or closed-course use and significantly more exhaust sound is wanted, the complete Evolution configuration moves the system into another category.
This also means there is no need to choose the final configuration immediately. A G80, G81, G82 or G83 owner can start with the Slip-On and later add the Evolution Link Pipe if the use of the car and desired sound level change.
Akrapovič for the BMW M3 G80/G81 and M4 G82/G83 at BaanVelgen
The latest LCI compatibility makes the Akrapovič system relevant across virtually the complete current BMW G8X M3 and M4 family, from an early G80 Competition to the latest M3 Touring or M4 LCI.
At BaanVelgen we supply the Akrapovič Slip-On Line, Evolution Link Pipe and matching tailpipe options for the BMW M3 G80/G81 and BMW M4 G82/G83. Because the correct configuration depends on model year, OPF/GPF specification and intended use, we can also help determine the appropriate setup before ordering.
Shop the Akrapovič G8X Slip-On Line or contact BaanVelgen for advice on the complete Akrapovič setup for your BMW M3 or M4.
