ZE55

I finally got around to installing AMS Headers in my '00 E55, and it makes a nice, very noticeable difference. I'm not the dynoing type, but know that I definitely have more power and responsiveness from the engine, and am enjoying the car even more. I did wait over a week to make sure the ECU adapted, as AMS recommends. I also did install secondary cats at the same time, so it's pleasantly throatier-sounding.

Next will probably be the crank pulley, which supposedly compliments the headers. Best part is, I don't have to wonder what I'm missing without the headers - I did go back and forth on bothering, as I was unsure about short tubes, but it's well worth it for the price. Also, I think I'm getting better mileage - it certainly seems like it's taking a little longer now to go through a tank of gas. I'm sure I could do a real test for mileage, and also dyno etc. to confirm but, for me, it's enough that I feel good about all the improvements for less than $2k, including headers, cats and install - I've spent much more on much less impactful mods (supersprint cat back on a 540i, lightweight flywheel on 328i etc. etc.).

Thanks AMS!

M-bENZ

Does the high flow second cats do any good ?

Andy

pinoyk20

nice review bro! im sure it will gain more with the pulleys! pls give us an update when you get the pulley! thanks

ZE55

Wiil do.

ZE55

I did both at same time so hard to say. However, it definitely improves sound.

C43AMG

The million dollar question - Which is quicker - The E55 (now) or the C55 ?

M-bENZ

ic ic. Did you get the 300 cells ?

Andy

AMS Performance

Hello ZE55,

Glad to hear we met your expectations and you are a satisfied customer. The pulley will definitely enhance the gains from the headers even more and they are designed to work as a package so you will certainly like the results. The stage 2 performance package transforms the car into something else. In conjunction with high flow cats & ECU software, the stage 4 setup makes the car feel like a totally different animal and more and more of our customers are going this route. On the w210 E55s the addition of X-pipe as well will further improve gains even more. With headers & pulleys, you will see an improvement in MPGs as mentioned (assuming you aren't on it aggressively all the time).

The C55 does have a 250lb weight advantage so naturally it will be slightly quicker in stock form, however the W210 E55s appear to have the most potential for power out of all the NA 55s simply due to its superior exhaust system design and the ability to extract even more power out of it.

With that said, all the NA 55s see significant gains with our Stage 2 PP (or higher).

Thanks for choosing AMS for your performance needs,
~AMS~

Silver Logic

When I put your headers in and deleted all my cats (X-pipe in place of 2nd cats), my gas mileage got worse. Must be because I keep flooring it every chance I get....hee....hee.... Sound is perfect for me, and engine response is much quicker. Sadly, you get used to the power and then you want more. Time to put in more stuff.

armaniE55

+1 Thirsty for more.....

AMS Performance

Hey Armani,

The headers & high flow cats will definitely satisfy your appetite (at least for now ). Once you get those the car will feel like a compete package. This is definitely the biggest mod for these cars, so you should definitely do the two together for maximum effect.

Currently AMS is working on stage 5 & stage 6, I will have more details in future. I can assure you AMS is doing everything it can to squeeze out every last HP out of the car possible .

(p.s. Don't ask, I'm not going to reveal what we are working on )

~AMS~

pjdough

I'm a newbie to this: I understand replacing the secondary cats with less restrictive ones (along with headers) will help the performance. That said I have 2 questions:
1. Where do I get the cats
2. If you install an x-pipe does that rule out secondary cats
Thanks.

AMS Performance

The cats can be purchased on ebay for $55-90 each depending on seller. The 2.5" 300-cell metal core TB cats are the best option.

You can do an X-pipe that replaces the secondary cats and there are pros/cons to doing it this way:

Pros:
- X-pipe is closer to headers which increases its effects (not much, maybe 1-2HP).
- You don't have to buy extra set of mandrel bends to do it this way. (saves $)
- Allows you to keep stock resonator for a quieter setup

Cons:
- You still have to delete resonator if you want more sound and 25lb weight reduction
- Most importantly, if you do this, both Primary at sections are permanently welded together and this cannot be undone without completely rewelding both pieces. This may not be desirable so keep this in mind if choosing to go this route.

Hope that helps