Introduction: Why Upgrade to the Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust for the BMW F87 M2

The BMW F87 M2 is a driver-focused machine that rewards every input with razor-sharp responses. Its standard exhaust system does a competent job, but for enthusiasts looking to unlock the full potential of the S55 engine, the Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust stands out as a benchmark upgrade. This system is engineered from lightweight titanium and carbon-fiber, offering a significant reduction in unsprung weight compared to the factory steel setup. More importantly, it reshapes the exhaust note into a richer, more aggressive tone with crisp pops on downshifts, while improving exhaust gas flow to liberate additional horsepower and torque.

Installation of a cat-back exhaust like the Evolution Line can be tackled by a confident home mechanic, but it demands patience, proper tools, and attention to detail. A rushed job can lead to unwanted leaks, rattles, or misaligned tips that detract from the experience. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, covering everything from workspace preparation to post-installation checks, ensuring a clean and trouble-free fitment.

Note: Always refer to the latest official installation instructions provided by Akrapovic for your specific vehicle (part number 150631). This guide supplements, but does not replace, the manufacturer’s documentation.

View the official Akrapovic product page for the F87 M2 Evolution Line Exhaust for detailed specifications and warranty information.

Preparation Before Installation

Proper preparation prevents a frustrating afternoon. Begin by clearing a workspace with ample room to move around the vehicle. A two-post lift is ideal, but a set of high-quality jack stands and a flat concrete or asphalt surface will suffice. Always use wheel chocks to prevent accidental movement.

Essential Tools and Supplies

  • Socket set: Metric sockets (8mm, 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, 16mm, 18mm). A deep socket for the 16mm bolts on the downpipe flange is helpful.
  • Torque wrench: A 3/8” or 1/2” drive torque wrench capable of 15–50 ft-lb.
  • Jack stands: Two heavy-duty stands (minimum 3 ton rating) placed under the factory jacking points.
  • Floor jack: To lift the rear of the vehicle and support the exhaust during removal and installation.
  • Penetrating oil: WD-40 Specialist or Liquid Wrench for stubborn bolts and rubber hanger bushings.
  • Rubber lubricant: Silicone spray or dish soap mixed with water to ease hanger removal and reinstallation.
  • Flathead screwdriver and pry bar: To carefully separate rubber hangers from metal hooks.
  • Safety glasses and gloves: Protect eyes from debris and hands from sharp edges and hot components.
  • Shop rags: For cleaning gasket surfaces and wiping grease.
  • New gaskets (if not supplied with kit): Check the OEM gasket at the downpipe connection; replace it if damaged.
  • Anti-seize compound: Apply sparingly to clamp threads to prevent galling.

Vehicle Preparation

  • Park the car on level ground and allow the engine, exhaust, and catalytic converters to cool completely. Hot exhaust components can cause severe burns.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental shorting or airbag deployment.
  • Raise the rear of the vehicle using the floor jack at the reinforced jacking point behind the front wheel, then place jack stands under the designated lift points on the rocker panels. Lower the car onto the stands and confirm stability by shaking the car gently.
  • Spray penetrating oil on all fasteners you will remove: exhaust band clamps, hanger bolts, and the downpipe flange bolts. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.

Removing the Stock Exhaust System

The factory exhaust on the F87 M2 is a single-piece cat-back system (from the downpipe flange to the tips). Removing it requires working under the car with the rear bumper and exhaust tips in close proximity. Take care not to scratch the paint or damage the OEM exhaust hangers.

Step 1: Disconnect the Downpipe Connection

Locate the V-band clamp (or bolted flange, depending on your model year). For the F87 M2, the downpipe–midpipe connection uses two 16mm bolts with conical washers. Using a 16mm socket and a ratchet, loosen both bolts until they are free. Remove them by hand and set aside. The exhaust will remain supported by the rubber hangers and the hangar at the rear.

Step 2: Remove Rear Hangers and Support the Exhaust

  • Place a floor jack with a piece of wood or a rubber pad under the center of the stock exhaust. Raise it slightly to take the weight off the rubber hangers.
  • Spray silicone lubricant into each rubber hanger where the metal hook inserts. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry the hanger off the hook on both sides of the car (driver and passenger side). There are typically four hangers on the mid-pipe and two on the rear muffler section.
  • Lower the exhaust slowly by lowering the jack. The system will now hang freely. Work carefully to avoid damaging the O2 sensors (if any are present post-downpipe).
  • Slide the exhaust out from under the car. It may be necessary to remove the rear bumper diffuser or the lower heat shield for clearance. Many aftermarket guides recommend removing the three screws holding the diffuser to the bumper on each side; then gently pull the diffuser away from the bumper clips.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean Mounting Points

With the stock exhaust removed, clean the downpipe flange with a wire brush and shop towel. Check that the factory gasket is undamaged. If it shows signs of compression marks or tears, replace it with a new OEM gasket (Part No. 18307848917 or equivalent). Clean the rubber hanger insulators if they are dirty; they will be reused with the Akrapovic system.

For a detailed photo guide of the removal process, see this popular Bimmerpost thread.

Installing the Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust

Akrapovic provides a well-packaged system with all necessary hardware: clamps, springs, bushings, exhaust tips, and an installation manual. Lay out all components and identify each piece before starting.

Step 1: Assemble the System (Off-Car)

If the system comes partially disassembled (mid-pipe separate from muffler), loosely assemble it on the ground without tightening the clamps. This helps align the sections before lifting them into place. Insert the provided stainless steel band clamps and hand-tighten them just enough to hold the sections together.

Step 2: Connect to the Downpipe

  • Carefully slide the system under the car, positioning the front flange at the downpipe connection. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the downpipe flange bolts and washers.
  • Raise the exhaust using the floor jack until the front flange aligns with the downpipe flange. Insert the two bolts and torque them to 18 ft-lb (24 Nm) in a cross pattern. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the titanium.

Step 3: Secure Rubber Hangers

Most Akrapovic Evolution Line systems for the F87 M2 reuse the OEM rubber hangers. Apply silicone lubricant to the rubber bushings, then push the metal hooks of the new exhaust into the hangers. You will feel a distinct click when fully seated. Ensure each hanger is oriented correctly; the exhaust should hang without twisting or binding.

Step 4: Tighten Band Clamps

Hand-tighten all band clamps connecting the sections. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to the specification in the manual – typically 45 ft-lb (60 Nm) for the 2.5” and 3” clamps. Over-tightening can crush the titanium pipes or distort the connection. Always tighten in sequence from front to back.

Step 5: Install Exhaust Tips

Akrapovic provides carbon-fiber or titanium tips (depending on your version). Slide them onto the muffler outlets, align them with the bumper cutouts, and tighten the set screws gently. Do not finalize the tip position until the car is on the ground and you can verify even spacing around the bumper opening.

Alignment and Final Adjustments

A perfect installation is as much about fitment as it is about sound. Poorly aligned tips or a system that touches the underbody will cause rattles and degrade the high-end appearance.

Tip Centering

  • Lower the car onto its wheels with the suspension loaded. The exhaust will settle into its natural position.
  • Loosen the clamps at the muffler connections and the tip set screws. Adjust the tips so they are centered in the bumper cutouts with equal gap on all sides (typically 5–8 mm).
  • Tighten the tip set screws to 7 ft-lb (10 Nm). Re-tighten the muffler band clamps to 45 ft-lb.

Clearance Check

  • From under the car, verify that no part of the exhaust touches the chassis, heat shields, rear axle, or sway bar. Leave at least 1 cm (0.4 in) of clearance around moving components.
  • Check that the hanger hooks are not contacting the rubber hanger edges. Adjust the system by loosening and shifting sections if needed.

Post-Installation Checks and Break-In

Once everything is tightened and aligned, the next few steps are critical for long-term reliability.

Leak Inspection

Start the engine cold. Have an assistant cover the tailpipes with rags (or use a shop vacuum on exhaust mode) while you listen for hissing at every joint. Alternatively, spray a soap-and-water solution on the flange gaskets and clamps; bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten the offending clamp slightly and re-test.

Heat Cycling

Allow the exhaust to reach full operating temperature during the first drive. Drive gently for 15–20 minutes, then let the system cool completely. Akrapovic titanium systems benefit from a few heat cycles to allow thermal expansion to seat the joints. After cooling, re-torque all band clamps to specification. This is a known step recommended by Akrapovic.

Watch a professional installation video to see the heat cycle and re-torque procedure in practice.

Ongoing Maintenance Tips

  • Check hardware monthly: Titanium expands more than steel, so clamps may loosen after the first few hundred miles. Re-torque them at 500 miles (800 km).
  • Clean tips gently: Use a microfiber cloth and a non-abrasive metal polish approved for titanium. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage carbon-fiber tips.
  • Listen for changes: An unusual rattle or metallic sound can indicate a loose heat shield or contact point. Address promptly to avoid damage.
  • Professional inspection: After one month, have a reputable exhaust shop check all connections. Many shops offer this service for a small fee.

Conclusion

Installing the Akrapovic Evolution Line Exhaust on your BMW F87 M2 is a rewarding project that transforms the driving experience. The combination of weight savings, a soaring exhaust note, and mild power gains makes it one of the most popular upgrades for the platform. By following this detailed guide – from proper preparation and careful removal to meticulous alignment and post-installation checks – you ensure a leak-free, rattle-free system that sounds as good as it looks.

Remember that Ti systems require a bit more attention during the first few heat cycles. Take the time to re-torque and re-check, and you will enjoy years of driving pleasure with a glorious acoustic signature. For further performance tuning, consider pairing the exhaust with a high-flow downpipe and a Stage 2 ECU tune to fully exploit the improved flow.

Explore the full Akrapovic Evolution Line range for the F87 M2 and check availability through authorized dealers like BimmerWorld.