OE Euro headers vs copies - worth it?

[Maxhouse97]

I’ve pretty much settled on Euro headers, wondering whether the price/hassle of getting OE euros is worth it, or is trying a set of the copies (megan, AA, etc.) a better path? How is the flow, quality, etc. of the copies? Also wondering the same for the cats, section 1 euro OE vs a aftermarket solution.

Part of the reason I am asking this is it seems it’s tough to find a constant stream of good euro OE parts, if someone has a suggestion here I will take it. Thanks.

[nachizl8]

I think a member is selling euro headers in the For Sale section. Pretty sure you’ll find a set there if you search

[Cronenberged]

Megan are the best fitting cheap, the AA are higher quality, but can't be true euro, there are some FS in the for sale discussion. You can also just post a WTB and I'm sure someone with some sitting on a shelf can hook you up.

[AWE46M3]

Headers are such a labor intensive job - buy nice or buy twice.

Euro headers installed last week - I’m in love. Car has this hollow roar/growl I’ve never heard before. Fitment is perfect with it being a OE part.

Supersprint stepped is the way to go if you want more power, but the Euro Headers are thinner than Super Sprint iirc and for some that have switched from oem euro to SS they’ve noted the euro sounded better (again, super subjective and to each their own)

TL/DR - Very happy with the change to euro headers. Not worth the price savings to buy aftermarket for something comparable. Buy the OEM EU headers and enjoy!

[Maxhouse97]

Thanks AWE, exactly the feedback I was looking for.

[bigjae46]

I've had the Megan headers on for awhile. I had them swaintech coated before installing. No issues so far.

[Cubieman]

Definitely enjoyed the sound of my last exhaust setup with the Euro headers>Cats>Factory Sec. 2> SCZA over the full supersprint save the SCZA muffler.
The Euro setup was a bit raspy but louder and more sporty than the rather quiet and maybe even dull S.S setup, except way up top I suppose.

Wish I never would have sold the Euro stuff, got the headers/Sec. 1 for $1200 a while back.

[DoubleSidedTape]

Ran the Megan headers for 4 years, had no issues, the install was much easier than the supersprint I upgraded to. They were cheaper when I bought them than they are now though.

[AWE46M3]

Definitely enjoyed the sound of my last exhaust setup with the Euro headers>Cats>Factory Sec. 2> SCZA over the full supersprint save the SCZA muffler.
The Euro setup was a bit raspy but louder and more sporty than the rather quiet and maybe even dull S.S setup, except way up top I suppose.

Wish I never would have sold the Euro stuff, got the headers/Sec. 1 for $1200 a while back.

Nice - thank you for chiming in and substantiating my claim about SS vs OEM euro headers in terms of sound. I’m blown away by the sound - tough to explain but once you hear it you know it’s special.

[CrisSilberGrau]

Definitely enjoyed the sound of my last exhaust setup with the Euro headers>Cats>Factory Sec. 2> SCZA over the full supersprint save the SCZA muffler.
The Euro setup was a bit raspy but louder and more sporty than the rather quiet and maybe even dull S.S setup, except way up top I suppose.

Wish I never would have sold the Euro stuff, got the headers/Sec. 1 for $1200 a while back.

Best sounding setup I've had was OEM Uro, US sec 1, 2, and SCZA. Super crisp sound and quite high pitched up top akin to a formula type car. Heard it once in October a few years ago as I switched cars with a buddy. Was pretty flabbergasted at how good it was. Now with full SS its quieter and deeper, it's a nice sound but I dont love it. Did it for the power. Even better if you find headers off of LCI cars in EU. Those are primo.

Maybe even better sounding would be the CSL Sec 2 as well with the above. Not sure you can still get those though.

[Arith2]

Megan are the best fitting cheap, the AA are higher quality, but can't be true euro, there are some FS in the for sale discussion. You can also just post a WTB and I'm sure someone with some sitting on a shelf can hook you up.

They used to be the same header made in the same factory. I think AA came out with a newer version since. There was a 113 page discussion on this on M3forum. More $$ doesn't always mean higher quality. Megan will fix fitment issues, no questions asked. Do I agree with what they did? Not really. I bought mine before someone tracked down the factory and people who made them basically ripped off AA in typical Chinese fashion. What's sad is fitment on my Megan headers was better that my SS V1s.

[EthanolTurbo]

Definitely enjoyed the sound of my last exhaust setup with the Euro headers>Cats>Factory Sec. 2> SCZA over the full supersprint save the SCZA muffler.
The Euro setup was a bit raspy but louder and more sporty than the rather quiet and maybe even dull S.S setup, except way up top I suppose.

Wish I never would have sold the Euro stuff, got the headers/Sec. 1 for $1200 a while back.

Agreed. Full SS setup is quieter and more tame, more polished I suppose. I loved my Euro headers with resonated section 1 and resonated section 2. Sounded amazing.

[TosM3]

I would get megan headers over Euro, just as good but cheaper and sounds very nice with multiple set ups

[Obioban]

I would get megan headers over Euro, just as good but cheaper and sounds very nice with multiple set ups

I don't think there's any aftermarket headers that are "just as good" as OE in terms of build quality... or ever will be.

[Chas3n]

I believe I have a set of Megan's. They went on without a fuss, and have held up on numerous cars in the last 4 years (I believe it's been that long)

Compared to the SS, they installed easier. My data points go back to 2012, but the SS always have been a PITA to fit up.

Power wise, the Megan's are the same as when I had an OE euro setup. Sound is probably so close that I couldn't tell you if there's a difference.


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