BMW M5 F10: the M5's first turbo V8 deserves to be heard, the complete guide
RogMotorsport expert guide
When the F10 replaced the E60, purists remembered only one thing: the M5 had lost its naturally aspirated V10 and its F1 sound. BMW knew it so well that the F10 piped an artificial engine sound through its speakers. Fifteen years later, the verdict is different: the F10's S63 is a formidable V8, unfairly robbed of its voice by the factory exhaust. This guide explains how to make it heard, and how to choose the catalytic converter, material and valves, with straight answers on the French CT inspection and the engine warning light.
The F10's S63: the power of a supercar, the discretion of a limousine
560 hp and 680 Nm available very early: the F10's S63TU redefined what a saloon could do in 2011. Its hot-vee layout, with the turbos nestled in the V, naturally muffles the exhaust, and the factory system finishes the job with limousine silencers. The result is a V8 you sense more than you hear, to the point that BMW made up for it with synthetic sound in the cabin.
The ROG exhaust gives the S63 back its true mechanical pulse. A deep rumble at idle, a commanding climb through the revs, crackles on lift-off: the F10 finally shows what it really is. And with the valves closed, it goes back to being the grand tourer it also knows how to be.
The figures: what the exhaust system really delivers
At ROG, we always look for the best. That is why we always recommend an ECU remap at an approved tuning centre after installation. Our exhausts work perfectly with or without one, but it is with a full ECU remap that your S63 will show its full potential.
| Factory | ROG system alone | Stage 2 + Remap | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 560 hp | 572 hp (+12 hp) | 720 hp (+160 hp) |
| Torque | 680 Nm | 695 Nm (+15 Nm) | 860 Nm (+180 Nm) |
Gains from the ROG system alone without a remap. Stage 2 with a full remap.
The F10's S63 is now one of the best power-for-money deals on the used market, and it responds remarkably well to tuning. With the ROG exhaust and an ECU remap at an approved tuning centre, the F10 reaches the figures of a modern M5, for a fraction of the price. The engine is robust and thoroughly proven, and there is a real reliability margin.
Cat-back only or sport catalytic converter: building your configuration
Let us start with a point many websites keep quiet about: you do not have to touch the catalytic converter. Our full post-cat exhaust system, the cat-back, is already a major transformation. It houses the entire valve system and removes a large part of the factory silencers. In sound, character and breathing, the gain is immediate, with the best results for the money. It is the ideal starting point and, for many of our customers, it is more than enough.
Replacing the catalytic converter is then for those who want the ultimate configuration: even more flow, even more sound. Here is exactly what each option means for your M5 F10.
200-cell sport catalytic converter
Passes the French MOT. The 200-cell converter cleans the exhaust enough to meet the emissions limits of the French MOT (contrôle technique), while delivering far more flow than the factory catalytic converter. No compromise on legality in France, and a real gain in breathing and sound. It is our recommendation for a car used every day.
100-cell sport catalytic converter
French MOT pass not guaranteed. With half as many cells, flow comes as close as possible to a decat and the sound gains real aggression, especially at high revs. Emissions control is still there but reduced: passing the French MOT (contrôle technique) is not guaranteed.
Decat
The decat pipe removes all emissions control: maximum flow, raw sound and the sharpest revving. It is the most extreme configuration we offer. To be completely transparent: under normal circumstances, a decat does not pass the emissions test of the French MOT (contrôle technique). The choice is yours, made with full knowledge of your situation and how you use the car. If in doubt, call us and we will talk it through.
Sound level, on a scale of 0 to 10
To give you a concrete idea, here is how the configurations rank on your M5 F10, with the valves open:
And remember: with the valves closed, every one of these configurations becomes discreet again. That is the whole point of the ROG valve system.
What about the engine warning light?
A question we always get, answered with figures. With a sport catalytic converter (100 or 200 cells), an engine warning light appears in around 15% of cases. A warning light is therefore very rare, but the risk is not zero. With a decat, the warning light is more common, as the ECU detects the missing emissions control. Either way, the fix is simple: a diagnostic tool session or an ECU remap will clear it. And if it happens to you, get in touch and we will help you through it.
Stainless steel or titanium: what difference does it make for you?
Stainless steel (304 grade): the benchmark for high-end exhausts. Tough, durable and corrosion-proof, with a full, rounded sound. It offers the best value for money and is the choice of most of our customers.
Titanium: around 40% lighter than stainless steel, with a more metallic sound signature that turns crystal clear at high revs. It is also an aesthetic choice: titanium comes in several shades, from natural titanium to blued, heat-coloured finishes. It is the material of supercars and motorsport. On the M5 F10, it brings an exclusive character that stainless steel simply cannot offer.
The ROG sound signature on the S63
On a V8, the acoustic work is not about adding noise but about removing what masks the engine. Our exhaust removes the factory restrictions and oversized silencers to free the S63's natural pulse: a deep, low rumble at idle, a full and authoritative climb under load, and crisp crackles on the overrun when the valves are open. With the valves closed, the V8 turns hushed again, perfectly suited to long journeys and early-morning starts.
The valve system: how it works, and why it changes everything
The principle is simple and mechanical. With the valves open, the exhaust gases run straight through: a direct path, no restriction, maximum sound and flow. With the valves closed, the gases are forced through the rear silencer: the volume drops instantly and the car becomes discreet again. Two personalities in one exhaust system, and you are the one who decides.
You have two ways to control these valves, whichever you prefer.
OEM valves: the system is supplied with mounting points to refit your original actuators. Your M5 F10 keeps all of its factory management: drive modes and automatic opening according to the manufacturer's mapping. Zero added electronics, completely seamless integration.
ROG remote-controlled valve system: new motorised valves, independent of the factory engine management. A small control unit fits in the boot (very simple installation, full guide shipped with the exhaust), and a remote gives you two buttons: open and closed. You decide, at any moment, whatever the drive mode. Discreet in your street at 7h00 in the morning, spectacular on a mountain road at the weekend.
The tips: the visual signature
Final step of the configuration: the exhaust tips. Shapes, diameters and finishes to choose from, so the tailpipes match the style of your M5 F10, whether you want them understated or unmistakable. Something specific in mind, a particular finish? Email us a photo or a description and we will work out together what can be done.
ROG semi-bespoke: why we ask for your VIN
Every exhaust system is assembled for your exact specification. That is why, before ordering, you enter your vehicle's exact details (year, model, engine, chassis) along with your 17-character VIN, shown in box E of your vehicle registration certificate. This is not a formality: it is what allows us to guarantee a perfect fit, with no nasty surprises during installation. Installation is plug and play, with no modification to the vehicle.
We are upfront about lead times: allow 7 days to design your exhaust system, then 10 to 15 days for free delivery, so 2 to 3 weeks on average between your order and delivery. Every exhaust system comes with a 3-year warranty.
A French brand, close to its customers
RogMotorsport is a French brand, and we built it around one conviction: with a product like an exhaust system, the support matters as much as the product itself. In practice, this means you can reach us by phone on 07 56 95 95 39 or by email at contact@rogmotorsport.com, before, during and after your order.
Before ordering: torn between stainless steel and titanium, between 200 cells and cat-back only, or want to know what best suits the way you drive? Call us, we will take the time. Do you have a specific request, particular tips, a special finish, or a question about your exact configuration? Write to us and we will give you a straight answer. After your order: tracking, fitting advice and support whenever needed, our after-sales service is extremely responsive. More than 500 exhaust systems fitted and a 4.9-star rating: that is no accident, it is this close relationship that makes the difference.
Configure my exhaust system for the M5 F10 (from €2,655)
In short: our recommendations for the M5 F10
Daily driving, open road: 200-cell catalytic converter, ROG remote-controlled valves. No worries at the French MOT, and the V8 heard on demand.
Enthusiast use: 100-cell catalytic converter, titanium, Stage 2 for the figures of a modern M5.
Ultimate configuration: decat, full Stage 2. The S63 with no filter at all.
And if you are still unsure, that is perfectly normal: it is exactly why we answer the phone.
Frequently asked questions
BMW M5 F10 (2011-2017): your questions
How much power does the ROG exhaust add on the BMW M5 F10 (2011-2017)?
The BMW M5 F10 produces 560 hp as standard. With the ROG exhaust alone, without an ECU remap, it rises to 572 hp, a gain of +12 hp, and torque goes from 680 Nm to 695 Nm (+15 Nm). With a full Stage 2 ECU remap, the package reaches 720 hp (+160 hp) and 860 Nm (+180 Nm).
How much weight do you save on the BMW M5 F10 (2011-2017)?
The factory exhaust on the BMW M5 F10 weighs around 28 kg. The ROG stainless steel exhaust weighs around 18 kg, which is 10 kg less. In titanium, it drops to around 14 kg, which is 14 kg less than the factory system.
Do I need an ECU remap after fitting?
It is not compulsory: the ROG exhaust system works with or without an ECU remap. ROG does, however, recommend one at an approved tuning centre, because it is with a full ECU remap that the engine shows its full potential: the difference is 572 hp without, against 720 hp with.
How do the valves work, and is it loud all the time?
No. The valve system controls how the exhaust opens: with the valves closed, the gases flow through the silenced path and the noise level stays within regulatory limits; with the valves open, they take the straight-through path and the exhaust sound comes through in full. You choose at any moment, which means you can use the BMW M5 F10 every day without living with the volume all the time.
Which configurations are available, and which one should you choose?
The ROG exhaust system is semi-bespoke: you choose the material (stainless steel or titanium), the manifold type (200 or 100-cell sport catalytic converter, or decat), the layout (standard, Equal Length or Z Pipe) and the tip finish. Every combination changes the sound and the character of the car. The guide above details what each element changes on the BMW M5 F10.
How much does a ROG exhaust cost for the BMW M5 F10 (2011-2017), and how long does it take?
For the BMW M5 F10, prices range from €2,655 to €4,210 depending on the chosen configuration (material, manifold, layout, tips). As every exhaust system is built for your vehicle, allow around three weeks between order and dispatch: one week of design, two weeks of manufacturing.
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