BMW M2 Competition Akrapovic Slip-On Exhaust Review

The Akrapovic Slip-On Line (Titanium) is the definitive exhaust upgrade for the 2019–2021 BMW M2 Competition and 2020–2021 M2 CS (F87N), trimming 22.5 lb of weight while unlocking a deeper, drone-free soundtrack from the S55 twin-turbo inline-six. Priced at $6,550.44, it is the most expensive — and most complete — bolt-on exhaust in our M2 Competition catalog. In this review we break down the exact weight savings, the measured torque figures, the sound character, fitment, and how it stacks up against the alternatives so you can decide whether the halo Akrapovic system is worth it for your F87.

What Is the Akrapovic Slip-On Line for the M2 Competition?

The Akrapovic Slip-On Line (Titanium) is a titanium rear-muffler exhaust that replaces the factory silencer on the 2019–2021 BMW M2 Competition and 2020–2021 M2 CS (F87N). It carries Akrapovic part number S-BM/T/3H and ships with carbon-fiber tailpipes as standard. Because it is a slip-on, it bolts to the OE mid-pipe and retains the car's factory electronic exhaust valves, so the M2 keeps its quiet cold-start and comfort modes while gaining a louder, sharper sport character on demand.

This kit fits the S55-powered cars only. It specifically excludes the 2016–2017 M2 (N55 single-turbo), which uses a different exhaust layout. Akrapovic developed the system on an OPF/GPF-equipped car, and it fits both OPF and non-OPF versions of the M2 Competition and M2 CS. The M2 Competition makes 405 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) from its 3.0-liter twin-turbo six; the M2 CS shares the same block with an M4 Competition ECU map for 444 hp.

How Much Weight Does the Akrapovic Save on the M2 Competition?

The Akrapovic Slip-On Line weighs 11.1 kg (24.4 lb) and removes roughly 10.2 kg (22.5 lb) versus the stock M2 Competition exhaust — a reduction of over 45%. That is meaningful unsprung and rear-biased mass pulled off a 3,600-lb coupe, and it sits low and far back where it helps the M2 rotate. The savings come from full titanium tubing, with some components cast in Akrapovic's own foundry rather than fabricated from off-the-shelf tube, which lets the walls run thinner without sacrificing durability.

For context, dropping 22.5 lb from the tail of the car is comparable to removing a spare wheel — except this weight comes off the least-desirable corner of the chassis. Combined with the carbon-fiber tailpipes, the Akrapovic is one of the single most effective weight-reduction bolt-ons available for the F87 platform.

Does the Akrapovic Slip-On Add Power?

Yes — Akrapovic's dyno testing shows a mid-range torque peak of 576.5 Nm (425 lb-ft) at 2,900 rpm, up from the factory 550 Nm (406 lb-ft), thanks to lower backpressure. On a slip-on the headline power gain is modest because the OE catalyst and mid-pipe stay in place, but the improvement in torque delivery is where you feel it: the S55 pulls harder off boost and through the mid-range, which is exactly the rpm band you use most on the street. Akrapovic notes that power can be increased further with the optional Evolution link-pipe set, which opens up the section ahead of the muffler.

Buyers chasing big peak numbers should pair the exhaust with a tune. A piggyback module such as the aFe SCORCHER (below) lets the S55 take fuller advantage of the freer-flowing exhaust without touching the factory ECU permanently.

What Does the M2 Competition Akrapovic Sound Like?

The Akrapovic gives the M2 Competition a deeper, sportier, muscle-car-flavored tone that is strongest in the mid and upper rpm range — without the cabin drone that plagues many aftermarket exhausts. Akrapovic's sound engineers tuned the system to sharpen the S55's voice under load while keeping it civil at a cruise. Because the slip-on retains the factory exhaust valves, the M2 stays neighbor-friendly in comfort mode and opens up when you switch to Sport or Sport Plus. It is loud and characterful on throttle, refined off it — the balance most F87 owners actually want for a car that doubles as a daily driver.

Akrapovic vs Remus vs Other M2 Competition Upgrades

The Akrapovic is the premium pick, but it is not the only path to a better-sounding, better-performing M2 Competition. The Remus Race axle-back is a lower-cost stainless alternative with an aggressive tone, while a power module and a set of springs round out a well-rounded build. Here is how the top bolt-ons in our F87 catalog compare.

Remus Race Axle-Back: The Value Alternative

The Remus Race axle-back is the sensible-money exhaust for the M2 Competition, priced at $2,822.80 — less than half the Akrapovic. It is a stainless-steel, race-oriented axle-back that delivers a louder, harder-edged tone. You give up the titanium weight savings and the carbon-fiber tips, but you keep a genuine performance-brand exhaust and a big jump in volume over stock.

Add Power: aFe SCORCHER Bluetooth Module

The aFe SCORCHER Bluetooth power module is the fastest way to wake up the S55 after fitting the exhaust, at $581.00. It plugs inline on the M2 Competition, M3, and M4 (F80/82/83/87) and adjusts boost and fueling parameters, with app-based control and multiple power levels. Because it is a piggyback, it installs and removes without permanently flashing the factory ECU — a plus for owners who want a reversible power gain that complements the freer-flowing Akrapovic.

Dial In the Stance: ST Adjustable Lowering Springs

ST's height-adjustable lowering springs let you lower the M2 Competition while retaining the factory dampers, priced at $1,089.00. They fit the F87 M2 Competition and F80/F82 M3/M4 (2WD) and offer a tunable drop, so you can close the wheel gap and lower the center of gravity without the cost or complexity of a full coilover. It is the natural next step once the exhaust and power module are in place.

Akrapovic Slip-On: Pros and Cons

Complete the Build: Cooling and Brakes

A tuned, freer-breathing M2 Competition benefits from upgraded cooling and stopping power, especially on track. A larger aluminum heat exchanger helps the S55 hold intake temps during hard use, while a race brake pad restores bite once you start pushing the car. These are the finishing pieces that keep a lightweight, better-sounding M2 consistent lap after lap.

The Koyo aluminum high-performance front-mount heat exchanger ($677.98) replaces the factory unit on the 2019–2020 M2 Competition (F87) and shares fitment with the F80/F82 M3/M4, giving the water-to-air charge cooling more capacity to fight heat soak on repeated pulls. Pair it with the EBC RP-1 race front brake pads ($423.95), a track-focused compound built for the M2 Competition's factory 3.0 twin-turbo braking package, and the car will resist fade far better during a track day than it does on the OE street pads. In our experience building F87 platforms at NLP Performance, owners who add the exhaust almost always follow with cooling and brakes once they start driving the car harder — the S55 makes real heat, and the lighter, louder M2 encourages you to use it. Ordering all four upgrades together also consolidates shipping on the heavier exhaust box.

Is the Akrapovic Slip-On Hard to Install?

No — the Akrapovic Slip-On Line is a plug-and-play, bolt-on job that mates to the factory mid-pipe with no cutting or welding. As a slip-on it replaces only the rear muffler section and reuses the OE exhaust-valve wiring, so there is no need to reflash the car or deceive the exhaust-flap system. Most shops complete the swap in about an hour on a lift. The system also carries ECE type approval, and because Akrapovic developed it on an OPF/GPF car, it fits both OPF and non-OPF F87 M2 Competition and M2 CS models. At NLP Performance in Tampa, FL, our team can source and ship the S-BM/T/3H nationwide.