This page is dedicated to comparing the differences between round and square tipped SuperSprint exhausts on two different E39s. Mine is a 2000 540i6 and my friend's is a 1997 540i6. We have received some comments that the mounting may have been done differently and there should not be this much of a difference. I'm willing to accept that as possible — so take what you read here as personal experience, and nothing more.
Side by Side from the Rear
A shot from the rear corners. I really do like his wheels. He has different ones now after he put his car on a curb while showing off. I like his new ones, too.
Individual Rear Corner Shots
Close shots of each car's rear quarter. The difference in tip profile is immediately apparent even from this distance. Square reads more aggressive; round is subtler.
Leveling the Round Tip
Of course, we had to level his exhaust as well. This is better because it's taken with the car on the lift — it will level more when he lets the holders down. Obsessive compulsion: not just for the square tip crowd.
Distance from Bumper Lip to Tip
Side by side measurement of the two exhausts — distance from the rear bumper lip to the tip of the exhaust. Square is on the left, round is on the right.
The difference in length from the bumper to the tip is greater than the difference from the end of the muffler housing to the tips. This lends credence to the idea that bracket installation may have played a part in the length difference.
Visual Comparison After Installation
Final side views of both cars after installation. This is also a great picture of the difference between Titanium Silver (square) and Arctic Silver (round) in natural light.
