
Flashark
BMW Engine Header – E39 5 Series 1997-2000 2.5L/2.8L/3.0L
Reviewed by the The Top Finds editors · How we test
You'll complete your purchase on Flashark's site · price checked May 20
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Our review
BMW Engine Header – E39 5 Series 1997-2000 2.5L/2.8L/3.0L Upgrade your BMW’s exhaust system with Flashark Exhaust Headers, designed specifically for BMW's engine family. These high-performance headers are specifically engineered to enhance your engine's output, improve exhaust flow, and boost horsepower and torque, giving your BMW a noticeable increase in performance. Compatible with a wide range of BMW models such as the E39, these headers are constructed from durable T304 stainless steel and offer a straightforward, bolt-on installation for both performance and ease. Fitment: 1997–2000 E39 5 Series Specifications: Brand Name: FLASHARK SKU: ES08335 (EH28535) Certificate: ISO9001:2000 Application: Exhaust Header Material: Stainless Steel Surface: Mirror Polish The headers feature a 6-2-1 lightweight piping design and are made from T304 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting durability and performance. Features: Our headers are designed with an F1-style merge collector for reduced turbulence and creates more horsepower and torque. Improved TIG welding with each weld back purged so each weld is protected on both the front and rear sides Includes 4 O2 (lambda) sensor ports just like the original down pipe configuration, does not include catalytic converters - not useable on the public roads! Check your local regulations Improvement is approximately 12 hp. With our ECU tuning software upgrades, we have seen increases of over 30 HP The design utilizes equal-length headers, smooth mandrel bends and large F1-style collectors Headers make the car noticeably faster across the rpm range with minimal additional noise Straight forward installation These high-performance exhaust headers are made from durable T304 stainless steel and are designed for BMW engines. Fits both manual and automatic transmissions. Models with air pumps may require modifications. These high-performance headers were developed in Germany and are manufactured out of heavy gauge T304 stainless steel for long life. They are intended for track and off-road use only unless you weld in catalytic converters. The kit comes complete with gaskets. Left-hand drive models only. Replacing or upgrading your exhaust header is necessary for both engine performance and sound. Whether on or off the track, exhaust headers provide more horsepower and improved exhaust sound. FLASHARK offers many products to help you create your own custom engine headers. It's really easy and convenient to use: direct bolt-on, no modification needed. Quality assurance: 1. Each item has been factory tested and meets or exceeds OEM specifications. 2. If you are not satisfied with the product or the product has quality problems, you can contact us at any time, we will provide you with a satisfactory answer and solve the after-sales problem for you. Package Includes: 2*Exhaust Manifolds 4*Gaskets FAQ Q1: Will these FLASHARK exhaust headers fit my BMW M54B30 engine? A1: Yes! These high-performance FLASHARK exhaust headers are specifically engineered for the BMW M54 engine family, including the 3.0L M54B30, as well as 2.2L and 2.5L variants. It provides an optimized fitment for a wide range of platforms, including the E46 (320i/325i/330i/330Ci), E39 (525i/528i/530i), E53 X5, E83 X3, E85 Z4, and Z3, making it the ultimate performance upgrade for anyone searching for premium bmw m54 headers. Q2: Are these FLASHARK M54 headers a catless design? A2: Yes, this kit features a high-flowing, completely catless design. By replacing the restrictive factory OEM exhaust manifold that contains integrated primary catalytic converters, these m54 catless headers eliminate severe backpressure. This allows your naturally aspirated inline-six engine to breathe freely, unleashing noticeable power and a much more aggressive exhaust tone. Q3: Do these headers fit both manual and automatic transmission BMW models? A3: Yes, absolutely! Unlike many low-quality alternatives on the market that suffer from clearance issues around the transmission bellhousing, FLASHARK e46 m54 headers are precision-engineered to clear both manual and automatic transmissions flawlessly, ensuring no interference with the automatic transmission selector linkage. Q4: Will this M54 exhaust header kit fit Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles? A4: No, these headers are strictly developed and verified for Left-Hand Drive (LHD) models only. Due to the tight steering shaft positioning on Right-Hand Drive cars, there is insufficient clearance, meaning this kit will not clear the steering column on RHD vehicles without major custom modification. Q5: How much horsepower and torque gain can I expect from this upgrade? A5: Installing these equal-length headers provides an immediate standalone gain of approximately 12 horsepower and significantly improved throttle response across the entire RPM range. When paired with an aftermarket cold air intake and professional ECU tuning software upgrades, dyno tests have shown proven increases of over 30 HP by maximizing the scavenging effect. Q6: What material and welding techniques are used to manufacture these headers? A6: FLASHARK headers are manufactured out of heavy-gauge, premium T304 stainless steel with a pristine mirror-polish finish for exceptional durability and rust resistance. Every joint features professional TIG welding, with each weld meticulously back-purged to protect both the internal and external sides from cracking under intense track heat. Q7: How many O2 sensor ports are included, and will it trigger a Check Engine Light (CEL)? A7: The kit includes exactly 4 O2 (lambda) sensor ports, perfectly matching the original factory downpipe and sensor configuration for accurate engine monitoring. However, because this is a catless system designed for track use, removing the catalytic converters will trigger a catalyst efficiency CEL. This can be easily resolved using O2 sensor spacers or a Stage 2 ECU software tune. Q8: What are the benefits of the 6-2-1 piping layout and F1-style merge collectors? A8: The specialized 6-2-1 lightweight piping design routes exhaust gases through smooth mandrel bends into large F1-style merge collectors. This architecture drastically reduces exhaust turbulence, eliminates back-feeding pulses, and optimizes exhaust scavenging, giving your engine a highly refined, sporty sound profile with minimal drone. Q9: Do I need to purchase extra gaskets or installation hardware separately? A9: No extra purchasing is required for a standard setup! The FLASHARK kit comes complete with 2 high-performance exhaust manifolds and 4 premium high-temperature gaskets right in the package, providing everything you need for a straightforward, leak-free, direct bolt-on installation. Q10: Are any custom modifications needed for BMW models equipped with a Secondary Air Pump (SAP)? A10: For standard M54 setups, this is a direct bolt-on product. However, please note that certain BMW models equipped with a factory secondary air pump (SAP) may require minor clearance modifications to the air injection lines or the use of an SAP delete/block-off plate during the installation process. Q11: Are these FLASHARK M54 headers legal for public road use? A11: These performance headers do not include catalytic converters and are intended strictly for track, racing, and off-road use only. We highly recommend checking your local environmental regulations regarding emissions compliance before installing them on street-driven vehicles. Q12: Why should I choose FLASHARK over more expensive name-brand M54 headers? A12: FLASHARK delivers professional race-grade engineering—backed by strict ISO9001:2000 quality certification, equal-length mandrel bends, back-purged TIG welds, and heavy-duty T304 stainless steel—at a fraction of the cost of high-end brands. It is the smartest choice for car enthusiasts seeking reliable, track-proven power without paying a brand premium.
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BMW Engine Header – E39 5 Series 1997-2000 2.5L/2.8L/3.0L
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Flashark
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