Ahh, the third rail of X5 forum topics…only after 80 degree thermostats and engine oil related issues does a topic stir such emotions as muffler and exhaust mods!

Subscribed!

Edit…I should add that I’ve been wanting to do some modest mod to my x5 as well to get a bit more throaty v8 sound. Nothing cosmic. However, I am worried about the dreaded highway drone that seems to come from some combination of deletes, additions, etc. but with no common thread that I can find. I do know I want 3” dual stainless tips.

I’ve been thinking of getting a donor rear exhaust section to mod, so the switch back would be simple if it doesn’t work. I’m leaning towards deleting the rear mufflers and swapping in glass packs to provide a bit more muffling than just staring pipes from the center resonator back. They are cheap and if they don’t work I can pop the stock section back in while I think of a plan B.

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Current
Original owner 2002 E53 X5 4.4i to 4.6i swap
2026 G80 M3 6 spd
2025 G06 X5 50e
Former
1972 Audi Fox
1986 Saab 900S
1996 BMW Z3
1998 BMW E36 M3 Sedan
2004 BMW E46 M3
2006 Audi A3 Quatro
1993 Mopar 318 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee