On the 4.4 the resonators are straight through and I can't see how they restrict the exhaust at all, so I left them in. With straight pipes from the resonators back it sounded real, real mean, but as I said, I lost a lot of power in the low end.

I have the UUC Corsa TSE-3 dual exhaust from a 330Ci on my 328Ci - it sounds awesome and I gained a lot of power. The sound is more like a Porsche 911 than a low rumble of a V-8, so it will sound much more obvious that you have the 3.0 if you put on straight pipes (IMO).

If you still want the free flowing exhaust, you might be able to get the muffler cans from UUC and have your local muffler shop bend up some pipe to fit them to your X5 3.0. You can listen to a sound clip of the TSE-3 exhaust on the UUC web site and I would guess your X5 would sound the same as that.

Howwever, looking at the TSE-3 mufflers I have, they are straight through and I can't see how they have any backpressure at all so you might want to try straight pipes and see what you think. Get them bent up quick and simple (i.e. cheap) to start with a drive around with them for a day. That way if you don't like them, it's a minimal loss. If you love them, get them made again in stainless if you want.

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ForbesZ