muffler valve/golf tee alternative---

[JuuKoo]

Originally Posted by X3eme

"Given that sport package X3's don't have the valve at all, and have slightly wider diameter muffler tips causing even less back pressure:

1. If the closed valve is helping the cat heat up faster thereby reducing contaminates, does that mean that it is OK for sport packages to pollute more?

2. Wouldn't you expect the "sport package" to have more torque at low RPMs than the non-sport? It certainly wouldn't have less. Why don't sport packages have the valve if it provides for more torque?"

Well, I have a sport package and it has this muffler valve. My X3 is year model 2004 (02/2004).

BTW: I have done this mod also, no error codes so far I have read OBD2 codes several times after this modification.

[mguhler]

I did it this morning. I didn't notice a big difference. I'll get out this afternoon without the family and see what she does.

[JuuKoo]

Originally Posted by JuuKoo

Well, I have a sport package and it has this muffler valve. My X3 is year model 2004 (02/2004).

BTW: I have done this mod also, no error codes so far I have read OBD2 codes several times after this modification.

Update:

After couple of months testing: No OBD2 error codes so far, but I have noticed that my automatic transmission does not work as smooth as without this "mod". So, I removed the mod during last week and yes, automatic is very smooth again. I do not know the reason, maybe this happened only in my car .

Just for your information: I have a friend in BMW USA and based on his comments, there should not be any negative effects, other than huge noise increase ...well I do not believe him anymore

BTW: US X3 version seems to be pretty good winter car. I shipped my X3 from CA USA to Finland and we have here now about -30 deg. C (about -22F). Car runs like a dream....and Xdrive is great

[[email protected]]

I reconected the muffler valve vacuum hose for our trip to FL and back to make cruising quieter--I forgot about it until last week when I disconnected and plugged it again. The next day I went out (completely forgetting that I did the Mod) and found the car to be noticeably snappier at part throttle--then I remembered I pulled the hose--So I don't think it was my imagination.. Any one else do an A-B comparison??

[vern]

Checked the MY 2006 with SP and there is no valve in the tips of my exhaust system. With that in mind after reading your post and the before and after comparision I must be at full power all the time.
cheers
vern

[mhainen]

If you look carefully in the panel on driver side you will see the kanuter valve Just move your muffler valve hose to that valve. WOW!

[[email protected]]

Originally Posted by mhainen

If you look carefully in the panel on driver side you will see the kanuter valve Just move your muffler valve hose to that valve. WOW!

I tried that--way too much power for me.

[ViperNY]

Originally Posted by Rick in Prescott

Shouldn't do any damage or increase in power. The sport package does not have one of these devices installed on the muffler and is rated that same as a non sport. Maybe it's a stainless tips on my muffler that make it go so fast.

I have the sport package and my muffler has the gate on it. So maybe its not specific, but more generic at this stage. A BMW mechanic told me it was for more torque at low RPM's, by creating more back presure.

Vipz

[BartG]

After reading through this tread yesterday and looked at the valve on my wife's X3. I noticed that it was open so I watched the valve as she cranked up the car. It stayed open for about 2 seconds after the car was cranked and then it closed. I could tell a difference in the sound when it closed. Also I always thought that a free flowing exhaust (less back pressure) would produce more HP and torque. That's usually where most of your HP gains come from when you put a Flow-master or Borla exhaust system on. I would think that having the valve open would produce a little more power which might help a little on gas mileage. As for 5 mpg.... I would be very impressed but I would be more inclined to think you aren't as heavy on the throttle because of the increased sound at lower speeds. Just my 2 cents... if I am wrong let me know.

[vern]

Originally Posted by ViperNY

I have the sport package and my muffler has the gate on it. So maybe its not specific, but more generic at this stage. A BMW mechanic told me it was for more torque at low RPM's, by creating more back presure.

Vipz

Telling us you have SP and the gate tells us very little if you don't tell us the YEAR of your X3
cheers
vern