Golf Tee Mod for X3

[BLK KAT]

For those interested, I performed a variant of the famous "Golf Tee Mod" on my '05 X3 3.0i this week. I wanted better tones from my exhaust, but didn't want to spend the $$$ for an after-market exhaust system. This is a free mod, and it is very popular on other BMW forums (e90, etc.).

I read many iterations of this mod and settled on zip-ties to cinch the vacuum hose near the exhaust muffler. I gathered a bit of slack in the hose, cinched it air-tight, and zipped two (2) zip-ties over the hose, and tucked the hose safely away from harm and out of sight. Done. Took maybe five minutes total. The result is two, always-open exhaust end-tips and a noticeably DEEPER RUMBLE at low-to-mid RPM's--I am very happy with the results. From what I read and observe, this mod throws no codes, and there is no visual sign of modification; also, I figure the zip-ties are easy to remove if needs be.

Google "Golf Tee Mod" to read (and hear!) how other BMW owners improved their exhaust tone.

[daeths]

When I had a split in my vacuum hose had the same effect. Personally, I found the noise annoying and saw a noticeable difference in the mpg on winter days.

Not saying you are wrong, but more each to their own.

[Tom-X3]

Hello,

You can unplug a plus in the boots (left side), the result is the same on the Exhaust.

thomas

[BLK KAT]

Originally Posted by Tom-X3

Hello,

You can unplug a plus in the boots (left side), the result is the same on the Exhaust.

thomas

I read about this method as well. However, I chose not to perform this variant of the "Golf Tee Mod" because according to other forum posts, (e90 in particular) it 'throws a code' in the car's computer, which is saved even after re-plugging the plug--potentially causing other issues; i.e. some people get grief from their dealer when servicing or requesting warranty work.

As mentioned previously, the zip-tie method I chose is easy to remove, causes no harm, and apparently throws no codes; thus, less potential for dealer/warranty issues.