Silencer delete w/straight pipes better than X Pipe ?

[Squiggy]

Simply deleting the 'Center Silencer' (aka resonator) and replacing with straight pipes seems to sound much better than deleting the Center Silencer and replacing with X Pipe.

Center Silencer delete with straight pipes
2003 bmw x5 4.6is exhaust sound - YouTube

Thinking about doing this. I understand there may be a bit of gurgle/pop but I love the sound.

Any comments/suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[pezho405]

Mehh idk i like that sound but i think i would get tired of it, what i have done a few times was unbolt one of my exhaust from the rezonator and just ziptie it beside, nice sound, but it did get annoying after a week or two

[Squiggy]

I should add that my X5 is only my Sunday driver. I don't drive it every day.

[bcredliner]

FYI-The youtube sound may be deceiving. Depends on the equipment used, especially the microphone, where it was located and the audio quality of what you use to listen to it.

Best if you can talk to someone that has done what you are planning so have some idea if the resulting change will result in an exhaust drone that will result in you driving off an overpass at 100mph or more.

[Ricky Bobby]

4.4 sounds nice with the resonator cut out and X pipe welded in place.

[Squiggy]

I finally opted for cut-outs after listening to the following:

- Resonator Delete (okay but you lose some of that refined sound quality)
- X-Pipe (okay but just not muscular enough for me)
- Muffler Delete (dang but could be annoying on a daily basis)
- Straight pipes. With this option you can delete either the resonators and/or the mufflers but the sound cannot be turned off if it gets annoying, like on a long drive.
- Cut-Outs (same affect as muffler delete but can be turned on and off)

To me, bypassing the mufflers sounds very muscular while still keeping the quality tone of the resonators. Using cut-outs means I can turn the muscle on and off and on.

[bcredliner]

I think you made a good choice. What brand did you choose?

Tried to have QTP cutouts welded in place last Wednesday. Couldn't find a location that would be equal length for both. Returned them and have ordered DMH cutouts that don't need a Y-pipe so I can install them just after the post cat O2 sensor.

[Squiggy]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

I think you made a good choice. What brand did you choose?

Tried to have QTP cutouts welded in place last Wednesday. Couldn't find a location that would be equal length for both. Returned them and have ordered DMH cutouts that don't need a Y-pipe so I can install them just after the post cat O2 sensor.

Thanks. I haven't actually purchased anything yet. I may opt for cheap manual cut-outs. It will be a week or two. Looking forward to hearing how your final install goes.

[pnoyako85]

I love the soundheres a sample of 4.4 res delete and xpipe


BMW X5 Exhaust - YouTube

[Squiggy]

Originally Posted by pnoyako85

I love the soundheres a sample of 4.4 res delete and xpipe


BMW X5 Exhaust - YouTube

Nice video. It does sound good. For me, I worry about selling mine in the future. For that reason I would like to be able to turn off the non-stock sound if necessary. And on a long highway trip I'm not sure I would really want to listen to it.