Replacing resonator to X-pipe project started...

[94502]

I've been reading a lot of post on removing the resonator and putting striaght pipe, smaller resonator or X-pipe on the X5.. I decided to go with the X-pipe from Magnaflow the diameter of it was 2.25". Also i bought some stainless steel piping about 3 feet long and diameter of 2.25". I didn't get much information from one of the forum memeber that went with the X-pipe so i decided to figure it out on my own.. All i knew was that he used a X-pipe and he installed it at a muffler shop and it was detailed at all. I decided not to go to muffler shop because I don't trust them so my brother offer to help me because he is pretty good with cars.. So Thanks alot to him.. We just started cutting off the resonator and unbolt the catalyst converter so it will be easier to weld later. Here are some pics.. and I hope we will complete this in a couple of days and everything goes well..







BAD WELDS

[Niagara]

Do you have a 3, 4.4 or 4.6 X5?

I have asked alot about this before as well. Thanks for being handy and brave enough to go where others have not and risk through experimentation.

I can't wait to see the results. This is my next contimplated MOD.

[Intel55]

Thanks for all the great info!!!!! I m looking to get rid of my resonator on my 4.4.

Can you please tell me the part number for the magnaflow x pipe?

[Niagara]

http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/02hardware.asp

I am not sure what inlet and oulet size our 4.4 has but this is the product and part source.

[Niagara]

I also found this while sourcing X pipes.

http://www.burnsstainless.com/Crosso...rossovers.html

[94502]

http://www.hottexhaust.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=10790
i bought the x-pipe here the diameter is 2.25"

[94502]

2.25" is the smallest diameter that magnaflow offers for the x pipe and the original piping is about 2.25"... i also bought about 4 foot of stainless steel piping at Jegs.com that is also 2.25" diameter and it seems to be exact diameter as the stock but for some reason the x pipe seems a little bit bigger where the stainless steel piping i bought can fit into it but after welding it would be fine..

[Niagara]

I should add I have tried hard to figure this out with no luck as yet.

First I went to a Midas and Speedy muffler and the local dealers were clueless on this project so I did'nt prooceed with anything. I then went to a custom muffler shop and the guy looked at me like I was a kid wanting a candy I couldnt afford. I was waiting for him to say what his eyes expressed , " arent you a little old to be doing this type of 20 year old mod stuff", (I am 42 BTW) or " why would you be screwing with your expensive BMW.

I am still searching for a good custom shop who I can give the accurate Mod project information on what I want and not get gouged for the price of doing some simple welding.

[ekaz]

Based on the assumption that the 4.4 exhaust is run the same way as the 4.8, the pipes aren't straight through. When I had my resonator removed, they had to bend the pipes a bit to fit right....just an FYI.
Good Luck, can't wait to see the final product!

[94502]

Thanks.. can you post some pics ekaz?