BMW x5 4.8is (e53)- X-pipe or Straight Pipe?? PLEASE HELP

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by SlickGT1

Is it just me or does it sound raspy? How does it sound under load? How about inside windows closed and opened?

Yes, it sounds raspy because its cold and not under load. When its warmed up and under load it is MUCH smoother and sounds awesome.

Here's a video I just took this morning. Unfortunately, same conditions - cold and not under load. Yes, it will sound raspy. I will try and take a video when its warmed up so that people can really hear the difference.

BTW .. do NOT have your speaker up too loud after you hear the startup (love the growl!). The wife guns its good unexpectedly and its like a banshee.

2004 BMW X5 4.8is stock with x-pipe - YouTube

When it comes to a loss of power from the x-pipe, I could not say either way. I haven't noticed a loss of power but I do not tow or even drive it daily. I have no regrets doing the x-pipe.

[LeMansX5]

It always sounds different on a cold engine when you start in morning and the sound gets better after the engine heats up.
On a cold winter morning, you may wake-up your neighbors when you start in the morning.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

On a cold winter morning, you may wake-up your neighbors when you start in the morning.

So true!

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

I haven't noticed a loss of power but I do not tow or even drive it daily. I have no regrets doing the x-pipe.

Same here. No loss of power, it actually feels more power though.

[SlickGT1]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Yes, it sounds raspy because its cold and not under load. When its warmed up and under load it is MUCH smoother and sounds awesome.

Here's a video I just took this morning. Unfortunately, same conditions - cold and not under load. Yes, it will sound raspy. I will try and take a video when its warmed up so that people can really hear the difference.

BTW .. do NOT have your speaker up too loud after you hear the startup (love the growl!). The wife guns its good unexpectedly and its like a banshee.


When it comes to a loss of power from the x-pipe, I could not say either way. I haven't noticed a loss of power but I do not tow or even drive it daily. I have no regrets doing the x-pipe.

Lol I love that start up sound. Holy crap.

Yes please try to get a warmed up sound, and maybe under load. Thanks.