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

[BMW-x5-48is]

Hey Guys,

I am removing the resignators on the my 2006 bmw x5 4.8is to give it a more aggressive sound. I feel the stock is good but can be alot better. I like mean sounding machines - like the oldschool Ford Mustang Cobra.. Love it!

I have to options to go with - either a 1.) X-Pipe or a 2.) Straight pipes

I look around the net & people claim the Stright Pipes is the most aggresive sound you can get - others say its too much as it sounds like a Machine Gun. In addition people state using stright pipes does not create backpressure & torque can drop. Others say to use the x-Pipe as it still sound great, but filters some of the unwanted sound & creates back-pressure which helps torque.

If you guys had/have a 2006 BMW x5 4.8is -- which option would you go with?? STRIGHT PIPES?? or do a X-pipe???

Please guys let me know which I shoukd pick.. I love aggressive sound - but if it sounds retarded I dont know if I want it.. Let me know which one you guys would go with... .. Thank you so much for your input.. its greatly appreciated....

[Cisc0]

X

[TwinsPoppa]

I suggest searching and listening to some sound clips (here and youtube). It will help you decide for yourself.

While straight pipes are more aggressive, I think you will be happier using the X-pipe. The x-pipe doesn't have as much cracking/popping so its smoother sounding.

Here's my 04 4.8 but its not the best representaion. The engine was cold and the audio function on the camera was crappy.

2004 BMW 4.8is X5 only with X-pipe - YouTube

[LeMansX5]

I have X-pipe. There are quite a few threads here on X-pipe install. I had also posted one on the exact X-pipe to get.

[BMW-x5-48is]

Thank you so much for our input guys.. I was just not sure which one to get.. Scratching my head for the past 2 days looking at diff videos on youtube from x-pipe/straight pipe x5's trying to figure out which one to get.. From what it looks I'm shifting more towards the x-pipe from what you guys state... the straight-pipe might be too much.. If anyone else can confirm on the x-pipe being superior over straight-pipes.. I'll get it installed tomorrow.. Again all your input is appreciated..

[Turbo_Bimmer]

I'm going to do a H-pipe on mine. I already bought the SS tubes, SS mig wire etc, it's just the time that is missing.

A straight pipe is loud, but is not a nice sound since the exhaust pulses of each cylinder banks of the V8 are separated the whole lenght. It's a bit like having 2X a 4 cylinder engine... sort of. A friend of mine had a 1983 modified Toyota 4X4 with a high power Chevy small block in it, and he had straight pipes. It was loud but not like a muscle car, it had a higher note, but not like a M3. Hard to explain, but I didn't like it.

A member here said he lost some torque using a X-pipe (but gained some HP at higher revs), and since he is (like me) using his X5 for towing, he decided to remove the X-pipe and install a H-pipe. He regained all of the torque, and the sound was great.
Since the H-pipe connects both left-right tubes, the sound is like a V8. Mustangs do use H-pipes from factory and they sound great (to my ears at least.)

From what I read on some Mustang forums, a X-pipe will give more HP to the expense of torque, and the sound will have a higher pitch tone, more raspier. The H-pipe will keep the torque and no HP gain, and the sound will be more of a low frequency.
I know that most people go with a X-pipe, but I like to do things differently

[SlickGT1]

I plan on doing H pipe as well. I don't like losing torque, and the mustangs do sound good. Same with me, no time.

[BMW-x5-48is]

I just seen a nice vid on youtube of a mustang with a x-pipe & then a h-pipe.. The h-pipe has a deeper growl to it for sure but the x-pipe does sound very good as well.. hard decision... ehhhh ... The x-pipe has better gas exhaust share as the H pipe shape at high RPM is almost like straight pipe.

Mustang Exhaust - H VS X Pipe - YouTube
Magnaflow & H pipe vs Flowmaster & X pipe on cammed mustang - YouTube

[pnoyako85]

X pipe bro...

i like sound of mustangs....on a FORD.....but not that sound on a x5 ....lol....German sound tend to have a lower deeper tone...more aggresive...
BMW X5 4.4i Bastuck ESD + Racing MSD sound - YouTube

[BMW-x5-48is]

You just hit the mark pnoyako85.. Your def right about what you just said.. Thank you so much guys... X-pipe it is... .. coming from a few people you cant be wrong - especially LeMansX5....... on that 4.8is the x-pipe will be joy all the way home from the shop.. and I can finally scare the shit out of these god damm cats around my neighborhood. VROOOM!