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.

[James 4.8is]

Originally Posted by 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.

Where is the best placement for the X-Pipe? Front, middle, back? When comparing with the resonator. And which X-Pipe is the best? Here is a Picture of the only X-Pipe available where I live. It’s a Simons U9063XR 2 1/2 inch. Your thoughts are needed!

[525iT_Feen]

X5 4.8is with magnaflow xpipe - YouTube

[James 4.8is]

Thanks for the fast replies. I’m not sure if they have Magnaflow here in Sweden but I’ll look around. I think I’m stuck getting the Simons because it’s the only one I can find here at this moment. Do you think there is a BIG difference in sound & performance between the two? And as for placement I thought the same. (Middle)

[James 4.8is]

Originally Posted by 525iT_Feen

X5 4.8is with magnaflow xpipe - YouTube

Sounds "GREAT"

[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