E53 4.4i exhaust question
 

Hey guys, I need some help with my exhaust system, since I am from the UK we use different words for exhaust parts so please bare with me, I had my back boxes (the two rear boxes that are part of the exhaust tips) removed.

I am very pleased with the volume of the exhaust, but im not to keen on the tone, don't get me wrong it sounds good, but I want that popping and crackle sound.

how would I go about achieving this, I was thinking of removing the centre silencer, and going with the straight pipes, but I am worried it may be too loud as it would be a straight through system from cat back.

any help is greatly appreciated.

this is how the exhaust sounds at the moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feruMH2brLA

If you pull out the resonators, it will give you the bark, pop, snap you are looking for. It will also give you all the other factors that come with that sound that is not so enjoyable. DRONE and hi RPM scream that will alert your neighbors' dogs that you are leaving and when you come home. It will also allow every cop (constable? Bobbie?) to hear where you are and they will write up up on a weekly basis. See the Youtube vids type in X5 exhaust sounds.

If you make the mod, plan before hand to be able to reinstall it to keep yourself a "driver" not a walker....:rofl:

Personally I don't get the idea that more noise is good, but then I am not in my 20's anymore either.......

Hi,
thank you for your input, that's the issue, I am in my 20s :), but I don't want the x5 louder, just change the tone, I am considering putting in straight pipes, but is there any way to silence the car at will for long journeys.

Just to be clear, is the resonator, the oval part in the middle of the system, and the mufflers the two boxes at the rear

^Yep that is the resonator.

I am happy with the 4.8iS axle back exhaust on my 3.0 - did not need to remove resonator as I dont want drone

The only option I can think of that will give you "Race Car sounds" i.e. popping and snapping when wanted and quiet highway for trips and retain any hearing, is to do one of two things:
Add the 4.8is rear mufflers and tips like RickyBobby = OE performance sounds and engineered solution with no down sides. Down side $$ unless one finds a donor car.
OR use a electrical cut out pipe and valve that would dump all exhaust before the mufflers (You will need two). This will give you NOISE ON DEMAND feature. Perfect for when you need a NASCAR or (old style) F1 fix. Think WIDE OPEN EXHAUST SOUNDS and you will get the image.
Totally illegal in the US for street use but people run then all the time.

See link: Exhaust Cutouts at Summit Racing

You should of kept the rear boxes/silencers and removed the center resonator to get the desired exhaust tone you are desiring. you could even replace the center resonator with an x-pipe to smooth out the pulses but give you the crackle. Straight pipes are going to be too loud. Get the 4.8is rear mufflers/boxes weld them in replace the center resonator with X-pipe and end of story. You'll enjoy the sound.

Thank you very much for the input guys, all taken into consideration.

Some tunes will also induce the crackling and popping sound you desire.