So if you do straight pipes it's going to be a louder, more raw of a sound as opposed to the x-pipe?

That is correct from what I have read! If you listen to this one first which is a straight system
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S38Kc1mHUGY

Then listen to this which is an X pipe there really is no comparison to the
sound
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ka9BrEV672k

I know both vehicles are different but the straight pipes wins it for me!

Any idea where you can find a straight pipe to buy? The x-pipe sounded pathetic compared to the straight pipe.

I dont think it can be purchased online or from an auto store or anything? You would need to find an exhaust specialist to make it up!

Be careful.

Straight pipes don't like cat converters. They tend to make them shatter their insides causing a rattle in the exhaust. The remains of the cat can also block off the exit of the cat making the exhaust very restrictive.

At least the X pipe balances the exhaust and is nicer to the cats.

As with other "pipes" size matters. Don't go too big or you will loose too much back press. There was another thread about this about a month ago. One of the folks actually switched back to stock and gained power.

Here it is.
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...hlight=exhaust

Thanks for the tip. I'm still waiting to see what Sudesh's sounds like and see if he had any problems.

Got the straight pipes installed today! Amazing sound cant believe the difference. As for interior cabin sound, no problem there either!!! I have not noticed any loss in torque/performance, it drives just as before but I will be giving it plenty of tests over the coming weeks. My exhaust man, wants me to bring the X back in on tuesday just for final checks and tweeks if needed but for now I am well pleased with the result! The pipes are a good secure fit and are not hanging low so the X looks perfect from behind. I had stainless steel straight pipes installed so they are a quality replacement and the pipes installed are only very slightly larger than stock, just enough so the original pipes slide in and then they are welded tight. On the side to the rear of the X, I kept the original resonator flanges so the centre pipes can be taken out easily at any time to go back to stock system if ever required. I will get some sound clips and pics up soon.

Glad you are pleased :thumbup:

sudesh i have this mod done in my 4.6 aswell i did it like 7 mo's ago its def a good mod for the $$ and not to over the top like the aftermarket exhaust options either.i have no complaints at all, except when the car is cold 1st thing in the morning i get a slight rattle after 5 mins of driving it goes away..

i also gonna do it on the m but i will go with a super sprint x-pipe instead of doing all the cutting and welding.

ps on a side note i got all my parts for the smg retrofit in today im going to install tommorrow usinig the instructions you gave me hopefully all will work well.

neil..