X-Pipe for 3.0
 

Does anyone know (who/where/how much) to go to get a resonator removed and x-pipe installed while still leaving the factory flanges that'd allow you to bolt on and off and remove in case you dont like the sound?

you can go to pretty much any exhaust shop and specify you want to keep the factory flanges. you can get the magnaflow x pipe like many of us members have off eBay for about $75-$80.

Since you have a 3.0, you will not end up changing your mind, because the x pipe will not make too much of a difference (speaking from experience). it will get a little deeper at higher RPMs, but nothing insane or annoying that would make you want to spend to put back the stock resonator.

Just be aware they will charge you more for this. Why? Because its less work just to cut the pipes and weld only.

I would listen to mtX5. Here's his thread with audio clips:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...st-system.html

yeah it might cost more as Jose said, you definately have to shop around.. it ended up costing me $80 for install.

and just be advised those sound clips are x pipe + exhaust; i wish just the x pipe did that.

Thanks for the advice. I can go outside and measure but I looked on ebay and see they have several diameter Magnaflow X pipes. Which size do I need?

And MTX5, you truck sounds HOT!!! It looks good too! I have a 5 spd manual myself. There are aftermarket mufflers on my X and it does have a little tiny baby growl. I forget the name though. I will post the name when I get my X back from the shop. I remember its inscribed on the chrome tips. But I dont think the stock resonator has been removed.

This seems like a good mod and not too expensive.

Most people went with 2.25" like I did. I'm pretty sure mtX5 did the same.

:iagree: ...the 2.25 " would be the one....same one i did.

RR:thumbup:

Im seeing FLOWMONSTER, MAGNAFLOW, FLOWSOUND... Any recommendations?

Doubt there's any difference in performance, quality or price ... I'd go with the magnaflows as more people have them and no known problems.

I got the FlowMonster from DEPENDONAUTO.COM - X & Y Pipes

http://www.dependonauto.com/images/p...thumb/SXP3.jpg

$60 shipped.

There ya go ... cheaper alternative ... the polished SS looks nice even though noone would see it.

And how would you say your sound changed? A worthy investment in your opinion?

I dont think the mufflers are aftermarket. Seems its just the tips. They say 3a racing on them.

I love it!!
Thinking of doing one one on my MB SL500(R230).
Cheaper than the AMG 55/65 system.

Thanks for your input!

just ordered the flowmonster xpipes today for my 3.0 and my bro's 4.4 and can't wait to get them installed. I'll post pics and maybe sound clips after the install..

cool... looking forward to it. Hey where are you in NJ? CLose enough that if I like the job they do I can bring my X there?

hey guys, i just installed the 2.25" magna flow. after a week today my car started jerking and my engine light kept flashing and now it stays on. when i push the gas pedal the x feels lazy and the engine light starts flashing again. Has anyone experienced this problem and would appreciate if you guys can help, its driving me insane.

check for leaks man

thanks, what's the best way to do that? can i do it or the shop has to do it for me???? i should say that sometimes i smell black smoke coming from the car also, i just had my emission test done 3 weeks ago and everything was fine.

That would be a missfire, and not at all related to the X-pipe. The only reason the check engine light ever flashes is when there is a missfire actively present.

Odds are you either have a coil going out, or need the plugs changed. BMW has always had some issues with coils which is why they use 2 different brands. If bosch coils act up too often, swap for bremi. And vise versa... which is why there were a few bulletins on them over the years.

thanks alot for your help man.i just changed my coils about 2 months ago. the car was jerking and it would just shut down. could it be the same issue again. thanks for your inputs.

I'm in jersey city..my bro is getting his xpipe done now on his 4.4 in Caldwell Meineke. He's being charged $100 flat for the install.. he'll post pics later when it's all done..:thumbup:

Hey guys.. Here's the video of my xpipe install... YouTube - BMW X5 4.4i X-pipe Installation Video and Soundclips.
The guys at Meineke, Caldwell did an awesome job.. They asked me if I wanted the xpipe centered where the stock was and I told them whatever is easier.. I didn't think it'd make any difference anyways.. They kept telling me the hardest part of the install was cutting the SS exhaust pipe.. They had to changed saw blades 6 times.! NOT bad for a hundred bucks, huh?

how long did it take them to put it in?

Almost an hour.. It would've been longer but two other guys came and help out so that made it a lot faster... While one guy is welding the pipes, the other guy was doing the support hooks. The third guy was making sure the rest of the exhaust was dead center especially at the tips..

haha so true, all that and no sound clip?

Ldiggs, I see you live in BK. I have a good muffler guy that will charge you less for a good job. He has a job by shea stadium. I dont know if you've heard of Willets Point muffler shops before. He has been doing most of my welding job since my first car (6 years now) which was a 98 Eclipse GSX 486HP. He has a good welder. If you want the info just shoot me a PM.

I sat through the whole video for no sound of finished product we know you got it done now lets here it:confused:

Thanks Engz. I appreciate it. Actually you can post the info here so it can benefit anyone reading the post.

SpotLess Muffler and Auto Repair.
38-05a 126th St. Corona NY 11368
Shea Stadium.

The shop is small. I go there only for exhaust/weld work. I'll probably go to him tomorrow and talk to him about the price. His name is Louis.

Hi All... I have purchased the x pipe for my 3.0i and it is currently in transit to Australia. I must admit even though I have read all the great things about doing the install I am still worried it will be too loud. I have had a number of performance V8s and the X5 is my first luxury vehicle. I would still like it to be a pleasant sound inside and not a grumbling "beast". I have heard the outside sounds on youtube but what does it sound like in the cabin?

If you have the 3.0i it woun't be too loud. You will either be pleased or maybe even want it louder.

I am thinking of doing this and i am having some 4.8is tips fitted tomorrow........suppose it would be a good time to bite the bullet and get it done.

Are you guys sure it aint too loud on a 3.0i ???

A quick youtube search pulled up these vids, and I know there are some sound clips/videos on this forum as well.

I know there are better quality clips ou there than these, these are straight pipes as well... will sound smoother and quieter with the x-pipe.

Hey Weasel thanks for the vids. X pipe sounds good but straight is too loud for me......louder than a V8

Thanks Weasel!! When the x pipe arrives I will see if I don't chicken out. Will post vids or sound if I go ahead for those that are interested.