Another successful exhaust mod...
 

Well I finally got my exhaust mod done after contemplating which route to go. After hearing so many different exhaust kits, and trying to justify the prices, I ended up going with the resonator-delete/x-pipe route. You guys that have gone this route already have inspired me. Parts and labor was approx $200 and it is exactly what I was looking for. :thumbup:

Goals:

- Much better full throttle sound outside the car
- Better idle sound, but not loud at all
- No noticeable difference inside the car under normal driving
- No annoying resonances at lower RPMs
- No loud popping under deceleration
- No pinging sound in the exhaust when cold
- No decrease in torque, and if possible, a gain in the mid and top end

Well, this mod satisfied the goals and put a big grin on my face. :D It is quiet and deep at idle, and wakes up big time when you kick it and sounds excellent. Exhaust sound preference is a very individual thing so, what sounds good to me may not sound good to you. Ain't nuthin' wrong with that.

No g-tech's or anything like that have been done yet but it feels the same to slightly stronger in the WOT @ 60-100mph range. This is my new bang for the buck recommendation. It is wife friendly as it it totally undetectable from within the cabin (until you put your foot in it). And it only took 40 minutes at my local exhaust shop.

Some pics and sound clips:

The 'before' shot:

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/before_xpip.jpg


Cutting off the resonator:

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/cut_res.jpg


Test-fitting the x-pipe

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/test_fit_xpip.jpg


Welding the x-pipe to the new pipes:

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/weld_xpip.jpg


Welding new OEM type hangers to the x-pipe

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/weld_hangers.jpg


The finished product:

http://xoutpost.com/gallery/files/2/5/finished_xpip.jpg


Video clips (was using a digital still cam in video mode, so A/V is not great. The mic cannot pick up the depth and makes it sound a little higher pitched but you get the idea).

These are around 2MB each, WMV format:

Inside the car, windows up

Another clip from inside.

Outside car, from rear

what size pipe did u go w/?
i've been seriously considering this mod also, buit don't know whether to go w/ the X-pipe or just remove the resonators?:dunno:

I believe we used 2.25". If you want a slightly stronger tone, a little higher dB throughout the RPM range, and a little more rasp, I would suggest skipping the x-pipe. You can always delete the resonator and try it for a while, then add a crossover pipe later if the popping or rasp or drone gets annoying. Let us know what you decide.

Kewl deal. Interesting, by removing the resonator and putting in the X-pipe, your exhaust at higher rpm has a similar "raspiness" as the E46 M3, but not as pronouced.

E46 M3 owners complain about the rasp at the higher rpms, but I guess 2004-05 have less raspiness....The cheapest solution is to replace the BMW resonator system section with one that has a resonator on both pipes. The M3's OEM resonator only has one resonator on the driver's side pipe and the passenger side pipe has NO resonator.

Wow I missed that fact somehow. That is interesting.

Does this mod trip up the car's computer in any way or is it invisible to the car?

invisible

nice :thumbup:

I was going to do that when I got the 4.8 tips on but the wife stopped me. Hmmm maybe I will just do it and not tell her. Maybe she will not notice :wow:

DO IT! We won't tell! :D

What is the main difference between the X pipe and removing the resonator? It should be almost the same :dunno:

hey nicely doen man.. I have had the same mod as yours for a while now but I did it myself so the welding job isn't that great.. Im thinking of bringing it to a shop to get it rewelded. Where are you located and what shop did you bring it to?

I guess this will be the next mod for my 4.6is.

putting in the x pipe smooths out the exhaust. Without it you may getting some "popping" and "gurgeling" on decel.

Yep you were one of the reasons I was forced to do this (gotta blame somebody). I did it in Charlotte, NC. I know a couple of guys at an independent exhaust shop that do all kinds of custom work. These guys can weld perfect beads with their eyes closed.

Nice.
 

Sounds great. Where did you get the x pipe?

Very nice! :thumbup:

Thanks. I got the magnaflow part from Performance-Curve who has an online store and an ebay store. The quality is very good, however, my installer said he could have made one just as good for $20. :dunno:

Thank you Sir. I heard Ekaz's exhaust (resonator delete) on his 4.8 last night and it sounds terrific. 4.8 OEM exhaust just sound better as we all know. But I was looking for something more subtle at idle and normal throttle so I am glad I went this route.

NCX...I forgot to ask to listen to your X5. I think I am going to do the Xpipe mod next weekend. Is the pipe the 2.25 inch one or 2.5.

Whoooops, sorry I forgot too. I used 2.25" pipe but you could use 2.5" if you wanted to. In my opinion, if you want it loud and gurgly (is that a word) skip the x-pipe and just remove the resonator. If you want it a little refined and not so loud, put in a crossover of some sort. I also think the newer 4.8 mufflers sound deeper than the 4.6's.

Couple of Pics I took of the X5 fleet
 

more X5 pics

whoops ...posted them in the wrong place...oh well

One of the upsides of installing the x-pipe is that each side of the exhaust system now doubles the exhaust note.

The X5's have two four-to-two independent exhaust runs. So when you install the x-pipe, you can now hear all eight cylinders in each tailpipe where before it was only four cylinders per side.

Mustangs had this problem just a few years ago and a lot of the owners installed a cross over pipe for exactly the same reason. The exhaust sounds meaner now because they can hear all eight cylinders firing out of both sides of the exhaust pipes.

I went straight through with my 3.0, its nice and loud, it sounds like a Porsche 911. It gurgles a little but I like it, it makes the X sound like a beast!

Nice job.
Anyone compare this to the mod on the main x5World page with glass packs? That guy said he lost some low end torqe with straight through pipes. Any loss of low end torque with the X-pipe?

I haven't noticed any loss of low end torque with the x-pipe.

I'm getting interested on it...so what's the pros and cons for having an X pipe ?

I believe the loss of torque he felt was simply before the computer adjusted for the added flow in the fuel adaptations... if he would have waited a day or so the DME woulda richened the mixture up a hair to compensate, thus giving a hair more than before.

hey guys, does anyone know of any 4.4i's with the resonator delete? maybe even some videos..?

Congrads to :stickpoke Intel55 You just won a years subscribtion
Attachment 26723

While I was working on the engine...I had my resonator off along with the whole back of the exhaust....I did not get a chance to drive it like that even thou I kind of regret I didn't but I can tell you its pretty loud...I was having trouble just hearing the engine idling....& when I revved it up it was really a beast...sounded like a race car lol....

Listen to the sound clip in my sig :cool:

X pipes have come from racing. The design improves power and Torque (slightly) by increasing efficiency. The cross-over allows the existing escaping exhaust gases to work in tandem in order to scavenge the next cylinder as the exhaust valve opens. Leaving the cylinder more empty, ready for the next compression stroke. :thumbup:

reposting this
 

X pipes have come from racing. The design improves power and Torque (slightly) by increasing efficiency. The cross-over allows the existing escaping exhaust gases to work in tandem in order to scavenge the next cylinder as the exhaust valve opens. Leaving the cylinder more empty, ready for the next compression stroke. :thumbup:

Straight pipes are best ONLY on huge HP motors. They are unrestrictive and allow for a cleaner flow of gases. The X allows the motor to work more efficiently at all RPM on a motor with more realistic levels of HP.

OK guys you meke me do it!LOL Since I am in midle east now i am having my uncle make custom one for my 3,0i. I need favour from who ever of you goes under his X5 first. I need measurement how long is resonator? How long X pipe i need to made? I wanna to avoid unneeded welding than is realy required and it will look better too. So how long should X-Pipe be?
Thanks

Thanks that sounds like a beast and your x is very cool! But do you know how it would sound with stock exhaust and resonator delete?

i did it too...i could not get it ordered from states because no one ships overseas so i made my own...maybe not so nice like magnaflow but same functionality....and it sounds muuuuch betttter...here is pics and video on youtube..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eajGbhVGG6s
http://www.treffbilder.de/images/223...c02519mui0.jpg

Hi, congrats on your mod, the clips and pics were very very helpful in making my decision to get this mod. I cant wait, i currently have a 2006 3.0. So is the magnaflow xpipe all i need to purchase to get this mod. I also want to do the resonator delete. I tried going to the magnaflow site to purchase the xpipe but it said out of stock, do you guys know of anywhere else where i cant purchase it? Any problems with the xpipe after the install ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/X-PIP...mZ130259972132

Found this one on ebay motors, will this work, or should i just go with good quality namebrand like magnaflow?

thanks

Wow, sounds nice! Which motor is that?

Looks like you got to have some fun playing with a welder and it does sound pretty good on the I6 :D But my main comment from the video... WASH YOUR TRUCK!!!:nanana:

You can find xpipe's all over ebay and a lot of other internet stores.

Here's one, but really they are available all over the place in all different sizes: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Magna...mZ190178984743

Have fun

HAHAHA:rofl: it was rainy day man....finally I received X Pipe from USA and have replaced that ugly welders play LOL now it has much better flow and sounds better too....:thumbup:

http://www.treffbilder.de/images/333...c00591qms3.jpg

http://www.treffbilder.de/images/333...c00592nfl3.jpg

well im confinced, instead of paying $1200 or around that for a whole new exhaust system on a 3.0, im going for it concidering it should only run me 200-300 (affordable on my behalf/reasonable) to do and im gonna throw in some better tips as well, thank for convincing me i missed my cat back duel exhaust on my tahoe 2''tips, not too loud but just sounded REAL mean, going for something a little less than that and it sounds like this is right up my alley thanks guys

Damn... ok just got my x5 4.8is... doing the X-PIPE... Quick question... Any other mods like this you can think of for the x5 to increase performance or look.

Thanks

Michael

Not sure if anyone has bought it, but the X-Pipe setup from Hartge looks particularly nice. Here is the photo of one for the 4.8is. They are also running a discount right now of half price for remaining stock.

Thats b/c 90% of M3 owners are POSERS! They just want to look cool with their M3, not b/c they can drive well or take the time to learn how to even drive/control their cars. They don't know what a race engine sounds like even if they had it in their cars! LOL

A Raspy tone like the E46 M3s is actually what a real RACE car engine sounds like. The M3 CSL and M3 GTR sound similar, but waaaay louder.

My MCoupe sounds raspy like that too when I go WOT. Its the best sound ever. Scares M3 and Honda owners alike.

How much is that setup? Looks good, but if its more than $150, then that magnaflow x-pipe is the deal! No one is ever going to see how nice that Hartge setup is under your car.

BTW, how does the X-pipe sound on the 4.8is. I know it already sounds good, but are there any clips? If the gain is marginal, I might not bother, but if its really good, then why not. Right now, it only sounds good at WOT and sitting around revving. But when we drive it normally, its very mellow. I wouldn't mind for some more bark around town without going WOT.

Around 250 euros or so.

I found the x pipe on my 4.8is to give a bit more sound/db at idle and partial throttle, not a huge amount. But side by side to stock you absolutely can tell the difference at idle and partial throttle.

It's an inexpensive mod - for more bark than just the x-pipe I'd get new mufflers.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...oday-pics.html

Nice looking set of pipes - this would be the slickest way to go but not sure if it's worth the extra $ over a standard x pipe you can get for less than $100. You will save some time welding but not sure it would be enough to make up the cost difference. But it is nice looking.

Where can you buy that setup from, here in the US?

Anytime you're on the throttle you will hear the difference. Even at idle its a little louder than stock. It really makes a difference the more and more you get on it.

Here's my clip but there are others if you search:

X5world - View Single Post - Performance Exhaust System

OK where did you source the "x" pipe....itself?

Part number for 06' 4.8is please

I just bought it on ebay for like $70. Just search ebay on "magnaflow x-pipe 2.25".

The xpipe seems so simple, I wonder if the exhaust shop can just fabricate one for me.

Probably, but is all that trouble really worth saving $50? :rofl:

No, its not! :)

Just ordered the one from ebay $75 shipped! Great price. Hope to get it on there as soon as I get it. Thanks for the vid links!

No prob. Not much vid but sound is alright. :D

here sound of home made X-Pipe on my 3.0i X5 2002
YouTube - X-Pipe on BMW E53 X5 3.0i Sound, no silencer

This is actually what I'm looking for as far as more "sound." Stock it sounds nice when you rev it at idle. Also very nice at WOT but usually the windows are up and you really don't hear too much. Now if the x-pipe can give me a couple more dbs' at idle and WOT then great! I'm not looking for full race sound but just a tad more wouldn't hurt.

Most ppl have no clue to what a 4.8is is and so just a tad more bark will let them know, hey, this one just isn't just another soccer mom mobile. I've seen some really surprised looks on ppl's faces lately when I gun it. Sometimes I'm putting around and people start to pass me b/c I'm driving slow, I just mash it for fun and its like, whoa, I blow by them before they can even get into my lane. Its pretty fun! :)

Doe's anyone know how to replace a wiper transmission/linkage???? PLEASE HELP... You seem to be well informed with DIY's... Thanks in advance..

Twins, You didnt tell me in my thread when I was asking about exhausts about your threadpost of your exhaust. Your X sounds like a BEAST TOO! I REALLY like it.

I have a 3.0 so maybe this is a moot point but Im scared if I do this mod it will be too loud and droning. I drive 2 hrs to ski at least 4x a year and take at least 2 more long distance trips a year of 3 or more hours.

Sometimes I hear these little rice-burners or these Tahoes with their magnaflows and know Id be annoyed after a half hour.

Thanks for the compliment. :thumbup:

Please don't take it personal. It's because that response was to someone that has the same model as me ... 4.8. ;)

On leaving out my post of the audio clip ... sorry ... didn't really think you would be interested as I have the 4.8. I didn't want to mislead you inadvertently. Again, didn't mean anything by it.:thumbup:

I don't know on 3.0. Only what mtX5 says from his experience. In his opinion it didn't make much difference. I'd read his threads again to make sure or PM him. I don't think you have to worry about droning.

I actually like the drone sometimes! :D :rofl:

However, at least in my case, you have to intentionally do it to get it. Again, even with the 4.8, my idle is slightly slightly louder. But as you progress with the accelarator ... that's when things liven up! :thumbup: However, just cruising at highway speeds its pretty much "quiet".

As Im sure MTX5 will attest, rpms on a 5 spd 3.0 at 80mph is about 4000 or more. So Im thinking things could get a little raucous.

I know I have seen posts with audio clips on here of 3.0i's with the x-pipe mod and with more custom work done... Possibly in this thread. I remember the x-pipe on the 3.0i as not making much of a sound difference, almost can't tell at idle.

I'm sure someone will chime in with a link to sound clips, otherwise, I think the clips were on youtube. Shouldn't be hard to find.

Seems like everyone is just trying to make their car louder... which is GREAT. But if you guys then post that your stereo's suck, I'm coming after ya'

Don't worry man i got 3.0 and drive to little kids and wife in it on highways and so on. Difference is on lower rpm and out side car. inside car u can hardly hear difference and on faster driving there is no difference at all. So basically it gets little bit deeper and stronger sound which is hard to hear on video but outside car or with open windows. "normal" driving no difference. You will be very happy with it if you are not fan of sport exhausts that makes whole neighborhood awake when you drive through. Nice mod for every day car.:thumbup:

Don't worry, I'm making my radio louder as well!

No sucky stereos in this neck of the woods Mr Keister! Just dropped $2000 on a non-sucking aftermarket JVC Navigation system. Made a couple of posts about it...

I mean Meister...:jk:

That's better.

I read those posts. Nice...

With this x pipe on the photo I think I could be sure that if I don't like the work, I can immeditaly put on the stock resonator. With the magnaflox x pipe only, you have to do all the welding work, and if you will have to put inside the stock? Another welding work? It's too complicate. Why you all do this welding operation? The complete can be done in few minutes in your home, for the other you need a technician....not?

Hi, if I don't mind, you have recived from USA the magnaflow better looking x pipe, right? In this cas I would ask you if you could sell to me, I am in Italy, the ugly x you made by yourself. Let me know something!!

Uhhmm ... let's investigate this more shall we.

Approx. price of Magnaflow x-pipe = $70 USD
Approx. price of Hartge setup = $330 USD

Availability of Magnaflow x-pipe in USA = Everywhere
Availability of Hartge setup in USA = ???? (is it even available?)
Not taking into acct. any shipping costs if gettting from overseas.

Installation costs will vary for both setup.

Not saying your points are not valid but there are other considerations.

Have just had a ride in a 4.6 with exhaust mod. Sounded fantastic, the deepest best sounding mod i have heard. You can hear it at idle and inside when stepping on it but when cruising hardly noticeable. Upon looking at it the centre resonator has been left on with two straight pipes coming off it but without the back boxes. The beauty here is that they can easily be bolted on and off without any of the welding issues of the x pipe. i have heard the remus exhaust and it doesnt sound much different from stock. this mod sounds fantastic, hence to say mine is booked in for the same.

so I just had the resonator taken off last night replaced with two individual 2.25 straight pipes.... car sounds raspy, has a lot of popping on deaceleration. and i feel some not a lot but some loss in torque low end.

im gonna order the magna flow X pipe to see if it will sound better I know it will even out the sound but will it bring my low end torque back to stock>?

If its not lound enough i plan to swap the mufflers with magnaflows

heres the video

YouTube - BMW X5 4.6is Stock Resonator Replaced with Straight Pipe

youdefinetly need X pipe sound will be much better and no popping.
but if you replace muflers too it will be little bit toooooo loud. either muflers or x pipe?! Muflers are louder option than x-pipe

the popping I can deal with I guess

its the little loss of torque and raspy sound i feel is my biggest concern I want a deep v8 sound you know?

I guess you can say, I want the b&b or eisanmann exhaust sound without spending 1200-2500... Is this possible? :)

on my 3,0i engine I did get much better and deeper sound with X pipe than before and I was satisfied but I wanted to try make it even better and ordered muflers too. If i knew it will be too loud I would stick to X pipe. I am not sure about V8 but it should be deeper sound and I did not feel any loss of torque. Just give it try is not expensive and you can always take it off.
Let us know how it worked out for you

X pipe
 

OK, I'll bite. So... an x pipe will sound deeper, offer a more efficient exhaust... maybe slightly better torque and is inexpensive to accomplish? Sounds like a no brainer! ...but I have also noticed that no one has mentioned the effect on fuel consumption...

I put a flowmaster on my GMC Yukon and absolutely loved the improvement to the sound of the vehicle, but the fuel economy went into the toilet. Before I was getting 17-19mpg... after the flowmaster and K&N install it went to 12-15mpg.... no noticable power or torque increases, but sounded mean and not too obnoxious.... I'm wondering if the x-pipe conversion on my 4.6is would have the same effect?

:dunno:
...what's the real impact on fuel consumption (before vs. after an x-pipe)?

Replace resonator with Magnaflow X-pipe. Leave the mufflers alone. I feel no loss of power or torque. I can post a before and after video if you want, but mine is 4.8is.

This is my next step.. I ordered the Magnaflow X-pipe today! thought I must say I LOVE the sound of the 4.8 with just the X pipe but from what I hear the 4.6 with just the X pipe does not sound anything like that due to the Valvetronic engine

4.6 is not valvetronic. 4.8 is.

4.6 M62
4.8 N62

Correct, sorry, so vis versa from what I said... I talk to one guy one the forum who saw a video of a 4.8 on YouTube with magnaflow x-pipe put it on his 4.6is come to find out it is is didn't have anywhere close to the sound as the 4.8 bcos it was none valvetronic. Again this is from what I'm hearing

Magnaflow x-pipe will be at the shop tomorrow I hope it will solve the problem or else the stock resonator is going back on for now. Until I can afford a b&b or easinmann exhaust

Hey Imola 4.6... I also have a 4.6 and would like a fatter, deeper exhaust note, but not at the expense of torque or poor fuel economy... All posts seem to point to the x-pipe. I can hardly wait to hear some good news from you.

I hope so too.. ill know by tonight I really dont want to go through the hassle of putting the resonator back on...

called B%b theyr have the exhaust on sale for $1200 and some change but i really dont want to spend that kind of money

Imola trust me you will love it. it will be deeper but still drivable every day. now I have "supersport" exhaust and it is louder and deeper but with time is really annoying me and I am thinking of going back to stock exhaust and x pipe. especially when I drive long routes.


PS all others worried about fuel economy on V8 engine powered SUV...you are in wroooooong movie...sell your bimmer and get your self some girly prius or vw. No hard feelings...it is for your own good ;)

The bottom line is that my X is bad*ss and it would be more likely for me to dump $10K+ into a supercharger for it rather than trade it for a "girly" car. :D
...however, what I would like to understand is the "true cost" for the improved exhaust sound so that I can determine whether the setup is right for me. If it is going to cost 2+ mpg, then it may not be worth it, especially if there is no other performance benefit.

honestly I did not noticed any change in fuel consumption. however if there is higher consumption then it must be improvement in HP too. which might be possible since engine will breath easier since there is no more silencer in the way so it should bring few HP. People who have noticed worst gas mileage probable have also drove it harder to hear and enjoy new sound and that might caused higher consumption ;)
Bottom line there is no cheaper way to get better sound than stock. There are better sounds and exhaust on the market but price is high. Also if you don't want very loud thing for daily drive then this is better than any other solution.

Like I mentioned on my previous rants, '03 X5 4.6is will not have any sound difference whether you remove the resonator or not. I don't know why BMW installed it in the first place. I replaced the resonator with a Magnaflow X-pipe and it still sounded the same. There was no full throttle sound that I expected. As Weasel mentioned before, 4.6is has different timing with the 4.4, 3.0, and the 4.8's. Maybe because it is built to beat up on those ML AMG's! I'm looking into straight piping the two mufflers though. Let's see what happens...

Before I or anyone else on this site thought of using x-pipe I replaced the 26" long resonator with two 12" long resonators... It sounds a little off from outside the vehicle due to not having any cross flow equalization, but sounds a little louder in the truck when I get on it. What I want to do and plan on doing sometime in the future is put a 2 in 2 out magnaflow in the center where the resonator was (which would offer cross equalization as well as sound modification) and putting my 12" bullet resonators in place of the current mufflers (to ensure the rasp is at a tolerable level without hindering flow), and some nice rolled lip dual tips on each side. I think that combo will give the sound I'm personally looking for without being too loud or obnoxious, and I might try doing it myself since I got pretty decent with the welder and pipe bender...

And I have yet to see anyone try a dual inlet dual outlet exhaust in place of the resonator with straight pipes after.... so I'm really curious as to how this will sound. I keep thinking of every American V8 SUV/truck I've owned had the muffler (usually flowmaster) center mounted and they all sounded awesome. I've found magnaflow and flowmaster products that will fit the bill and won't break the bank, just gotta have the extra time/money to get around to it.

Just put the X pipe on.... torque is back!!!!

It is A LOT smoother and quiter then the straight pipe but it alot sounds a lot better

Overall I like it.... I would rather not have it as loud and have the torque and no popping

Told you so! ;)

X pipe is always a great starting place for anyone wanting to do exhaust work.

whats up? did you try x pipe? how did it work for you?:wow:

Hello
I think it is on this forum I have read that a X53.0D owner show us how to weld on the exhaust taile pipes tips, it was on a very nice white X5 I remember pics but dont manage to find the post.
Do you know this message ?
thanks

Anothert question ?
is it dangerous to weld the exhauston the car (without removing it) it wont damage the electric components of the car ?
did you remove the battery ?
regards
nico

Hahahahahahaha! Classic!

This complaint happens ALL THE TIME! You get an exhaust that sounds bitch'en... so naturly, you get on the gas more often so you can hear it. And your MPG goes right down the shitter. I have heard that complaint 1000 times, and this is 99.99% of the time the answer.

Watch your MPG gage on your X when you drive..... .5 inch more throttle.... under load... like going up a hill, and you roll it on, (like if you had exhaust this is where it would sound the meanest) your MPG is pegged at the bottom.... with just a smig more throttle.

If you put exhaust on, and its "better" (more HP or torque) your MPG got "better". hands down, no contest.

I never disconnect battery when welding and i did all types of welding. never had any problems at all

100% CORRECT ANSWER

i just got my X put in the xpipe....i went with 2.25"...pretty happy with it..i hear the v8 sound but to exaggerated with the noise...all in all happy...will post vid....>>>

comment me if you this quote is true....


""""h-pipe has a deeper growl, x-pipe has a more higher pitch type sound.
h-pipe for more low end power/tq and x-pipe for high end power/tq""""


xpipe x5 - YouTube

X pipe x5 4.4i - YouTube