That's a good question and a good idea. I also was contemplating wrapping mine with a black duct tape or electrical tape before I installed it the other day. I also remember thinking that's pretty sad when I have to wrap new OEM parts on a high-priced vehicle with tape to keep them from failing.:tsk:

I've noticed my x also whistling in the last few months (through the winter time)...sounds like i'll be replacing the intake boot

Thanks for the replies, i've checked the rubber the intake boot and found no tears in it.
Somebody mentioned the DISA unit rubber gasket as another source of whistling noise.

This is the particular spot that you should look on the Y-pipe:

Yes, the DISA valve seal appears to have been designed by a 5 year old so it is definitely a potential vacuum leak too. I have read several posts where members have either made a homemade gasket or just used some kind of RTV gasket maker tube sealant as a backup to the original poorly designed seal.

bump for updates

The update is that if you didn't get rid of your X5 since the last post on this thread then you have wasted tons of money in repairs on a poorly designed and built vehicle...:tsk:

:bustingup :bustingup :bustingup I bought another one LOL

its a 15 dollar intake boot, I don't see replacing it as very hard to do, or expensive for that matter.

I have one sitting on my garage shelf waiting for a couple hours to throw in, I'm not sure if its ever been replaced, but I do get a slight whistling at idle/low rpm's, and with 68k on there now I'm sure its due.

right but if it was the intake boot, wouldnt it do it when the car was stationary? This only makes noise when the car is moving AND the RPM's are in the specified range.....