I will defintely have to look at doing this if/ when my cats go again. $2200 to replace the cats was ridiculous!! Going this route and adding the universal high flo cats would probably be way less expensive.

I was just thinking the same thing, would be a good option for all 3.0i drivers. Now if there were some decent headers to fit the V8 X5s...

whats the hp gains from this mod ???10-15 hp???

Well I would post the audio but I can't seem to get it to load. It tells me that it is an invalid file. I took some video with my iphone. After having have the exhaust shop modify the flanges to fit the new headers the exhaust sounds awesome. In the car below 2500rpm there is now difference in sound. Zero drone, but if you punch it the exhaust just comes alive. On the performance side there is much better throttle response, more low end torque and upper rpm pull. The X really accelerate much faster from 70-110mph. The exhaust note is just great. What I really like is there isn't much change inside the X unless you step on it, so freeway cruising isn't loud and annoying. I am pleased that I change the headers...just the HP gain was worth it.:thumbup:

I will keep working on trying to figure out a way to upload the video.

I am sure a lot of the extra power is due to having no cats.

Were there any clearance issues in the engine bay with the new headers??

The youtube app on the iphone should allow you to upload it directly from your phone, then you can just throw the video on here with ease using the youtube tags in advanced editor mode.

Thanks Weasel,

Here is the video:
YouTube - X5 3.0 exhaust w/stainless headers

I can't keep my foot out of it now that I made the change.:D

Sounds pretty aggressive! (for a 3.0 that is... :nanana:) But really, I like it. :thumbup:

Maybe sometime you can get a vid while driving, to show the sound under load.

LOL I know...it's still just a 3.0. I am just trying to tap every option for a little extra HP. The problem is that it's paid for and the damn thing just keeps running. I am waiting for the 2011 M5 to start selling so that the E60 M5 drops some more in price then I will buy one of those. So the X5 will be the stand by truck. But for now I will keep playing. The headers cost 119.00, the exhaust shop cost was $ 121.00 and I got some new manifold gaskets for I think $ 60. I did the work so all in I only put in about $300.00.

I bought the BavAuto performance coils this morning. Hope to have those on this this weekend. Now that you helped me figure out how to load video I will get some while driving. What do you mean under load?

that sounds great , even through a laptop speakers .
I will rig up a sound system later to get more bass .