Downpipes without an exhaust upgrade
 

I am thinking about doing a tune on my 2012 X5 50i. I am also considering downpipes; but, I am not interested in a exhaust upgrade. I do not want a loud exhaust nor drone.
How much benefit will I see with downpipes and no exhaust upgrade? How much louder will it be with just downpipes?
Any input is appreciated.

Hi! I did it to my 4.8 2008 and it is such a beautiful sound. It's not loud it's just so massive. When you floor it feels totally awesome. A friend of mine got rid of catalyst converters for his x6 50i and the sound is twice better than mine. Absolutely amazing.

Are downpipes even available for the 50i?

Given that the turbochargers are mounted in the valley, that the heads have a reverse flow with intake on the outside and exhaust in the centre of the valley, the downpipes wouldn't be anything like the 48i downpipes, or any other traditional V8 for that matter.

I thought it was a trick question to see who was paying attention :rofl:

Supersprint has catless downpipes for the X5 50i, AR designs is supposedly working on a prototype, and there are a few more prototypes out in the wild. I am trying to weigh the benefit of adding them. There is not enough real info out there to decide. The majority of people do down pipes and full exhaust. This is my family vehicle, so I want it to be quiet.

Maybe I need to accept that 500hp after the Dinan Stage2 tune this weekend is enough for the grocery getter. :D