G05
BMW X5
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03-10-2026LAST POST
04-24-2024
I've gone the tried and true fuse pull method with many BMWs (M550 being the last). The M60i has flaps on both sides, as confirmed by a $25 screen endoscope purchased off of Amazon.

At what RPM level do BOTH flaps open? On previous BMWs, it was put in sport plus after oil temps were warm, beat on it and pull the fuse.

I have searched the forum on this topic. Lots of people who have gone the controller route for the flaps. I don't see that as necessary as I have had zero issues in almost 8 years on multiple BMWs with pulling the fuse.
04-24-2024
I don't think you can have M60i exhaust flap fully open while the car is standstill.
BMW really did an excellent job making exhaust on this car as quiet as possible... :(
04-25-2024
parky1215 wrote
I don't think you can have M60i exhaust flap fully open while the car is standstill.
BMW really did an excellent job making exhaust on this car as quiet as possible... :(
On past models, if you warmed the car up before driving spiritedly in sport/sport + mode the flap would stay open when stopped (long enough to be able to pull the fuse). Sounds like I'll have to wait and find out once the car is broken in :confused2
04-25-2024
IL X5 M60i wrote
On past models, if you warmed the car up before driving spiritedly in sport/sport + mode the flap would stay open when stopped (long enough to be able to pull the fuse). Sounds like I'll have to wait and find out once the car is broken in :confused2
Yes, I did it previously on F80 M3. That does not work anymore with this car.

You might be able to use Bimmerlink to manually open exhaust valve one time.
04-25-2024
So when do they open? Not trying to be combative here I just haven't been able to find a definitive answer on the M60!
04-25-2024
IL X5 M60i wrote
So when do they open? Not trying to be combative here I just haven't been able to find a definitive answer on the M60!
From what I can tell, exhaust valve does not open or maybe open very slightly when the car is stationary (eg. parked, stopped, or in neutral) no matter what drivetrain mode you are in.
They open little bit more when you actually drive in sport/sport+ mode and it probably only opens 100% when you reach full throttle in high rpm range. Exhaust valve flap would go back to closed position as you slow down.
04-25-2024
bimmer813 wrote
Has anyone figured out how to unplug them at the fully opened position?
No reason the fuse pull wouldn't work. Hard part is confirming both flaps are open when you pull the fuse.
04-25-2024
IL X5 M60i wrote
No reason the fuse pull wouldn't work. Hard part is confirming both flaps are open when you pull the fuse.
Cold start maybe if you are prepared
04-29-2024
The answer you don’t want but are looking for is it opens only when driving, in sport mode and at a certain RPM ( I have heard people say 3,000rpm but I havnt confirmed).

Only way to open exhaust valve is to remove the motor controller on the valve, and manually open the valve then secure it so it doesn’t close.

When doing the same research and realized this was the answer, I gave up as the sound difference wasn’t worth the hack job.
04-29-2024
Natemare13 wrote
The answer you don’t want but are looking for is it opens only when driving, in sport mode and at a certain RPM ( I have heard people say 3,000rpm but I havnt confirmed).

Only way to open exhaust valve is to remove the motor controller on the valve, and manually open the valve then secure it so it doesn’t close.

When doing the same research and realized this was the answer, I gave up as the sound difference wasn’t worth the hack job.
So sounds like an option is to open the flaps is with the OBD controller and pull the fuse.
04-29-2024
IL X5 M60i wrote
So sounds like an option is to open the flaps is with the OBD controller and pull the fuse.
I recently connected Bimmerlink with OBD ENET cable to clear some codes. Unfortunately, Bimmerlink app does not give option to open exhaust valve via app on M60i models.
04-30-2024
IL X5 M60i wrote
So sounds like an option is to open the flaps is with the OBD controller and pull the fuse.
Used to be an option but on 2024 and newer models all coding is disabled and currently the typical coding solutions no longer work.
04-30-2024
Had a chat with a friend yesterday. I pulled up in my M60i alongside his Audi SQ7. It was a horrible experience to suffer all the laughs I had to endure when I started up my engine and compared the notes with his… we are talking equivalent models here, right? It’s not like I was going against an RSQ7 which would be the Audi’s version of the proper X5M…

Audi sounds great. The AMG-light version of GLE (53) sounds great even with a six-banger. Hell, even a diesel X5 with its own version of “sports exhaust” sounds better than the M60i (which is a freaking awesome 4.4l V8)

Why?
04-30-2024
matowi wrote
Had a chat with a friend yesterday. I pulled up in my M60i alongside his Audi SQ7. It was a horrible experience to suffer all the laughs I had to endure when I started up my engine and compared the notes with his… we are talking equivalent models here, right? It’s not like I was going against an RSQ7 which would be the Audi’s version of the proper X5M…

Audi sounds great. The AMG-light version of GLE (53) sounds great even with a six-banger. Hell, even a diesel X5 with its own version of “sports exhaust” sounds better than the M60i (which is a freaking awesome 4.4l V8)

Why?
The exhaust is completely different than the X5 M50i/pre-LCI. Limited aftermarket catback options currently, and frankly expensive. Other options would be a muffler delete or custom X pipe at a muffler shop. I don't want to go the downpipe route and deal with CEL issues.

From what I can find, no one knows for certain when the flaps ARE FULLY open. Once I'm past the engine break in period I'm going to use the endoscope camera I have and try to confirm when the flaps open.
05-27-2025
IL X5 M60i wrote
The exhaust is completely different than the X5 M50i/pre-LCI. Limited aftermarket catback options currently, and frankly expensive. Other options would be a muffler delete or custom X pipe at a muffler shop. I don't want to go the downpipe route and deal with CEL issues.

From what I can find, no one knows for certain when the flaps ARE FULLY open. Once I'm past the engine break in period I'm going to use the endoscope camera I have and try to confirm when the flaps open.
How did you make out with this? Any confirmation if and when the flaps are fully open? I cannot continue driving my car like this
05-27-2025
In my experience, there’s not a single state in which you can hear the exhaust

When stationary or at slow to moderate speeds, you don’t hear anything because of how well the cabin is insulated — and because the exhaust flaps are either closed or barely open

At higher speeds you don’t hear anything because of how well the cabin is insulated (especially with double glazing) — and because other hums and noises drown out the exhaust (wind, tires)

So, whatever is the rev range which should allow the flaps to open, it has no impact on what you perceive as the driver

Which is a real bummer :/
05-27-2025
FastCoffeeGuy wrote
How did you make out with this? Any confirmation if and when the flaps are fully open? I cannot continue driving my car like this
Nope. Confirmed with endoscope if the car is stationary both flaps remain closed (regardless if warm/cold start/sport settings/etc). On the valvetronic list.
05-28-2025
IL X5 M60i wrote
No reason the fuse pull wouldn't work. Hard part is confirming both flaps are open when you pull the fuse.
To see if they are open, you have to go under the car where the exhaust tips is located. Then, you will see the valve flap. There will be a sort of like a pin. If it is pointed to a certain side, that means the valve is closed. When the car is turned off, the valve will close so you can go under the car to check at which side the pin is on. Then, using bimmerlink, you can open the exhaust valve. If the valve pin changes sides, that means it’s opened. I did this on my 22 X5 M50i and it honestly made pretty much no difference expect small burbles in comfort mode. In sport it sounds the same.
05-28-2025
For the 24-25 Models, it's highly suggested to buy a valve controller. From my research, just like the G80-G82, these valves don't fully open. With a controller they do. I have one on a 25 40i M-sport and it's night and day!
06-04-2025
That worked for me!
03-10-2026
aussieintexas wrote
That worked for me!
I know this an older thread. What worked for you the controller>? If so which one and how much better is it then the horrible factory sound? I thought Ista can open them? Or can Bimmer link or Bimmer code work to open the valves where you can pull the fuse?

Thanks