G05
BMW X5
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7 hours agoLAST POST
03-13-2026
IL X5 M60i wrote
Valves won't open unless engine is on. Which is why I opened them with with valve controller and then pulled the fuse and now they are open 100% of the time.
Cool. So you wouldn’t need a valve controller if you just open it and pull the fuse! Good idea! Does it throw a code? I wonder if you can just unplug the harness to the valve when it’s open as well instead of pulling the fuse?

I went with the 11mode since it’s a 5 minute install and only $200-300. There are others that charge $500+ and you have to wire in a box and splice the power or run a power wire to the battery- no thanks. Not sure how 11mode does it but it’s just an adapter cable - plug and play.
03-13-2026
IL X5 M60i wrote
Valves won't open unless engine is on. Which is why I opened them with with valve controller and then pulled the fuse and now they are open 100% of the time.
Got it, so in your application, you primarily got the valve controller to guarantee an open position, and subsequently pull the fuse. (From what i understand, it can be tricky to time when the valve is actually opening under normal circumstances and when to pull the fuse). I guess what you did guarantees strong cold start response as soon as you turn on the car.

I am assuming at this point you have no need for the valve controller remote unless you decided to plug in the fuse again to get normal operation?
03-14-2026
PCar2Bcar wrote
Got it, so in your application, you primarily got the valve controller to guarantee an open position, and subsequently pull the fuse. (From what i understand, it can be tricky to time when the valve is actually opening under normal circumstances and when to pull the fuse). I guess what you did guarantees strong cold start response as soon as you turn on the car.

I am assuming at this point you have no need for the valve controller remote unless you decided to plug in the fuse again to get normal operation?
Exactly right. If I ever want to have the functionality of the valve controllers I'll plug the fuse back in.
03-14-2026
BMWM3Rules wrote
Cool. So you wouldn’t need a valve controller if you just open it and pull the fuse! Good idea! Does it throw a code? I wonder if you can just unplug the harness to the valve when it’s open as well instead of pulling the fuse?

I went with the 11mode since it’s a 5 minute install and only $200-300. There are others that charge $500+ and you have to wire in a box and splice the power or run a power wire to the battery- no thanks. Not sure how 11mode does it but it’s just an adapter cable - plug and play.
I bought the 11 mode to ensure they are open before I pulled the fuse. I bought a cheap endoscope on Amazon and no matter what drive mode (sport plus, etc) the flaps didn't ever fully open where I could confirm they were open with the car parked and pull the fuse.
03-15-2026
After a week with the 11mode valve controller, I really like it and as valve controllers go, the 11mode is the best one - (best price and best product and easy install). Highly recommend the 11mode if you're going to get a valve controller. Not sure what tech the 11mode controller is, but it's very simple. Other valve controllers require a separate control box that needs to be powered by splicing into some factory wire harness.
03-22-2026
IL X5 M60i wrote
I bought the 11 mode to ensure they are open before I pulled the fuse. I bought a cheap endoscope on Amazon and no matter what drive mode (sport plus, etc) the flaps didn't ever fully open where I could confirm they were open with the car parked and pull the fuse.
I open the valves when I first start, the sound difference is obvious….cant you pull the plug then?
03-24-2026
sharkymcpeterson wrote
I open the valves when I first start, the sound difference is obvious….cant you pull the plug then?
The valves aren't open when you start the car unless you open them with a valve controller first.
03-24-2026
IL X5 M60i wrote
The valves aren't open when you start the car unless you open them with a valve controller first.
I have a valve controller….cant you attach the controller, open the valves when car first starts? The sound difference is obvious which means you should be good to pull the fuse….does all that make sense?
03-24-2026
sharkymcpeterson wrote
I have a valve controller….cant you attach the controller, open the valves when car first starts? The sound difference is obvious which means you should be good to pull the fuse….does all that make sense?
Yes correct then you're good. Start the car, then press the remote to open the valves. Leave it running then pull the fuse and you're good to go they will stay open even when you turn the car off.
03-25-2026
IL X5 M60i wrote
Yes correct then you're good. Start the car, then press the remote to open the valves. Leave it running then pull the fuse and you're good to go they will stay open even when you turn the car off.
Can you tell us exactly where fuse 203 is located? 2025 x6 m60i, Which fuse box exactly? TIA
03-28-2026
Installed mine just now. On the m50i it makes a pretty decent difference. Can definitely hear it off the line a lot more prominently. Even in regular driving mode vs sport or sport plus. I am actually kind of worried about my mpg because I feel I am driving more "spirited" with the change in noise lol.

Going to try and pair to my mirror home link button so I don't have to fumble for the remote.
03-28-2026
I found it easy to open the small compartment above the obd port to reach for my remote when I want to open or close the valves.
04-21-2026
So I started mine up this morning, pressed the button I have programed into my mirror for the 11 mode to open the valves, you can positively hear the difference in the exhaust, then I went back and pulled the 203 fuse and then went for a drive. Shut the car off to run into a store and came back and started her up and sure enough the sound was the same. I no longer have to press any buttons or the remote and my exhaust is open at all times unless I put the fuse back in. Nice simple mod that actually works great!
04-22-2026
Anyone having issues programming it to their Homelink? Can’t seem to get it to take. I have it in standby mode, press and hold the button until it’s blinking yellow, press the 11 mode button, Homelink button goes to solid green. But when I start up the car and press the Homelink button, I get nothing. Tried multiple times and won’t seem to work.

Open to any suggestions. TY!
04-22-2026
Prestocj wrote
Anyone having issues programming it to their Homelink? Can’t seem to get it to take. I have it in standby mode, press and hold the button until it’s blinking yellow, press the 11 mode button, Homelink button goes to solid green. But when I start up the car and press the Homelink button, I get nothing. Tried multiple times and won’t seem to work.

Open to any suggestions. TY!
Same problem here. Have tried like 5 times and gave up.
04-22-2026
mrdryeyes wrote
Same problem here. Have tried like 5 times and gave up.
Well, guess it’s good to know that I’m not alone. ☹️
04-22-2026
Prestocj wrote
Anyone having issues programming it to their Homelink? Can’t seem to get it to take. I have it in standby mode, press and hold the button until it’s blinking yellow, press the 11 mode button, Homelink button goes to solid green. But when I start up the car and press the Homelink button, I get nothing. Tried multiple times and won’t seem to work.

Open to any suggestions. TY!
Try putting the remote right below the mirror, also it may need to use 2 buttons on the homelink to have one open and the other to close the valve.
04-23-2026
Prestocj wrote
Anyone having issues programming it to their Homelink? Can’t seem to get it to take. I have it in standby mode, press and hold the button until it’s blinking yellow, press the 11 mode button, Homelink button goes to solid green. But when I start up the car and press the Homelink button, I get nothing. Tried multiple times and won’t seem to work.

Open to any suggestions. TY!
That sounds strange as mine programmed first time. My center button is for my garage door opener, the left one I programmed for the valves to open and the right one I programmed for the valves to close. I held the remote directly under the buttons, dash on but car not running. Keep trying as it should work. I have a 2025 X6 M60i.
04-23-2026
Bowflexin wrote
Try putting the remote right below the mirror, also it may need to use 2 buttons on the homelink to have one open and the other to close the valve.
Yes, tried 1 button for on and 1 for off. I held the remote a couple of inches in front of the button. Hard to believe holding it under would make a difference but will give it a try.

TY!
04-23-2026
Motorin Mark wrote
That sounds strange as mine programmed first time. My center button is for my garage door opener, the left one I programmed for the valves to open and the right one I programmed for the valves to close. I held the remote directly under the buttons, dash on but car not running. Keep trying as it should work. I have a 2025 X6 M60i.
Thank you! Will try the “under the button” technique and see if that makes a difference.
04-25-2026
so do you remove them before you take it in for service, or is that not a concern? Whats the consensus on that? Im considering ordering these, but was curious if people take them off before taking to the dealership for service, or is it all good to leave them on for service appointments? i've read that it may be better to take off before service, but seems like a hassle to have to to do that. Just curious what you fine folks are doing?
04-25-2026
Just placed an order, sounds like the best bang for your buck 1st step. Appreciate all the information provided in the thread.