G05
BMW X5
3.1KVIEWS
20REPLIES
6APPRECIATES
11ACTIVE PEOPLE
04-01-2026LAST POST
10-02-2025
Hey, i know there was a bunch of people on the group buy, maybe ~25 - i have read the couple reviews on here - difficult install / finish as well as some drone at highway speeds. I was wondering if there was any other reviews, i have the exaust, and the new m60i in my garage - just not convinced i should put it on, i definitely don't want drone. any review on just the exhaust would be very welcome.
10-03-2025
I’ve got the Valvetronic on my X7 M60i. I’ve been very impressed. Sounds really good, no drone.

I will say the install was a pain. Installer had to remove the entire rear bumper…he said it was one of the most convoluted installs he has done. Assume it would be same or similar on an X5.

Can’t hear it inside the cabin like I can hear the exhaust in my M2, but to be expected given the insulation difference between the two.

Definitely worlds apart from my X5 50e 😂
10-03-2025
I’m happy with my exhaust now. I had a lot of issues with it when it was installed. My issues are well documented in the group buy post. However the issues I had would have been resolved a lot faster had I contacted Valvetronic directly myself instead of relying on the shop that I purchased the exhaust from. The shop told me they we speaking with Valvetronic when they weren’t and were just giving me the runaround.

Once I called Valvetronic directly they were Very understanding and helpful in resolving the problem. I was told I received the second exhaust that was manufactured so that may have been why I had an issue.

Overall I’m very happy with how it looks and sounds now.
10-07-2025
I am very happy with my exhaust in comfort mode it’s just sounds like factory exhaust inside the car with valves closed but when you open the valves it’s totally a different beast you can hear the the exhaust sounds but no drone.
10-09-2025
2024 X5m60i - Overall good,like others commented assembly was a pain for the shop. No directions so install took longer than it normally should. The actuator connection is terrible, there are multiple better was to get a 12v power connection other than the cigarette lighter! Valvetronics definitely needs to resolve the exhaust tips issue. Their solution might work for some models, but it is not as universal as they imply. I Spoke to several custom shops and they thought total cost(with install) was too high, but that should be taken with a grain of salt. No drone, almost as quite as stock with valves closed, still need to figure out the tips! Would probably/maybe do it again?
10-11-2025
I was thinking about this exhaust. I just cut the resonator off and hate the sound (may reinstall). Can anyone compare the sound to a resonator delete?
10-14-2025
I meant to respond earlier and say thanks for the responses, and feedback - ive decided to put mine on and its being installed today. Will give feedback once its done
10-15-2025
Supersized wrote
I meant to respond earlier and say thanks for the responses, and feedback - ive decided to put mine on and its being installed today. Will give feedback once its done
I’d recommend adding some catless secondary downpipes as well. With the valves closed you won’t hear much of a difference. But with them open and when you get on it, it will put a smile on your face.

With the windows up and relaxed driving you won’t hear much of a difference. The sound insulation is really good in this car.
10-15-2025
yes, got it installed, not much difference with valves closed, a little louder at low rpm load (maybe that is what someone referred to as drone) - open is sounds good, does put a smile on my face and have used considerable more fuel since install.

ive attached a couple pictures, one is a box of left over parts (not sure what these are all about) and then the fitment of the two sets - you can see one side has an apparent larger gap between outlets.

I do have the carbon VT tips if anyone is looking for some, let me know.

my understanding on the catless DP's is they throw CELs - theres a couple threads ill have to read up on, maybe there is a set that doesnt throw CEL's - would i expect the same sounds with valves closed and then even more smiles (fuel) with valves open?
An image attached to this post, provided by the posterAn image attached to this post, provided by the posterAn image attached to this post, provided by the poster
10-15-2025
Supersized wrote
yes, got it installed, not much difference with valves closed, a little louder at low rpm load (maybe that is what someone referred to as drone) - open is sounds good, does put a smile on my face and have used considerable more fuel since install.

ive attached a couple pictures, one is a box of left over parts (not sure what these are all about) and then the fitment of the two sets - you can see one side has an apparent larger gap between outlets.

I do have the carbon VT tips if anyone is looking for some, let me know.

my understanding on the catless DP's is they throw CELs - theres a couple threads ill have to read up on, maybe there is a set that doesnt throw CEL's - would i expect the same sounds with valves closed and then even more smiles (fuel) with valves open?
Glad to hear it's putting a smile on your face. I've had the same problem with low MPG after installation as my foot has gotten heavier so I can hear that beautiful sound.

Replacing the secondary downpipes with catless downpipes will NOT throw any CELs. Its the primary downpipes that you have to be careful when replacing. I've run the redstar catless secondary downpipes for a few months now with no issues as have many others on here. There are no sensors for the secondary downpipes.

Ben at RG Sport has been testing some high performance primary catted downpipes from Evolution Racewerks for a few months and I plan on checking with him down the road to see if he encountered any issues.
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
10-15-2025
just ordered the redstar secondary catless DP - thanks for the tip.
10-16-2025
1STRS wrote
I was thinking about this exhaust. I just cut the resonator off and hate the sound (may reinstall). Can anyone compare the sound to a resonator delete?
Try Secondary Downpipes first before a full exhaust. Evolution Raceworks or Red Star. Simple job to replace too. Will give a better sound than just the Resonator delete.
10-16-2025
Tobster3 wrote
Try Secondary Downpipes first before a full exhaust. Evolution Raceworks or Red Star. Simple job to replace too. Will give a better sound than just the Resonator delete.
I agree with Tobster3. But I’d also recommend you install a valve controller as well. There are several brands out there. You can get a good one for just over $200.
10-18-2025
K9-44 wrote
I agree with Tobster3. But I’d also recommend you install a valve controller as well. There are several brands out there. You can get a good one for just over $200.
Anyone have a video of just catless secondary DP and the valves open?
10-23-2025
Anyone else have a big sucking sound when valves are closed and WOT - could be air but sounds more like vacuum below my feet. Doesn’t make that sound with Valves open.
10-24-2025
Supersized wrote
Anyone else have a big sucking sound when valves are closed and WOT - could be air but sounds more like vacuum below my feet. Doesn’t make that sound with Valves open.
Turbo spool maybe? Can't hear it with valves open because exhaust sound is loud, but with closed can hear it now. Is it only wot?
10-24-2025
It could be. Yes only wot from 4.5k to redline
10-30-2025
got my redstar 2ndary downpipes in the mail, but didnt come with any gaskets - based on this diagram i am assuming i need #6 and #9 - BMW wants 400$ for these 4 gaskets - does that make sense?
An image attached to this post, provided by the poster
10-31-2025
Supersized wrote
got my redstar 2ndary downpipes in the mail, but didnt come with any gaskets - based on this diagram i am assuming i need #6 and #9 - BMW wants 400$ for these 4 gaskets - does that make sense?
I had a shop install mine so I can’t be 100% sure. But I can tell you that they didn’t charge me for any new gaskets. So either they reused the ones that were on the stock exhaust or the downpipes came with them.

I’d call Redstar and ask them if it’s supposed to come with gaskets or if you can just reuse the stock gaskets.
12-21-2025
K9-44 wrote
I had a shop install mine so I can’t be 100% sure. But I can tell you that they didn’t charge me for any new gaskets. So either they reused the ones that were on the stock exhaust or the downpipes came with them.

I’d call Redstar and ask them if it’s supposed to come with gaskets or if you can just reuse the stock gaskets.
You should be able to reuse the same sticker gaskets.
04-01-2026
I was messaging w/Valvetronic this morning about their full sport exhaust system vs their valved muffler kits and they recommended the later.

Curious how the downpipes and valve control compares to their muffler kits (with and w/o DPs). anyone down either of those configurations?