[SpaceBronco28]

Greetings! I'm new to the group and recently acquired a 2023 BMW X5 xDrive40i. I'm exploring ways to enhance the exhaust sound without opting for the M Performance Exhaust (MPE) due to its high cost. Since it's my wife's daily driver, I'm seeking affordable options that can still provide a satisfying X5 sound. Any suggestions?

[slicky]

M performance is the cheapest cat back exhaust available.
(And the best sounding)
Consider the BMW sport exhaust sound played through the speakers. It is great and $100 plus tax.

[mmm50i]

The cheapest method of improving your exhaust sound would be do a resonator delete. Any muffler or mechanic shop will be able to do it for you.

[SpaceBronco28]

Thank you guys for the advice! I heard of the flap hack but does anyone have videos or before and after?

[SpaceBronco28]

Excuse my ignorance, but is there any issue with having a flap constantly open?

[sac02]

Originally Posted by Idemo

No issues

Well, other than the issue of it being always open lol.

Sometimes it's nice to have it more subdued. I wish in performance exhausts in general the default was open and the option was closed, instead of vice versa.

[KLCC]

Originally Posted by sac02

Well, other than the issue of it being always open lol.

Sometimes it's nice to have it more subdued. I wish in performance exhausts in general the default was open and the option was closed, instead of vice versa.

When I open the exhaust flap for a bit of spirited driving, there's a noticeable drone/echo inside the cabin that quickly makes me shut it off. So I guess YMMV.

[Andrewalker7]

+1 for chopping off the inline resonator. Oddly enough, it's an oval pipe at that point, but a section from a Vibrant Supra kit fit it 100%.

[Dsmdrew]

Originally Posted by Andrewalker7

+1 for chopping off the inline resonator. Oddly enough, it's an oval pipe at that point, but a section from a Vibrant Supra kit fit it 100%.

Any pics?

[Andrewalker7]

Originally Posted by Dsmdrew

Any pics?

Of what, exactly? It's just a continuous pipe now from the bottom of the cat, to the rear muffler.

[SpaceBronco28]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I’m still debating haha. Sounds like the resonator delete is the best option. I would love a M performance exhaust/CARGRAPHIC double tailpipe look but that’s $$$!

[crowuhh]

Originally Posted by Andrewalker7

+1 for chopping off the inline resonator. Oddly enough, it's an oval pipe at that point, but a section from a Vibrant Supra kit fit it 100%.

Any noticeable difference in sound?

[BIGW0RM]

I need to do something to my 25 40i. Just added a valve controller. It helped, but its not enough. It doesnt make a very big difference like it did on my G80 M3. The sport muffer on the X5 is just too big. Id like to get the M performance exhaust, but not at 3K+ for it.

[cpopley]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

I need to do something to my 25 40i. Just added a valve controller. It helped, but its not enough. It doesnt make a very big difference like it did on my G80 M3. The sport muffer on the X5 is just too big. Id like to get the M performance exhaust, but not at 3K+ for it.

Can you elaborate on what the valve controller is/does. I just got a 25 i40 with m sport exhaust and it’s soo quiet. Also seems you can’t open the exhaust flap like you could with the 19-23 x5s using BimmerLink

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by cpopley

Can you elaborate on what the valve controller is/does. I just got a 25 i40 with m sport exhaust and it’s soo quiet. Also seems you can’t open the exhaust flap like you could with the 19-23 x5s using BimmerLink

It doesnt help much.

It only makes cold starts sound about 5-10% louder. Driving wise, it a little louder, but it will drone the exhaust in comfort mode and less in sport mode, but we find ourselves turning it off more than we leave it on. I was a little disapointed with it to be honest.

On my M3 and M2, its MUCH louder at start and about 10% louder driving with no drone. I was hoping for that outcome with the X5. But the big ass muffler on the X5 is the problem.