[IL X5 M60i]

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.

[parky1215]

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...

[IL X5 M60i]

Originally Posted by parky1215

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

[parky1215]

Originally Posted by IL X5 M60i

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

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.

[IL X5 M60i]

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!

[parky1215]

Originally Posted by IL X5 M60i

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.

[bimmer813]

Has anyone figured out how to unplug them at the fully opened position?

[IL X5 M60i]

Originally Posted by bimmer813

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.

[aussieintexas]

Originally Posted by IL X5 M60i

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

[Natemare13]

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.

[IL X5 M60i]

Originally Posted by Natemare13

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.

[parky1215]

Originally Posted by IL X5 M60i

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.

[Natemare13]

Originally Posted by IL X5 M60i

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.

[matowi]

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?

[IL X5 M60i]

Originally Posted by matowi

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.