E70 X5M Electric Exhaust Cutouts

[Vortechys]

Hi All,
I finally finished the installation of my Doug's electric cutouts and they worked out perfectly.
I picked the Doug's Cutouts because they are a guillotine style. This design allows complete closer of the cutout . No exhaust leaks and is self cleaning.
Packaging it in the rear of the car allowed the exhaust to exit to the back and allowed nice packaging as well.
I did not want to modify the dash or interior for an activation switch so I decided to get a Gama Electronics RF12V1PR-ASL remote control system. This wasn't expensive( about 65 bucks) and is made here in the good old USA.
Overall the installation was not too difficult and the results were well worth it.
I didn't want to buy an aftermarket exhaust system . Now I have the best of both worlds.
Quiet stock exhaust when I want
, and wide open exhaust with a push of a button.

[Ryan5034]

I bet that sounds fun. any videos yet?

[nmgunner]

Originally Posted by Vortechys

Hi All,
I finally finished the installation of my Doug's electric cutouts and they worked out perfectly.
I picked the Doug's Cutouts because they are a guillotine style. This design allows complete closer of the cutout . No exhaust leaks and is self cleaning.
Packaging it in the rear of the car allowed the exhaust to exit to the back and allowed nice packaging as well.
I did not want to modify the dash or interior for an activation switch so I decided to get a Gama Electronics RF12V1PR-ASL remote control system. This wasn't expensive( about 65 bucks) and is made here in the good old USA.
Overall the installation was not too difficult and the results were well worth it.
I didn't want to buy an aftermarket exhaust system . Now I have the best of both worlds.
Quiet stock exhaust when I want
, and wide open exhaust with a push of a button.

That is awesome. Was it DIY or shop? Do you have a parts list and guide to put it together?

[Vortechys]

This was a DIY. I've got a lift which helped with laying everything out.
As far as the parts list.
1. 1 pair of Doug's 3" exhaust cutouts
2. 2 Pypes 3" Y pipes (stainless)
3. 1 Gama Electronics RF12V1PR-ASL remote control system

You can buy Doug's cutouts in a kit including the Y pipes but the pipes are not stainless. That is why I used the Pypes .
You have to cut an oval shaped hole in each pipe. I figured out where I wanted them and then marked the exhaust pipes.
I removed the whole exhaust system and welded it off of the car. It's a trial and fit process.
I just used the sections of the Y pipes for the collector flange pipe. Basically cutting that piece off and fitting it to the original exhaust system
Once I had the Y pipe section fitted where I wanted it , I just tacked it in place and then installed it back on the car to make sure clearance's were correct and that they lined up properly.
Be aware the left and right sides are not symmetrical.
Once that was done, I took the exhaust back down, outlined the Y pipe collector piece and then removed the tacks so I could open an oval in the original exhaust.
Everything was mig welded with stainless 308 wire with trimix gas. You can tig weld it if you want beautiful looking welds.
Wiring is straight forward . I used the fuse box in the back for power. I used a fuse tap and took power from the power tail gate. That way, I could open the exhaust before starting the car if I wished.
If you have any other questions , let me know.

[nmgunner]

Originally Posted by Vortechys

This was a DIY. I've got a lift which helped with laying everything out.
As far as the parts list.
1. 1 pair of Doug's 3" exhaust cutouts
2. 2 Pypes 3" Y pipes (stainless)
3. 1 Gama Electronics RF12V1PR-ASL remote control system

You can buy Doug's cutouts in a kit including the Y pipes but the pipes are not stainless. That is why I used the Pypes .
You have to cut an oval shaped hole in each pipe. I figured out where I wanted them and then marked the exhaust pipes.
I removed the whole exhaust system and welded it off of the car. It's a trial and fit process.
I just used the sections of the Y pipes for the collector flange pipe. Basically cutting that piece off and fitting it to the original exhaust system
Once I had the Y pipe section fitted where I wanted it , I just tacked it in place and then installed it back on the car to make sure clearance's were correct and that they lined up properly.
Be aware the left and right sides are not symmetrical.
Once that was done, I took the exhaust back down, outlined the Y pipe collector piece and then removed the tacks so I could open an oval in the original exhaust.
Everything was mig welded with stainless 308 wire with trimix gas. You can tig weld it if you want beautiful looking welds.
Wiring is straight forward . I used the fuse box in the back for power. I used a fuse tap and took power from the power tail gate. That way, I could open the exhaust before starting the car if I wished.
If you have any other questions , let me know.

Thanks vortech!!

I would love to do this. I had the same kind of setup on my z3m Coupe. I could do most of the work back then but now have kids and a biz. Thanks for the guidance. I appreciate it!

[Vortechys]

I forgot to say ,that if you just buy a 4' section of 3" stainless exhaust pipe and some stainless flanges you can bypass buying the Pypes Y pipes.
This would be cheaper with just a little more welding.

[nmgunner]

Originally Posted by Vortechys

I forgot to say ,that if you just buy a 4' section of 3" stainless exhaust pipe and some stainless flanges you can bypass buying the Pypes Y pipes.
This would be cheaper with just a little more welding.

Cool. I have some employees that do welding so I will hit them up. I appreciate the guidance!

[Vortechys]

Your welcome

[RichardH]

That looks awesome please post a sound clip

[yco]

and the sound please.. wondering actually.. and feel any performance difference?

[Vortechys]

I'm not sure how to do the sound clip or video and attach it to the post.
If I figure it out , I will post it.
Sound is not bad at all. Not too aggressive , unless you rev it.
I have not had a chance to drive the car , due to all the snow and ice around here.
Thanks guys.

[protecon]

Probably exactly like cutting off your exhaust.

[boneca]

awesome project

how much was the project all in? parts (including remote control), labor etc.?

[gixxerboy63]

I may have to do a version of this for my Akrapovic.... My vacuum flaps still do not work consistantly or on demand with the M button.

I am hopeful that I will be able to resolve this issue through setting in the DME with Autologic... if not, then this may be the only option.

Thanks for posting!

[Naz24]

This is definitely the first time i've seen that in an X5M, seems to be big with the chevy etc crowd.

Really cool system, glad the exhaust worked out for you.


PS, Bravo on keeping your tips that clean!

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by gixxerboy63

I may have to do a version of this for my Akrapovic.... My vacuum flaps still do not work consistantly or on demand with the M button.

I am hopeful that I will be able to resolve this issue through setting in the DME with Autologic... if not, then this may be the only option.

Thanks for posting!

I had the same problem until i lubed the flaps up. Make sure from the outside that the spring is working and the connections are properly lubed. Works perfectly now

[Vortechys]

Thanks everyone.
I would say I have about $450 in the parts alone.
The labor was mine and a friend...free

[Amstaff]

Looks good!

[Vortechys]

Here are some additional pictures to give you some idea of where to cut out / place the pipes.
I hope this helps some of you wanting to do this to your X5M

[yco]

only problem with this when you get closer to car its obvious that noise is coming under the car.. used for a while in my Leon Cupra 8-9 years ago..