Exhaust from one side only ?

[O4x5dude]

Hello all,
Now that it has cooled down considerably up here in Canada, I started realizing that there is exhaust coming out from only the left side tail pipe, is this normal or is there something wrong ? Just looks weird. I have a 2013 X5 3.5 M Sport. Thanks

[P1]

Nope. Sounds right. When you first start it, you'll see it comes out of both. Then the valve closes, and exhaust will only come out of one. When you floor it hard, both exhausts will open back up again.

[F06msportmia]

There is a small vacuum pump on the right side which opens and close a flap. If you remove the hose on the flap it will stay open and then you will get a nice sound and the smoke out of the exhaust. [not smoke but you get what I mean, you will see the exhaust fumes]

[Tritan84]

Originally Posted by e70msportmia

There is a small vacuum pump on the right side which opens and close a flap. If you remove the hose on the flap it will stay open and then you will get a nice sound and the smoke out of the exhaust. [not smoke but you get what I mean, you will see the exhaust fumes]

It is my understanding that the vacuum hose actually functions to open the valve, not close it. Thus, by detaching it, it stays permanently closed. Which is why people are using zip ties to keep the valve open. Is this information incorrect?

[F06msportmia]

Originally Posted by Tritan84

It is my understanding that the vacuum hose actually functions to open the valve, not close it. Thus, by detaching it, it stays permanently closed. Which is why people are using zip ties to keep the valve open. Is this information incorrect?

That's correct, I used braided wire to keep the flap open.

[Tritan84]

Originally Posted by e70msportmia

That's correct, I used braided wire to keep the flap open.

I did it today with zip ties to see if I'd like the change. Sounds damn good for not costing anything. Especially on cold starts