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      04-27-2011, 09:04 PM   #1
motex
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Cheapest way to get a better sound on X6M

I know this thread belongs more to the exhaust forum, but since this is the most visited between all sub-forums, just wanted to share the experience with you

Yesterday I did a small mod to the 2 vacuum valves on each one of the inner exhausts of the X6M, now all 4 exhaust tips remains open at all times ( when stock the 2 inner valves don't open until the car reaches some speed about 3000 RPM's)

The result is a real low frequency "V8 sound" when you start the car and drive at very low RPM's, is more like a "subwoofer sound" nothing loud.

Here some links to YouTube videos I made before and after the modification, also a couple of pics for better understanding. I'm VERY satisfied with the new sound results. Now my car sounds like it has BIG-balls......sound from video does not make justice, was taken with my iPhone.

Before and after videos here:
Before:

After:





Last edited by motex; 05-02-2011 at 02:59 PM.. Reason: moved from other forum
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      04-27-2011, 09:16 PM   #2
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im also looking for a good exhaust for my x6m, don't know which one to choose though
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      04-29-2011, 05:21 PM   #3
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You could do the zip-tie mod. Look underneath the exhaust and there should be a "valve" connected to a tube. Undo all the screws then zip tie the end of the valve toward any nearest "hook" or any openings. Go with a high-temp zip tie if you're concerned.

I did a zip-tie / golf-tee mod on the 35i and it sounds wonderful.
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      04-29-2011, 06:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by djeremya View Post
You could do the zip-tie mod. Look underneath the exhaust and there should be a "valve" connected to a tube. Undo all the screws then zip tie the end of the valve toward any nearest "hook" or any openings. Go with a high-temp zip tie if you're concerned.

I did a zip-tie / golf-tee mod on the 35i and it sounds wonderful.
Can you explain this better? Any video by chance?
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      04-29-2011, 11:16 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mb23 View Post
Can you explain this better? Any video by chance?
Type in golf tee mod in google and you will see. Looks pretty easy. People have raised question about warranty...
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      05-02-2011, 12:39 PM   #6
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motex, it'd be the same for a 50i, right?
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      05-02-2011, 12:44 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie12 View Post
motex, it'd be the same for a 50i, right?
I will say YES because my X6M is almost identical to a 335i, so I asume that your 5.0 must be the same.

You can do a sound test to check the difference, just get a set of pliers and turn the lower mechanism 1/4 in order to open the valve, inmediately you will notice the difference, if you get a person to help you, you will be able to open both and see how great it sounds in low RPM's

Good luck !
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      05-02-2011, 01:39 PM   #8
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do you turn it counter clockwise?
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      05-02-2011, 02:18 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie12 View Post
do you turn it counter clockwise?
Don't recall but you will find the way in 1 second don't worry, there is no way to make any damage, the mechanism is made out of steel, with a plier, piece of cake
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      05-02-2011, 07:27 PM   #10
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sweet!!
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      05-03-2011, 12:52 AM   #11
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even though you're getting a bit better sound by disfunction the vacuum value, you're losing low end torque for sure, the acceleration is obviously much slower from my past experience

and also the vacuum value is powered/activated by a tube connecting to the vacuum head, won't it be easier just unplug that and zip tie the tube?
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      05-03-2011, 09:43 AM   #12
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2010 X6 50i  [9.34]
sawzall makes everything better....quick and easy
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      05-03-2011, 11:40 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vet927 View Post
even though you're getting a bit better sound by disfunction the vacuum value, you're losing low end torque for sure, the acceleration is obviously much slower from my past experience
You were right, after more than a week of use, I felt that lower end torque was low, so today I reversed the job. One more thing that found is that if Eisseman is doing the X6M exhaust including the vacuum valve, it most be for some reason......at least I enjoyed the low subwoofer sound for a couple of days.......

Last edited by motex; 05-14-2011 at 03:41 PM.. Reason: updating results
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      05-17-2011, 03:42 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by motex View Post
You were right, after more than a week of use, I felt that lower end torque was low, so today I reversed the job. One more thing that found is that if Eisseman is doing the X6M exhaust including the vacuum valve, it most be for some reason......at least I enjoyed the low subwoofer sound for a couple of days.......
what i've done is cut off the vaccum valve from the stock exhaust and weld it on the Eisenmann, having the lower end power back and the sound now~
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      05-17-2011, 04:29 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vet927 View Post
what i've done is cut off the vaccum valve from the stock exhaust and weld it on the Eisenmann, having the lower end power back and the sound now~
well, good job, looked like original from Eisenmann
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      07-28-2011, 08:53 PM   #16
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that is crazyy
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      03-31-2013, 06:54 PM   #17
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any updates on this mod? I doubt you lose torque because the flap opens when you press the M button, so it's designed to open for louder exhaust when the M button is pressed.
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      04-03-2013, 05:38 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharpie12 View Post
motex, it'd be the same for a 50i, right?
The 50i sounds pretty sweet stock... deeper growl then the M. I swapped out the pipes on my big V-Twin for a much better sound and have also done the muffler/header swap on a couple of cars but I have to say the stock sound on the 50i is pretty cool.. The only reason I would swap is performance gain..
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      04-18-2013, 01:11 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by raducu View Post
any updates on this mod? I doubt you lose torque because the flap opens when you press the M button, so it's designed to open for louder exhaust when the M button is pressed.
Thank God someone else understands this! A turbo needs as little back pressure as possible to run at its optimum, which is why the "M" setting opens this valve up.
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      04-22-2013, 04:50 PM   #20
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nice!
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      05-04-2013, 03:26 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tonymac1
im also looking for a good exhaust for my x6m, don't know which one to choose though
i have the eisenmann race 4x90 and I couldn't have mad a better choice. 0 interior drowning noise. Idling sounds like a real v8 but acceleration definitely sounds different and loud from the outside (neighbors hates my cold start)
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      05-08-2013, 09:32 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boosteeddc View Post
i have the eisenmann race 4x90 and I couldn't have mad a better choice. 0 interior drowning noise. Idling sounds like a real v8 but acceleration definitely sounds different and loud from the outside (neighbors hates my cold start)
it sounds like a machine gun. So loud and nice. but i couldnt take it for long..had it taken off after a couple of weeks. there is definitely droning, and that "expensive quiet ride" quality was taken from the car. If I were to change it again id go for the sport so i can use the M button to open the flaps..uknow more choice. but damn she sounds good with the race.
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