Golf Tee Mod on 2011 no longer works the same way!

[laperacfo]

Any sound clips?

So we just remove the actuator and zip tie? Any need for a golf tee still?

[DOMEPEACE]

I think I have a much easier solution than can be done and reversed in less than five minutes. All you have to do is tie wrap or zip tie the actuator arm open and you are done. If you no longer want it. Just take it off. I have mine on for about six months with no issues whatsoever.

[skalberti]

Originally Posted by DOMEPEACE

I think I have a much easier solution than can be done and reversed in less than five minutes. All you have to do is tie wrap or zip tie the actuator arm open and you are done. If you no longer want it. Just take it off. I have mine on for about six months with no issues whatsoever.

I zip tied mine today and the passenger side is way louder than the driver side. Also the engine idle speed fluctuated about 500-800 rpm. So I went back and cut the zip tie and the engine went back to normal. Anyone else have this issue??

[hupchurch]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

Pics before and after - makes a huge difference, sounds like aftermarket exhaust, much louder than stock!

First pic is normal, 2nd is after removing the actuator and using a zip tie to hold the valve open.

Should probably use a stainless steel zip tie - heat will eventually compromise the plastic one.

[DOMEPEACE]

When you first start the car the right pipe is louder but only for about a minute or less. Then it evens out and it makes a lot less noise. If you can get over the initial 45 seconds it's well worth because it sounds great.

[R Dot]

Originally Posted by DOMEPEACE

I think I have a much easier solution than can be done and reversed in less than five minutes. All you have to do is tie wrap or zip tie the actuator arm open and you are done. If you no longer want it. Just take it off. I have mine on for about six months with no issues whatsoever.

i'm trying to do this to my X5 but not sure of what "arm" you are speaking of?

[laperacfo]

Any sound clips and pictures on what "arm"?

[mrpcar]

I tried this soon after buying my X5M and yes it sounds louder at idle and through out the low rpm ranges. But I really felt there was a loss of low end torque, car felt heavier during slower speed drives or stop and go traffic. So I reversed the mod. Originally I had no reservation on making this mod since this is a turbo charged car, don't need back pressure. But some how I felt a loss of power, very weird.

[Chio]

Metal zip ties ! Does the trick

[chrisnack]

So the actual electronic valve that controls the vacuum is just to the right of the battery tray. You have to pull out the battery tray and then if you look to the right you'll see it just underneath the decking.

FYI, just unplugging the harness the flap will still stay closed. Mine has been whistling when it actuates, very annoying. So finally found where it was and I'll be having it replaced under warranty.

[mdot949]

Anybody have pics of this without removing the actuator? So i know where to zip tie the arm. Thanks in advance!

[boldmixon]

Originally Posted by mdot949

Anybody have pics of this without removing the actuator? So i know where to zip tie the arm. Thanks in advance!

I second this question!

[chrisnack]

The actuator is normally closed on the X5, so you just open it and then tie it open. If you look at the actuator it's pretty straight forward. There is a arm, it only moves the one direction, the vacuum pulls the arm.

[Cattivo]

I did this today and it sounds much louder. I took a piece of #12 awg wire, doubled it up and tied the actuator arm in place so the flaps stay open...a quick tip, i put the back of my screwdriver in the exhaust pipe to hold the flap open making it easier to tie it open. I'll post some pics tomorrow

[Cattivo]

Actuator arm

[Cattivo]

Pass your wire or zip tie through the hole, twist the wire tight (not too tight) leaving about 1'' of excess wire and fold over

[Cattivo]

actuator arm pulled open

[Cattivo]

Inside the exhaust with the flap open...repeat the same process on the other side, hope this helps

[omgboost]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

Inside the exhaust with the flap open...repeat the same process on the other side, hope this helps

Isn't the left side always open? Also, the exhaust isn't open on both sides by default for the 50i

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by omgboost

Isn't the left side always open? Also, the exhaust isn't open on both sides by default for the 50i

I haven't checked to see if my 50i even has the exhaust valves yet, from what i've read they do not...this was done on my X5M, both the left and right side flaps are closed till you go above 3-5k rpm... i'm not sure if the 35i and 50i have a similar setup. On my 335i i just removed a panel on the left side of the trunk and disconnected a black connector for the golf tee mod, i'm assuming the X5 35i may have that same connector

[omgboost]

I got to keeping the right side exhaust pipe open on the N55 and made a video of how it sounds during cold start, idle, and under load. Skip to around 4:50 to hear it under load.

[Bklynjoker]

Originally Posted by omgboost

I got to keeping the right side exhaust pipe open on the N55 and made a video of how it sounds during cold start, idle, and under load. Skip to around 4:50 to hear it under load.

So from listening when u hit flap time 3,000RPM it still gets loud as if the mod wasn't done am I correct?
Sounds like the mod does sound different on idle and low rpm. In person is it louder when u hit vacuum 3000RPM or sounds just as loud when flap opens?