Opinions on Muffler/Resonator Delete

[WELSCH325i]

So I just bought a 2008 X3 3.0si, and one of the biggest complaints I have with the car is that the damn thing is so quiet. It almost feels like I'm driving an electric car and I hate it.

As the title suggests I'm going to do a muffler/resonator delete, but I'm not sure if I should go from the cats back or from the resonator back. Does anybody have a sound clip of these or personal experience? Would love to hear your comments!

[bdiefAZ]

Generally speaking, the resonator reduces drone, or sound resonance within the exhaust system. Most of the droning that exists when removing the resonators seems to show when cruising or at lower RPM's.

I would recommend leaving the resonator, and starting with a higher flowing rear section to start. Most of the resonators are flow through designs and do not increase back pressure to the system or decrease performance. On the BMW v8's Magnaflow rear mufflers sound great, others may add their experiences with the I6's.

Hope this helps.

[WELSCH325i]

Thanks for the advice.

I'm just going to remove the muffler for now, and see how she sounds. I have it scheduled for tomorrow and am a little excited about it.

Have a good one and thanks again.

[bdiefAZ]

How did your muffler delete work out?

[WELSCH325i]

Sorry I missed your reply, this forum doesn't do a great job at notifications.

Anyway the shop I took it to was too scared to remove the muffler because of the vacuum line and the sensor plug. IDK. But, I checked with my usual shop and they said it'll be no problem to do. They're BMW specialist and know what they're talking about, so I'll be getting done a little bit later than when I wanted to. With them not opened on weekends and with my work, I'll have to use a sick day to get it done. I'll try and post a video of it on here when I get it done.

[bdiefAZ]

The vacuum line there to open and close a flap in the tailpipe, for sound only. Many people plug the hose to defeat the system and get more sound. Its called the "golf tee mod"

[WELSCH325i]

I tried telling the shop that but they still wouldn't do it. The only thing I'm still not sure about is the electronic sensor plugged in there. Will it throw a code and/or mess something up?

[bdiefAZ]

The only electronic sensors in the exhaust are the O2 sensors, in front of and behind the cat. The actuator at the tailpipe is vacuum powered, the actual "electronic sensor" is inside the vehicle and serves as a solenoid valve to actuate the flap.