Disabled control valve on 328i exhaust for better sound - BMW 3-Series Forum (F30 / F32)

TEAShea · 04-14-2012, 09:00 AM

I like exhaust sound. As you all know the 328i has almost none.

I disabled the control valve on the second exhaust pipe. It was even easier to do than on the prior generation car. This value is electrically operated instead of pneumatic. I had been concerned that I would have to cut the control stem or fuss with the wiring - but was concerned about throwing a code. Turned out to take exactly 30 seconds to disable mechanically.

BTW you can check to make sure the valve is open by feeling if the exhaust is coming out of the second pipe.

The bad news is that it made very little difference in sound.

So, now I am on to stage two of my options for getting a little more sound. I will keep you all informed.

Tom

justinnum1 · 04-14-2012, 09:15 AM

What did you do to disable it? What is stage 2?

EuroTunerz5 · 04-14-2012, 09:44 AM

I really like the manga flow sound on the Audi 2.0t and I suspect it would sound similar on ours.... It makes the 2.0 sound like a 6 cylinder.. Perhaps this is our solution to the problem?

TEAShea · 04-14-2012, 09:50 AM

To disable it, just remove the U shaped spring wire that connects the valve stem from the actuator.

SomeRandomer123 · 04-14-2012, 11:49 AM

When would this 2nd (assuming inner) exhaust normally open out of interest?

BMVeh · 04-26-2012, 11:22 AM

i believe its when you are WOT

ric124 · 04-26-2012, 01:51 PM

Do you think its the same for the 335? Could you post some pics? Like a mini DIY

SomeRandomer123 · 05-07-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMVeh

i believe its when you are WOT

It would definitely open then but is there other criteria like after 3000rpm for instance?

1.fresh.f30.335 · 08-19-2012, 03:08 PM

just did this on my 335 today. if you use a screwdriver you can easily pop the spring wire out of place and then zip tie the flap open. I will post some pics this week.

yjoonee · 08-19-2012, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1.fresh.f30.335

just did this on my 335 today. if you use a screwdriver you can easily pop the spring wire out of place and then zip tie the flap open. I will post some pics this week.

i wouldn't zip tie anything near the exhaust... use a paper clip instead?

1.fresh.f30.335 · 08-19-2012, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yjoonee

i wouldn't zip tie anything near the exhaust... use a paper clip instead?

zip tie isn't on the exhaust, its on the mount. I agree that a zip tie on the exhaust would be a problem. and a paper clip wouldn't be strong enough imo

steadymoddn504 · 08-20-2012, 04:36 AM

Just did this on my 328i and i also used zip ties. I only pried off the end of the U wire clip closest to the actuator and tied it down. dnt know if im supposed to unplug the actual wire thats connected on there also but for future references tying the clip in the up position opens the valve..correct me if im wrong

or share your thoughts

make sure its real tight so it doesnt rattle. haven't gone for a test drive yet, but i will tomorrow n will be checking for faults/misc concerns and f/u if needed.

TJF30 · 08-20-2012, 10:07 AM

Sound clips would be nice and maybe a DIY?

scott@bmwhn · 08-20-2012, 01:40 PM

I experimented with this but as stated it didnt seem to make much difference and if you dont secure the flap tight enough you'll get a horendous rattling

...interested to see what your "stage 2" is

Number · 08-21-2012, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott@bmwhn

I experimented with this but as stated it didnt seem to make much difference and if you dont secure the flap tight enough you'll get a horendous rattling

...interested to see what your "stage 2" is

I experimented this on my 335i as well (I know this is the N20 thread). No perceptible sound difference at all. Much ado about nothing really. I put it back to stock.

pommes · 09-28-2012, 07:24 PM

My english is not the best (sorry), but i asked BMW Austria and the answear was

According to information from the competent colleagues with the silencer
Part number 18 30 2 293 769
during the fourth quarter of 2012, with each BMW partner ordered in Austria.

I hope you can also order the performance exhaust this year

because the sound is not a 245 ps gasoline worthy

loz3rxfreak · 10-03-2012, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJF30

Sound clips would be nice and maybe a DIY?

i would like to see the same if possible

edgarik · 10-08-2012, 05:47 PM

Where is the actuator located? Can anyone give instructions? I have a 2012 328i

david borla · 12-03-2012, 04:10 PM

We just started work on Borla aftermarket exhaust options for the F30 328i. If there are any specific ideas you guys would like to see us include in our designs please let me know. Can't promise that we'll do everything that is asked but we'll certainly do our best for you. I am certain we can improve the sound and may even offer more than one sound option.

For those of you who have disabled the exhaust valve, did this cause a CEL?

unintelligible · 12-03-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david borla

For those of you who have disabled the exhaust valve, did this cause a CEL?

If you unplug the connector, it doesn't throw a CEL, but it does store a code... it came up using the BavTech scanner.

Rick4345 · 12-03-2012, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by david borla

We just started work on Borla aftermarket exhaust options for the F30 328i. If there are any specific ideas you guys would like to see us include in our designs please let me know. Can't promise that we'll do everything that is asked but we'll certainly do our best for you. I am certain we can improve the sound and may even offer more than one sound option.

For those of you who have disabled the exhaust valve, did this cause a CEL?

The first thing would be to use the dual round rolled angle cut. I think a cat back system would work well. Another thought would be to ensure the mounting rods were just like the oem. I would also like to see all stainless with a lifetime guarantee. Magnaflow offers one on their system. I don't think the valve is a big issue. Just finding a place to tie the actuating motor to or having a mounting tab on the pipes would be nice. I had one of your systems on a 2004 Toyota Camry with the four cylinder. I loved it. I hope you make systems for the N20 and the N55 engines.

david borla · 12-06-2012, 02:55 PM

Thanks guys. Anything else please let me know.

04-14-2012, 09:00 AM	#1
TEAShea Private First Class Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 179 iTrader: (0)	Disabled control valve on 328i exhaust for better sound I like exhaust sound. As you all know the 328i has almost none. I disabled the control valve on the second exhaust pipe. It was even easier to do than on the prior generation car. This value is electrically operated instead of pneumatic. I had been concerned that I would have to cut the control stem or fuss with the wiring - but was concerned about throwing a code. Turned out to take exactly 30 seconds to disable mechanically. BTW you can check to make sure the valve is open by feeling if the exhaust is coming out of the second pipe. The bad news is that it made very little difference in sound. So, now I am on to stage two of my options for getting a little more sound. I will keep you all informed. Tom
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04-14-2012, 09:15 AM	#2
justinnum1 Brigadier General Drives: 2013 335i Msport Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida Posts: 3,788 iTrader: (0)	What did you do to disable it? What is stage 2? __________________ F30 335i Msport Estoril Blue/Black leather sport auto. black grills, Performance Exhaust, HK,

04-14-2012, 09:44 AM	#3
EuroTunerz5 Captain Drives: 2012 AW BMW 135i M-Sport PPK Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 658 iTrader: (6)	I really like the manga flow sound on the Audi 2.0t and I suspect it would sound similar on ours.... It makes the 2.0 sound like a 6 cylinder.. Perhaps this is our solution to the problem? __________________ 2012 BMW 135i M-Sport PPK AW with Black Boston Leather... MODS: RPi GT Quad Exhaust, VMR v710 Gunmetal 19" Staggered (et45/et45), Khumo Ecsta SPT 225/35/19 and 255/30/19, 30% Tint, JBSpeed Black Kidney Grills, RPi Red Intake Scoops,

04-14-2012, 11:49 AM	#5
SomeRandomer123 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK Posts: 1,938 iTrader: (0)	When would this 2nd (assuming inner) exhaust normally open out of interest? __________________ Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT - Awesome! 28th May 2009 - 28th May 2012 Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT - Loving it! My 328i thread!http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=712673

04-26-2012, 01:51 PM	#7
ric124 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: F30 335i SP 6MT Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,528 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 335i Sport [5.00] 2012 Trek Mamba 29er [0.00]	Do you think its the same for the 335? Could you post some pics? Like a mini DIY __________________ Timeline: 335i Sport W/ Adaptive M suspension\| Sport Variable steering\| Technology PKG\| HK Sound PKG\| BMW apps\| BMW Assist\| Sport line hand brake grip\| M Performance black kidneys\|

04-14-2012, 09:50 AM	#4
TEAShea Private First Class Drives: 2012 328i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nebraska Posts: 179 iTrader: (0)	To disable it, just remove the U shaped spring wire that connects the valve stem from the actuator.

04-26-2012, 11:22 AM	#6
BMVeh First Lieutenant Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 356 iTrader: (3)	i believe its when you are WOT

08-19-2012, 03:08 PM	#9
1.fresh.f30.335 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2012 F30 335i saloon Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NH-CT Posts: 265 iTrader: (0)	just did this on my 335 today. if you use a screwdriver you can easily pop the spring wire out of place and then zip tie the flap open. I will post some pics this week. __________________ '12 335i Sport Apline White w/black

08-20-2012, 04:36 AM	#12
steadymoddn504 Private Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NorCal Posts: 75 iTrader: (0) Garage List 12 BMW 328i [0.00]	1st mod and new to forum! Just did this on my 328i and i also used zip ties. I only pried off the end of the U wire clip closest to the actuator and tied it down. dnt know if im supposed to unplug the actual wire thats connected on there also but for future references tying the clip in the up position opens the valve..correct me if im wrong or share your thoughts make sure its real tight so it doesnt rattle. haven't gone for a test drive yet, but i will tomorrow n will be checking for faults/misc concerns and f/u if needed. __________________ the only thing in this world that gives orders is balls. You got that? Balls. Last edited by steadymoddn504; 08-23-2012 at 02:14 PM.

08-20-2012, 10:07 AM	#13
TJF30 Private Drives: 2013 328i Sport Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: São Paulo, Brazil Posts: 72 iTrader: (0)	Sound clips would be nice and maybe a DIY?

08-20-2012, 01:40 PM	#14
scott@bmwhn Major Drives: Msport 328i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 1,097 iTrader: (2)	I experimented with this but as stated it didnt seem to make much difference and if you dont secure the flap tight enough you'll get a horendous rattling ...interested to see what your "stage 2" is __________________ 13' Msport 328i _Mperformance - Modulare - H&R_ Previous: 09' Msport 335i, 07' Msport 335i

09-28-2012, 07:24 PM	#16
pommes New Member Drives: F30 328i estoril blue Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Graz Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	My english is not the best (sorry), but i asked BMW Austria and the answear was According to information from the competent colleagues with the silencer Part number 18 30 2 293 769 during the fourth quarter of 2012, with each BMW partner ordered in Austria. I hope you can also order the performance exhaust this year because the sound is not a 245 ps gasoline worthy

10-08-2012, 05:47 PM	#18
edgarik New Member Drives: 328i Basic Auto Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Los angeles Posts: 13 iTrader: (0)	Where is the actuator located? Can anyone give instructions? I have a 2012 328i

12-03-2012, 04:10 PM	#19
david borla New Member Drives: 2004 VW R32 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oxnard, CA Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	We just started work on Borla aftermarket exhaust options for the F30 328i. If there are any specific ideas you guys would like to see us include in our designs please let me know. Can't promise that we'll do everything that is asked but we'll certainly do our best for you. I am certain we can improve the sound and may even offer more than one sound option. For those of you who have disabled the exhaust valve, did this cause a CEL?

12-06-2012, 02:55 PM	#22
david borla New Member Drives: 2004 VW R32 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Oxnard, CA Posts: 5 iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. Anything else please let me know.

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