[PaulBhoy]

Hi All,

I have been reading online / you tube etc that it may be possible to unplug an exhaust flap actuator on some models of car for an improved exhaust note.

Has anyone done this with a G20 330e ? Did it work ? Any Change improvement ?

[Jim_330e]

I've seen it might be possible to do a res delete on them which would also help.

That was a mod I did on my GTI and it made a really nice difference. Easy to swap back at the end of the lease as well!

[PaulBhoy]

What is a res delete Jim ?

[Funboy78]

Originally Posted by PaulBhoy

What is a res delete Jim ?

Resonator delete, so you get your burbles and crackles.

Example:

[Jim_330e]

Originally Posted by PaulBhoy

What is a res delete Jim ?

There's a large resonator which can be exchanged for a link pipe. Fairly straight forward and can be put back in for resale/return. Frees up some good noise. Not sure what options there are yet in the UK.

Does anyone know if the exhaust is the same as the 330i?

[RichE91]

Originally Posted by PaulBhoy

Hi All,

I have been reading online / you tube etc that it may be possible to unplug an exhaust flap actuator on some models of car for an improved exhaust note.

Has anyone done this with a G20 330e ? Did it work ? Any Change improvement ?

I’ve just taken the spring out of the actuator with a pair of pliers and used some metal wire to hold the flap open. Definitely a difference on idle, not gone for a drive yet due to plenty of rugby to watch today. I will let you know tomorrow if the driving sound is noticeably different.

[xenon]

There is no need to wire or hold the flap open - simply allow the actuator to open the valve (by running in sport mode) and then simply disconnect the actuator. Job done.

[willougs]

Excuse my lack of exhaust knowledge, but what does the actuator do? Guessing it closes off one branch of the tail pipe, but what's the benefit in that?

Assuming it's added to the car for a reason

[xenon]

It closes off the RHS outlet for noise reduction. I don’t care about the noise but I can’t stand to drive in winter with vapour only coming from one side making it look like a naff fake exhaust. I shall open the flap and leave it like that.

[willougs]

Yeah, one working pipe would look a bit poor.

So disconnecting doesn't throw any failure codes?

Maybe you would be so kind as to take a few photos of the process of disconnecting for others to follow?

Guessing there's issues with protecting the unplugged cables from the elements though.. Maybe a nice project for someone with a 3d printer to make something that could sit inbetween the cable and the actuator to enable it to remain plugged into something, but not actually doing anything.

[xenon]

Absolutely. No failure codes but you are right that you should protect the disconnected plug and socket. A small polythene bag and ty-rap is all you need. When I get the car on Monday it will be the first mod. I’ll take some pictures but plenty on YouTube already.

[willougs]

Would be nice if the actuator could be disabled via bimmercode. Or programmed to remain open in all drive modes.

Can just see repeated issues and awkward discussions with the service dept of the dealers when they notice the plug disconnected.

[Maisey88]

Originally Posted by xenon

There is no need to wire or hold the flap open - simply allow the actuator to open the valve (by running in sport mode) and then simply disconnect the actuator. Job done.

Does this definitely work on the 330e? I read something that says the 330e flap didn't open up after warming up in sport mode on idle?
Mine is being delivered this week and it is something I definitely want to do

[xenon]

Sorry I don’t know. Definitely works on 330i so I imagine it’s the same.

[RichE91]

Originally Posted by xenon

There is no need to wire or hold the flap open - simply allow the actuator to open the valve (by running in sport mode) and then simply disconnect the actuator. Job done.

Taking the spring out means the actuator is still plugged in and you don’t have to worry about protecting the connections from the elements.

Definitely a better sound when driving(330e) and it no longer looks like one tailpipe was fake.
When I was considering unplugging or taking the spring out I did notice that the valve opens and closed multiple times on idle, so I guess you have to unplug at the right time. This also isn’t an issue if you just remove the spring and use some wire to hold the valve open.

[xenon]

Oh right, yeah - good idea. As you say you don’t have to worry about the connector flapping about.
Is the spring easy to remove?

[RichE91]

Yes, it took seconds to pull out and shouldn’t be too tricky to put back in. Then just manually turn the exhaust flap until it’s fully open and tie into place.

[xenon]

Great thanks Rich. I’ll do it your way 😎

[willougs]

if you need to manually open the flap after removing the spring, does it need the wire to hold it open? or that just there for belt and braces? Don't suppose you have a 'before' photo?

thanks

be interested to hear if anyone notices fuel economy drop significantly. Being a tight old man with two kids, that would probably be more important to me than noise.

[xenon]

I guess it will move reasonably freely when not attached to anything so the wire will keep it where you want it.
I can’t see how it could possibly affect fuel economy? If it makes any difference at all it could only reduce back pressure thereby making the engine breathe easier and improving economy. I can’t see how realistically it would make any difference but not for the worse.

[RichE91]

I foolishly didn’t take a before picture, hopefully someone can provide one soon. The wire is needed to secure the flap because once the spring is removed the flap is very lose and will rattle.

[xenon]

I’m going to do this tomorrow so I’ll take a before pic.