[jedpause]

Originally Posted by 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.

It can be - I have seen a video on YT about it.... But I also read it can be detected by BMW service, even if re-enabled... so could be a warranty issue... personally I'd avoid that option

[Jim_330e]

Originally Posted by 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.

I think it will massively affect the economy of a 330e as you will want to spend more time listening to the engine than driving on electric!!

I did a res delete on my GTI Performance and the economy suffered a lot as the noise was so addictive it was hard just to tootle around anymore!

[xenon]

Surprised at how much difference it actually makes to the noise.

In the end I decided against removing the spring link from the actuator to the flap. Whether the flap is open or closed the spring provides some pressure against the end-stop - I'm guessing that was done as a metal flap in a metal tube could make a terrible noise if it rattled even slightly.

I let the valve open (with a resounding clunk) in sport mode and then unplugged the actuator. I covered the socket with some waterproof tape and placed the connector into a small poly back secured tightly with a cable tie, and then cable-tied the plug to the bracket to stop it flapping about.

Works OK

Unfortunately I'm buggered if I can get pictures to appear correctly.

[Jim_330e]

Just went out to try and do this mod. Ran the car for 10mins or so in Sport mode and the flap stayed firmly shut. I went around the block and pulled up and there was a tiny bit of steam from the right pipe but the valve still looked shut. When I got home, I had a poke at the spring and putting some pressure on it could hear the valve start to open and make some noise but didn't want to try and force it open with it still plugged in etc. Any advice?!

[xenon]

I wouldn't force it but I found that it opened (with a 'clunk') in sport mode and at full operating temperature.

On the 330e though Rich mentioned that it seemed to open and close during idle so maybe you'll have to be patient. As far as I know, it's either open or closed though, it doesn't partially open.

Don't know how much difference it makes on the 330e but on the 330i it's a very satisfying burble. I'd guess the 330e is the same as it's essentially the same engine.

[seelark]

Originally Posted by Jim_330e

Just went out to try and do this mod. Ran the car for 10mins or so in Sport mode and the flap stayed firmly shut. I went around the block and pulled up and there was a tiny bit of steam from the right pipe but the valve still looked shut. When I got home, I had a poke at the spring and putting some pressure on it could hear the valve start to open and make some noise but didn't want to try and force it open with it still plugged in etc. Any advice?!

On the 330e you can set the exhaust note in the iDrive general settings menu. When we were advised not to charge the vehicle I set my exhaust to Sport, and you could hear it coming down the street 🤔 Quiet inside the car though

[xenon]

If you can do that on the 330e then that's the way to go - just set the exhaust to be permanently in sport even if the rest of the car is in comfort. I don't know if it's the same on the 330i I haven't looked. But I will...

[Jim_330e]

Cheers guys. I thought setting the noise preference was just for the fake noise in the car?

Also, on the 330e is there even a Comfort setting? This was what was advised during the recall but I only have Sport, Hybrid, or Electric?

[seelark]

Originally Posted by Jim_330e

Cheers guys. I thought setting the noise preference was just for the fake noise in the car?

I thought it was to warn those people who think a car park is just for pedestrians as they aimlessly push their shopping trolley down the middle of the road? So many people need running over when I'm in stealth mode

[xenon]

On the 330e I think that setting is just for the fake noise as it changes even if the engine is not running so it's unlikely to open the exhaust flap. I think it will need to be disconnected or modified.

[Taylor66]

I did wonder what the sound setting did as nothing seamed to change in the car. Ill wind the windows down and have a listen.

[Maisey88]

Originally Posted by Jim_330e

Just went out to try and do this mod. Ran the car for 10mins or so in Sport mode and the flap stayed firmly shut. I went around the block and pulled up and there was a tiny bit of steam from the right pipe but the valve still looked shut. When I got home, I had a poke at the spring and putting some pressure on it could hear the valve start to open and make some noise but didn't want to try and force it open with it still plugged in etc. Any advice?!

Hi Jim,

I'm trying to this on my 330e today but having no luck getting the valve to open 🤔
Had it running in sport on the drive for about 20 minutes with no change, took it round the block and back and still the same when idle afterwards?

Any advice?

Cheers

James

[xenon]

Try sport+ if the 330e has that setting. Otherwise you might have to take the spring out and move it manually.

[RichE91]

Originally Posted by Maisey88

Hi Jim,

I'm trying to this on my 330e today but having no luck getting the valve to open 🤔
Had it running in sport on the drive for about 20 minutes with no change, took it round the block and back and still the same when idle afterwards?

Any advice?

Cheers

James

When I got the valve to open I was in sport xtraboost mode (two clicks of the sport button)
See if that works. As previously mentioned, the valve opened and closed multiple times during idle. Removing the spring and tying the valve open solves this issue.

[Maisey88]

Originally Posted by RichE91

When I got the valve to open I was in sport xtraboost mode (two clicks of the sport button)
See if that works. As previously mentioned, the valve opened and closed multiple times during idle. Removing the spring and tying the valve open solves this issue.

Yeah I was actually in xtraboost sport when it was idle for all that time, was literally led there for 20 minutes looking up the RHS pipe!
Will try it again tomorrow

[Maisey88]

Originally Posted by Maisey88

Yeah I was actually in xtraboost sport when it was idle for all that time, was literally led there for 20 minutes looking up the RHS pipe!
Will try it again tomorrow

I can confirm that the exhaust flap stays firmly shut on my 330e, does not open once on idle anyway.. been out there an hour killing the ozone layer! 😂

[jedpause]

I observed this yesterday with new 330e that arrived, in Sport mode (Xtraboost), both flaps fully open at startup and idle... and stayed open... I could see it and the mist coming out the right as well

It does sound much nicer than I thought for a 2.0l, nice little growl

I have set the internal fake sound to reduced, and all is well

I'm on 11.2020.57 if that helps

[Jim_330e]

Originally Posted by Maisey88

I can confirm that the exhaust flap stays firmly shut on my 330e, does not open once on idle anyway.. been out there an hour killing the ozone layer! 😂

Yeah, I had exactly the same on mine. Couldn't get it to open.

[willougs]

Same here. only checked a couple of times, but with xtraboost selected, nothing from RHS tail pipe.
Also tried different settings for Engine Sound, in case that had a bearing.

Not too fussed as no intention of forcing it open as I'm at the age where I'd rather drive in silence, but would be nice to know the option was there.