[JABCAT]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Congrats OP



If you want the valves open all the time, you can pull the fuse or disconnect the valves.

That's not why we got the controller. We want to retain the stock functionality, keeping the valves closed during cold starts, driving quietly in the neighborhood, and so on. Then, when we’re ready for spirited driving, we can open the valves as needed.

You are certainly in the minority; most people are more than willing to spend a couple hundred dollars for a 10-15% increase in sound.

Yeah, I understand the purpose, it's just that 1. The car is not that loud, even with aftermarket exhaust & the valves open (cold start or otherwise). I leave my house at 3 am a couple times per week & have yet to receive complaints from any of my neighbors & 2. I'm rarely ever not listening to music in the car so that maybe extra 10% sound increase wouldn't be heard anyway.

Yes, I'm sure I'm in the minority & don't get me wrong, I really like my M2, & my wife's X3MC for that matter, but the exhaust note is nothing to brag about (stock or modded) Now when I fire up the Z06, that'll wake up the neighbors

That said, the valve controller should be about $50, imo.

[mks]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

Here in Cali there is a lot of street racing task force enforcement. If you car sounds like its modified they pull you over. Thats why I like the control of this.

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Great example.

Colorado (south of Denver, anyway) can often sound like a veritable drag strip of straight-piped machines. Part of what's still wild about the West, I suppose. Cops don't pull folks over for modified bikes or cars--that would be way too exhausting for them.

But we have our more tranquil, indolent enclaves--where a valve controller would come in handy.

[Dave07997S]

Whats funny is my neighbors are so much happier I got the M2. With the Mustang not so happy.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

That said, the valve controller should be about $50, imo.

for the controller to be $50 the cost would need to be around $20 for this thing to cover supplier cost and profit, dealer profit, and warranty claims

that said if you can get it to me for $50, i will order 500 right away

[JMcLellan]

I got my eye on one of these valve controllers. Going to pick up a single midpipe first (debating on res vs non-res). Once installed I will see if I want further valve modulation depending on the volume with OEM valve settings.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by JMcLellan

I got my eye on one of these valve controllers. Going to pick up a single midpipe first (debating on res vs non-res). Once installed I will see if I want further valve modulation depending on the volume with OEM valve settings.

Good plan. If I can be of any help please let me know

[Dave07997S]

I have been driving around with just the controller, no midpipe and I have to say there is a nice brrr at 3-4k rpm. I think a resonated midpipe or the Dinan leaving the 2 OEM secondary cats could be the ticket for this car. I found in my opinion, that these cars don't sound that good loud.

[JMcLellan]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

I have been driving around with just the controller, no midpipe and I have to say there is a nice brrr at 3-4k rpm. I think a resonated midpipe or the Dinan leaving the 2 OEM secondary cats could be the ticket for this car. I found in my opinion, that these cars don't sound that good loud.

I agree with keeping things on the quieter side. I've had very loud cars in the past where things were just straight pipes from the turbo to the bumper. Those days are over for me.

When I order the mid pipe I'm going with the resonated one. Then the controller can temper the sound as needed.

[Blacktemplar]

EU noise control regs make everything quieter, however as a starter I've pulled Fuse 203 to leave the valves open in Sport+ mode. I don't often travel early/late these days, so a louder cold start isn't really an issue. I did the same on my M40i and the overall sound was better. I'd still prefer to have at least some control over the noise (particularly if there's any drone on a longer motorway run), so something like the MAD controller might still be required.

It's a pity BMW don't recognise that most M-car owners are enthusiasts, and would like to have the ability to do things like exhaust flap control themselves - I'm sure they could make a few more euros selling an OEM solution...

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Blacktemplar

EU noise control regs make everything quieter, however as a starter I've pulled Fuse 203 to leave the valves open in Sport+ mode. I don't often travel early/late these days, so a louder cold start isn't really an issue. I did the same on my M40i and the overall sound was better. I'd still prefer to have at least some control over the noise (particularly if there's any drone on a longer motorway run), so something like the MAD controller might still be required.

It's a pity BMW don't recognise that most M-car owners are enthusiasts, and would like to have the ability to do things like exhaust flap control themselves - I'm sure they could make a few more euros selling an OEM solution...

They just pump it through the sound system and figure most will never know.

[Dave07997S]

I sat behind my M2 and switched the controller from 50% to fully open and I couldn't hear any difference.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

I sat behind my M2 and switched the controller from 50% to fully open and I couldn't hear any difference.

Make sure you can see or hear the valve moving when you press the button.

For the valve to create back pressure and route airflow through the muffler, there needs to be sufficient flow. An opening of 50% may still allow most of the air to escape at times, which is why we opted for 50% instead of the originally planned 75%.

The difference should more noticeable while under load.

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Make sure you can see or hear the valve moving when you press the button.

For the valve to create back pressure and route airflow through the muffler, there needs to be sufficient flow. An opening of 50% may still allow most of the air to escape at times, which is why we opted for 50% instead of the originally planned 75%.

The difference should more noticeable while under load.

I did, its working perfectly. I think at idle not much of a difference. I will try it driving around. Don't get me wrong...very happy with it. I think with a midpipe it will make a difference.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

I did, its working perfectly. I think at idle not much of a difference. I will try it driving around. Don't get me wrong...very happy with it. I think with a midpipe it will make a difference.

Yeah at idle you won't hear any difference there just isn't enough flow compared to under load with boost.

[BIGW0RM]

The valve makes cold starts and even warm starts SO much better IMO. I bought it for that alone. Otherwise its about 10% more noise when cruising. If that. But I can clearly hear a difference rolling around 3K RPM with the valve in full open switching to OEM mode.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Dave07997S

I did, its working perfectly. I think at idle not much of a difference. I will try it driving around. Don't get me wrong...very happy with it. I think with a midpipe it will make a difference.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

The valve makes cold starts and even warm starts SO much better IMO. I bought it for that alone. Otherwise its about 10% more noise when cruising. If that. But I can clearly hear a difference rolling around 3K RPM with the valve in full open switching to OEM mode.

Im playing around with the -1% valve idea to see if there is something that can be done for those with cold start rattle.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

Im playing around with the -1% valve idea to see if there is something that can be done for those with cold start rattle.

Ive heard about that rattle, but never experienced any rattles. Then again, I had stock exhaust and midpipe.

[Info@mad-us.com]

Originally Posted by BIGW0RM

Ive heard about that rattle, but never experienced any rattles. Then again, I had stock exhaust and midpipe.

EL guys seem to get it alot.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Info@mad-us.com

EL guys seem to get it alot.

yeah its most the equal length midpipe that product a rattle sound on cold start

[Dave07997S]

After a couple of weeks with this and the valves are consistetly open. I have to say, there is more there as far as sound is concerned. In fact its almost satisfies my needs for more sound.