[walmark]

Like the title says (but a little less poetic) - are you running with your exhaust flap disabled or do you still have it connected as stock?

[Wingnut335]

I have a valve attached in-line with the vacuum hose. That way I can just open and close the valve as a want. I didn't do the unplugged solenoid method since it will throw a ghost code (or at least from what I hear). Last thing I want is the dealership claiming that the unplugged solenoid caused any problems.

[njman83]

so far no code from my recent visit to the dealership... love the growl in the morning when the car starts

[vapore0n]

Tried it and didnt like it.
Car sounded like it needed the exhaust replaced.

[1chanc3]

That was the first mod i did. It's not a aftermarket exhaust but a lot of people who have ridden in my car have complimented on it. it's slightly louder than stock but not too loud where it becomes annoying for my passengers. Makes it sound a little meaner without shelling out $1k for just sound.

[Zach1328]

To those who have done it - do you notice any slight loss in low end torque?
The additional back-pressure from the flap at low RPM's is usually a good thing, so I'm guessing with the loss of back pressure also comes a loss of torque.

[Wingnut335]

Originally Posted by Zach1328

To those who have done it - do you notice any slight loss in low end torque?
The additional back-pressure from the flap at low RPM's is usually a good thing, so I'm guessing with the loss of back pressure also comes a loss of torque.

I haven't noticed any impact whatsoever. In fact it's really only noticeably louder on cold starts. After that it's actually fairly quiet. I've seen other forums where people debate the loss of back pressure, some argue that freeing up the exhaust is actually better for the turbos.

[fravel]

I've got mine unplugged but only because my car had developed a rattle that only presented itself when the flap was closed. Pulled the hose, no more rattle.

[njman83]

no loss in power that I notice... just compliments from my Audi neighbor telling me how nice my car sounds in the morning when I drive away which brings a smile to my face... maybe he'll cross the bridge one day to the BMW side...

[Desert_Fox]

tmdals0213 was nice enough to do it for me, it makes the exhaust sound just a right amount more mean. Im very happy with it!

[walmark]

Originally Posted by Wingnut335

I have a valve attached in-line with the vacuum hose. That way I can just open and close the valve as a want. I didn't do the unplugged solenoid method since it will throw a ghost code (or at least from what I hear). Last thing I want is the dealership claiming that the unplugged solenoid caused any problems.

Any tune will remove the code, but when I flash back to stock I do get a hidden code about "Exhaust flap"

[walmark]

I hate the "clicking" noise when the flap closes once you get on the throttle :/
But I also find it a bit too loud first thing in the morning; scares my little baby sometimes.

[BMRSEB]

I unplugged mine within the first week of ownership! Love the meaner sound and the cost is great! freeeeee! By the way, there is a PDF on the forum somewhere showing that the BMW PE has that flap deleted, less sound deadening packing and some additional tubes in the muffler itself closed off. So we "flap removers" are 75% of the PE exhaust for free!

[mike@x-ph.com]

i have it open all the time

[tc535i]

I unplugged the connector

now that I have the JB4, I replugged the connector but disabled it on the JB4 instead

[bad karma]

Nope, don't have a flap. BMW PE here.

[Wingnut335]

For the people who have the PE, what happens to the vacuum hose since the valve have been deleted? I assume the solenoid and vacuum hose still exists. Is the hose just plugged up and tucked inside somewhere?

[kunal_d]

I had it unplugged for a while. There was a noticeable drone at highway speeds, which got annoying after a while, so I plugged it back. The flap still opens when you punch the throttle, so I guess plugged in gives you the best of both worlds.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

I want to try it. But I want to do it with one of these clamps. Anyone know the best place to find one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008DEZH6W/

Also curious how the valve idea from wingnut works.

[MiniXP]

Originally Posted by e92_enthusiast_1

I want to try it. But I want to do it with one of these clamps. Anyone know the best place to find one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008DEZH6W/

Also curious how the valve idea from wingnut works.

Homebrew stores carry that type of clamp usually, if you have one near you.

That clamp is actually kind of a good idea if you don't want it all the time. I guess you could just loosen it up if you want stock sound and tighten it for the golf tee mod sound.

I'm not sure if the clamp could go tight enough, although I haven't looked at the vacuum line on an e90 yet.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

I got the idea from someone else who did it but it was an old thread and didn't really mention where to find one except a medical supply spot. I'll try out Lowes or Home Depot though and try it later today.

Originally Posted by MiniXP

Homebrew stores carry that type of clamp usually, if you have one near you.

That clamp is actually kind of a good idea if you don't want it all the time. I guess you could just loosen it up if you want stock sound and tighten it for the golf tee mod sound.

I'm not sure if the clamp could go tight enough, although I haven't looked at the vacuum line on an e90 yet.

[Transport3r]

You can also detach the line from the engine bay. It comes off the vacuum pipe clipped to the airbox.