[Thewolfbmw]

So I just picked up my X3M from the RIS. As part of this drop off, I mentioned that the exhaust had a really bad drone at most start ups (cold or warm engine).

I went and drove 3 other X3M's and none had the same drone. The SA was able to hear it for himself and said that was no normal.

They sent video off (sound clip) to BMW. They advised looking for specific things but no change. After a day, the recommended replacing the muffler.

Unfortunately it might take 2 to 3 weeks to get one in.

My question....They aren't going to neegd to cut and things and make it look like Frankenstein underneath? Not that I will ever see it but just asking.

I also asked for a credit to buy another exhaust but was told no. If you don't ask...lol

Thank you in advance for advice and opinions

Cheers

[r33_RGSport]

Try to unplug or coding off the ASD.
I did notice a slight drone too, but it went away after I unplug the ASD module.

[SM2]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Try to unplug or coding off the ASD.
I did notice a slight drone too, but it went away after I unplug the ASD module.

I always notice drone under 2000 rpms. I haven't noticed too much of a difference with asd off.

[Thewolfbmw]

I definitely have had some drone in my prior M's but this is completely different and it's just as pronounced outside as it is inside.

[smithf80]

Mine drones at a certain RPM, I think around 850ish rpm, its one very small and specific spot, cold start definitely can hit that RPM, seems odd but normal enough and never a problem during normal driving.

[Thewolfbmw]

Thanks to Ben for the advice on posting the YouTube video to original post.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Thewolfbmw

Thanks to Ben for the advice on posting the YouTube video to original post.

Anytime. Glad I can help.

[Thewolfbmw]

Dealship ordered a new muffler but should I ask to have the entire exhaust system replaced from motor back instead of having it cut, bridged and welded?

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by Thewolfbmw

Dealship ordered a new muffler but should I ask to have the entire exhaust system replaced from motor back instead of having it cut, bridged and welded?

They're not going to weld anything. Stock mufflers have a factory cut point specifically for replacement if necessary. If you look in that diagram, you can see clamps further up, after the resonators, I'd suspect that's where the cut point is. They'll cut at the cut point and clamp it with factory clamps.

[Thewolfbmw]

Originally Posted by smithf80

They're not going to weld anything. Stock mufflers have a factory cut point specifically for replacement if necessary. If you look in that diagram, you can see clamps further up, after the resonators, I'd suspect that's where the cut point is. They'll cut at the cut point and clamp it with factory clamps.

Thank you for the info. In looking at my current exhaust, there are no clamps any where, which I wouldn't expect. I do see the spots where the muffler is connected (pic below) by exhaust pipes from center silencer (pic below).

It's a brand new car, should I really have clamps?

Will the exhaust tips match up evenly like they do now?

* I hope the pictures attached.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by Thewolfbmw

Thank you for the info. In looking at my current exhaust, there are no clamps any where, which I wouldn't expect. I do see the spots where the muffler is connected (pic below) by exhaust pipes from center silencer (pic below).

It's a brand new car, should I really have clamps?

Will the exhaust tips match up evenly like they do now?

* I hope the pictures attached.

Clamps are acceptable and are also how MPerformance OEM exhaust systems are installed. I'm super OCD and even I wouldn't worry about just having a clamp, tip alignment is important, and you just need to double check it when you pick up the car, however, being such a simple cut, it's unlikely that there would be an issue.

[Thewolfbmw]

Originally Posted by smithf80

Clamps are acceptable and are also how MPerformance OEM exhaust systems are installed. I'm super OCD and even I wouldn't worry about just having a clamp, tip alignment is important, and you just need to double check it when you pick up the car, however, being such a simple cut, it's unlikely that there would be an issue.

I truly appreciate your message and reassurance. Thank you.

Just don't want some hack job and then things spiral down from there. lol

[spta97]

Yea that doesn’t sound like mine or normal. Good luck getting it fixed.

[Thewolfbmw]

Quick update...after weeks of waiting for parts, new muffler installed. New pipes and muffler from mid crossover back.
So far, no issues with noise...but we did find that the paint was peeling from under rear bumper.
Just have to laugh and be happy that I now have a X5 50i on order.

[redcrxsi]

Originally Posted by Thewolfbmw

Quick update...after weeks of waiting for parts, new muffler installed. New pipes and muffler from mid crossover back.
So far, no issues with noise...but we did find that the paint was peeling from under rear bumper.
Just have to laugh and be happy that I now have a X5 50i on order.

Paint peel is likely from the tires flinging rocks and dirt up, mine started to peel as well and generally looks and feels sandblasted. Installed from splash guards to stop it from getting worse.

[Thewolfbmw]

Originally Posted by redcrxsi

Paint peel is likely from the tires flinging rocks and dirt up, mine started to peel as well and generally looks and feels sandblasted. Installed from splash guards to stop it from getting worse.

It is actually just from a poor paint process. Very smooth, zero texture at sight of peeling. Only 1,500 miles. Waiting for BMW to decide on entire new lower bumper or repaint.

[noushy]

Wow just terrible QC issues. Mine has a drone too but I just accepted it and eventually going aftermarket. No paint issues so far thank god.

Noushy

[Thewolfbmw]

Originally Posted by noushy

Wow just terrible QC issues. Mine has a drone too but I just accepted it and eventually going aftermarket. No paint issues so far thank god.

Noushy

Mine was way more than a drone. Drone I can deal.with. It got to the point where people one phone could hear it. When it idled inside at dealership, the noise carried from service all the way to sales floor. It was bad.

Apparently mine isn't the only Alpine white with this issue.

Agreed on poor QC.

How is your M8?

[noushy]

Originally Posted by Thewolfbmw

Mine was way more than a drone. Drone I can deal.with. It got to the point where people one phone could hear it. When it idled inside at dealership, the noise carried from service all the way to sales floor. It was bad.

Apparently mine isn't the only Alpine white with this issue.

Agreed on poor QC.

How is your M8?

No issues with the M8, but then again it is built in BMWs best plant. Engine is smooth with great exhaust note and no drone at all. In fact it is the best sounding stock exhaust on a BMW I have ever owned. Even better than the V10s, but not with the Dinan exhaust then that was the best.

Noushy

[Thewolfbmw]

Originally Posted by noushy

No issues with the M8, but then again it is built in BMWs best plant. Engine is smooth with great exhaust note and no drone at all. In fact it is the best sounding stock exhaust on a BMW I have ever owned. Even better than the V10s, but not with the Dinan exhaust then that was the best.

Noushy

I agree that it is built at the best plant and the exhaust note is insane. I thought the M850i was the best until i heard the M8.

Enjoy and Cheers