Exhaust Question

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Zed-dan
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2014 20:11
Posts: 37

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Exhaust Question

Post by Zed-dan »

I have a stock exhaust on my 3.0 Z3, and I see no real reason to upgrade as the noise is lovely at high revs and quiet and domestic at low speed. However is there anyway to disable the valve that keeps it quiet? the valve that you can hear open between 2800 and 3300 RPM?

Any help would be much appreciated.
Not all those who wander are lost...

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'00 3.0i /Custom painted Side Gills/Style 78's
beerbelly
Joined: Fri 07 Feb, 2014 20:12
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Re: Exhaust Question

Post by beerbelly »

pull the vacume pipe off and shove a golf tee in it the default position for the valve is open
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kruisn
Joined: Sat 22 Oct, 2005 22:28
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Keikeri,New Zealand

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by kruisn »

Is this an April fools joke or can somebody explain. I have owned my 3.0 litre since new and haven't a clue as to what exhaust noise is being discussed. What have I missed? Lol
Don't drink and drive home -
Take the Zd and fly home -
spurs fan in a coupe
Joined: Fri 18 Apr, 2008 19:24
Posts: 1446

  Z3 coupe 2.8
Location: woking

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by spurs fan in a coupe »

I've no idea what the answer is, but......... your car looks MINT!
we expres: " He did hear the bells ringing, but doesnt know where where the clapper hangs".
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by BladeRunner919 »

kruisn wrote:Is this an April fools joke or can somebody explain. I have owned my 3.0 litre since new and haven't a clue as to what exhaust noise is being discussed. What have I missed? Lol
The 6 cylinder cars that still have a genuine exhaust have a small flap inside one of the two tailpipes (thought they have normally seized up anyway).
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

The vacuum operated flap in the one pipe is designed to reduce noise in the "urban" driving environment and also to improve fuel consumption - according to BMW.
As stated above, one can disable the flap by pulling the rubber hose off and sealing it with a golf tee pushed into the hose.
Under normal operating that flap opens above a predetermined RPM to allow the higher volume of exhaust gasses to escape. By disabling the system one gets a louder and deeper exhaust note. TBH, I tried it and quite liked the note - for a while... but then re-connected it because the drone at low speed became intrusive.
For anyone wanting to do the disabling mod, the hose referred to is under the car at the back where the rear silencer box is located.
"Normal is overrated"
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Zed-dan
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2014 20:11
Posts: 37

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Zed-dan »

Thank you all very much for your help southernboy :)

and I'm pretty sure the only reason its doing my head is that is nearly seized and as it changes from closed to open there's a detestable rattly raspy noise. and its right on the comfortable part of the mid range revs!

it doesn't look so mint atm... very very dirty...
Not all those who wander are lost...

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'00 3.0i /Custom painted Side Gills/Style 78's
Smartbear
Joined: Wed 29 Jan, 2014 19:46
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Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Smartbear »

is this exhaust valve fitted to the 2.2 models?
regards
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kruisn
Joined: Sat 22 Oct, 2005 22:28
Posts: 403

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Keikeri,New Zealand

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by kruisn »

Many Thanks Southern Boy. I would think my car valve has not rusted solid as it has only done 31250 ks. I am going to take up golf so I can buy a suitably high tech golf tee (in matching colour of course) and shove it up the tube. :lol: :lol:
Don't drink and drive home -
Take the Zd and fly home -
Hoppo1979
Joined: Sun 09 Nov, 2014 15:28
Posts: 29

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Hoppo1979 »

I was wanting to do this mod on my Z3 3.0 but can't find it. Any pics would help.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

Here it is.......... Between the bak box and the bumper under the car.

Pull the hose off and plug it with the golf tee.......any colour will do unless like some you're anal.... :lol:


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Don't you just love the lack of rust we enjoy here..... :twisted: :lol: :lol:
"Normal is overrated"
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bazza1966
Joined: Thu 21 Nov, 2013 10:09
Posts: 92

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by bazza1966 »

Guys info please is this also on pre face lift 2.8? thank you in advance. :rtm:
Bazza (East Dorset)
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

Hi Bazza..... short answer - No.
"Normal is overrated"
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johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

In the picture there is a frayed hose which gets capped off by the golf tee. Understand that. I cannot however see how the hose connects to the 'cap'. I was expecting a male/female type arrangement. I would like to try this but worried how it all goes back together. Not clear from picture. Thanks
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

The hose slips over a small steel tube coming out of that valve... simply give it a tug - it'll slip off... as you see the hose doesn't even have a clamp on it....:wink:
"Normal is overrated"
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johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

I know I am labouring the point but where is the small steel tube then.
beerbelly
Joined: Fri 07 Feb, 2014 20:12
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Re: Exhaust Question

Post by beerbelly »

in the pic its inside the end of the braided hose where it joins on to the metal diaphragm housing just pull it off can southernboy circle it for him :wink:
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

The tube is still connected to the pipe in the pic I posted.... as I said, I had tried it disconnected and plugged, but I found the noise too much at low speed and re-connected it again... hope that clears up any confusion... :wink:
"Normal is overrated"
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johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

Ok and thanks
bazza1966
Joined: Thu 21 Nov, 2013 10:09
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  Z3 roadster 2.8

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by bazza1966 »

Southernboy wrote:Hi Bazza..... short answer - No.
THANKS for reply shame thou :(
Bazza (East Dorset)
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Southernboy »

........ My apology Bazza.... no rudeness intended. :oops:
"Normal is overrated"
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Zed-dan
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2014 20:11
Posts: 37

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Zed-dan »

Did it this afternoon and I am chuffed! A slightly deeper note and a nicer noise up to 3500 as now it doesn't have a rasping valve!

Are the tail pipes removable for a good clean on the stick exhaust?

Many thanks :)
Not all those who wander are lost...

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'00 3.0i /Custom painted Side Gills/Style 78's
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

PM sent re your post Zed-dan
Zed-dan
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2014 20:11
Posts: 37

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Zed-dan »

Image

As shown above, gently pull back the braid and remove and plug the vacuum pipe. Then tidy away :D
(I ziptied mine up so it doesnt fall...)
Not all those who wander are lost...

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'00 3.0i /Custom painted Side Gills/Style 78's
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

Thanks for that. Had a quik feel under last weekend and could feel what is shown in the picture. Will have a proper look tomorrow. Would you know if all 3.0i Zs should have what is shown in the picture. Thanks.
Zed-dan
Joined: Sun 21 Sep, 2014 20:11
Posts: 37

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Zed-dan »

Its on all STOCK 3.0i exhausts.
Not all those who wander are lost...

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'00 3.0i /Custom painted Side Gills/Style 78's
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

Ok. Thanks.
beerbelly
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Re: Exhaust Question

Post by beerbelly »

think its on the 2.8 too but as ours has a stainless system I cant check. my 2.5 z4 has it too
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Brian4 »

I have read somewhere that the flap was not fitted to the autos but I may be wrong. Ours hasn't got the valve but the vacuum solenoid is fitted in the well behind the rear wheel.
Brian
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2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

In Zed-dan's picture is that the vacuum solenoid as opposed to the valve?
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
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  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by Brian4 »

johnz3 wrote:In Zed-dan's picture is that the vacuum solenoid as opposed to the valve?
No John that is the valve. the solenoid has electric wire and the small pipe to and from it. I think it was under the tilt alarm sensor l hand side boot in the well behind the rear wheel.
Brian
3.0I Topaz Blue


2000 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
2016 F31 335d
2015 F21 118i
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by johnz3 »

Thanks. Learning all the time ......
peter2b
Joined: Sat 01 Nov, 2014 18:47
Posts: 963

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: cheshire

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by peter2b »

had a play in my 2.2 on the way back from its MOTin 3rd @ 2K rpm not a lot but upping it to 3-4k the exhaust note changed a lot deeper
peter2b
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mwpe
Joined: Wed 05 May, 2010 17:55
Posts: 183

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Camberley

Re: Exhaust Question

Post by mwpe »

Brian4 wrote:I have read somewhere that the flap was not fitted to the autos but I may be wrong. Ours hasn't got the valve but the vacuum solenoid is fitted in the well behind the rear wheel.
I think this must be true as my 3.0 litre auto definitely does not have the valve or pipe.
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