Advice on Golf Tee Mod

fdriller9 · 06-16-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gary88

I've had the actuator in the trunk unplugged for about 8,000 miles with zero problems and no codes at all. It's there just for sound purposes.

Actually there's a shadow fault stored....if you unplug the actuator.

If you plug the vacuum line underneath....no codes.

thkfast · 06-17-2011, 07:49 AM

I just plugged the hose and flipped it up and to the left. Service department hasn't said a thing. The exhaust is generally LOUDER and there's a drone at highway speed. To reverse, just snip off the end you jammed the plug into and re-connect. The whole thing is no big deal...but both of your exhaust tips will collect the same amount of soot!!!

landau88 · 06-17-2011, 08:17 AM

Just an FYI...when I did the golf tee mod, a few days later my exhaust started making a weird clicking noise. Took it in to the dealership and they replaced the muffler. Problem was fixed after that and I didn't go back to the golf tee mod. Not implying causation, but it does seem a little suspicious to me.

bkrM3 · 06-17-2011, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landau88

Just an FYI...when I did the golf tee mod, a few days later my exhaust started making a weird clicking noise. Took it in to the dealership and they replaced the muffler. Problem was fixed after that and I didn't go back to the golf tee mod. Not implying causation, but it does seem a little suspicious to me.

NO causation at all. My flapper valve was bad (and muffler replaced) before I ever tried this mod. Once it was fixed, I clamped the vacuum hose. It's been to the dealer tons of times, exhaust system was even removed once (clutch replacement) with the clamp still on there. They reinstalled it that way.

Don't be scurr'd.

Unplugging in trunk = shadow code (still not really a problem).

Clamping vacuum hose = no codes.

Same result with either method.

landau88 · 06-17-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkr335

NO causation at all. My flapper valve was bad (and muffler replaced) before I ever tried this mod. Once it was fixed, I clamped the vacuum hose. It's been to the dealer tons of times, exhaust system was even removed once (clutch replacement) with the clamp still on there. They reinstalled it that way.

Don't be scurr'd.

Unplugging in trunk = shadow code (still not really a problem).

Clamping vacuum hose = no codes.

Same result with either method.

Right, I'm not trying to put out any misinformation or mislead the OP, but I figured he would want to hear as many experiences as possible so that he can make a fully educated decision.

BTTGMan · 06-17-2011, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landau88

Right, I'm not trying to put out any misinformation or mislead the OP, but I figured he would want to hear as many experiences as possible so that he can make a fully educated decision.

Good point. Op, after I unplugged the trunk switch last week, I got a raise. I'm not saying there's causation, but I'm suspicious!

In all seriousness, I had a bad flapper replaced under warranty, before I ever golf teed. I then golf teed. Think you suffered what's known as a "coincidence", but I don't blame you for your paranoia. This place is full of chicken littles, and it's contagious.

RoundelM3 · 06-17-2011, 10:40 AM

Unscheduled service such as HPFP/software update, a steering arm sensor replacement, and then a scheduled battery replacement last month (my car is nearly 5 years old, was still on same batt). Zero other problems. To clarify, I meant "unscheduled" as in not part of the normal scheduled maintenance program. Every visit to my dealer has been scheduled in advance.

Shane23 · 06-17-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by landau88

Just an FYI...when I did the golf tee mod, a few days later my exhaust started making a weird clicking noise. Took it in to the dealership and they replaced the muffler. Problem was fixed after that and I didn't go back to the golf tee mod. Not implying causation, but it does seem a little suspicious to me.

obviously that clicking noise was the flapper moving back and forth depending on the method you used, if you clamped the vacuum line then there may have some vacuum getting it causing the flapper to "click" which it does on normal operation without a "gold tee mod"

Start your car (non golf tee mod), and go outside, after its been on for a few minutes the flap will open and you'll hear the click, if it sounds the same that was your problem..

Shane23 · 06-17-2011, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkr335

NO causation at all. My flapper valve was bad (and muffler replaced) before I ever tried this mod. Once it was fixed, I clamped the vacuum hose. It's been to the dealer tons of times, exhaust system was even removed once (clutch replacement) with the clamp still on there. They reinstalled it that way.

Don't be scurr'd.

Unplugging in trunk = shadow code (still not really a problem).

Clamping vacuum hose = no codes.

Same result with either method.

bmodzelewski · 06-17-2011, 10:52 AM

ok so after the mod... since there will be no vacuum going to the flapper wont it just keep flapping around (because of the exhaust gases coming out) and make a metal clanking noise?

bkrM3 · 06-17-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmodzelewski

ok so after the mod... since there will be no vacuum going to the flapper wont it just keep flapping around (because of the exhaust gases coming out) and make a metal clanking noise?

It will not. It remains open, and you get two equally dirty tips

shortseller · 06-17-2011, 11:56 AM

I have read in some other posts that unplugging the actuator inside the trunk that disables the exhaust flapper can cause a slight loss in torque when in the lower RPM range. If you do experiment with this mod, see if you can feel any difference.

As for both exhaust tips being equally blacked by soot, just keep your foot on it and you won't have any problems.

whip_lash · 06-17-2011, 12:16 PM

I had mine unplugged before and it was louder for the first 15min or so of driving but then it gets quite for some reason i can barely hear the exhaust.

Kolyan2k · 06-17-2011, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortseller

I have read in some other posts that unplugging the actuator inside the trunk that disables the exhaust flapper can cause a slight loss in torque when in the lower RPM range. If you do experiment with this mod, see if you can feel any difference.

As for both exhaust tips being equally blacked by soot, just keep your foot on it and you won't have any problems.

bs

landau88 · 06-17-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane23

obviously that clicking noise was the flapper moving back and forth depending on the method you used, if you clamped the vacuum line then there may have some vacuum getting it causing the flapper to "click" which it does on normal operation without a "gold tee mod"

Start your car (non golf tee mod), and go outside, after its been on for a few minutes the flap will open and you'll hear the click, if it sounds the same that was your problem..

I didn't clamp the vacuum line -- I pulled the plug in the trunk.

Myriad · 06-17-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

bs

My guess is he's speaking about this idea that's been thrown around that increased backpressure in the exhaust = faster turbo spooling or something like that. That doesn't sound very logical to me though, considering other turbo cars don't have flaps in the exhaust.

shortseller · 06-17-2011, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myriad

My guess is he's speaking about this idea that's been thrown around that increased backpressure in the exhaust = faster turbo spooling or something like that. That doesn't sound very logical to me though, considering other turbo cars don't have flaps in the exhaust.

That is correct.

Not necessarily my opinion for what it matters, but there is a posting somewhere either here or on Bimmerfest sourced from BMW that clearly states a slight loss of torque occurs...just don't feel like searching for it. The op can determine it for himself and report back if they choose to.

reaper335 · 06-17-2011, 03:43 PM

i unplugged it last night.. didn't notice any loss in power.. but my butt dyno isn't super accurate

N54Love · 06-17-2011, 05:33 PM

I have the JB4, and I have the CANflap setting turned on to the fully open position. Is this the same thing pretty much?

BTW, the above makes my exhaust roar at WOT. I was like "am I making that awesome sound?!" It's pretty cool.

tbracing · 06-17-2011, 07:37 PM

Here is my 1cent for OP.. The valve is for initial startup for emission purposes only, the stock exhaust system is not like the old restricted ones we hade in the states, that's why the N55 doest get big gains from aftermarket systems. Yes it sounds better! Will it effect anything... I don't think so otherwise aftermarket system would still incorporate it.

06-17-2011, 07:49 AM	#24
thkfast Major 263 Rep 1,028 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Sakhir Orange DCT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cedar Rapids, IA iTrader: (1)	I just plugged the hose and flipped it up and to the left. Service department hasn't said a thing. The exhaust is generally LOUDER and there's a drone at highway speed. To reverse, just snip off the end you jammed the plug into and re-connect. The whole thing is no big deal...but both of your exhaust tips will collect the same amount of soot!!! __________________ "The likelihood of one individual being right increases in direct proportion to the intensity with which others attempt to prove him wrong." 2015 F82 M4 - Sakhir Orange Metallic 2013 E92 M3 / 2013 E92 335is / 2010 E90 335i / 2007 E90 335i
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06-17-2011, 08:17 AM	#25
landau88 First Lieutenant 27 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2007 335xi Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Just an FYI...when I did the golf tee mod, a few days later my exhaust started making a weird clicking noise. Took it in to the dealership and they replaced the muffler. Problem was fixed after that and I didn't go back to the golf tee mod. Not implying causation, but it does seem a little suspicious to me.
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06-17-2011, 10:40 AM	#29
RoundelM3 Major General 1929 Rep 7,048 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Clayton, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.87] 2015 BMW M3 [7.90]	Unscheduled service such as HPFP/software update, a steering arm sensor replacement, and then a scheduled battery replacement last month (my car is nearly 5 years old, was still on same batt). Zero other problems. To clarify, I meant "unscheduled" as in not part of the normal scheduled maintenance program. Every visit to my dealer has been scheduled in advance. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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06-17-2011, 10:52 AM	#32
bmodzelewski Second Lieutenant 20 Rep 245 Posts Drives: 07 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Baltimore iTrader: (2)	ok so after the mod... since there will be no vacuum going to the flapper wont it just keep flapping around (because of the exhaust gases coming out) and make a metal clanking noise?
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06-17-2011, 11:56 AM	#34
shortseller Brigadier General 1012 Rep 3,396 Posts Drives: ‘18 ABM F80ZCP/dct Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	I have read in some other posts that unplugging the actuator inside the trunk that disables the exhaust flapper can cause a slight loss in torque when in the lower RPM range. If you do experiment with this mod, see if you can feel any difference. As for both exhaust tips being equally blacked by soot, just keep your foot on it and you won't have any problems.
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06-17-2011, 12:16 PM	#35
whip_lash Lieutenant 16 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '15 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	I had mine unplugged before and it was louder for the first 15min or so of driving but then it gets quite for some reason i can barely hear the exhaust.
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06-17-2011, 03:43 PM	#40
reaper335 Captain 33 Rep 993 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: May 2011 Location: north nj iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [8.00]	i unplugged it last night.. didn't notice any loss in power.. but my butt dyno isn't super accurate __________________ your friendly neighborhood BMW parts guy
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06-17-2011, 07:37 PM	#42
tbracing Lieutenant 22 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 1993 318I/ 2011 335i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: At home :) iTrader: (0)	Here is my 1cent for OP.. The valve is for initial startup for emission purposes only, the stock exhaust system is not like the old restricted ones we hade in the states, that's why the N55 doest get big gains from aftermarket systems. Yes it sounds better! Will it effect anything... I don't think so otherwise aftermarket system would still incorporate it.
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