[crbalch]

Hey all,

I just put my stock exhaust back on, and when reinstalling the valve actuator, I could not for the life of me get it to go back on.

When doing some research on the part itself, the picture that ECS Tuning has shows the little mechanism correctly. (the metal slot within the red circle)

However, mine is actually turned 90 degrees, and I am not sure how to get it to go back to install it. I tried letting the exhaust warm up, etc. but it wasnt doing too much.

Any thoughts?

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Hey all,

I just put my stock exhaust back on, and when reinstalling the valve actuator, I could not for the life of me get it to go back on.

When doing some research on the part itself, the picture that ECS Tuning has shows the little mechanism correctly. (the metal slot within the red circle)

However, mine is actually turned 90 degrees, and I am not sure how to get it to go back to install it. I tried letting the exhaust warm up, etc. but it wasnt doing too much.

Any thoughts?

can't you just turn it with a screw driver?

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by pikcachu

can't you just turn it with a screw driver?

Would I risk breaking it? Isn't it mechanical?

Feels very tight...I haven't tried with a screwdriver because I don't want to screw anything up.

[pikcachu]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Would I risk breaking it? Isn't it mechanical?

Feels very tight...I haven't tried with a screwdriver because I don't want to screw anything up.

not sure... not aware how it works

[mdputnam]

Ok pure speculation on my part, but take a look at the following picture:

There are three wires going into the actuator, purple, brown, and green with a yellow stripe. Typically brown is negative in BMW wiring (-12 volts). While attaching the middle pin to -12 volts I bet if you apply +12 volts to the pin attached to the purple wire the metal slot with the red circle will rotate clockwise, apply +12 volts to the pin with the green wire/yellow stripe and it will rotate counter clockwise. Or vise versa

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by mdputnam

Ok pure speculation on my part, but take a look at the following picture:

There are three wires going into the actuator, purple, brown, and green with a yellow stripe. Typically brown is negative in BMW wiring (-12 volts). While attaching the middle pin to -12 volts I bet if you apply +12 volts to the pin attached to the purple wire the metal slot with the red circle will rotate clockwise, apply +12 volts to the pin with the green wire/yellow stripe and it will rotate counter clockwise. Or vise versa

Hmm interesting thought...not really sure how to apply voltage though. Will need to investigate more

[mdputnam]

Or just rotate the valve inside the muffler!

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by mdputnam

Or just rotate the valve inside the muffler!

This, except rotate the valve to open and don't install the actuator. The stock exhaust isn't so loud that it ever needs to be muffled even further. Especially since you're coming from an aftermarket exhaust.

[crbalch]

I have rotated the valve but it still won't fit for some reason...I don't know what is going on with it.

I had to ziptie the valve open because it was rattling, so thats my temporary fix at the moment.

I'll snap some pictures a little later to show you guys what I mean.

Originally Posted by mdputnam

Or just rotate the valve inside the muffler!

Originally Posted by BentZero

This, except rotate the valve to open and don't install the actuator. The stock isn't so loud that it ever needs to be muffled even further.

[crbalch]

Does anyone have a picture of how the actuator and the valve wire get installed just so I can double check?

[BentZero]

also, you could just plug it up, put the car in sport mode and have it rotate itself to the open position.

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by BentZero

also, you could just plug it up, put the car in sport mode and have it rotate itself to the open position.

Tried that as well...does not seem to do anything cycling through the various modes, letting it warm up, etc.

Maybe the actuator itself is broken...if so, I will go to the dealer.

[BentZero]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Tried that as well...does not seem to do anything cycling through the various modes, letting it warm up, etc.

Maybe the actuator itself is broken...if so, I will go to the dealer.

Yeah, sounds like it may be. If you can wait I'll send you mine. i don't need it. i disconnected it first day I owned the car lol. Actually, I can disconnect it tonight and send it out tomorrow. PM me your info and it's all yours.

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Hmm interesting thought...not really sure how to apply voltage though. Will need to investigate more

You can use a battery from a cordless drill.

Pull it and test it.

[orangeglim]

Sorry for a minor thread jack here, but what does this valve/actuator do on the stock exhaust?

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by orangeglim

Sorry for a minor thread jack here, but what does this valve/actuator on the stock exhaust?

If you're asking what it does, it opens and closes the flap in the left muffler outlet (quieter on cold start, etc)

[orangeglim]

Originally Posted by crbalch

If you're asking what it does, it opens and closes the flap in the left muffler outlet (quieter on cold start, etc)

Under what scenarios does it do this? Only when in sport or sport+ mode?

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by orangeglim

Under what scenarios does it do this? Only when in sport or sport+ mode?

Just search, tons of results will come up regarding the valve functionality

[Anthony235]

Originally Posted by orangeglim

Under what scenarios does it do this? Only when in sport or sport+ mode?

From what I remember...

It opens when starting the car cold. Then it will close after a minute or two. This is why your car is much louder on startup when the engine is cold then quiets down.

Putting the car in sport of sport+ opens it as well.

Mostly used as a way to regulate the exhaust noise levels.

[BentZero]

Pulled mine. Here's a pic to see that mine looks like. Not sure what position it's in lol. Used a bit of wire to keep the flap open and a tie strap to keep the connection up underneath the car.

Just got back from a late night drive. Love those. No one is out and the temps are perfect. Windows open and I didn't hear any rattles. Wire holding the valve open didn't melt either.