How to Manually Open the Exhaust Valve on a BMW 7 Series?
3 Answers
The method to manually open the exhaust valve on a BMW 7 Series is: Use a screwdriver to pry open the valve baffle inside the exhaust pipe, then wrap the valve with wire several times. Models in the BMW 7 Series include: BMW 730Li, BMW 730LiM, BMW 740Li, BMW 730d, BMW 740LixDrive, etc. Taking the 2019 BMW 730Li as an example, it is a full-size sedan with body dimensions of: length 5273mm, width 1902mm, height 1498mm, a wheelbase of 3210mm, a fuel tank capacity of 78L, and a curb weight of 1911kg.
From my years of experience driving BMWs, the manual activation of the exhaust valves on the BMW 7 Series is primarily achieved by selecting driving modes. The factory design doesn't include a physical switch, but simply rotating the driving mode selector to Sport or Sport Plus will automatically open the valves for enhanced exhaust notes. I've tested this across different model years - for example, the 2019 version also allows valve activation through custom mode settings in the iDrive menu. However, it's best not to keep them open during normal driving, as closed valves at low speeds improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise pollution. If you want to show off the sound while parked, make sure to do it in a safe location without tampering with wiring to avoid fault codes. Regular exhaust system cleaning to prevent valve sticking is also crucial.
As a car enthusiast who enjoys personalized modifications, the BMW 7 Series exhaust valve can be manually opened. While the factory version doesn't have a button, there are many aftermarket solutions available. You can purchase a valve control module connected to the OBD port or wire it yourself with a remote to switch the valve freely. I've seen installation tutorials online, and it seems quite simple. The factory setting only activates in sport mode, but after modification, you gain more freedom—you can even open the valve while parked to show off the sound. However, be mindful of noise regulations to avoid fines. It's safer to have it done by a professional shop to prevent short circuits or sensor damage. If you choose not to modify, sticking to the driving mode switch is the basic way to ensure long-term vehicle health—don't tinker recklessly.
