Valves

[JunkPirate]

Alright guys, so as some of you saw at the fall cruise, my exhaust valves don't open when in Sport +. I've set an appointment, once again, at BMW Rockville for it and I got a call today from the SA asking me if I was really sure they weren't working. I explained that when in Sport +, even after driving around under 3k RPM, they do not open and will not open. If they open at all its during a cold start and are closed immediately after I start moving.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wrong before I went back in there and threw a fit for my 4th visit about this exhaust and constantly being told I'm wrong.

When in sport +: Exhaust valves open and STAY open until 3k (I think?) RPM to reduce drone then reopen under that. That's my understanding. If you guys have any insight for me, or any suggestions on how to handle these people when I get there it would be greatly appreciated.

[EALm4]

I think you may have it backwards. For the most part the valves are always closed during normal driving and when you go into Sport + and mash it, the valves pop open to allow the exhaust to flow better under hard load. It also varies depending on gear and speed to cut out some droning in 6 & 7th.

Is yours ZCP? 6mt or DCT? The ZCP has a start up roar which will open the valves quickly then shut them once the sequence is complete.

When you get it all sorted out, pick up some sort of valve controller and call it a day

[bb1857]

Check this screenshot out. They definitely should be open in Sport+ with lower gear selection

[James0518]

I didn't see them open at all when you reved it up at bit in sport+. I even looked in the tips and saw the vavles stay closed. You can ask them to bring a F80/82 and compare them on the lot. If they don't have one, I can swing by when your there as Rockville is 10 minutes north of my work.

[JunkPirate]

Originally Posted by James0518

I didn't see them open at all when you reved it up at bit in sport+. I even looked in the tips and saw the vavles stay closed. You can ask them to bring a F80/82 and compare them on the lot. If they don't have one, I can swing by when your there as Rockville is 10 minutes north of my work.

I'll definitely keep you in mind for that. They are fairly adamant that they are working properly, however as you said...they aren't opening at all in sport+. If they were then I'd be able to do the "valve mod" no issues but as they're always closed....not so much. Definitely looking into a controller though. Or I'll just get this custom exhaust made. Regardless, it's a 2016 and should be working flawlessly and to basically be told I'm wrong time and time again instead of doing any investigative work is unacceptable from a dealer.

[woobiee]

There are so many variables and rules that are involved -- pedal position, gear selected, rpm speed.

I know for a fact from that in sport+ in 3rd gear under 1500rpm, the valves are open. Above 1500 it closes until I floor it.

A quick test that you can do (which I think we did at the cruise), is to:

1) turn the car on (but dont start it)
2) put it into sport+
3) press the gas pedal (this will open the valves -- you should be able to hear a small actuator sound). -- At this point, your valves should be open. You can go and take a look to confirm.
4) Starting the car now should be louder than normal because you are firing the car up with valves open.

[JunkPirate]

Originally Posted by woobiee

There are so many variables and rules that are involved -- pedal position, gear selected, rpm speed.

I know for a fact from that in sport+ in 3rd gear under 1500rpm, the valves are open. Above 1500 it closes until I floor it.

A quick test that you can do (which I think we did at the cruise), is to:

1) turn the car on (but dont start it)
2) put it into sport+
3) press the gas pedal (this will open the valves -- you should be able to hear a small actuator sound). -- At this point, your valves should be open. You can go and take a look to confirm.
4) Starting the car now should be louder than normal because you are firing the car up with valves open.

Yep, we tried that and they didn't open. But I can give it another go and see just to make sure. These guys are all about avoiding fixing it....not sure I like that.

[woobiee]

Originally Posted by JunkPirate

Yep, we tried that and they didn't open. But I can give it another go and see just to make sure. These guys are all about avoiding fixing it....not sure I like that.

Maybe try BMW of Silver Spring? They are loads better at everything than Rockville.

[JunkPirate]

Originally Posted by woobiee

Maybe try BMW of Silver Spring? They are loads better at everything than Rockville.

I want to, but they never have anything available for when I'm free. I'll check black Friday though. They have a GTS on the showroom floor too....so I wanna go see that.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by woobiee

There are so many variables and rules that are involved -- pedal position, gear selected, rpm speed.

I know for a fact from that in sport+ in 3rd gear under 1500rpm, the valves are open. Above 1500 it closes until I floor it.

A quick test that you can do (which I think we did at the cruise), is to:

1) turn the car on (but dont start it)
2) put it into sport+
3) press the gas pedal (this will open the valves -- you should be able to hear a small actuator sound). -- At this point, your valves should be open. You can go and take a look to confirm.
4) Starting the car now should be louder than normal because you are firing the car up with valves open.

Even if u tap em open...after ignition you have to retap the gas to open them

[JunkPirate]

I thought I would give an update and a close to this. I finally was able to get in to see Rachel at Silver Spring and you guys weren't lying when you said she was awesome! They held onto my car for about 3 days because I had to get my 30k service done along with a few minor issues I had. They wound up completely reprogramming and updating the software and now......well now it works how its supposed to!

Valves open and close as they're supposed to and everything works as advertised. If you guys ever need a solid SA...shes the one!!

[bb1857]

Originally Posted by JunkPirate

I thought I would give an update and a close to this. I finally was able to get in to see Rachel at Silver Spring and you guys weren't lying when you said she was awesome! They held onto my car for about 3 days because I had to get my 30k service done along with a few minor issues I had. They wound up completely reprogramming and updating the software and now......well now it works how its supposed to!

Valves open and close as they're supposed to and everything works as advertised. If you guys ever need a solid SA...shes the one!!

Glad you got it squared away and she was able to help you out.

[f80.tommy]

Having this same issue in 2025 confirmed 3rd gear and up above 1500 rpm, started after flashing Bootmod stage 1. Going to try to find a resolution outside of dealership

[ethhaynes7]

Originally Posted by f80.tommy

Having this same issue in 2025 confirmed 3rd gear and up above 1500 rpm, started after flashing Bootmod stage 1. Going to try to find a resolution outside of dealership

Try bimmerlink, you can force them fully open. I notice my vales are constantly opening and closing in sport in my F80