So about 1.5 months ago I stumbled upon an X5M owner's thread about purchasing a titanium exhaust from Alibaba. It looked good and the sound was spot on for what I’d like. I found the seller on Ali Express and after comparing pictures with the GCA exhaust, I’m fairly certain it is the same unit except it is direct from producer. Saved a little over $1k with shipping included. I told them I wanted to keep my OEM exhaust trim so the exit pipes need to accommodate this. Their customer service responses were timely and they even sent me pictures of the unit to make sure nothing was lost in translation. Produced in China.

Unit arrives Monday and install is on Wednesday. Will post pics and vid when I can. It was a leap of faith to buy so not for everyone. I’ve had my car for 3.5 years and I absolutely love it as my daily. Many other competitor units are priced at $5k with the exception of Dinan (which I tried but couldn’t make it fit without cutting trim).

Stay tuned if you’re interested .

Been waiting for this update, It’s almost time!

I've been waiting for this also. 2023 x5 M50i. we just broke 12k miles and will hit 2 years in November.


I have a giant new car itch which always happens. One way to tame it is MODS MODS MODS


. Just wishing it had a better exhaust.


I've thought about new wheels or painting the 740ms
Heck i've even considered buying the overprice CF front grill and air vent cover things.

Picture of the system before shipping.

Sound is a must. I was searching for something that gave it some heft but not overly aggressive. I just can't pony up to $5k+ for a system. I firmly believe in the phrase, "you pay for what you get". However, that isn't universally applicable to everything you buy. I've paid $2k and will pay another $800-900 for install (185 / hr @ 4-6 hours estimate). I'm not looking for HP performance, just something that sounds good and gets ride of that hideous muffler in the back.

The M50i and M60i sound much different in their stock form. See video at 16:42 for a comparison.

It feels like Christmas.

Excited to hear a before and after. Do you know if your seller does 40i exhausts too?

Seller on Ali Express was "KA Tuning Store".

Just spoke with installer.

Alignment and Length: Everything matches up where it should be. No issues with connecting to OEM downpipes. However, the overall setup is a little too long so installer is just trying to determine where to make appropriate cuts/trim. No need to modify OEM exhaust trim/tips. *I opted not to put on aftermarket tips.

Fitment: The muffler looks to be hanging a little low for the installer's taste (prelim install to see how its looking on the vehicle before securing connections). Lots of headroom for the new muffler so they're trying to lift it for a cleaner look. Lastly, because there are many sections connected by clamps they recommend coming back now and then for tightening (if needed) of these clamps.

Looking at 5-5.5 hour install today @ $185 / hr. This is on track with what local BMW independent shops charge and slightly more than what a muffler shop quoted me ($150 / hr). I wish it were as quick as what Dubsesd posted for his Dahler setup.

Installed. Literally drove the vehicle 15 mins before returning to work.


Initial thought is "Jekyll and Hyde" with this system. Startup has a subtle deep hum added (comfort mode). During auto shifts in the parking lot, I picked up a very minor hum when shifting down. Still sounds very close to stock at highway speeds and zero drone (phew!).

Sport Mode + is an entirely different animal. I managed to grab one video and will upload it to youtube later. Interior cabin the exhaust is noticeably louder. At end of high shifts, it is a little raspy but also burbles. If I am being fair, open valves would getting annoying (for me) all the time. This is precisely why I wanted to find a system that would be as quiet as OEM and a bit more aggressive when in Sport +.

As you can see, the exit pipes were perfectly fitted for the OEM housing. The outer pipe is larger than the inner pipe. No mods needed there. While I was hoping not to see the system from the rear, it reveals enough to make another X5 owner possibly jealous **the black wire you see hanging down is from my OEM Tow Hitch. Just need to secure it better.

Picking up my kid in an hour. Will see if her ears sense anything. As a daily, I need to keep it kid proof and comfortable. Any complaints and my CEO will come asking questions.

10 second clip from inside cabin in Sport + mode. I did not mash it but kept pressure applied. As you can hear, at the end of shifts, the sound begins to get raspy/burbles. Reminds me of a G63.

https://youtube.com/shorts/l3bHl9AUP...FU5VSJ7JQLcTaJ

Very nice and interesting exhaust option.

Let us know if the family notices it, please.

Two days of driving and no complaints! I notice the slight increase in deeper cold start tone and first moments of driving. I’ll try and get some video over the weekend outside the vehicle with some revs and runs.

I’m definitely enjoying the look from the rear. Here is another shot further away.

Video of sport + run. No camera man unfortunately but this phone picked up plenty for the ears. Sounds pretty damn good to me. I’ve got more daily driving thoughts on this system to come.

Sounds good. I would be a tad concerned with how low that sits if you to drive over something sticking up a bit like a sewer in a construction zone. I know, drive more carefully, but sometimes sh*t happens.

Yes, I agree, anything is possible especially since I'm also lowered on coilovers.

Daily Driving: There is a minor drone at the 1300-1400 range under light throttle. Not so much on the highway but more City driving such as hill ascend. On a rare occasion, I've noticed the valves open up when I apply more throttle while in Comfort Mode. Slight rumble takes over and my daughter was a bit surprised .

Highway: Same minor drone at cruising speeds under light throttle but less noticeable. It's there but not enough to annoy.

As as I stated before, my goal was to give this engine some teeth and I think this system does that pretty well. There are some minor kinks as I've noted and it isn't perfect. I am going to likely reinstall the mid section to see if that further reduces the subtle drone (hopefully eliminates it all together). If this can be done and the drone is reduced, this system is pretty damn good for those who want to keep close to OEM sound when daily driving but add a beastmode for those fun runs.

I'm in the same boat, something a little beefier but not obnoxious like those M3 guys with the burbly shotgun exhausts (j/k guys. LOL). I was following that other thread and had it on the list. Thank you for taking the plunge. My only concern is that 13-1400 range. I get stuck in traffic so that might get old, but at the same time, I have a radio with volume control and a right foot.

Different angle to show the exhaust hang level. The original pic I posted was a little deceiving and made it appear lower than it is.

Update: After just a month of installation, I am very pleased with this exhaust. My ears have adjusted to the slight drone as mentioned above. To be candid, I don't often experience it because I'm rarely in that specific rev range cruising for very long. Kids and wife have made no complaints. MPG has dropped just a smidge because I often put the vehicle in Sport plus when driving alone to enjoy the sound. It is a head turner for pedestrians because at low speeds (sport + mode) you will hear a subtle thunder/burble coming down the street. I thought about reinstalling the stock resonator to cancel any drone but decided no to because I don't want to ruin the system as it is (more free flowing).

Hope this is helpful and happy to answer any questions M50 owners might have about my experience.

Thanks for posting your progress. I’m considering installing an aliexpress exhaust also. Why did you choose titanium over stainless? Any potential issues with dissimilar metals?

I like that sound alot. Only thing for me is a feel it does hang low! Good job and glad it all worked out for you .

Only time will tell with any issues. I didn’t put much thought into the metal difference. The price was already enticing so I didn’t think to ask for stainless. I figure I’ll only have this vehicle another 2-3 years before upgrading/updating.