[capt_slow]

I was checking the underside of my car tonight and found some damage to exhaust valve harness.





The turquoise-yellow wire is completely severed, while the purple and brown wires have decent damage to their jackets.

I'm not sure how road debris could do this, but that is the only way this could have happened. There are no other signs of damage to the underside and after checking the entire underside, this is probably the most exposed harness on the car.

I'm going to take it in eventually, but wanted to check here if it's a common problem. Car doesnt drive or feel any differently.

[Billfitz]

All that valve does is to open the second pipe after the engine is fully warmed or when you're in sport mode, for decreased back pressure. You might notice the difference when passing on the highway, in town probably not. The lack of any other damage in that area makes me think that it's from a rodent.

[mike@x-ph.com]

First time I see it ... Might be a common issue, don't think many people check the valve harness

[ErkanTR16]

This is interesting. I unplugged mine so the Exhaust Flap would remain open in all driving modes. Go to the Dealership and get it checked out.

[mferek]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

All that valve does is to open the second pipe after the engine is fully warmed or when you're in sport mode, for decreased back pressure. You might notice the difference when passing on the highway, in town probably not. The lack of any other damage in that area makes me think that it's from a rodent.

I'd have to agree with Billfitz. That looks more like bites than something hitting or scraping it. I've heard of them chewing through stranger things...

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by OttomanTR16

This is interesting. I unplugged mine so the Exhaust Flap would remain open in all driving modes. Go to the Dealership and get it checked out.

It's going to the dealer tomorrow. Whether it's from road debris or a rodent, I doubt the warranty is going to cover this. How does the car feel with the harness unplugged? I'm curious now.

Originally Posted by mferek

I'd have to agree with Billfitz. That looks more like bites than something hitting or scraping it. I've heard of them chewing through stranger things...

The harness is pretty high for a rat to reach, but I can see a raccoon or possum getting under there. Never thought I'd be having rodent problem with this car.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by mferek

I'd have to agree with Billfitz. That looks more like bites than something hitting or scraping it. I've heard of them chewing through stranger things...

For whatever reason rodents love chewing at wires. It's common to find them electrocuted for their efforts.

[alexvobo]

I believe that mine doesn't even work! I've done extensive testing, and the second exhaust never seems to open; I'm probably going to take it off and take a look. That's interesting, however; I was a little surprised that it was so exposed when I first looked at the harness myself.

[capt_slow]

Two dealers confirmed this sort of repair isnt covered under warranty. I'm not surprised. It's not too big of a problem, so I'm going to leave it as-is for now.

I'm probably going to disconnect and cap the connectors just to see if it makes any difference.

Would leaving it disconnected open the valve or leave it closed? I disconnected it yesterday morning, drove to work, went home, and the valve was still closed when went to reconnect the harness.

[Billfitz]

The default position for the second pipe is closed.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1220699

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

All that valve does is to open the second pipe after the engine is fully warmed or when you're in sport mode, for decreased back pressure. You might notice the difference when passing on the highway, in town probably not. The lack of any other damage in that area makes me think that it's from a rodent.

Looks like rodent damage to my eyes.