When does the factory JCW exhaust flap open? Does it open only in Sport mode?

I would just go out and start it up and switch modes, but I don't get my MINI back until tomorrow from the body shop.

I was wondering if someone already did this and knows the results already.

 

Opens in Sport mode; I unplugged the servomotor on mine so that it is always open. I have come to the conclusion that the exhaust sound is piped into the cabin as that exhaust sound goes away when toggling back to Green mode even with the exhaust flap open. First car I've owned that does this.

 

There must be some other conditions that make it open as well. I was in normal/mid mode this morning when I parked the car. I walked past it in the parking lot just a couple minutes ago and noticed the flap was still open. I don't know what's normal and not for that flap.

I'm thinking about swapping the exhaust for either the JCW Pro or the Remus. I know Remus is cheaper and has more modes, but I'm leaning toward the JCW Pro as I prefer the sound and simpler modes. The BT issues appear to have a solution, so I'm not worried about that. Plus, the MINI exhaust will be covered under warranty where the Remus would not.

 

Answering my own question after some research:

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...-flap/Im2GgsKi

From the above link:

Electrical exhaust flap

The exhaust control flap is integrated at the exhaust system end pipe of the muffler. The exhaust flap reduces the noise level when the engine is idle and when the engine speed is close to idle. This reduces the outlet noise to improve comfort for the customer. The reduction in outlet noise is approx. 8 dB.

Functional description

The exhaust flap is permanently welded in the exhaust tailpipe of the exhaust system. The exhaust control flap is driven via an axially arranged electric motor with integrated gearing and integrated electronics. The exhaust control flap is activated by the Digital Engine Electronics (pulse-width modulation). Input variables are:

• Engine speed
• Load
• Driving speed

Structure and inner electrical connection

The electric exhaust control flap is connected via 4-pin plug connection. The drive for the electric exhaust control flap is supplied with terminal 15N.

The exhaust control flap can be opened (10% PWM) and closed (90% PWM). The end positions are mechanical limit stops. Intermediate positions are not provided. The preferred position with a detected fault (for example failure of PWM signal) or after switching off the internal combustion engine is the opened position.

 

Exactly what I've done by unplugging the flap servomotor in its open position. Still trying to figure out where all the [good] engine exhaust noise comes from as it is unaffected by an open flap.

 

I hope I'm not stating the obvious, but you know about Active Sound Design (ASD), right? Or maybe I am misunderstanding you?

 

Yes I know of ASD but why can't BMW make good power sounds the old fashioned way and/or all the time?

 

Agreed!