Here’s Why Your BMW X5 Exhaust Is Making Noise When Accelerating

The exhaust system is a very complex structure, made up of an array of pipes of different shapes and sizes. Some of its important components are- exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, resonator, muffler, tailpipe, hangers, and exhaust joints. Besides, it also houses an oxygen sensor. They all work together to route exhaust emissions away from the engine.

In addition to taking care of the toxic emissions your vehicle generates, the exhaust system has three other functions- dampen the engine noise, enhance engine performance, and increase gas mileage. Therefore, a properly functioning exhaust system is essential for your car to run efficiently and quietly. Technical flaws in any of its components can give rise to all sorts of drivability problems like- declining engine performance, reduced gas mileage, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

So, signs of exhaust problems in your car should not be overlooked. If your BMW X5 exhaust is making a strange noise as you accelerate, it may point to technical flaws in the system that needs to be taken care of. Listed below are a few reasons why your car exhaust may generate strange noise as you accelerate.

Noisy exhaust when accelerating- What are the causes?

Leaking exhaust manifold

The exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting the exhaust gases from different engine cylinders to a single exhaust pipe. However, it may crack over time due to constant exposure to extremely hot temperatures. When that happens, the first sign you will begin to notice is a strange hissing noise coming from the exhaust when accelerating.

If you leave this problem unaddressed, you are opening yourself up to an array of technical issues with higher repair costs. Therefore, if you’re hearing loud hissing noise from the engine bay region, it’s time to have a professional take a look at your BMW X5 exhaust manifold to diagnose the issue further.

Damaged catalytic converter

Another major reason why your BMW X5 exhaust may generate a strange noise when accelerating is- a defective catalytic converter. A catalytic converter is an important unit of your vehicle’s exhaust system. It employs oxidation and reduction catalysts to reduce harmful exhaust emissions from your vehicle.

The catalytic converter is designed to last throughout the vehicle’s lifetime. But, it may fail or malfunction prematurely. A defective catalytic converter will interfere with the exhaust system, resulting in the emergence of a strange scary noise. Once you begin to hear strange exhaust noise when accelerating, don’t hold off on inspecting the catalytic converter.

Malfunctioning muffler

Another common cause of noisy exhaust is- a failing muffler. The sole purpose of an exhaust muffler is to dampen the engine noise. Besides, it also routes exhaust gases out of the system. However, it may fail prematurely due to continual exposure to road salt and impacts caused by foreign elements.

Pre-muffled exhaust leaks due to a cracked muffler can result in the emergence of a loud noise from your car. You should call a car mechanic without delay to make sure you are not causing further damage to your exhaust system.

Engine backfire

In some cases, noisy exhaust can be caused by an engine backfire. Some of the most common reasons why cars often backfire are- bad ignition timing, defective valves, and lean or rich air-fuel mixture. If left unchecked, backfiring can result in all sorts of drivability issues and you might end up severely damaging the engine.

Therefore, if you’re hearing a strange noise coming from your BMW X5 exhaust as you accelerate, the first thing you should do is to check if its engine is running smoothly or not. Often times you’ll need a qualified technician to diagnose the exact issue.

Loose or damaged hangers

If you’re hearing loud metallic exhaust noise when accelerating, it is often a sign that the support brackets or hangers are not holding the exhaust securely in place. All you have to do is to find out and replace the cracked or damaged hangers.

In conclusion

A properly functioning exhaust system is crucial for smooth engine operation. Along with noise dampening, the exhaust system routes exhaust fumes away from the engine. Issues in such an important system can adversely affect the performance of your car. Therefore, if you are hearing a loud noise coming from your BMW X5 exhaust when accelerating, you need to have someone check on your exhaust system immediately.