Is this normal? Or should I be concerned

[Sharrr]

Just realized today that my 2018 X5 xdrive35i exhaust tip has what seems to be rust. From what I can see it's only on the left exhaust tip and the right side is ok. Why is that?

I have attached photos

Thank you

[crystalworks]

Pretty normal. You could grind it down with a Dremel or likewise and then paint the inside with high temp paint if it bothers you. Almost all exhaust tips will look like that at some point and is definitely not uncommon for one side to be worse than another. It could be a sign of AFR issues... but unless you have a code, mileage, or other issue you'd be chasing your tail.

Just my thoughts though. Maybe others will have thoughts.

[Cranswick852]

Does the 35i have an exhaust flap on one side? Only opens above certain revs or driven hard? If so that might explain the difference between the 2 sides. Don't know for sure, I drive a 40d

[yupetc]

Originally Posted by Cranswick852

Does the 35i have an exhaust flap on one side? Only opens above certain revs or driven hard? If so that might explain the difference between the 2 sides. Don't know for sure, I drive a 40d

Yes, the 35i has the additonal exhaust flap. On mine, driver side is always filled with charcoal appearance more so than the passenger side.

If I'm not mistaken, the flap is set to open upon cold start to quickly let the catalytic converter heat up. Upon normal driving, it's supposed to open at 3k rpms. Also, if you get a tune, you can have it set to where it's always open on sport mode. You can also set it to have a quiet cold start by the tune, too.

[Maverik259]

Doesn't look like rust to me. The tips are stainless sooo. Not that stainless "can't" rust. But looks more like just discoloration from heat.

Hi grit Sand paper around your finger would do you better than a dremel.