BMW
X5 M / X6 M F95 / F96 · 2020 – present
S63 V8 in full voice, even when towing the boat back from the lake.
- Fits X5 M, X5 M Comp, X6 M, X6 M Comp
- Holds both valve banks open in any drive mode
- Discreet install — module tucks under the rear trim
- Doesn't interfere with XDrive or Adaptive M Suspension
Free UK shipping
2-year warranty
Fully reversible
The honest pitch
What this actually does to your X5 M / X6 M
The S63 in the F9x M SUVs is genuinely angry — until BMW's valve map decides otherwise, which is most of the time.
Open Valve lets the V8 breathe through the OEM tips at any throttle, any speed, any temperature. Big SUV, very small remote.
Fitment
BMW X5 M / X6 M F95 / F96
Years
2020 – present
Install time
~10 minutes
Tools needed
None
Long read
The BMW X5 M / X6 M valve story
The F95 X5 M and F96 X6 M run the S63 V8 and BMW's most polite SUV valve calibration. The thing is genuinely fast and genuinely angry under full load — at part throttle, it sounds like an X5 40i. The valve map only opens the rear flaps when the ECU is convinced you're not in a school zone.
Open Valve pins both rear actuators open. The S63 then runs in full Comp voice at every RPM in every mode. Cylinder-on-demand is unaffected; ZF gearbox mapping, xDrive logic, Adaptive M Suspension — all untouched.
Install on the F9x is straightforward — both actuators are accessible from behind the rear bumper without dropping it. Workshop time around fifteen minutes.
Install — step by step
- 01
Park with rear of car accessible. Boot open.
- 02
Lower the rear edge of both wheel-arch liners.
- 03
Reach in to each valve actuator (one per side). Disconnect 2-pin connectors.
- 04
Plug each module inline.
- 05
Velcro module bodies to chassis rails.
- 06
Refit liners.
- 07
Pair fob, test on idle.
In the box
- Two valve override modules (one per actuator)
- Two-button RF key fob (CR2032 pre-installed, spare in the box)
- OEM-pattern connectors — no cutting, no splicing, no scotch-locks
- Printed install card with model-specific photos and a workshop QR link
Fitment notes
- ·F95 X5 M, F95 X5 M Comp, F96 X6 M, F96 X6 M Comp (2020+).
- ·Older F85/F86 not compatible with this version.
- ·Compatible with M Performance valved aftermarket exhausts.
BMW X5 M / X6 M — FAQ
Does it work on X5 M, X5 M Comp, X6 M and X6 M Comp?+
Yes — all four share actuator hardware and pinout. Same kit.
What about the older F85 / F86 X5/6 M?+
Different actuator hardware. A separate module is in development for those — contact us first.
Will it throw a warning light on the dash?+
No. The module sits in the signal path between the ECU and the actuator motor. The ECU sees a normal actuator response back, so there's nothing to flag. We've shipped thousands of these and not had a single check-engine call linked to the module itself.
Is it reversible?+
Yes, fully. Unplug the module, plug the OEM connectors back into each other, refit the trim — about three minutes' work. There's no permanent change to the car, no part cut, nothing in the ECU. Dealer service visits, MOT, sale to a new owner — pull it out and it's like it was never fitted.
Does it work with an aftermarket exhaust?+
If the aftermarket back-box retains the OEM-pattern valve actuators (most do — Akrapovic, Milltek, IPE, Capristo all run the factory motors), yes. If the system is a straight-through with no valves, there's nothing for the module to override.
Will it affect xDrive or Adaptive M Suspension?+
No. The module only touches the valve actuator signal. Drive, suspension and chassis logic unchanged.
Is towing affected?+
No — the X5 M Comp's 3,500 kg braked towing capacity is rated by the chassis, not the valve position. Tow normally with the module fitted, on or off.
Disclaimer
Open Valve modules are intended for off-road and motorsport use only. Please confirm your car has factory valve-actuated exhaust before ordering — if you're not sure, message us first. Professional installation recommended. Use at your own risk.
