Uncorking a RapideS - how?

[polar8]

The correct fuse to uncork the Rapide S exhaust is in a fuse box which is apparently under the left rear seat. The seat doesn't seem to detach. It can't be a seat and carpet removal to access a fuse box. Or is it?
Has anyone ever accessed this fuse box?

I can't be the only Rapide owner that wants his car to sound as it should!?

Thanks for tips.

[RobDown]

I think Clive at CC Chargers sells an exhaust switch for the Rapide (you will want it to be switchable as it's a hassle to put in and out) and I think it comes with instructions on how to do it

Www.cccharger.co.uk

[Thorburn]

Does the Sport button not open the exhaust valve on the Rapide S? Does on the Vantage S models.

[V8V Pete]

On Vantage S sport button opens valves at lower rpm/load but I don't think they are open all the time. 3-way switch is the way to go then you have all options available to you at any time. As mentioned elsewhere, also means you can stop valves seizing which would then result in a main dealer trying to relieve you of a lot of cash for a new back box saying they can't be fixed.

Edited by V8V Pete on Saturday 12th August 14:33

[RobDown]

The sport button only lowers marginally the point at which the valve opens (I think by 500 rpm but someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that).

Edit to add: I think it drops the valve opening from 4000rpm to 3500 rpm.

Having had the switchable function I wouldn't do without it, can stay nice and quite on motorway cruising but open it up even at lower speeds when desired "or hooligan mode" as we call it on the GT8

Edited by RobDown on Saturday 12th August 14:36

[Thorburn]

V8V Pete said:

On Vantage S sport button opens valves at lower rpm/load but I don't think they are open all the time. 3-way switch is the way to go then you have all options available to you at any time. As mentioned elsewhere, also means you can stop valves seizing which would then result in a main dealer trying to relieve you of a lot of cash for a new back box saying they can't be fixed.

Ah, on the V12S it seems to just open it up permanently, certainly growls more at even the slightest throttle application even below 2,000rpm.

[Ken Figenus]

Sorry just saw this. Rapide is different. There are wires that run in passenger footwell and these can be rerouted to a hidden 3 way switch - OEM, Open, Closed. My switch is seized open due to lack of use. BR installed this.

I think the fusebox these wires run to is under the passenger seat but this fixed switch seems to be the best solution.

[Ken Figenus]

Times change . In case it helps others as there is a lot of misinformation about:

I located the the fuse box for the Rapide S under rear passenger side seat.



Note where the cover clips are, squeeze and ease it off - it's tricky as it fouls the curved alu plate above.



Its number 3 looking towards rear of car (blue top right).



With this info you may just get the job done without removing the seat - just peel back the vertical carpet behind heels up. Will be snug & trickier though!

Job done...

[AdamV12V]

Thanks for the pics!!!

Just persuading the mrs that she really needs this fuse removing from the AMR

If she has not caved in by next week I might have to apply a bit of secret handywork and then see if she notices!

[Ken Figenus]

She absolutely does need to do it! Keep getting it in the neck from mine as her M235i is too quiet! The 'fix' isn't so simple on those. The nice noise when cold and all valves open is such a tease as it doesn't last long!

I was invited to drive an AMR and was a little skeptical as I thought they may have been mixing it all up too much between GT and Sports. But no. None of it. It still rode excellently and developed its poise, stability and utter surefootedness even further. I still dream of that carbon centre console - all the way from the dash to the boot! Enjoy!

[8Tech]

Ken Figenus said:

Times change .

Its number 3 looking towards rear of car (blue top right).



With this info you may just get the job done without removing the seat - just peel back the vertical carpet behind heels up. Will be snug & trickier though!

Job done...

Wow Ken, great information, but how do you sleep at night knowing some of your fuses are upside down? One day, someone may look at that shambles and have a very strange opinion of you? he he he.A 52A fuse top left and an OE one on the right, terrible organisation.

[Ken Figenus]

8Tech said:

Wow Ken, great information, but how do you sleep at night knowing some of your fuses are upside down? One day, someone may look at that shambles and have a very strange opinion of you? he he he.A 52A fuse top left and an OE one on the right, terrible organisation.

I think they are all like that sir - they were not on my previous Austrian built Rapide mind. Could lose your pension over that in Österreich!!!

[AdamV12V]

ok - had a quick look at this today, but couldn't immediately see how to get the carpet away from where it tucks under the seat. Seemed to be secured to the floor with 2 star bolts, which I could have undone, but without seeing how to get the top away I didn't attempt.

Or do you just do the star bolts and then lift it out of the way whilst accessing the fuses?

[Ken Figenus]

These hold down the fron end of the carpet that goes vertically up to the seat - just unscrew.

[AdamV12V]

Ken Figenus said:

These hold down the fron end of the carpet that goes vertically up to the seat - just unscrew.

Ahh, as easy as that! TY - will try at the weekend then. The mrs has accepted the idea of giving it a go to see how it sounds!

[Charjac]

Just installed Clive's (cccharger) kit in my Rapide S yesterday. Highly recommend it. Simple, well made & works like a champ. I worried about leaving the valves open. No more worries.

[Ken Figenus]

Charjac said:

Just installed Clive's (cccharger) kit in my Rapide S yesterday. Highly recommend it. Simple, well made & works like a champ. I worried about leaving the valves open. No more worries.

I will get round to putting a fused switch in series there but that kit is a good solution too - I flick the exhaust valves manually now and again to stop them sticking. If it was a Rapide I'd want the switch but on this S as its just ticking over in 8th on the motorway there is no exhaust noise.