A tubular element extending along a central axis, which element comprises at least one locally deformed part, is formed by means of a hydroforming process. A tube is positioned in a die comprising at least two die parts. Subsequently a hydraulic pressure is applied to the inside of the tube, as a result of which at least a part of the tube present in a cavity defined by the die parts is locally deformed. The die parts defining the cavity are axially moved toward each other upon formation of the locally deformed parts, thereby reducing the dimension of the cavity.