Are all Z4's loud?

U

usurp

Member
Not that I am complaining but today I took out my BMW 330ci (E46) to get it washed since I finally found a buyer and I noticed how quiet and soft the ride was. Then I took out my Z4 to get washed and its the exact opposite, really harsh and hard with a really really loud engine sound. I shot a video to show the sound, its with the hard top on and you really need to raise the volume really lound to get the feel for it. The engine sound is like ear piercing! I like it, makes my car sound a lot faster than it is but just wondering if this is normal. Previous owner installed an Eisenmann exhaust but the sound is coming from the front not the rear...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGg_8mZZ48w
 
The previous owner may have removed the foam from the sound generator so you could re-fit some foam to reduce the noise
 
The sound generator is plastic "tube" running between the intake manifold and the firewall on the left side of the engine. It's sole purpose is to conduct engine sound into the cabin of the vehicle to make the car sound loader inside. It has no affect on the sound of the vehicle outside of the car. I guess the theory is that Z4 owners want a cabin which is well insulated against outside noise, but still want to be able to hear the engine (makes sense to me).

There are foam inserts in this tube which tend to limit how much sound is transmitted. Some owners have removed these inserts to get a little extra volume. If you search around on realoem you can probably dig up sketches of the parts which may help you to locate it.
 
usurp said:
where is the sound generator located?
Click to expand...

When you open the bonnet look to the right it runs from the inlet duct to the firewall as said above

LOOK HERE

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3014&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15
 
cool thanks, I do NOT want to lower the sound since i like it the way it is but its interesting to know how and why its like this. sound generator.. that has to be the coolest invention
 
Yes the sound generator is pretty interesting gizmo. I had both foams out for awhile, now I have the larger piece in. You can change up the foam content to "tune" it if you decide you dont like it later on. That is if you still have the foams.
 
i had a play with the generator (only takes 3 secs to pull apart and put back together), i cant believe how much extra noise can be generated by removing one piece of foam. resonated a bit too much so will play some more when its dry
 
Ok, I got it. You can have it on 2.5.
Parts:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BT53&mospid=47799&btnr=13_0999&hg=13&fg=20
 
Sound generator mod is fun, but overall the Z is much louder and more fun to drive..I still like to lux around in my 3 Series though so I get to enjoy both worlds of comfort vs aggressive road hugging depending on my mood..
 
Dang, you all have some interesting things to play with and tune to your fancy!!!! All I get is just the exhaust :P


:poke: :poke:

All in jest, guys! :D
In case you don't get the joke, the //M's do not have a sound generator, we just have the exhaust note (which is quite wicked at WOT) :wink:
 
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