Sound generator mod done - loving it!!

[d3matt]

I know the sound mod has been covered a lot before, but as a new member, there was an awful lot to read to get to the bottom of what to do and what it achieved. So I thought I'd write this new post to inform new members of how simple this mod is and an example of the noise.

For starters, this is only applicable to the 3 litre models, as they have the sound generator pipe which pipes engine noise into the cabin. This pipe has two foam inserts which sort of buffers/softens the noise. The general consensus is that only the foam insert at the cabin bulkhead should be removed, otherwise its too loud. I would agree with that.

The easiest way to do this is remove the panel under the glove box (only two screws) and pull out the foam from the end of the pipe, as shown here in the photo.


Its a 2 minute job. I also changed the pollen filter while there (it was full of leaves).

The results are fantastic. The car sounds great when the revs get up, yet is still quiet when driving slowly...errr normally.
Listen to the sound here.

I was considering if I should change the exhaust back box, as the Z4 was too quiet, but this simple mod has given me what I wanted - a big smile on my face for no cost!

 

[Johnbmwz4]

I thought this was done from the engine bay?

 

[elevensies]

ahhhhaahhh

the unmistakable sound of a kid having a lesson in acceleration

 

[d3matt]

I thought this was done from the engine bay?

It can be, but its a lot easier to do it from under the glove box.

 

[stevo///m3]

ahhhhaahhh

the unmistakable sound of a kid having a lesson in acceleration

Yeah, but they don't half sound good though, eh?! Sometimes wish the M car did this for the first 4k rpm...
Stevo

 

[Mr Tidy]

My Ruby Black had definitely undergone some surgery in that area, but my Montego Blue has a mid and rear section stainless exhaust - much better sound! :driving: :lol:

 

[STUBOY2UK]

I think it sounds awful with the foam removed, not a nice sound at all on full acceleration

 

[MACK]

I think it sounds awful with the foam removed, not a nice sound at all on full acceleration

Never understood why they only put the noise maker on 3.0i, seems a bit unfair on the 2.2/2.5 owners.
If memory serves if you want to remove both pieces of foam you do have to remove the pipe in the engine bay.
Plenty have removed both and like it, its a marmite thing I guess!

 

[Smartbear]

I removed my pipe completely for a more refined drive, I've since begrudgingly replaced it (with all foam in situ) :lol:
Rob

 

[SonnyA85]

I think it sounds awful with the foam removed, not a nice sound at all on full acceleration

Never understood why they only put the noise maker on 3.0i, seems a bit unfair on the 2.2/2.5 owners.
If memory serves if you want to remove both pieces of foam you do have to remove the pipe in the engine bay.
Plenty have removed both and like it, its a marmite thing I guess!

Probably a cost thing. They have to gove the more expensive models more "extras" so they appeal more.

I think you could spec the sound generator as an extra iirc on the lower models.

I think some minis even have something similar to this or sound coming through the speakers.

I might try this on my 3.0. I don't think its noisy enough

 

[MACK]

I think it sounds awful with the foam removed, not a nice sound at all on full acceleration

Never understood why they only put the noise maker on 3.0i, seems a bit unfair on the 2.2/2.5 owners.
If memory serves if you want to remove both pieces of foam you do have to remove the pipe in the engine bay.
Plenty have removed both and like it, its a marmite thing I guess!

Probably a cost thing. They have to gove the more expensive models more "extras" so they appeal more.

I think you could spec the sound generator as an extra iirc on the lower models.

I think some minis even have something similar to this or sound coming through the speakers.

I might try this on my 3.0. I don't think its noisy enough

Your right about the Mini, not sure about the current generation, but the previous model definitely had a noisemaker piped into the bulkhead, not too dissimilar to the zed setup. Wouldn't be surprised if the newer ones are using speakers, seems thats the way BMW is going just look at some of the current M models

 

[Llewelyn]

On mine I removed both bits and it sounded terrible, as in "unnatural" as opposed to me not liking loud engines if that makes sense!

I refitted one piece of foam and it was a perfect balance, I think they should have been done like this from the factory....

 

[SonnyA85]

I've just done it but not drove the car. Also retrofitted cruise control.

Will let you know how i feel about it soon enough

 

[MHZ4C]

Great advice on removing the cabin panel rather than messing with hoses in the engine bay! I read about the foam removal mod when I first got the car, but I didn't fancy moving the hoses about in the engine bay, after brittle hose issues in older cars.

Just did it from the cabin. Easy.

Mine (a 3.0 is z4c) had grey foam in the end nearest the cabin, so I took the whole chunk out. Sounds much louder on full throttle! Especially WOT over 4k revs.

Will leave as is for a few weeks to get used to it.

 

[GreyZed]

I think it sounds awful with the foam removed, not a nice sound at all on full acceleration

Agree - just not a noise becoming of a 6 cylinder 3 litre engine at all. Sounds more like a 1 litre Corsa screeching at the limit in 1st gear. All treble no bass.

 

[SonnyA85]

Well first impressions. I only drove it 2 miles and city driving so crawling along in 1st - 3rd gear, stuck in traffic, etc.

So I couldn't push hard on the accelerator and when i did briefly it didn't sound great at all.

Will need to give it a push on the open road see how it sounds then. But so far it isn't sounding that good.

 

[Mike6]

Just wish they made that sound from the exhaust.

 

[Paulj100]

Put my foam back in after a week disliked the sound :thumbsdown: looking at a way to get a better sound from the back box.



Paul

 

[sw4nny]

Took the large piece of foam out and used it on the wife.car sounds better and I get a lot less drone from the wife :wink:

 

[itchyfeet]

Hi,
I've just done the sound generator mod plus fitted my fruitycarcacble.co.uk aux lead, so now my iphone works with my Nav and cd changer, plus I can listen to the engine when my playlists run out!!

woohoo