Sound generator - question
- Thread starter jamesgarbett
- Start date
v8z4 said:Wait...... sound generator?Yeah, this has got the be one of the lamest things I have ever heard of..... :wkr:
This ranks up there with the conical filters that increase "engine roar", fake turbo blow-off valves, etc.
Is that the kind of response one hopes for when asking a question on this forum? I honestly can understand the question on the sound generator. If BMW mounts it OEM on some cars, than it can't be such a bad idea. And yes: an air filter that allows a better air flow such as a sports filter, is indeed louder above 3.000 rpm. I noticed that on mine immediately and I just mounted a simple K&N in the original housing. Bench test also proved a 4 BHP increase from 170 BHP to 174 BHP. And the previous filter was also new.
But hey, we all have our opinion here, right?
Exactly Bad 
It is fitted to the 3.0 as standard, and at least is only transmitting the natural noise of the engine (albeit scientifically doctored) more fully into the cabin. It is not introducing a fake 'pfffft' on gear changes, or claiming to increase horsepower. And it is not producing sound electronically through the hi-fi like on some other BMWs out there. And modifying it costs nothing, just lets more noise inside to the driver and passenger - and it makes absolutely NO difference to the sound heard outside the car, modified or not.
It is fitted to the 3.0 as standard, and at least is only transmitting the natural noise of the engine (albeit scientifically doctored) more fully into the cabin. It is not introducing a fake 'pfffft' on gear changes, or claiming to increase horsepower. And it is not producing sound electronically through the hi-fi like on some other BMWs out there. And modifying it costs nothing, just lets more noise inside to the driver and passenger - and it makes absolutely NO difference to the sound heard outside the car, modified or not.
TO ME (as you pointed out... my opinion here), adding sound tubes and air filters to gain more "engine sound" is lame (it's fake). "Engine sound" should come from the engine itself (ie: exhaust, mechanical noise) or from things that add power (ie: supercharger belt whine, turbocharger, etc.). The sound of "power" should come from things that actually add power.
Just because OEM's do things, does not necessarily make them the thing to do. With regards to the intake system, the most HP is gained by having the shortest/smoothest/most direct intake possible. So any "sound generator"/ducting/baffels/etc. that disrupts that smooth air flow is going the wrong way. It may not "hurt" because the overall flow capacity of the ducting remains above the requirements of the engine, however it still is not ideal.
But, that's my feeling. No hard feelings intended.
Just because OEM's do things, does not necessarily make them the thing to do. With regards to the intake system, the most HP is gained by having the shortest/smoothest/most direct intake possible. So any "sound generator"/ducting/baffels/etc. that disrupts that smooth air flow is going the wrong way. It may not "hurt" because the overall flow capacity of the ducting remains above the requirements of the engine, however it still is not ideal.
But, that's my feeling. No hard feelings intended.
v8z4, point taken, understood
I guess the point of the sound generator is to funnel certain aspects of the engine's mechanical noise into the cabin - so it is acoustically 'tuned', but not creating noise that isn't already there, if that makes sense. I don't know how the inside of the sound generator looks, so I don't know how it may affect airflow. I assume that the airflow is as direct as possible and there is some separation between the bit that does this, and the bit that provides the sound into the cabin.
I am now sufficiently interested to go have a google to see if I can find out more. Bet nobody's ever chopped one up though :roll:
I guess the point of the sound generator is to funnel certain aspects of the engine's mechanical noise into the cabin - so it is acoustically 'tuned', but not creating noise that isn't already there, if that makes sense. I don't know how the inside of the sound generator looks, so I don't know how it may affect airflow. I assume that the airflow is as direct as possible and there is some separation between the bit that does this, and the bit that provides the sound into the cabin.
I am now sufficiently interested to go have a google to see if I can find out more. Bet nobody's ever chopped one up though :roll:
Bing said:v8z4, point taken, understood
I guess the point of the sound generator is to funnel certain aspects of the engine's mechanical noise into the cabin - so it is acoustically 'tuned', but not creating noise that isn't already there, if that makes sense. I don't know how the inside of the sound generator looks, so I don't know how it may affect airflow. I assume that the airflow is as direct as possible and there is some separation between the bit that does this, and the bit that provides the sound into the cabin.
I am now sufficiently interested to go have a google to see if I can find out more. Bet nobody's ever chopped one up though :roll:
I think that's exactly what it is doing. BMW wanted to create a V8 sound in the cabin.
I had a look at my sound generator as I built it from parts ordered from the dealer.
It's funny but the noise from the sound generator is intoxicating. Every new passenger is fascinated by it and it gives such a sweet 'blip' when changing down (with sport button ON). I'm really not fussed if it looses a couple of horsepower as I just love the sound. Driving the Westfeild at full chat with the Webers sucking fuel is eaqually as good 
Guys there are no leaks, the sound generator is divided by a membrane and it is already there in 3.0. And concerning the V8 I had a V8 supercharged car previously but I like more the sound of Bmw straight 6 as well as its great economy and it looks 10 times more beautiful when you open the bonnet so long and potent compared to V8 that is much shorter. That's way I bought another Z4 after selling my first one, I just missed it so much.
Gremlin500
Member
EXACTLY.
At last someone who knows what he is talking about!
At last someone who knows what he is talking about!
i test drove a 2.5 before i bought mine... and imo the sound generator is brilliant, the 2.5 sounded limp compared to mine with the sound generator.
But i think its perfect stock.. wouldnt want it any louder.. totally unobtrusive when cruising, above 4K i can just about hear it over my exhaust
But i think its perfect stock.. wouldnt want it any louder.. totally unobtrusive when cruising, above 4K i can just about hear it over my exhaust