One for the future this really, as I don't have the cash to pursue right now, but what is everyone's thoughts on the exhaust system on the 3.0Si, and how to improve it (in terms of sound).
I've had fairly poor results in the past from trying to enhance the exhaust noise on other cars, and felt that it has spoiled the overall noise (droney, drowned out the induction noise etc).
I do quite like that the 3.0Si (Coupe FWIW) can be a quiet and chilled out companion when you aren't in the mood for shenanigans. I also quite like the howl it gives at high revs (with one of the foams removed, never actually tried it with it back in).
However, I do feel that it is a bit quiet for a sports car. I'm sure even my E36/46 328 with the Golf Tee-mod was noticeably louder/bassier. It's kinda disappointing for such a car. It would be nice for it to have a bit more of a voice. Compared to my old 350Z with Cobra Exhaust and Injen induction kit, it is literally as quiet as a mouse.
So I've done a bit of research, and come to the following conclusions to the various options:-
Backbox delete - sounds very good, but is very loud and drones (don't want drone). Allegedly loses power (definitely do NOT want)
Secondary cat delete - quieter than the above, but better than standard; likely to fail MOT (at least visual) - CBA swapping things back and forth.
Backbox bypass - appears to be two pipes welded to bypass the backbox. Unsure of how this would work really
Cat-back system - seem to be few and far between for the 3.0Si and very expensive in many cases
Standard BMW system - seems to be pretty well set up for the car, hence other options often losing power... but its just a bit too quiet for my tastes.
I keep looking at the options, and thinking that on balance, despite the quiet sound, standard is still probably best?
Any thoughts?
I've had fairly poor results in the past from trying to enhance the exhaust noise on other cars, and felt that it has spoiled the overall noise (droney, drowned out the induction noise etc).
I do quite like that the 3.0Si (Coupe FWIW) can be a quiet and chilled out companion when you aren't in the mood for shenanigans. I also quite like the howl it gives at high revs (with one of the foams removed, never actually tried it with it back in).
However, I do feel that it is a bit quiet for a sports car. I'm sure even my E36/46 328 with the Golf Tee-mod was noticeably louder/bassier. It's kinda disappointing for such a car. It would be nice for it to have a bit more of a voice. Compared to my old 350Z with Cobra Exhaust and Injen induction kit, it is literally as quiet as a mouse.
So I've done a bit of research, and come to the following conclusions to the various options:-
Backbox delete - sounds very good, but is very loud and drones (don't want drone). Allegedly loses power (definitely do NOT want)
Secondary cat delete - quieter than the above, but better than standard; likely to fail MOT (at least visual) - CBA swapping things back and forth.
Backbox bypass - appears to be two pipes welded to bypass the backbox. Unsure of how this would work really
Cat-back system - seem to be few and far between for the 3.0Si and very expensive in many cases
Standard BMW system - seems to be pretty well set up for the car, hence other options often losing power... but its just a bit too quiet for my tastes.
I keep looking at the options, and thinking that on balance, despite the quiet sound, standard is still probably best?
Any thoughts?
