z4 sound generator (engine noise amplifier)

[wai106]

I've just found a nice little gadget for 6 cylinder Z4s on the intertubes: Sound generator.
*comes fitted from the factory on 3.0l models.

It's basically an airfilter pipe which allows one to adjust noise according to how the install is set up.

Take a look at the following youtube links for the engine noise improvement:

Take a look at this link more information on the sound generator and for the installation "how to":
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63037

When I get my z4, I will definitely install this gem.

 

[freerider]

:mmm: ok

 

[wai106]

:mmm: ok

I googled this topic under "south africa", didnt find anything so i figured I should share this info. if you knew about this already - soz for wasting your time.

 

[MikeR]

:thinking: why

 

[herr bmw]

have to agree with miker.

 

[wai106]

I've been shopping around for a z4 2.5 and i've driven around in two. A mate of mine has a 130i and i must say, the difference in engine noise between the two engines is significantly different. The 130 has a throatier, deeper engine noise and the 2.5 sound somewhat flat at low revs. I'd use this device to achieve a similar sound to that of a 3 liter or 3.5 liter engine.
This mod seems to cost less than exhaust work and it can be done in my garage. #win

BMW sound lab fitted this part to e85 3.0 z4s to achieve the "perfect" roadster noise and as good fortune has it, it can be fitted to 2.5s and e46 bmws. (**according to internet research)

 

[MikeR]

:mmm: I understand the exhaust may be costly - but you only fooling yourself, the sound is always good, but Im certain you will come across an exhaust option that wont break the backs and give you the extra power added to the extra sound.
You cant compare the 2,5 to the 3l their plumbing is totally different.

 

[wai106]

:mmm: I understand the exhaust may be costly - but you only fooling yourself, the sound is always good

true and with this part it can be made better.

but Im certain you will come across an exhaust option that wont break the backs and give you the extra power added to the extra sound.

the issue i have with exhaust work is that the noise cant be turned down once the work has been done - well not without substantial work and cost. With the sound generator i can adjust the engine noise levels according to my seasonal mood- for instance in the summer i would want my car to be "shouty" so as to sound incredible with the roof down when i "put-foot" under a bridge, in basement parking, in a tunnel etc... and in the winter, i'd want to have it soothing - stock.

I had exhaust work done on my previous car, a 4 potter, and deep exhaust note was great when i was driving for kicks but when i wanted to drive slow and easy, with my gf in the passenger seat and some sade "smooth operator" on the stereo, the booming bellow of the exhaust just didn't work for me- mood killer.
I need the flexibility- a jekyll/hyde switch.

You cant compare the 2,5 to the 3l their plumbing is totally different.

No dispute, but that doesn't mean i should not attempt to achieve a similar noise out of a 2.5 :thumb:

 

[jeff_denning]

Are there any power gains?

 

[wai106]

Are there any power gains?

No.

 

[Hellas]

Didn't one of the late model Golfs came with such a device?

 

[wai106]

mk6 Golf GTI has a similar feature that lets more engine noise into the cabin.
I guess one could liken it to active-exhaust systems.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Didn't one of the late model Golfs came with such a device?

I've heard about something like that with the Golfs too - was a case of LMAO when I heard that!

Well in reality, apart from these types of devices, a lot of cars do have their exhausts/intakes "tuned" to sound a certain way or alter the rate of noise generated. Talking about the Z4, my father in law has a '03 model Z4 3.0l and you can hear that the exhaust is turned for the "full smile generating" character! Whereas my E90 330i is so subdued, most of the time, until you give it a good right foot action!

 

[zaleonardz]

i dont get it...

 

[Philip Foglar]

I also remember seeing something on DSTV some time ago where they showed when the 6 Series (now old 6 Series) was being developed and tested for the American market - it had to make a nice noise, just not too loudly. On a Topgear episode Jeremy was driving an Aston Martin and commented that, "yes, I know that the exhaust is tuned to make the car sound like this..." and, "I did a test the other day, you can hear the Aston for Miles away - so your wife could have your tea ready when you get home in a few minutes..."

 

[calypso]

Or you could just get this

Have embedded videos been stopped?

 

[wai106]

Or you could just get this

Have embedded videos been stopped?

Lmao!!! *dead

 

[msm]

:facepalm:

 

[moranor@axis]

Dude wtf this is one step up from the whistle thing you put in your exhaust to make a turbo sound…

Why don’t you strip some sound proofing out instead its free and least then you save some weight…