E46 M3 sound

[saranigel]

I recently changed to a '55 plate E46 M3 CS from my pride and joy TVR Cerbera, I knew the M3 wouldn't give the same exhaust noise or thrill as my cerb, but once it's warm there is nothing until the revs go way up the scale. It makes a decent sound when cold, but that's it. On my brothers V8 vantage it was similar, but he took out the fuse that controlled the exhaust baffles once warmed through. Is it the same on the M3, what have others done to give the car a bit more bark? Thanks....

[mat205125]

Pink or Brown?

Do you prefer your automotive noises from the front or back?

A carbon airbox (or CSL unit) will make the car sound fantastic from the front end. Getting back into my standard car after hearing my friends CSL is a massive anticlimax.

There are many exhaust systems out there too, and the merits of their volume and tone are all very personal. I've been tempted with a system for mine since I got the car, however funds haven't allowed (or have been redirected ). Lots of videos on youtube to watch to see how each might sound ..... The rasp from some appears to become almost Ferrari style in tone, or borderline offensive, depending on your outlook.

[bennyboysvuk]

From the outside, they're already fairly loud at full chat. If you want to introduce some more of that noise into the cockpit to make it a little more CSL you can always remove the rubber sound deadening from under and around the back seat area. It saves between 5 and 10kg in weight (depending on what you remove) and makes the car sound much more fruity.

[mat205125]

bennyboysvuk said:

From the outside, they're already fairly loud at full chat. If you want to introduce some more of that noise into the cockpit to make it a little more CSL you can always remove the rubber sound deadening from under and around the back seat area. It saves between 5 and 10kg in weight (depending on what you remove) and makes the car sound much more fruity.

Interesting

At the risk of being compared to a dreamer in a Corsa trying to alter his weight distribution, I had refrained from suggesting dropping the rear seats. I can report, however, that there is the addition of a rather musical rasp when the load bay is extended to get my road bike in the back

[the_smalls]

mat205125 said:

bennyboysvuk said:

From the outside, they're already fairly loud at full chat. If you want to introduce some more of that noise into the cockpit to make it a little more CSL you can always remove the rubber sound deadening from under and around the back seat area. It saves between 5 and 10kg in weight (depending on what you remove) and makes the car sound much more fruity.

Interesting

At the risk of being compared to a dreamer in a Corsa trying to alter his weight distribution, I had refrained from suggesting dropping the rear seats. I can report, however, that there is the addition of a rather musical rasp when the load bay is extended to get my road bike in the back

I had the same thing where I had the bike in the boot, seats down. I thought I'd accidentally opened the rear windows as the sound from the exhaust was indeed more present/fruity. Though, I too, don't particularly want to be seen to be part of the Saxo "seats down" brigade...

Enjoy the CS!

[0836whimper]

mat205125 said:

bennyboysvuk said:

From the outside, they're already fairly loud at full chat. If you want to introduce some more of that noise into the cockpit to make it a little more CSL you can always remove the rubber sound deadening from under and around the back seat area. It saves between 5 and 10kg in weight (depending on what you remove) and makes the car sound much more fruity.

Interesting

At the risk of being compared to a dreamer in a Corsa trying to alter his weight distribution, I had refrained from suggesting dropping the rear seats. I can report, however, that there is the addition of a rather musical rasp when the load bay is extended to get my road bike in the back

ha ha ! funny. My road bike is permanently in the back in the summer months on the way to races, that's why I bought it. The sun-roof also comes in here - early spring time fresh air and the metallic rasp is that much louder. And you can always close it.

[300bhp/ton]

saranigel said:

I recently changed to a '55 plate E46 M3 CS from my pride and joy TVR Cerbera, I knew the M3 wouldn't give the same exhaust noise or thrill as my cerb, but once it's warm there is nothing until the revs go way up the scale. It makes a decent sound when cold, but that's it. On my brothers V8 vantage it was similar, but he took out the fuse that controlled the exhaust baffles once warmed through. Is it the same on the M3, what have others done to give the car a bit more bark? Thanks....

On a PH run last year someone with an e46 M3 with some mods sounded fab. It was largely induction noise I think. So an aftermarket CAI and catback should do wonders.

[bennyboysvuk]

+1 for the noise with the bike in the boot. Mine's a mountain bike though.

It has to be said that some aftermarket kits leave the fuelling very lean which apparently causes a reduction in power. The CSL route is obviously the way to go, but I gather it's quite pricey.

[jamieM3]

I went for a scorpion rear box and a re-map, significant improvement to sound and performance.

[Swoxy]

6x9s in the parcel shelf and a sub in the boot.

[saranigel]

Thanks for the replies- I think I will look for an exhaust upgrade and then possibly the intake