VAG and Audi Diesel Noises

[ToothbrushMan]

Everywhere I go these days I am forever hearing diesel A3s, Leons, Golfs and such like moving along the road making a sort of purring pigeon like noise. Sorry thats about as good a description I can think of for this noise-anyway if youve heard it too youll know what I mean without further explanation needed....

Anyway, whats going on here? Has some trend started amongst a certain segment of the younger population to modify their diesels to make these noises cos they sure as hell dont come out of the factory fluttering away like that do they? At least not the older models......do the new ones?

I was thinking maybe they've completely removed the airboxes and all traces of any intake plumbing leaving the air mass meter exposed relying solely on it mesh grille to prevent ingress of flies dust and other contaminants? Arent all diesel by pass valves of the recirculating quiet type?
Maybe you can now buy dump valves for diesels that vent to atmosphere and thats the noise I am hearing?

Somebody put me out of my misery. Doesnt seem to make any difference what speed said drivers are doing even pretty slow gearchanges release this fluttering pigeon noise.

Are the diesel boys now onto to some new "street" mod?

[JamesD1]

you can get dump valves for diesels and alot of people smooth the airbox and fit a free-er flowing filter (k&n type)

alot of people do up the pd engines as you can achieve quite large torque figures before major engine work.

[mike-r]

I would suggest that if you hear it so often it's just the sound they make. VAG diesels do make a very distinct sound I think.