Commute car options
Discussion
Afternoon all,
I've recently started a new job with a 110 mile a day commute (perfect timing given fuel prices!). In preparation I bought an F31 330d to share the duties with my i3 (which doesn't quite make it on electric alone in winter) and my mustang.
After two weeks in role I'm really struggling with the 330d as whilst it's averaging 45mpg (calculated tank to tank) the cabin noise is so bad I'm left with ringing ears at the start and end of the day.
The i3 is perfectly capable and is noticeably quieter on the same run but by christ I wouldn't want to have to use it on really windy days, high flat sides, light weight and short wheelbase make for an 'interesting' ride in the wind!
Mustang is easily the comfiest and most satisfying and to put some scale on the sound levels even with an H pipe and exhaust in sports is a lot quieter than the 3 series. However whilst 35mpg might be great for a V8 that still equates to £22/day commuting! This will remain my 'Friday' commute car!
My wife confirmed that it's definitely not my ears getting old when she used the 3 series on the days I nabbed the i3 she noticed the same!
In my mind I've got two sensible options - chuck £600 or so at the 330d and change out the runflats for lower db rated tyres - MPSS or Asy's and hope that makes it tolerable or sell it and buy something else. But I'm struggling to decide what might be better for c£10-15k that'll be quieter, offer similar mpg/performance AND will be something my wife would drive!!
As a reserve option I do have noise cancelling headphones for that "what a numpty" look!
I've recently started a new job with a 110 mile a day commute (perfect timing given fuel prices!). In preparation I bought an F31 330d to share the duties with my i3 (which doesn't quite make it on electric alone in winter) and my mustang.
After two weeks in role I'm really struggling with the 330d as whilst it's averaging 45mpg (calculated tank to tank) the cabin noise is so bad I'm left with ringing ears at the start and end of the day.
The i3 is perfectly capable and is noticeably quieter on the same run but by christ I wouldn't want to have to use it on really windy days, high flat sides, light weight and short wheelbase make for an 'interesting' ride in the wind!
Mustang is easily the comfiest and most satisfying and to put some scale on the sound levels even with an H pipe and exhaust in sports is a lot quieter than the 3 series. However whilst 35mpg might be great for a V8 that still equates to £22/day commuting! This will remain my 'Friday' commute car!
My wife confirmed that it's definitely not my ears getting old when she used the 3 series on the days I nabbed the i3 she noticed the same!
In my mind I've got two sensible options - chuck £600 or so at the 330d and change out the runflats for lower db rated tyres - MPSS or Asy's and hope that makes it tolerable or sell it and buy something else. But I'm struggling to decide what might be better for c£10-15k that'll be quieter, offer similar mpg/performance AND will be something my wife would drive!!
As a reserve option I do have noise cancelling headphones for that "what a numpty" look!
trickywoo said:
Tyres can make a big difference.
You could also try putting more sound insulation in.
Either will be cheaper than buying something else.
Thought about the insulation idea but these days I'm cash rich/time poor and I'd never get the money back if I paid someone to do it. I picked up a 'relative' bargain on this car and am certain I could get all my money back if not more but any replacement is likely to cost more again!You could also try putting more sound insulation in.
Either will be cheaper than buying something else.
I suspect tyres are going to be the answer as I'm really not a fan of runflats. A 530d I had a few years ago became a much softer and quieter drive after changing out.
I was just surprised at how loud the f31 was compared to the e60 5 series and the e91 3 series we had (which did have runflats).
What size wheels does it have ?
We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
Earthdweller said:
What size wheels does it have ?
We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
Wheels and tyres are definitely the issue - the car came with 19's!We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
QuattroDave said:
Earthdweller said:
What size wheels does it have ?
We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
Wheels and tyres are definitely the issue - the car came with 19's!We ran an F31 with 17” and non runflats and it was fine but being an estate car you will always get some noise from the back, it helps if the load cover is across
Changing out the RF’s will make a massive difference, it has on my X3 and that’s on larger wheels, in both ride quality and road noise
Get a set of 18’s from eBay and put non runflats on and it will transform the car
I have 16" Goodyear runflats on my 320D E91 and it's better than many cars at motorway speeds.
But this is a tough problem to put objective numbers to.
Some road surfaces are still noisy.
It's just that they are worse in 'her' car.
Is it possible to get a set of winter wheels with sensible tyres?
Maybe hire a bland car for a week?
But this is a tough problem to put objective numbers to.
Some road surfaces are still noisy.
It's just that they are worse in 'her' car.
Is it possible to get a set of winter wheels with sensible tyres?
Maybe hire a bland car for a week?
QuattroDave said:
Wheels and tyres are definitely the issue - the car came with 19's!
Get some 17 or 18's on there, possiby without RFT. I went with 18" Primacy RFT's and the ride and noise transformed from the Pirelli Cinturato's that were on there from the factory (albeit on a 5-series). HelldogBE said:
QuattroDave said:
Wheels and tyres are definitely the issue - the car came with 19's!
Get some 17 or 18's on there, possiby without RFT. I went with 18" Primacy RFT's and the ride and noise transformed from the Pirelli Cinturato's that were on there from the factory (albeit on a 5-series).
georgeyboy12345 said:
So it's the road noise from the tyres, not the diesel engine noise that's the problem?
Are you sure there isn't something else wrong like knackered wheel bearings or gearbox, etc?
One of the wheel bearings was on its way out when I bought the car but had that replaced soon after buying it. the rest are fine. i mean the diesel engine is certainly gruff but imo it's more road noise than anything else.Are you sure there isn't something else wrong like knackered wheel bearings or gearbox, etc?
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