What makes the E46 M3 make the right noise?

[RnRtuning]

Hi Guys

Have just been lucky enough to get my hands on my first M3. I love everything about it apart from the exhaust note, any suggestions to getting that tuned tone?

[taffyracer]

IMO that is the best bit, it's a 6 cylinder race bred engine, that's what it sounds like and should sound like IMHO, personally i think the OEM exhaust wiht upgraded cats works best

[RnRtuning]

Hi flow cats then, I did hear a Supersprint a couple of weeks ago when I was over at the Ring and that sounded awesome. I know what you mean about the standard system, it does have a unique sound to it. Well like it is being murdered!

[E36GUY]

Have you fitted a decent induction kit yet? Get a DaveF or Gruppe M job bolted on and you'll forget all about your exhaust note. Which to be fair you can only really appreciate from outside the car.

[Vixpy1]

Supersprint system, its nice

[Gimmick]

I know exactly what you mean, I've had mine for about 6 months and I love the car but sometimes wish the noise was a bit more aggressive. I've read that carbon air boxes help (like on the CSL), there are aftermarket versions about but all seem to cost about £1000.

I recently spoke to DMS about "sports" exhausts and they recommended sticking to the standard system.

[RnRtuning]

I shall run with your guidance then. Whilst I have you here is there a general opinion about handling packs, with what works and what doesnt. I had an R32 Golf and replaced all with H+R Coil overs and Anti Roll Bars, it improved the handling no end though destroyed the ride totally.

[disco1]

The E46 M3 sounds asesome, that raspy Fezza type sound!!

As mentioned Supersprint seem to be the best match for the M3.

Get a GruppeM induction kit too for extra rasp!

[JezF]

I think E46 M3's sound rotten from the outside, though have been in a CSL and it sounded fantastic inside!

[Vixpy1]

JezF said:

I think E46 M3's sound rotten from the outside, though have been in a CSL and it sounded fantastic inside!

They do, but they sound great for the inside, expect the CSL, which sounds awesome inside or out!

[JezF]

Vixpy1 said:

JezF said:

I think E46 M3's sound rotten from the outside, though have been in a CSL and it sounded fantastic inside!

They do, but they sound great for the inside, expect the CSL, which sounds awesome inside or out!

Ah, ok then! No idea what mine sounds like from the outside as I only drove it once before I broke my leg 3 months ago...

[RnRtuning]

Man That's harsh!

Ok so the top tip is either stay standard or go supersprint and airbox.

[JezF]

I'm no expert, but I'd certainly say do something with the air induction. I have a DaveF and it adds a really lovely soundtrack and I know the GruppeM ones sound fantastic too. They also add far more bhp than a backbox does and usually cost less.

[RnRtuning]

Thanks for your advise!

[E36GUY]

Not an e46 but check this vid of my M3Evo with a DaveF kit for the noise. From the inside all you can hear is induction roar. Drowns out the scorpion exhaust.

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4450481...

[M3John]

E36GUY said:

Not an e46 but check this vid of my M3Evo with a DaveF kit for the noise. From the inside all you can hear is induction roar. Drowns out the scorpion exhaust.

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-4450481...

Guy, now i quite like the sound of that mate. Thats thing i'd really like to change about mine, sometimes it's a little too refined. Where from/how much and is there any LOSS in performance ?

[E36GUY]

It's called a DaveF kit John. You can contact him (DaveF) through e36coupe.com. The filter is a bloody great K&N and Dave handmakes the heatshields and the adaptor collar and you run a cold air feed up from the brake cooling duct. You will see gains of 12-15bhp (tested!) from this kit as well as a great noise and better response. Think he sells them new for £165 for everything so it's good value! Fits in less than an hour. And makes no noise until you boot it. You can try my car out on the next TR.

[M3John]

Yes mate, wouldn't mind a closer look at that next time we're out together.

[petrolhead76]

Would the DaveF be classified as a "modification" by an insurer? Getting my M3 on saturday ( ) and would love for it to have a more throatier sound - but don't want it so that I cannot go to 'mainstream' insurers unless I pay a massive premium due to it being 'modified'.

Edited by petrolhead76 on Wednesday 21st November 23:05

[JezF]

Yes!