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      12-13-2012, 01:25 PM   #1
yousefnjr
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Drives: ‘06 Z4MR, ‘20 X7, ‘22 M4x
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Bay Area, CA

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Z4M Sound Generator Retrofit

I recently upgraded from my 2004 z4 3.0 to a 2006 z4m, and it has been a major improvement in almost every way. The only part of the 3.0 that I prefer is the noise; after removing one of the foam pieces, the sound generator on that thing lets out a piercing howl that the z4m just can't match. For those that haven't had the pleasure of hearing it in person, the noise is pure induction glory; it's completely different than throwing on a CAI or exhaust pieces. I also very much enjoy the fact that the noise it created was for the driver only, and that the tone didn't change.

So I'm trying to figure out a way to retrofit a sound generator onto my z4m. I've searched and found little, the closest it seems that somebody has come has been ZStig, but in his thread he mentioned that he didn't fully attach the sound gen to his intake.

I have a few questions:
- Which sound generator should I use? I'm familliar with the unit on the 3.0, but I haven't seen the one from the 3.0si in person. The 3.0 unit looks like I could grind off the mounting bracket (won't fit on the S54), and it would be small enough that I could probably find somewhere to tuck it in. If anybody is familiar with both and has an idea of which would be better, please chime in.

- I want to fit the receiving end of the sound gen into the plastic intake elbow (#5 on the diagram http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...11&fg=40&hl=24 ) just before the intake manifold. I noticed that this is downstream of the MAF. If there aren't any leaks, will I get any lights on my dash? No air moves through the sound gen, AFAIK there's a paper diaphragm inside.

- What would be the best way to fit it into the elbow? The OEM setup includes an inlet on the intake boot that the receiving end of the sound gen couples to via a hose clamp. On the S54 I don't have a fitting to clamp the sound gen onto, what would be a good way to make the attachment? I was thinking of just cutting a hole, sticking in some hose from the sound gen, and applying some sort of flexible sealant around the connection (something like this maybe http://permatex.carshopinc.com/produ...72f447cb74c5dd ). Anybody have a better idea? This sounds messy and I bet it'll leak eventually if not right away. Is there a good way to create or add some kind of fitting to the elbow?

ECS has decent prices on the parts, and a good looking kit for the 3.0 sound gen:

http://www.ecstuning.com/ES35461/

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-Z4-3.0s...rator/ES35465/

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-Z4-3.0s...tor/ES2202633/


Any ideas are appreciated. Sorry if this is unclear, I'm writing from my phone. Ill be trying to do this very soon
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