New to me Z4 M Coupe, the first 120 miles.

[horsepowerfarm]

My first day with my '07 M Coupe, this is my impression.

I got up early to play with my new toy. I thought I would go by my office and then out to Circuit of the Americas to watch the SVRA vintage races. The car arrived yesterday afternoon but, I didn't really have time to do anything other than give it a bath.
Maybe a little background is in order, I have not owned a BMW since the early '80's. The last one was a factory 2002 Turbo.. I have been driving Porsche 911 variants since 1971. I recently sold a 2003 996TT to a buddy of mine in a moment of weakness/ stupidity. I needed a car to commute to work (I'm the Service and Parts Manager at Ferrari of Austin) plus, I own a motorcycle restoration shop, where my pickup needs to reside. So, I was looking for a reasonably priced unique car.
So, I bought this Z4 M sight unseen and having never driven one. It has the following modifications:

19" HRE C20 Wheels
Michelin Super Sport Tires (275/30r19 * 245/35r19)*
StopTech Big Brake Kit
TC Kline DA Suspension
TC Kline Camber Plates
OEM Strut Tower Brace
BMS Rear Exhaust Section Stock X-pipe
Euro Header Coated
ESS ECU Reflash
Rogue Transmission Mounts
Nascar Wheel Studs
UUC Short Shifter
Zeckhausen CDV
ZHP Knob

So it has potential. First, it is reasonably quick. The gear box is best described as yum. Point and shoot handling superb. The StopTech brakes are absolutely magnificent. It is handsome in Alpine/ Imola, lots of people took a close look at the track.
There is one thing that just about ruins the experience. This thing has more drone and tire noise than than my 944 Turbo track car, and the doors sound like a '70's Corolla when they close.
I'm sure I will be searching plenty on ZPost to find the answers to my problems.
I am not disappointed, just a little surprised.

[Finnegan]

First, congratulations!

Second, BMS is a repackaged Magnaflow IIRC. And, that comes with big-time drone.

Low-drone exhausts include Stromung, Eisenmann Sport, and Remus Sport. I've personally owned the last two, and they're both great. The Eisenmann being the better of the two, but it costs $$$. A Rogue X Pipe can add a bit more volume and pops and burbles, but I'd just start with cans and work up from there (since you have headers already).

Take a look over here at options. See the full spreadsheet, it has commentary about drone levels.

The S54 is prone to drone and rasp. Getting an exhaust that meets sonic needs is possible, but takes a plan. What kind of sound are you looking for?

[johanness]

I think you're the 1st person to describe the gearbox as 'yum'. I don't find the doors Corrola-esq. Maybe they're out of alignment? As mentioned, any of the low-drone options will turn your frown upside-down

[horsepowerfarm]

I would prefer to take advantage of the modifications that have been done and just not have the drone. It would be nice if the car could sound healthy, but not so loud as to piss off the neighbors too much.
My 996TT made over 500 awhp and was comparatively quiet, a couple of turbos helped absorb a lot of sound, but I could stay under the noise radar.
I guess I would rather not attract to much attention.
Thanks for the advise on several systems and I will spend sometime reviewing the info on the thread you gave me.

[horsepowerfarm]

I have been driving Porsches forever, the UUC short shift on this car is better than any Porsche I have driven in recent memory. The doors sound cheap when closing, the alignment and gaps are perfect. They just resonante when closing.
I did search it and found that I am not the "Lone Ranger" about the sound of the doors. I understand several people have added Dynomat to their doors with some success.
I will explore all the options for no drone and invite any advise from those who have been successful eliminating the dreaded exhaust drone.

[ZStig]

996tt to a z4m eh? Usually its the other way around. Don't worry you can still boost a Z4M

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by horsepowerfarm

I have been driving Porsches forever, the UUC short shift on this car is better than any Porsche I have driven in recent memory. The doors sound cheap when closing, the alignment and gaps are perfect. They just resonante when closing.
I did search it and found that I am not the "Lone Ranger" about the sound of the doors. I understand several people have added Dynomat to their doors with some success.
I will explore all the options for no drone and invite any advise from those who have been successful eliminating the dreaded exhaust drone.

I have the Remus cans on mine and they are excellent. No drone at all and a nice growl. Just what I was looking for.

[Vanne]

Failing that, some peeps actually prefer the stock cans.. And yeah I recon they sound pretty good for stock, and probably best of all, no (or not much) drone.

Btw, welcome to the frey. pics of hour car and mods or it didn't happen. ; )

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by chickdr

I have the Remus cans on mine and they are excellent. No drone at all and a nice growl. Just what I was looking for.

Perfect and recommended exhaust (Remus sport) for the desired application. The headers kick things up already a bit, and paired with the Remus sport, I think it will sound great!

[Steenos]

Did a group buy for Stromung and they have a fantastic sound. Added DKF section one and I was fearful of more drone but I haven't noticed much.

I highly recommend Stromung.

[ricanbandit]

Originally Posted by Steenos

Did a group buy for Stromung and they have a fantastic sound. Added DKF section one and I was fearful of more drone but I haven't noticed much.

I highly recommend Stromung.

+1, love mine. Not too loud, but the car sounds like a sports car. The OEM cans made it sound like a camry. My biggest disappointment when I purchased this car was the moment I started it up. I was so bummed that it sounded like that. That was changed rather quickly I hope you enjoy your ride, sounds like a great car with some cool mods

[Blind32]

Welcome! Glad to see another Z4M in Texas!
Keep an eye open for the BMWCCA Events at CoTA next year.

[angelr]

Did you just purchase this car out of Orlando? I know the car and the previous two owners if so and saw it just before it left for it's trip to you.

Switch out the tires and throw in a pair of resonators and you'll likely rid it of 90% of the noise.

[Barryb97]

I agree on the doors. It's not a solid thud it's more of a mechanical clunk. When I first got my car I thought something was wrong. Don't notice it much now.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by Barryb97

I agree on the doors. It's not a solid thud it's more of a mechanical clunk. When I first got my car I thought something was wrong. Don't notice it much now.

They fixed that on the current E89 version and used a properly upscale interior. While some would argue that this is the extent of what they got right, I think that's being needlessly harsh to our Z4 kid brother.

[RADRACR]

Yes the doors suck.
I can't comment on the drone, as I love my Rogue Engineering Diablos. But I swear they've gotten a little quieter since new.

[horsepowerfarm]

Yes, I did buy it out of Orlando. I put it up in the air today and found the exhaust system at the X-pipe was loose and missing a bolt. Plus the check engine light was on for a lean condition P2096 and P2098. It also has P2196 Stuck rich Bank 1 sensor 1. Additionally, it had P0041 bank 1 sensor 2 was swapped with bank 2 sensor 2. It is a little better drone wise and the CEL is now off. Now, if I can just get the readiness codes up it can pass the Texas smog test. As for the tires, they are near new Michelin's so I will have to wear them out.

[Twisted Six]

Welcome to the board !! You've started off with a very well liked color combo and modifications list. Miles ahead in many ways.

PLease post up some pix when you can.

[dubsesd]

Congrats. Post some pics when u get a chance

[F360C]

Originally Posted by horsepowerfarm

Yes, I did buy it out of Orlando. I put it up in the air today and found the exhaust system at the X-pipe was loose and missing a bolt. Plus the check engine light was on for a lean condition P2096 and P2098. It also has P2196 Stuck rich Bank 1 sensor 1. Additionally, it had P0041 bank 1 sensor 2 was swapped with bank 2 sensor 2. It is a little better drone wise and the CEL is now off. Now, if I can just get the readiness codes up it can pass the Texas smog test. As for the tires, they are near new Michelin's so I will have to wear them out.

Welcome! So envious of your Touareg V10... I wanted one so bad but couldn't find the right combo when I need to purchase a new tow vehicle. Ended up getting a 2013 Touareg TDi. Great motor motor but I still long for that V10 TDi goodness!

Based off some of the codes your setting you might want to check and see if this car has aftermarket headers. The swapped o2 sensor code makes me think it either has headers or the guy had headers and then swapped the stock ones back in.

Which readiness codes are not setting?

[DanFromTucson]

Welcome! It's great to hear there's another M Coupe in town. We all need to get together at the next Cars & Coffee or something similar.

[horsepowerfarm]

Wow! All of you guys are great thanks for the warm welcome. Thanks also for the compliments on the color and mods.
I'll get on a real computer and post some pictures. My iPad doesn't like to upload pictures to Zpost for some unknown reason.
The Touareg V10 is the best vehicle I have ever owned hands down, not quite as fast as the Cayenne Turbo I had before, but it has enormous power, super quiet. the handling is great with lowering links, Cayenne Turbo anti roll bars, the 20" Oz wheels with 315/35zr 20 Bridgestones.
Thanks again, Zpost maybe as much fun as Rennlist!