Best sound for money?

[sbottum622]

Whats the cheapest way to get a better growl? Sound generator sadly already gone... 2006 3.0i

[chickdr]

Either a CAI or exhaust.

[Huz-Z]

Buy a big dog.

[sbottum622]

^^^HAHAHA, I'm content with my small dog...

[yousefnjr]

When you say sound generator already gone, do you mean you removed it or that you took out the foam?

[sbottum622]

The entire sound generator was removed by a previous owner....

[unluky]

That could make a huge difference. I pulled 1 piece of foam (has 2) out of my 04 3.0 Sport sound generator and I was startled by how loud it was. I can't even imagine it with both out. It literally startled me when I nailed it the first time above 4K. I cut the foam piece in 1/2 (I took out the one closest to the cabin and that is the one I cut) and put 1/2 of it back and it is just right for me. Still sounds just the same when poking around, but past 3/4 throttle above 4K rpms and it really growls much more aggressively then stock. People have mentioned it without prompting a few times. Only hear it in the cabin though.

[yousefnjr]

I think you can buy a replacement for around $100, and it's really goddamn loud if you take out the foam pieces. Too loud with both pieces removed, I remember feeling like my windshield was vibrating in my old 3.0. One foam piece removed is just right.

[sbottum622]

How hard is it to install?

And what does it actually do?

[m3griff]

Easy to install. It's basically a plastic pipe that connects the intake with the firewall. It simply transmit sound directly to the cabin. Without the foam it is really loud. But you can move the foam or reduce it to get the level you like. Without the plastic tube there is less noise.

[pelerojo]

I do not think my 06 Z4M has one. Anyone know why that is? Do all the other models/years have them?

[unluky]

M's do not have them as they growl enough already!

[papak]

Is the '08 E86 plumbed the same as the '04? I'd like to try removing some of the foam from the sound generator before I move to exhaust system changes. I see the duct on my firewall but I can't find an expanded diagram online to show the foam insert.

[pungo]

I played with removing different foam pieces from the sound generator. In my opinion, it gave more noise, but the noise just made it sound like something was wrong with the car. I tried it for a week and put it back to stock.

I think the best increase in sound (growl) is going to be from an aftermarket exhaust. Sorry, but I don't have any experience with an exhaust for a 3.0.

[Finnegan]

Similar discussion starting here on exhaust options. http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1009844

[yousefnjr]

Not sure why the M doesn't get it from the factory, if it was loud enough as-is then there wouldn't be so many people putting on intakes

Noise is from induction, so adding an exhaust isn't the same. Intake may or may not be louder, but removing the foam is free and takes 2 minutes.

The M has the hole in the firewall for the pipe, they just plug it with a piece of carpeting. It's not hard to install one onto the M, but it's definitely a custom job.

[sbottum622]

Does anyone have a link to the part?

[Steeler]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...73&hg=13&fg=20

[ZStig]

AFE cold air intake. great growl

[papak]

Thanks.

[unluky]

Super easy, just grab the tube near the firewall and pull it out. Takes a little pulling, but it will come. On mine the grommet came out with it, but it was 10 seconds to put it back in and then the tube just pops right back into it after you remove some foam.

[sbottum622]

Where can I actually buy the part though? Not sure I wanna go to dealer...