Sound Generator ???

[msere123]

I have seen the posts and pics for this DIY.
I have looked on my 2007 z4 3.0i and I do not hace a sound generator.
My air intake goes into an empty plastic box of sorts at the rear and the intake at the side. Am I missing something besides a brain. Help Please!!

[idlook2]

you don't have one. From what I've heard only 3.0's up to 05' have them and 3.0si (only 06-08) have them.

I just took one foam piece out last night and the drive to work this morning wasn't all that noticeable but i didn't rev it past 3.5K and I don't abuse a cold engine.

Btw, looked at some DIY's and they are over complicating the removal of the tube. I pulled the tube from the firewall and loosened the clamp at the other end and it came right off exposing both ends with the foam in it. Took me 5 minutes start to finish.

[v3.0si]

all z4's with the N52 had the sound generator. here is the 3.0i version...



it is very easy, less than 5 min. when you pull item (6) from the firewall, you'll see the 2nd foam piece hiding inside it. item (8) does not apply. reinstall (7) into the firewall before pressing (6) back in. the other side is just hose clamps.

[idlook2]

Originally Posted by idlook2

you don't have one. From what I've heard only 3.0's up to 05' have them and 3.0si (only 06-08) have them.

I just took one foam piece out last night and the drive to work this morning wasn't all that noticeable but i didn't rev it past 3.5K and I don't abuse a cold engine.

Btw, looked at some DIY's and they are over complicating the removal of the tube. I pulled the tube from the firewall and loosened the clamp at the other end and it came right off exposing both ends with the foam in it. Took me 5 minutes start to finish.

*update* Car sounds normal until you lay on the throttle past 3k rpm and it's awesome! Something this sports car should have came from the factory like. First off, the noise level is increased but it doesn't change the tone of the engine, which is a very good thing.

I had a loud exhaust that I loved on my E46 but sometimes I wish I could tone it down. So the foam delete is the best of both worlds to me, subtle deep sound driving normally then a sportier sound when driving aggressively. And I like the idea of not having a loud car to attracted unwanted attention.

[-c-]

Originally Posted by v3.0si

all z4's with the N52 had the sound generator. here is the 3.0i version...

Attachment 519235

it is very easy, less than 5 min. when you pull item (6) from the firewall, you'll see the 2nd foam piece hiding inside it. item (8) does not apply. reinstall (7) into the firewall before pressing (6) back in. the other side is just hose clamps.

Not correct all SI's with the n52 came with the sound generator, the 06 to 08 3.0i did not come with them as I had to retrofit it into my car.

It may have came with the sports package maybe but was not standard on the 3.0I n52

[MHeavNC]

Originally Posted by -c-

Not correct all SI's with the n52 came with the sound generator, the 06 to 08 3.0i did not come with them as I had to retrofit it into my car.

It may have came with the sports package maybe but was not standard on the 3.0I n52

It didn't come on the sport package on the 3.0i either..... Had to retrofit my 2007 3.0i
(sport/premium)

Here is a link and a pic.. Sound generator assembly is circled.....

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

[-c-]

Originally Posted by MHeavNC

It didn't come on the sport package on the 3.0i either..... Had to retrofit my 2007 3.0i
(sport/premium)

Here is a link and a pic.. Sound generator assembly is circled.....

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

thats what i thought

thanks for confirming.

[v3.0si]

Originally Posted by -c-

Not correct all SI's with the n52 came with the sound generator, the 06 to 08 3.0i did not come with them as I had to retrofit it into my car.

my apologies. i'll go home now.

[Spaceman Spiff]

This changes the sound level inside the cabin only, right? No difference outside?

[MHeavNC]

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

This changes the sound level inside the cabin only, right? No difference outside?

Yes, but it is a pronounced sound inside.. Intoxicating... Especially if you take one piece of foam out... I actually cut the foam pieces in half and only put 1/2 piece of foam back in at the sound generator.. Left the firewall foam piece out... Here is a video of a 2006 3.0i with the sound generator retrofitted.... This is not my car, but sounds similar with only half a piece of foam....

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by MHeavNC

Yes, but it is a pronounced sound inside.. Intoxicating... Especially if you take one piece of foam out... I actually cut the foam pieces in half and only put 1/2 piece of foam back in at the sound generator.. Left the firewall foam piece out... Here is a video of a 2006 3.0i with the sound generator retrofitted.... This is not my car, but sounds similar with only half a piece of foam....

That sounds really good. I am not sure my puny 2.5 would sound the same as the 3.0 though. It still is worth the $100 in parts.

[ozziezed]

I took out both peices on my 3.0i and i love it. much nicer growl when you stand on the go pedal

[bhoch]

Oh look.. another mod I need to do.. hmmm...

[fercho]

hey guys i have a 05 2.5i and I don't see it, can someone confirm if it comes with my car

[MHeavNC]

Dont think you have one... You would need this one for the M54 engine......

Link...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...99&hg=13&fg=20

You would need parts 1-7 from the link... You already have part #8 and it would be removed...

[nrgeniuz]

my 2.5i without foams

[fercho]

ok thanks!!!

[CFoote]

Do the M cars have this? I'm guessing no...

[Kim Schwartz]

I have an '07 3.0si with the sport package and it has one. I haven't tried removing the foam peices but I think that I will try it for fun. Does anyone else think it a bit ironic that BMW chose to add a piece of hardware to increase sound rather than omitting some of the sound deadening material?

[zkeeper]

In light of these postings, removed the firewall foam bit on my 08si. Easy to do as above...just pull aft end tube from firewall and undo clamps. Removed foam; rubber grommet came out with tube at the time byw. Re-installed grommet into firewall, and used some rubber grease to replace tube...it went in much easier and I did not risk pushing the grommet inside the firewall where it would be gooooone forever. Drove it, and honestly preferred the sound of the Stebro exhaust and was not enamored with the extra "woosh" of the air...too muscle car-ish for me. So went back and put foam back in and now am actually happier with quiet motor, and deep exhaust.

I think they added the sound generator, rather than take away sound deadening to avoid the Mustang, Camero thin metal and door sounds. The Bimmer and others are bit more quieted from road noise, and thats kind of nice...any less materials and car would be a bit "thin" sounding [mixed metaphor but you get the point].

[StigJ]

Here you can see the soundgenerator that I removed when I installed my AFE kit.
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=525601

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by CFoote

Do the M cars have this? I'm guessing no...

they don't need it