ARMA SPEED
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum > BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 Forum > BMW M3 (F80) and BMW M4 (F82) General Forum

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-10-2021, 09:32 PM   #1
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Cabin noise on the F80 M3

Hey guys, I've always wanted a F80 M3 since I sold my 335i, but life hit me and it never eneded up happening. I'll soon be in the financial position to pick one up and now I'm faced with another issue, my ears. I had an accident (also many years of abuse) that left me with pretty bad Tinnitus and some hyperacusis. My ears have since healed pretty well but its been a rocky road and many years later. They are still far from where they used to be and basically the quieter the better is how I live my life most days. I feel this has to be said to avoid the comments about this car "not being for me".

With that being said, how loud is the F80 compared to other vehicles out there like the F30 chasis, E90 335 or likewise? Is this car loud over expansion joints or rough roads? How about freeway cruising for a while? I know I'll just have to take one for a spin this spring and see how it goes but id like to head from other long term owners! From what I've been reading it sounds like they stripped a lot of sound deadening from the F80 M3.
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2021, 10:13 PM   #2
Nativetexan
First Lieutenant
304
Rep
343
Posts

Drives: %C2%9118 F80 ZCP
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by natedog7700 View Post
Hey guys, I've always wanted a F80 M3 since I sold my 335i, but life hit me and it never eneded up happening. I'll soon be in the financial position to pick one up and now I'm faced with another issue, my ears. I had an accident (also many years of abuse) that left me with pretty bad Tinnitus and some hyperacusis. My ears have since healed pretty well but its been a rocky road and many years later. They are still far from where they used to be and basically the quieter the better is how I live my life most days. I feel this has to be said to avoid the comments about this car "not being for me".

With that being said, how loud is the F80 compared to other vehicles out there like the F30 chasis, E90 335 or likewise? Is this car loud over expansion joints or rough roads? How about freeway cruising for a while? I know I'll just have to take one for a spin this spring and see how it goes but id like to head from other long term owners! From what I've been reading it sounds like they stripped a lot of sound deadening from the F80 M3.
I have an '18 comp with the carbon roof and it's not too loud just driving around normally. My young daughter does comment though that my car is noisier going down the highway than mom's car. And that's not me flooring it or from the exhaust. Just road noise in general.

I will say when it's raining fairly good I can't even carry on a phone conversation over the Bluetooth. That's happened a few times now for me.

Best of luck and health to you!
Appreciate 1
      01-10-2021, 10:33 PM   #3
N1rve
Racecar Driver
N1rve's Avatar
No_Country
1273
Rep
1,925
Posts

Drives: BMW M4
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Beverly Hills, California

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2019 BMW M4  [9.63]
The F80 is noticeably louder than an F30 in terms of road noise. Highly recommend finding some quiet tires like Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, these are the most quiet tires I could find that fit the F80.

Wind noise is something that attributes to interior noise when on the highway. I have a feeling this has something to do with the M Mirrors. Generally I have to put the Sound System to about 50% inorder to drown out the wind noise. If someone calls me, the wind noise isn't noticable and it's not too bad where I have to raise my voice to talk to someone next to me in the car.

Another thing that might cause an issue for you is the active sound in Sport/Sport+ mode which you can disable via coding. It pumps in fake exhaust noise into the car. Cold starts are pretty loud in Sport/Sport+ but if you drive it in mostly "efficient" mode, it's fairly quiet.

So in your situation, these are probably the things I would watch out for and the solutions for them.
__________________
N1rve

2019 BMW ///M4 - Alpine White | Sakhir Orange/Black Leather | M-DCT | Executive Package | 19" Black 437M Wheels | Carbon Fiber Trim | Sunroof | Active Blind Spot | Heated Steering Wheel | Adaptive M Suspension
Appreciate 1
      01-10-2021, 10:36 PM   #4
Carguy1994
ooooooooo
Carguy1994's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
302
Posts

Drives: BMW M3 2018
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Anaheim CA

iTrader: (1)

My whole cabin squeaks, especially going through bumps and while turning. But not really an outside noise.
__________________
- 2018 F80 M3
- 2019 FORD RAPTOR
Appreciate 1
      01-10-2021, 11:59 PM   #5
65fastback
Captain
65fastback's Avatar
1133
Rep
820
Posts

Drives: every day
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: seattle

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by natedog7700 View Post
Hey guys, I've always wanted a F80 M3 since I sold my 335i, but life hit me and it never eneded up happening. I'll soon be in the financial position to pick one up and now I'm faced with another issue, my ears. I had an accident (also many years of abuse) that left me with pretty bad Tinnitus and some hyperacusis. My ears have since healed pretty well but its been a rocky road and many years later. They are still far from where they used to be and basically the quieter the better is how I live my life most days. I feel this has to be said to avoid the comments about this car "not being for me".

With that being said, how loud is the F80 compared to other vehicles out there like the F30 chasis, E90 335 or likewise? Is this car loud over expansion joints or rough roads? How about freeway cruising for a while? I know I'll just have to take one for a spin this spring and see how it goes but id like to head from other long term owners! From what I've been reading it sounds like they stripped a lot of sound deadening from the F80 M3.

The amount of road noise is subjective so you will get lots of different opinions. I have a bit of tinnitus ( been a musician for MANY years ) so I get what you are asking & how sound can be a issue.

One thing is for sure...it is a FIRM ride ( which I like ) and not quiet on freeways or bad surfaces and has more road noise than my E92 m3 and e93 328i and FAR more noise that my 2013 550i of course.

I have two sets of 20" wheels for my F82 and really want to try some 19's or even 18's I am sure more sidewall will quiet it down and soften it up quite a bit. This could be your ticket if you but a F8X.

C7 corvette's have more road noise though. This I know for a fact I owned 2 C7's

I will say the amount of road noise my F82 makes does not bother me or cause any fatigue even on longer drives, I am used to it.
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 05:13 AM   #6
swagon
Major General
swagon's Avatar
No_Country
13483
Rep
8,148
Posts

Drives: F80 6MT
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: .

iTrader: (0)

Delete Active Sound Design and the noise levels will go down noticeably. It was stupidly loud in Sport mode.
__________________
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 07:17 AM   #7
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

As some what noted above, the 19s are probably quieter and the tire choice/age can make a difference.

I run the 19s in summer (PSS) and 18s (PA4) in winter and I would say the only noise I really have is the active sound (and cold start).

Very quiet car.
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 08:57 AM   #8
spuntyb
Brigadier General
spuntyb's Avatar
United_States
4052
Rep
4,976
Posts

Drives: 2019 F90 Competition
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quite a bit louder than my F30 335, in all settings and situations. Switching to PS4S tires helped, but still loud-ish. Doesn't bother me one bit, but ymmv
__________________
<b>2023 M5C SRG|Aragon || 2018 Macan GTS</b>

2019 F90 Comp MBB|Black (sold)
2018 F80 ZCP TB|SS (sold)
2015 F30 335 AW|CR (sold)
2015 F31 MG|CR (sold)
2011 E90 JB|Oyster (sold)
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 10:23 AM   #9
uncle ben
Captain
uncle ben's Avatar
Canada
293
Rep
622
Posts

Drives: 06 330i
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Edmonton

iTrader: (0)

I came from a e90 330 with the 18” sport package. The m3 with active suspension and 19” wheels with continental tires is significantly louder than my 330. Road noise and wind noise are quite loud at moderate highway speed.
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 10:54 AM   #10
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nativetexan View Post
I have an '18 comp with the carbon roof and it's not too loud just driving around normally. My young daughter does comment though that my car is noisier going down the highway than mom's car. And that's not me flooring it or from the exhaust. Just road noise in general.

I will say when it's raining fairly good I can't even carry on a phone conversation over the Bluetooth. That's happened a few times now for me.

Best of luck and health to you!
Good point on the rain, I could imagine it being quite loud with the carbon roof!
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 10:54 AM   #11
AlmondJayRoM3
Captain
467
Rep
613
Posts

Drives: 2016 M3
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

iTrader: (0)

From the drivers seat it doesn’t seem bad. Ride in the back seats and you do notice that road noise is significantly louder compared to the F30.
Appreciate 2
      01-11-2021, 10:57 AM   #12
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Im assuming the Comp pack is a bit noisier as well, anyone have experience between the two?
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 11:03 AM   #13
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by doug_999 View Post
As some what noted above, the 19s are probably quieter and the tire choice/age can make a difference.

I run the 19s in summer (PSS) and 18s (PA4) in winter and I would say the only noise I really have is the active sound (and cold start).

Very quiet car.
Ill definitely keep that in mind, i remember my old RS3 Hankook's were humming pretty bad at the end of their life. The stock run flats however, were pretty consistent to the end.
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 11:19 AM   #14
nate704
New Member
United_States
24
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: F80
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: VA

iTrader: (0)

You might want to look at other choices other than high performance sedan which tends to be nosier in terms of road noise, suspension, wind noise, exhaust, intake, etc.
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 11:22 AM   #15
R N M
Colonel
R N M's Avatar
3620
Rep
2,048
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2016 BMW M3  [0.00]
It depends what your comparing it to.

The road noise is significant, you get creaks from the windows (rubber seals), you feel the bumps, engine/exhaust noise is much more noticeable on the highway compared to “regular” cars but is ok for most. My wife HATES driving in the M3 because of how uncomfortable it is.

My current one is Comp on 20s, previously I had non-comp on 19s which is a bit more comfortable due to more sidewall and less firm suspension.
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 03:40 PM   #16
kchan
Private First Class
38
Rep
129
Posts

Drives: 2018 F80 ZCP
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Fremont, CA

iTrader: (0)

I think you should definitely sit in one and test it out extensively. The noise did bother me a bit, and there are times it's hard to carry a conversation on the freeway on less smooth roads. At the end it didn't bother me enough, so I bought out my lease car.

I did a quick test, cruising on freeway at around 70 mph, the decibel meter on my iwatch is about 68-69 dB. Compare to my wife's new X5, it's much quieter (60dB). Yes you can guess I am an engineer =)

For your 335i, did it happen to have any M performance exhaust? I remember couple years ago, I tested the 335i or 340i at the BMW drive event, that exhaust was loud (well, similar to the M3).

I switch out from 20" rims to 19", it helped a little. Next I hope the Michelin MP4S tires will help too.
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 04:29 PM   #17
coxxoc
Private First Class
120
Rep
134
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 CP
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (1)

This car loud inside compared to most other vehicles. I’ve owned an X7, F150, Odyssey, Cayman, and BRZ (least to most interior sound) during the time I’ve owned the f80. Only the BRZ has more interior/road noise. Many F8X will also have noise from interior trim vibrations. Sound deadening material is not present in large quantity like on other BMWs. Light(er) weight sacrifices.

Michelin PS4S tires are both more comfortable and quieter than stock PSS if you still have those.
Appreciate 1
      01-11-2021, 06:48 PM   #18
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kchan View Post
I think you should definitely sit in one and test it out extensively. The noise did bother me a bit, and there are times it's hard to carry a conversation on the freeway on less smooth roads. At the end it didn't bother me enough, so I bought out my lease car.

I did a quick test, cruising on freeway at around 70 mph, the decibel meter on my iwatch is about 68-69 dB. Compare to my wife's new X5, it's much quieter (60dB). Yes you can guess I am an engineer =)

For your 335i, did it happen to have any M performance exhaust? I remember couple years ago, I tested the 335i or 340i at the BMW drive event, that exhaust was loud (well, similar to the M3).

I switch out from 20" rims to 19", it helped a little. Next I hope the Michelin MP4S tires will help too.
Good to know, i kind of wonder how accurate the decibel apps are. My decibel meter shows roughly 69-70 decibels at a 70mph cruise, 07 Camry. That noise level is fine for me, can do it all day long. Do you have the active noise disabled? That would be the first thing i would do, and swap to 18's if i end up with 19's.

My 335 was actually pretty quiet when i first got it, always had the stock exhaust on it, non M. It got a bit noisier when i put the RS3 Hankook's on it, and went from a 225, to a 255 square set up. Towards the end when they were worn, they hummed pretty bad. It got quite annoying.

Last edited by natedog7700; 01-11-2021 at 06:53 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 06:58 PM   #19
natedog7700
Captain
natedog7700's Avatar
649
Rep
780
Posts

Drives: 07 335i RB's 625whp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: milwaukee wi

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by coxxoc View Post
This car loud inside compared to most other vehicles. I’ve owned an X7, F150, Odyssey, Cayman, and BRZ (least to most interior sound) during the time I’ve owned the f80. Only the BRZ has more interior/road noise. Many F8X will also have noise from interior trim vibrations. Sound deadening material is not present in large quantity like on other BMWs. Light(er) weight sacrifices.

Michelin PS4S tires are both more comfortable and quieter than stock PSS if you still have those.
I currently own a 370Z (rough on my ears for longer trips) and i wonder what the comparison would be like from your BRZ. They're in a similar class, and more of a raw driving experience. I love the car and what it stands for, but its a bit rough for me these days.

Last edited by natedog7700; 01-11-2021 at 08:09 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 07:43 PM   #20
doug_999
Brigadier General
doug_999's Avatar
2539
Rep
3,967
Posts

Drives: 2011 1M/2021 992/2023 X3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nate704 View Post
You might want to look at other choices other than high performance sedan which tends to be nosier in terms of road noise, suspension, wind noise, exhaust, intake, etc.
Well, the reason BMW is now pumping sound into their cars is because they are too quiet. So I don't think the "avoid performance sedans" works today.
__________________
2011 1M, Black loaded sans sat radio
2021 911 C4S Gentian Blue, manual
2023 X3 M40i - loaded sans Park Assist
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 07:54 PM   #21
kumkeet
Private
45
Rep
85
Posts

Drives: M3 F80 Dakar Yellow II
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Singapore

iTrader: (0)

treasure and cherish the exhaust note, humming, droning and whatever other sounds you hear now.

When we are forced to drive electric cars, it will be dead boring.
Appreciate 0
      01-11-2021, 08:33 PM   #22
Suds
/M Enthusiast
Suds's Avatar
United_States
1596
Rep
1,617
Posts

Drives: Responsiblish
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Lone Star State

iTrader: (1)

F82 is loud inside depending on road surface and tires.
I mean really loud at times, I’ve had to explain the road noise to passengers.
Buy a cushy Lexus and be happy.
__________________
2019 M2 Comp, Alpine White, DCT, track car build, 1/2 cage, AP Racing Brakes & Nitron Coilovers, BM3 Stage 1 93 Oct.
2018 Porsche Cayman GTS, Night Blue Metalic, PDK, COBB tuned 93 Oct.
2004 Audi A4 Avant USP 6mt, RS4 clutch, built motor, Garrett GT3071r "Big Ass Turbo" Motoza Tune
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:49 PM.




f80post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST