Exhaust sound - M3 compared to C63S

[littletiger]

Jus test drove both M3 (w/o competition pack) and C63S. Not going to debate which car is better etc but I really like the feel of M3. The only issue I have with M3 is the stock exhaust. It sounds ok but not as loud as C63S (obviously the exhaust control on C63S is a bonus). I am not thinking of doing after market upgrade.

Before I make a decision, I just want to check if the perception I have with M3 stock exhaust has anything to do with the environment when I drove the car. I drove M3 in the countryside with wide open roads, which may not help the exhaust sound while I tested C63S in a city centre with lots of buildings around, which may help the exhaust sound. In addition, it seems C63S has more apparent “burbling” when changing the gear down. Is it fair to say stock M3 exhaust have a score of 10, for example, competition pack would increase it to 12 (according the sales person), C63S/C63 probably around 12-13 level (this is just my feeling)?

Thanks for your input in advance.

[RickFLM4]

The C63S has a V-8 and the sound is one of its strongest features. They are not going to sound the same or close to it IMO.

[///M-er-gized]

Stock exhaust sounds much better when the valves are open.

I bought this.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

Big improvement for only $279. Easy to install. Makes stock exhaust sound better.

You can also shut off active sound with this as well.

Definitely worth it.

[dr.mba]

Stock exhaust is shit. Also as others mentioned there's no circumventing the difference in cylinders. A V6 can never sound as good as a V8 no matter what exhaust you put on it. However I would urge you to find one with the M performance titanium exhaust I think you will be able to ignore the difference between the two cars if you have it, to me it becomes less of an issue. As others also mentioned, the active sound makes it sound artificial and if you disable it you'll have better note appreciation. CP cars have more burble since their throttling is different and apparently there's some minor changes on the exhaust internally (yet to be verified). They also don't have active sound (disabled from factory)

M

[Jojipoji]

To me the stock with always open exhaust valves was very droney. Esp in lower rpms just cruising. It wasn't a pleasurable note just loud and a bit of drone.

I have heard the f80 with after market exhausts and it sounds a lot better. If you like the feel of the m except for exhaust get the m. Doesn't make sense to spend 10k+ and drive a car you like the feel less of. Just throw an aftermarket muffler it won't void the warranty...

Originally Posted by ///M-er-gized

Stock exhaust sounds much better when the valves are open.

I bought this.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

Big improvement for only $279. Easy to install. Makes stock exhaust sound better.

You can also shut off active sound with this as well.

Definitely worth it.

[docmfg]

I had have the CG valve controller installed and yes exhaust sounds throatier. My friend has the comp package and that sounds way better. I had a normally aspirated c63 and sound wise the M3/4 has no chance against it. Turning off ASD helps also.

[///M-er-gized]

Originally Posted by Jojipoji

To me the stock with always open exhaust valves was very droney. Esp in lower rpms just cruising. It wasn't a pleasurable note just loud and a bit of drone.

I have heard the f80 with after market exhausts and it sounds a lot better. If you like the feel of the m except for exhaust get the m. Doesn't make sense to spend 10k+ and drive a car you like the feel less of. Just throw an aftermarket muffler it won't void the warranty...

I don't know what you mean by droney. I think it sounds great. Big improvement. It's not going to be as good as an aftermarket exhaust system, but it's definitely much better than stock.

[Acturater]

Just a quick audio clip I captured as I was testing out the mic yesterday. The video was lying on the seat but mic is by the tailpipes. Stock, non-ZCP, software 59.4 (some say it sounds more aggressive). It's no V8 but it doesn't sound bad to me...

[Sassicaia]

Simply check MPE when building and you will smile ever time you take off. If you only feel only V8s sound good then move on from the F8x because it never going to be that.

[Devilzmantis]

Check the MPE option or go with Competition Pack. The Comp Pack alone is loud and very good for stock. You will never get that roaring V8 and the AMG is known for its engine sound... so can't compare.

[littletiger]

thanks all! I personally like M3's handling very much, especially at corners. I just didn't pay attention to the exhaust sound of M3 during the test drive until I tried C63, which was noticably loud. In the end, the better handling wins in my opinion.

PS: the sound in the video above is very loud to me...

[AlexZTuned]

Originally Posted by Devilzmantis

Check the MPE option or go with Competition Pack. The Comp Pack alone is loud and very good for stock. You will never get that roaring V8 and the AMG is known for its engine sound... so can't compare.

Add the Comp Pack and throw on an MPE and you're looking at over 9 grand. Throw in a DCT, and you're around 12 grand in those options alone... you'll be at loaded C63S money at that point without even adding other options.

If sound is a big factor, the S55 will never satisfy - stock or not... aftermarket just makes it sound worse/louder/raspier IMO. The V8 will always win the sound (and power) contest. I've driven the M3, M4 and C63S several times - so I'm speaking from first hand experience, not YouTube videos.

[Sassicaia]

You dont need MPE and ZHP. Both sound good on their own. If sound is really the only deciding factor then check MPE and be done with it.

[bimmerj]

lol.

[bimmerj]

Originally Posted by Acturater

Just a quick audio clip I captured as I was testing out the mic yesterday. The video was lying on the seat but mic is by the tailpipes. Stock, non-ZCP, software 59.4 (some say it sounds more aggressive). It's no V8 but it doesn't sound bad to me...

The lol was supposed to be for here. Sorry about that.

[AM4ZING]

Buddies STOCK 4.0 V8
sounds years better than F8x

[RobbyMack]

When I'm out for my morning jog I generally see the guy in the neighborhood with the w205 amg. I always try to figure out what the big deal is with the exhaust sound and each time he passes me I sorta shrug my shoulders. Ive wondered if I'm just not close enough or have a bad angle. Alas I've decided it's much ado about nothing. Just my $0.02 YMMV.

[Devilzmantis]

Originally Posted by RobbyMack

When I'm out for my morning jog I generally see the guy in the neighborhood with the w205 amg. I always try to figure out what the big deal is with the exhaust sound and each time he passes me I sorta shrug my shoulders. Ive wondered if I'm just not close enough or have a bad angle. Alas I've decided it's much ado about nothing. Just my $0.02 YMMV.

It's the sound you hear driving in the cabin with the V8. You don't get that with a smaller engine. It sounds naturally better but the downside of it is you can't turn that noise off like you can with the exhaust flap. I love the sound of my E92 but once in awhile i do get annoyed when i really want some peace and quiet.

[RobbyMack]

I get that. I just don't think it sounds all that special. Now when a gt350 goes by I generally take notice.

[F80 ZCP]

Originally Posted by Devilzmantis

It's the sound you hear driving in the cabin with the V8. You don't get that with a smaller engine. It sounds naturally better but the downside of it is you can't turn that noise off like you can with the exhaust flap. I love the sound of my E92 but once in awhile i do get annoyed when i really want some peace and quiet.

The C63S that I test drove was equipped with sports exhaust. It has a button to turn off/on the flaps. I'm not sure why but the interior noise in my ZCP M3 (active sound coded off) is a lot louder as compared to the interior noise in the C63S.

[Devilzmantis]

Originally Posted by AngeloGabriel

The C63S that I test drove was equipped with sports exhaust. It has a button to turn off/on the flaps. I'm not sure why but the interior noise in my ZCP M3 (active sound coded off) is a lot louder as compared to the interior noise in the C63S.

wow, I guess the Merc AMG wants to keep that luxury edge so cabin is more insulated. I always thought the AMGs were always V8 loud muscle monsters.

[CaryTheLabelGuy]

Originally Posted by dr.mba

Stock exhaust is shit. Also as others mentioned there's no circumventing the difference in cylinders. A V6 can never sound as good as a V8 no matter what exhaust you put on it. However I would urge you to find one with the M performance titanium exhaust I think you will be able to ignore the difference between the two cars if you have it, to me it becomes less of an issue. As others also mentioned, the active sound makes it sound artificial and if you disable it you'll have better note appreciation. CP cars have more burble since their throttling is different and apparently there's some minor changes on the exhaust internally (yet to be verified). They also don't have active sound (disabled from factory)

M

Few corrections:

1. The F8x S55 is a twin-turbo L6, not a V6
2. The Competition Package's M Sports Exhauat does indeed have a different back box and that has been verified. It also sounds much improved over the non-ZCP's exhaust (louder/deeper/more refined/less rasp).
3. The ZCP's aggressive overrun "burble" is in the tuning of said overrun

You are correct about turning off ASD. With it off, you can have a much better appreciation for exhaust note.