Matt from OG picks up an E46 M3

[Thoglan]

Also a stock euro M3.

https://youtu.be/5DSb_2cAi5Q?t=116

I think that is a fairly representative idea of the sound. You always lose some depth on video though. But if that is "simply awful noise" as you say then this is probably just another example of the divisiveness of the s54 rasp.

[jet_dogg]

Tell us more.

[tnord]

Still waiting for tnord to clarify if he really believes the E46 M3 was first sold without any cats.

what, do you think you're being clever or something?

yes, I know the euro cars had cats. and I also know they all sounded like dog shit stock. I don't buy the thinner walled metal CSL silliness. But even if it is, they still got it completely wrong.

stock euro M3.

https://youtu.be/O3ONud_4n0A?t=846

simply awful noise.

[jet_dogg]

I for one am tired of quiet exhaust so I will be going in the opposite direction like the old days.

[Thoglan]

old///MFanatic Yeah so to be clear, my initial point was that video in general is not normally representative of how they sound. I added that it doesn't help that it is from 15 years ago you decided to nitpick on that for some reason. I never said that it sounded different because it was from 15 years ago. As good as topgear was in period, recording tech has moved a long way since and even now car sound is one of the hardest things to accurately represent in audio. A modern clip, probably isn't even totally representative of what a CSL sounds like in person.

Again all that being said, like you say. Subjective. Personally I just found I've been there done that with the aftermarket stuff, and after doing the rounds I ended up right back where I started with the stock system because I believe they had it right. Anyone is free to disagree, because that definitely seems to be a controversial take

[old///MFanatic]

If you're suggesting that recording equipment hasn't improved over the last 15 years even for a tv crew then you are mistaken. But even then I don't believe video captures the sound of our cars in particular very well.

With respect if you’re suggesting that 15 years ago the ability to record a cars engine/exhaust system was so archaic it could not achieve a real representative recording by the world’s largest car show then you’re mistaken. Must be your speakers or internet speed. Top Gear was one of the first High Definition shows and sounds are pretty spot on, especially on a home sound system. Your experience may be different, that’s fine. I wasn’t sure if you had some tangible reason for statement. Was curious what it was. I’ll leave it at that, all good.

Agreed sounds appeal is all subjective. 👍🏻

[Toby22]

I get stock is not ideal, but definetly not as bad as he was claiming to be.

Depends who’s behind the wheel. Many of us don’t own GT3 RS and GT4, his perspective may be different. He said he’s in it for build progressions, not driving thrills

I like seeing honest reviews on our cars from other’s perspectives, positive or negative. Even Matt Farrah’s take was entertaining to me

[Thoglan]

Curious why does the time matter how long ago it was recorded. One would expect Top Gear’s sound/editing department that has won awards to be better than most anything put out by public on YouTube.
It’s pretty much a core necessity they capture true engine and exhaust sounds one would hear.

If you're suggesting that recording equipment hasn't improved over the last 15 years even for a tv crew then you are mistaken. But even then I don't believe video captures the sound of our cars in particular very well. I was very surprised the first time I heard an M3 in person because it sounded nothing like what I had expected from videos. Similar story here with the CSL.

It's all besides the point though really. If someone doesn't like the characteristic noise of the M3 then they probably won't like the factory exhaust. All subjective at the end of the day.

[old///MFanatic]

Pretty hard to judge the sound from a video, let alone a 15 year old one.

Curious why does the time matter how long ago it was recorded. One would expect Top Gear’s sound/editing department that has won awards to be better than most anything put out by public on YouTube.
It’s pretty much a core necessity they capture true engine and exhaust sounds one would hear.

[Thoglan]

bone stock CSL from the Top Gear video. You'll notice they cut the video clip almost every time before the car goes past the camera and you can hear the exhaust, except for here.

https://youtu.be/vX3GsS88zWo?t=433

still sounds like a kazoo.

Pretty hard to judge the sound from a video, let alone a 15 year old one. A lot of the depth in the exhuast note is lost. Not what they sound like in person in nh experience.

Important to note that the CSL definitely has a bit more rasp than the normal system due to the thinner walled exhuast. Hence my preference with my own car is the euro exhaust + airbox.

[jet_dogg]

I understand how it works. I was responding to a post that mentioned the airbox.

But I also acknowledge that many enthusiasts prefer a bit more volume than the stock exhaust offers, which complicates things and adds significant cost. I think you're also WAY discounting the costs of your items above. Quality parts and qualified labor is far more expensive than what you've provided.

butt-hurt nation really showing out in this thread because somebody said they didn't like their car in stock form. who cares.

What do you think about the rasp?

[lvm3sm46]

Why did he buy a car that he doesn't like? Thats how he is coming across. He seems so bummed out about it. I cant watch him.

[liam821]

I watched a lot of his older videos like the 1m build and can normally deal with his negativity/OCD, but him reviewing the E46 m3 is just so grating. It's great for him to buy any car he wants and build it to spec, but have some gratefulness to your life rather than complaining. I get stock is not ideal, but definetly not as bad as he was claiming to be.

Totally agree. I've never gotten in a stock m3 and hated the experience. But to Matt's defense, I think he is more talking about the driving experience he is looking for (a tuner car if you will) and the m3 obviously lacks that in stock form. With that said, he could have been a bit less pedantic.

[usdmej]

On a positive note, Matt seems to not accept subpar, to a very extensive extent.

i'd like to believe that but he's worn Rogue apparel for years but his belly continues to expand

[Chas3n]

a lot of people here like to give him a pass on his personality because he has OCD.

but really it's probably his narcissism that rubs people the wrong way

On a positive note, Matt seems to not accept subpar, to a very extensive extent. I can greatly appreciate that type of personality, however I also can’t watch his personality on screen. It is in deed cringe