S54 Intake Sound Question/Debate

[jpy1980]

Just another point of reference for anyone hemming and hawing on getting the CSL intake, if you have the disposable income, do it. I just got my karb box installed and I was hemming and hawing for months as I thought my K&N intake was enough, but it’s not.

i have a convertible and with the top down and driving on the freeway, my K&N intake on a rev match 4th to 3rd gear would sound good be but be drowned out by freeway/engine noises. With the CSL box, you hear this glorious, deep, guttural bark that makes your body tingle. Then the intake sings like a sonorous baritone all the way to redline. After getting the intake installed, I think I mainly above 4-5k rpm the whole drive home hahah. I bet everyone on the freeway thought I was trying to race them when in actuality I just kept wanting to hear the intake. And forgetabout going under bridges. Man I was downshifting like crazy prior to a bridge underpass so I could floor it. First time I ever felt that this car needed to rev to 10k haha. Good thing I did my RB and Vanos and maintenance recently because I’m driving the car hard now.

anyways TLDR you have the money then do it. If you dont and are keeping the car awhile, save up instead and get a csl box. Better yet, get a convertible and the csl box. It’s amazing!

Ok rant over, carry on.

Julian.

[old///MFanatic]

You're correct, but they both serve the same purpose, artificial noise w/ no real gain in power. I guess some people prefer this, for me, I went the CSL route and working my way to installing it soon.

Not only no power gain, but can’t see how something that adds another orifice in the intake elbow doesn’t add turbulence. Thus hindering optimal air flow performance.

[WestBankM4]

Aren't those Simulated Sound generators? I believe the mod here is piping in real noise right?

You're correct, but they both serve the same purpose, artificial noise w/ no real gain in power. I guess some people prefer this, for me, I went the CSL route and working my way to installing it soon.

[jayjaya29]

If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay

350 Euros on 1-21-24

[maupineda]

This is how it sounds

karb OE style plenum + Eventuri + Sound Generator

it still has the foam in the pipe to the dash, if removed, sounds louder.

https://youtube.com/shorts/fpJopJ7H8Hw?feature=shared

[maupineda]

Is not the same as the Z4 part, but is an official BMW item

[elrichmeister]

On my previous F-series platforms, I've removed two sound generators (via speakers) and here we are with the E46 M3 chassis adding it?! What's going on haha.

Aren't those Simulated Sound generators? I believe the mod here is piping in real noise right?

[WestBankM4]

On my previous F-series platforms, I've removed two sound generators (via speakers) and here we are with the E46 M3 chassis adding it?! What's going on haha.

[old///MFanatic]

Where are you guys buying this sound generator? From the ones I’ve tried to find online, the guy never posts a link and just posts YouTube videos and reviews on it but no link. Also since it’s from Europe somewhere makes me skeptical on purchasing esp since it’s still $300 or so

I may be completely off but isn’t this just the factory Z4 part with a different hose and grommet?
The bmw sound generator is still available, just need hose, clamp and grommets??
p/n 13747514863

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-sound-generator-13747514863

[jpy1980]

I sent him a message on WhatsApp. He typically takes a day to respond. +4915206033208

If you dont mind me asking, how much did you pay

[jayjaya29]

Where are you guys buying this sound generator? From the ones I’ve tried to find online, the guy never posts a link and just posts YouTube videos and reviews on it but no link. Also since it’s from Europe somewhere makes me skeptical on purchasing esp since it’s still $300 or so

I sent him a message on WhatsApp. He typically takes a day to respond. +4915206033208

[jpy1980]

Where are you guys buying this sound generator? From the ones I’ve tried to find online, the guy never posts a link and just posts YouTube videos and reviews on it but no link. Also since it’s from Europe somewhere makes me skeptical on purchasing esp since it’s still $300 or so

[jayjaya29]

Single hot GA man with sound generator, might be worth checking out in person

It definitely ain't a CSL box sound wise but it is a nice way to hear the intake better. Slide in my DMs if you want to hear in person.

[inlinesix123]

I recently installed the sound generator on my E46 M3. Been very happy with the sound it makes. The guy doesnt have any written instructions for the install but its pretty self explanatory. It is a tight fit to get the modified elbow into place between the maf and opening of the airbox.

Single hot GA man with sound generator, might be worth checking out in person

[jayjaya29]

I recently installed the sound generator on my E46 M3. Been very happy with the sound it makes. The guy doesnt have any written instructions for the install but its pretty self explanatory. It is a tight fit to get the modified elbow into place between the maf and opening of the airbox.