How quiet a ride is M3?

[RichF]

I'm about to buy an M3 Sedan. Was wondering how quiet the cabin is with the V8, when driving on city/suburban roads? I test drove the Coup, but was so in awe of the car, forgot to pay attention to the noise issue, if there is one. Thanks.

[DropItLow]

it's quiet below 3k...open the windows and it's another story...really, it's pure sex with the stock exhaust...aftermarket is the only time you sound like an exotic...well unless you mash the peddle and hit 5k+

[Rshane]

Their quietness depends on how hard you press on the loud pedal, which is a great thing. I loved how quiet my A5 was during highway cruising, but really missed hearing a nice exhaust roar when I wanted to have a little fun. I fixed that with an AWE exhaust, but then all I heard was exhaust which got really old on highway cruising...tons of drone.

I love the compromise of the M3. It has the slightest amount of drone at around 2000rpm, but nothing that really bothers me. But when I want to make the beast scream, people down the street notice.

[MVF4Rrider]

The car is best on 18" wheels. Lots of road noise on 19" and it's measurably more harsh.

[MVagustaf4/e93m3]

Too quiet in oem exhaust!!

[horsie]

Hi, just got my M3 sedan on 19" rim, now running Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozeros snow tires.

The cabin is pretty quiet below 3000 rpm, with little or no tire noise, exhaust or outside noise. The predominant sound is the roar of the V8 beast in front. It's not quiet like a non-M BMW. Try another test drive.

[Leonardo629]

My E90 330i was much quieter....

[Chowster]

It's all relative, Rurimaja. My E90 M3 is way noisier than my E60 535i. Obviously engine and exhaust sounds are very different, but the cabin insulation is way different too. I don't think anyone will say it's "too noisy" in normal city driving, especially <3500rpm. Once I hit >4k, my wife starts to say my car is too noisy. But I love it!

[OC3]

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

The car is best on 18" wheels. Lots of road noise on 19" and it's measurably more harsh.

Yep, on 18"/19".

[Leozap]

It's quiet. Do not modify the car when you buy it. Leave it the way it is.

[emthreeboy]

Its pretty darn quiet, compared to a stock C63 AMG's exhaust its night and day. I just got an aftermarket exhaust for mine and right now its about same as my buddy's STOCK C63 AMG. LOL.

[Rshane]

What it all comes down to, is some cars are supposed to be louder than others, the M3 is meant to be a bit louder than the normal 3 series. Personally, I like to have a little bit of noise when I step on the loud pedal.

[jonasaurus]

As others have said with windows up definitely very civilised and not really noticeable below 4K RPM other than a bit of sound coming from the V8. Post that is when it starts to liven up but even then the engine is the more predominant sound rather than the exhaust.

[Mr.Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Rurimaja30

I'm about to buy an M3 Sedan. Was wondering how quiet the cabin is with the V8, when driving on city/suburban roads? I test drove the Coup, but was so in awe of the car, forgot to pay attention to the noise issue, if there is one. Thanks.

Hi Rurimaja30,
Sounds like the noise level was not even a factor enough to distract you on your test drive. That's a good thing! You would not have forgotten if the car was simply too loud for your taste
My opinion is the M is quiet, regarldess of 18's or 19's.
When/If you change the exhaust, any part of the exhaust, you will amplify the cabin noise. My car went from quiet to "not quiet" when I changed the exhaust. But as it stands in OEM fashion, the M3 is quiet.
Good luck.

[ihyln]

tires and road surface will play a role as well. in general i find the e90 m3 to be a tad louder than the e39 530 I have. I also recently made a 200mile trip and I didn't feel beat up or tired afterwards. I love the car!

edit: full disclosure, I ride on 18s with Michelin PA2s for the winter and in the summer I use 20" Volk G2s, it's a little louder on summer tires but again, it's not a dealbreaker by any means.

[sameh]

I do understand that what you're looking for in a car may be different than what I or 98% of the M3 drivers on this forum but it seems that your car requirements may be met better on Lexus forum.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by sameh

I do understand that what you're looking for in a car may be different than what I or 98% of the M3 drivers on this forum but it seems that your car requirements may be met better on Lexus forum.

Here we go with the apparently obligatory "Buy a Lexus" post. He already said he was "In Awe" of the M3.

My advice would be get the M3. If it is not loud enough get a recording of a Nascar Cup Car or better still a Rahal Letterman ALMS M3 and keep it in the CD player. That way in case you ever pull up to a light next to a Lexus driver or some other inferior life form you will be able to blast the CD and demonstate that you have a "real sports car" and you are a "real enthusiast."

FWIW from my experience the M3 when driven conservatively is a very quiet.


CA

[radiantm3]

Everyone who rides in my car mentions how quiet and comfortable the car is in the cabin. Being their first time in an M3, they were expecting it to be noisy and stiff (suspension). The car truly has Jekyll and Hyde characteristics.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

Everyone who rides in my car mentions how quiet and comfortable the car is in the cabin. Being their first time in an M3, they were expecting it to be noisy and stiff (suspension). The car truly has Jekyll and Hyde characteristics.

That is truly the beauty of the car. In spite of its capabilities when it is not being pushed it is very civilized and docile.

From my experience the M3 is better at handling bumpy surfaces that the 328/335 with sport suspension and in normal driving is not noticably nosier.

Ca

[Rshane]

THis thread is making me miss summer so I can drive with my windows down....I guess it doesn't really matter since I am currently deployed anyways.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by captainaudio

From my experience the M3 is better at handling bumpy surfaces that the 328/335 with sport suspension and in normal driving is not noticably nosier.

This is true, though I'd probably blame run flats for most of that feel.

[captainaudio]

Originally Posted by radiantm3

This is true, though I'd probably blame run flats for most of that feel.

Part of it is certainly the fault of the RFTs. I wound up getting rid of the RFTs and insatlling Koni FSD shocks in order to elimintate the harshness and the bouncing around (and loss of grip) on bad surfaces.

The M3 had a firm ride, even on the softest setting, but does not get upset by or loose contact with the road surface driving over bumps anywhere near as easily as the 335i with Sport Suspension and RFTs does.

CA