Following a question from Spooks, a few details about this kit, which I recently fitted myself to my Z4MC.
Basically, I felt mildly underwhelmed by the engine note in stock trim. This was perhaps to be expected as the MC had just replaced an F355 Ferrari. I should perhaps point out that before that I had a Z3MC for five years and had been very happy with its engine note, especially in the first few months or so before it became "normal"!
I had waited a while to see if time would change how I felt, but was never 100% happy with the Z4 noise. So I started looking at exhaust options, but found that most systems either seemed too subtle in their effects, or else just resulted in extra VOLUME without nececssarily improving the character of the noise emitted.
It was then that someone on the Z4 forum mentioned his GruppeM kit and some sound clips suggested it could provide exactly what I was after - more character without a booming exhaust. Aside from the noise itself, I think the best part is that it makes itself heard exactly when you want it and not when you don't - ie under load, not when cruising on the motorway or taking it steady.
The change is to add a lovely depth to the low and mid-range, both in terms of the engine revs where it gives it's best and also that part of the frequency range it enhances. It reminds me a little of the bass/weight you get with a big American v8 like a 'vette (but a bit more subtle!) and comparisons have also been made with the CSL, with I believe uses a similar system (although I may have made that up!). Once you get into the higher rev range (5500-6000+), it becomes much less noticeable as the exhaust noise takes over the induction noise.
I have the sound clip which convinced me to go for it - if anyone is interested pm me.
I am not the most spanner-handy so I was pretty chuffed to have done the fitting myself, but it was reasonably straightforward once the Japanese instructions had been deciphered!
Other side effects include an additional urgency on throttle application, which feels like a few extra horses but could simply be better throttle response.
It's only been on a month or so so still lots of exploring to do, suffice to say I am extemely happy with the results!
This is not a cheap mod at around £900 without fitting (marginally cheaper for S50 and S54 Z3Ms). Cheaper alterantives are available such as Simota, but having heard the Gruppe I found exactly the sound I was after.
I got mine here .... I am in no way affiliated with the manufacturer or seller - just a very happy customer!!
In situ:
Cheers
Ben
Basically, I felt mildly underwhelmed by the engine note in stock trim. This was perhaps to be expected as the MC had just replaced an F355 Ferrari. I should perhaps point out that before that I had a Z3MC for five years and had been very happy with its engine note, especially in the first few months or so before it became "normal"!
I had waited a while to see if time would change how I felt, but was never 100% happy with the Z4 noise. So I started looking at exhaust options, but found that most systems either seemed too subtle in their effects, or else just resulted in extra VOLUME without nececssarily improving the character of the noise emitted.
It was then that someone on the Z4 forum mentioned his GruppeM kit and some sound clips suggested it could provide exactly what I was after - more character without a booming exhaust. Aside from the noise itself, I think the best part is that it makes itself heard exactly when you want it and not when you don't - ie under load, not when cruising on the motorway or taking it steady.
The change is to add a lovely depth to the low and mid-range, both in terms of the engine revs where it gives it's best and also that part of the frequency range it enhances. It reminds me a little of the bass/weight you get with a big American v8 like a 'vette (but a bit more subtle!) and comparisons have also been made with the CSL, with I believe uses a similar system (although I may have made that up!). Once you get into the higher rev range (5500-6000+), it becomes much less noticeable as the exhaust noise takes over the induction noise.
I have the sound clip which convinced me to go for it - if anyone is interested pm me.
I am not the most spanner-handy so I was pretty chuffed to have done the fitting myself, but it was reasonably straightforward once the Japanese instructions had been deciphered!
Other side effects include an additional urgency on throttle application, which feels like a few extra horses but could simply be better throttle response.
It's only been on a month or so so still lots of exploring to do, suffice to say I am extemely happy with the results!
This is not a cheap mod at around £900 without fitting (marginally cheaper for S50 and S54 Z3Ms). Cheaper alterantives are available such as Simota, but having heard the Gruppe I found exactly the sound I was after.
I got mine here .... I am in no way affiliated with the manufacturer or seller - just a very happy customer!!
In situ:
Cheers
Ben
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