Just got the 3 i Touring, and it is suweeeet. When coming off the line it feels like a turbo kicks in (and I am even being gentle during the break-in period.) For the price, everything about it is awesome.

But........ if I could change one thing it would be reduced road noise. It is really noisy cornering at fast speeds and fairly noisy just going down the road.

1. Has anybody tried any succeessful insulating methods?

2. Has anybody found tires that take corners quieter?

3. Is the majority of the road noise coming from the stock tires?

happy thanksgiving!!

 

are u sure it's not the intake noises?

 

Sounds like road noise to me, my GB car has 215/55/17 Bridgestone Potenza as stock tyres, and there is annoying road noise, still plenty of tread on them though, but I will be looking for a quieter tyre when I change, in case it's not the car design.
I reckon it's just a characteristic of the 3, but soon they will be coming out of warranty in GB, and that will let the modifiers/customisers loose to try mods....

 

Despite what you get, the Mz3 is still an economy car. That being said one of the things they skimp on is noise insulation. You could sound dampen the doors, floor and roof, and that would improve the sound a great deal. Also replacing the tires like you said. I got yokohama YK250 tires and they seem a little quieter.

 

Remember insulation adds weight...

 

Tires make a huge difference in road noise. Softer tires can be much quieter, but they won't handle as well. I'm not sure how you find the best balance for you; there are lots of choices.

Also, tires get noisy if they wear unevenly due to a fault of the tire (probably rare), your driving habits, or wear or damage in your suspension. If it's from the latter two, replacing the tires will temporarily get rid of the noise, but it will come back.

I'll put up with noise to get handling response.

 

Remember this isn't a race car.... at least not for most of us.

 

Then you should of bought the Ultimate Driving Machine, BMW...

 

Also known as 'the ultimate money pit"

 

Thanks, all.

icspots: Are you aware of any easy-to-install insulation for the 3?