[Simbl]

So I tried almost the exact same idea as you but without seeing this thread in about January time.

I have RHD car and actually piped a 1inch radiator hose over to the same place as you but I can’t hook it up into a hole in the fire wall due to haveing rhd/ brake booster. I know I should be able to go in via the steering column plug for LHD cars. But once hooked up I found the sound was actually louder without the extension hose. I think the engine compartment is to well isolated and the sound just doesn’t travel through without using a hole in the fire wall. I have now got a 90 degree silicone hose to try and line up to the LHD steering wheel column grommet.

I actually found that the mini cooper has the same sound generator Mahle part number. The mini part is much cheaper used than bmw.

[Runnin'Rich]

That’s so cool you figured out that there is a bmw mini version. I only thought there was a z4 one.
I guess with the 130i one it is integrated into an N52 elbow making it the easiest way to add although more expensive.

With the LHD steering hole open do you get more unwanted engine noise and road noise?

[E93Seattle (Racerbruce)]

engine compartment noise....it's a beautiful thing (until it's not).

cabin air filters:
installed these when i performed a MINOR trim of the engine cowl; the increased cabin noise is minimal but "mechanical" and sounds great; i have the luxury of choosing to ensure this is a fair weather ride and do not subject it to rain (and i never wash this car and just use the meguiars waterless wash product and it works great).

dual cone engine inlet filters:
installed them and removed them within a week; the uber high velocity sound of air entering the filters at lower rpm's sounds like a freaking vacuum cleaner....it sounded terrible; the sound at WOT (wide open throttle) was awesome, but the negatives clearly outweighed the positives and i reinstalled the oem engine air filter housing and purchased a K&N performance air filter, which in itself, added a different and welcomed sound.

[Runnin'Rich]

The red filters look awesome on a red car

I wanted induction sound with a OE paper filter, I drive a lot of dirt back roads in the summers. The dust from following a vehicle can be extreme

[PhaceN52]

Originally Posted by Runnin'Rich

Here is a comparison test with and without the sound generator piped with 1-1/4” to the small hole.
I’m completely happy with it. No foam needed. Just a nice deep tone from 3000rpm with no resonance.

The video comparison is great to get an idea, thanks. Nice deep sound

[E93Seattle (Racerbruce)]

Originally Posted by Runnin'Rich

The red filters look awesome on a red car

I wanted induction sound with a OE paper filter, I drive a lot of dirt back roads in the summers. The dust from following a vehicle can be extreme

greetings "neighbor up the street"....
for kicks, here's a pic w/red silicone vacuum lines and the re-installed stock oem engine air filter box....

[The Nightman]

Originally Posted by Runnin'Rich

Here is a comparison test with and without the sound generator piped with 1-1/4” to the small hole.
I’m completely happy with it. No foam needed. Just a nice deep tone from 3000rpm with no resonance.

Nice work, sounds great!

[Simbl]

Originally Posted by Runnin'Rich

That’s so cool you figured out that there is a bmw mini version. I only thought there was a z4 one.
I guess with the 130i one it is integrated into an N52 elbow making it the easiest way to add although more expensive.

With the LHD steering hole open do you get more unwanted engine noise and road noise?

I haven’t tried through the steering hole, I’ve seen some issues with this leaking water into the cabin so I’m re think.

What I will say is the standard elbow had a blanking plate ready for the 1inch tube to be bonded on.

[Simbl]

So I finally go round to finishing this off. I tried using the z4 intake tube with the noise generator. Managed to get a route straight into the cabin using g the LHD steering column cover. I used 38mm pond hose butt connectors and 38mm Kevlar/silicone and wire reinforce brake cooling ducts. It was disappointed, not loud enough. So I routed a pipe directly to the air box and fitted a 38mm connector to the air box. Sounds awesome but a bit to loud so I then added the noise generator which is much better and more refined
sound but is a little quite. I need to drive with for a bit to see if it’s the right volume for everyday.

[Simbl]

Just something to be aware there is a drone without the noise generator.

I may in the future wire an electronic 38mm valve so I can have a sport mode wired in with my exhaust cut off valve.

[e90yyc]

What an unexpected thread haha.

Right on, man.

[Runnin'Rich]

I think I’m gonna try and add some foam to my pipe. At WOT it’s a bit too loud, it was fun at first but a bit distracting when overtaking.

Next I might try to upsize the pipe to get some more noise lower in the rpm range. But it’s pretty tight already running behind the engine.

[Simbl]

Originally Posted by Runnin'Rich

I think I’m gonna try and add some foam to my pipe. At WOT it’s a bit too loud, it was fun at first but a bit distracting when overtaking.

Next I might try to upsize the pipe to get some more noise lower in the rpm range. But it’s pretty tight already running behind the engine.

I certainly found that. I feel like the way I have done it using just foam might be the in between sound I’m looking for.

The intake noise without anything is super loud and has a likeness to Porsche intake noise. It’s great but just too loud.

Temped to run an electronic exhaust valve to control the volume.