[Artemis]

Originally Posted by cntzl

However, I think BMW did a good job on improving the sound of S55 over the years through several software updates and changing the muffler design on the Competition Package. It still doesn't sound amazing but much better than when F80/82 first came out in 2014. I have seen several companies (including some industry leaders) try to come up with various solutions to fix the S55 sound in the past 4 years and some of them provided real improvements (as posted above).

As several said, it's all pretty subjective. But there is more. Several sources say that BMW M already tinkered four of five times with the S55 exhaust sound since the M3/M4 launch. So if someone comments on the S55 sound, it's interesting to know whether reference is made to an earlier or more recent iteration. Most consider the sound of the M3/M4 ZCP as the best exhaust sound version so far since 2014 launch.

Sound matters a lot for BMW M boss Frank van Meel. In December 2015 he said the following about sound in the CAR+ interview (see here):

• Q: How will M Division evolve under your leadership ?
• A: We will look to traction systems and tyre technology to help put more power down. We will become more aggressive about sound, that's very important. The little backfire you hear on the M4 GTS... an engineer might say that's perhaps a mix up with the ignition spark, but it creates emotion.

BMW M commercial from the past:

[akkando]

Originally Posted by ChrisK

I had zero rattles in my 2017 M2.

I have plenty of rattles in my MY17, you can take half of them off my hands?

[No1Cares]

sound is important! still wouldn't buy the m2 over m2c though because of it. would more come down to price vs performance, bang for buck kind of thing. which I could get a better deal on.

but I sure do love the sound of my x3 m40i....

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by Artemis

As several said, it's all pretty subjective. But there is more. Several sources say that BMW M already tinkered four of five times with the S55 exhaust sound since the M3/M4 launch. So if someone comments on the S55 sound, it's interesting to know whether reference is made to an earlier or more recent iteration. Most consider the sound of the M3/M4 ZCP as the best exhaust sound version so far since 2014 launch.

That's exactly what I meant by "they improved it over the years with several software updates" in my previous post. By software update, I'm referring to the individual ECU updates (DME, DSC, VDC etc) which usually takes several hours and are usually performed by dealers. To give a specific example, my M4 came with software version 58.3 in which MPE sounded very loud and raspy at high RPMs. Last year, I heard the software version 61.x made a noticeable difference on the exhaust note in a positive way and had my dealer update my car to version 61.x. My MPE now sounds so much deeper and a lot less raspy after the update but I lost slight bit of the volume. The video I shared was recorded after the update to v61. There are several threads about this specific software version under M3/M4 DIY & Coding sub-forum.

[M2_Purist]

Sound is so freaking important that they created Active Sound. Fake noises!!! Think about that

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by akkando

I have plenty of rattles in my MY17, you can take half of them off my hands?

Sorry, my M2 is gone

[Poochie]

Speaking of the S55 M4 sound..

https://instagram.com/p/Bixdb72B5Rw/

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Poochie

Speaking of the S55 M4 sound..

https://instagram.com/p/Bixdb72B5Rw/

[seis-speed]

Originally Posted by cntzl

That's exactly what I meant by "they improved it over the years with several software updates" in my previous post. By software update, I'm referring to the individual ECU updates (DME, DSC, VDC etc) which usually takes several hours and are usually performed by dealers. To give a specific example, my M4 came with software version 58.3 in which MPE sounded very loud and raspy at high RPMs. Last year, I heard the software version 61.x made a noticeable difference on the exhaust note in a positive way and had my dealer update my car to version 61.x. My MPE now sounds so much deeper and a lot less raspy after the update but I lost slight bit of the volume. The video I shared was recorded after the update to v61. There are several threads about this specific software version under M3/M4 DIY & Coding sub-forum.

Interesting. I have a 2015 F80 and I have avoided the updates because I love how unruly my car is down low. It is a maniac on the torque and I love it. Really noticed it after driving a Comp. But, that clip you played was very nice sounding. Wonder if you have to have Comp Pack or just an update?

[Who?]

imo the importance of sound diminishes the more you track the car

for a daily street/canyon car, i prioritize sound over acceleration any day

[seis-speed]

Originally Posted by Who?

imo the importance of sound diminishes the more you track the car

for a daily street/canyon car, i prioritize sound over acceleration any day

Very true.

At WOT at BMW Mschool all models sounded good to me. At a gas station with windows down N55 is pure bliss at start-up.

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

Interesting. I have a 2015 F80 and I have avoided the updates because I love how unruly my car is down low. It is a maniac on the torque and I love it. Really noticed it after driving a Comp. But, that clip you played was very nice sounding. Wonder if you have to have Comp Pack or just an update?

Several people reported on those threads that the update provided a similar improvement on the Non-Comp M3/M4 as well. I think it's worth a try not only in terms of the sound improvement but also in terms of suspension, power delivery, DSC etc. enhancements.

[dmboone25]

Originally Posted by cntzl

d of S55 but can never perfect it. It is what it is and I'm ok with it.

P.S. Here's how my M4 ZCP sounds on free revving with MPE (Sport+, no additional exhaust mods). Again, it doesn't sound anywhere near perfect but I'm happy with it and actually quite like it.

See, I think that sounds pretty damn good - the sound is not the best attribute of the M3/4, but that's a definite improvement over where the soundtrack started with these cars.

The M3/4 do so many other things well - the same will be true with the M2C. The all-around excellence is an ///M trademark...

[S1monQc]

As I don't track the car much for now, sound is on top of my list. It is a hugeeeee deal for me.

[Rupes]

I rent a lot of cars for work and often get stuck with the V6 Dodge Charger. I say "stuck" because I hate everything about it - poor handling, plastic everywhere, anemic engine, and styling that just does nothing for me.

The other day I got "stuck" with a Charger again, this one had a Hemi V8 though, and let me tell you, all the other stuff I didn't like before suddenly didn't matter as much. Why? Not because it was faster, but because it sounded good. Would drive in manual mode all the time just to hear that engine.

I still wouldn't (ever) buy one, but it does make me sad the sound debate has been reduced to, "how bad would a car have to sound before you wouldn't buy it?" If we accept this fate, then we deserve what we're given.

Glad to hear BMW takes this seriously after changing the S55 exhaust over several iterations. I'm sure aftermarket will come up with some good options for those that care deeply about the sound.

[norMcal]

Originally Posted by Who?

imo the importance of sound diminishes the more you track the car

for a daily street/canyon car, i prioritize sound over acceleration any day

Maybe that is why I care less about it now, then I used to.
It's more important to me to be fast, than to sound fast ;-)

[chris719]

S85 V10 with aftermarket exhaust is arguably the pinnacle of BMW street car engine/exhaust sound. I doubt many people here want an E60 M5 over an M2 despite how good it sounds.

I thought the ZCP S55 cars sounded pretty good at M School. Inside the car, I thought the actual engine sound (or maybe just ASD) of the S55 sounded better than N55. Outside the car, the exhaust sound is obviously more metallic and raspy and the N55 sounds more pleasing. The S55 comes through poorly in recordings and does sound particularly bad in the cold start cycle.

I really thought nothing of the sound when I was driving either one. I am sure there will be no regrets for anyone that buys an M2C. Neither engine sounds like a Ferrari and neither one sounds like a 4-cyl turbo.

Pretty soon we'll all be in electric cars. Have been in a Tesla many times and never cared that the sound was gone once you get that feeling in the pit of your stomach.

If sound is THAT important, you can get a Corvette Grand Sport for M2C money and that car sounds better than any BMW out there today.

[Alpine*]

Originally Posted by Who?

imo the importance of sound diminishes the more you track the car

for a daily street/canyon car, i prioritize sound over acceleration any day

Hey Who, we don’t have canyons lol

[Who?]

Originally Posted by Alpine*

Hey Who, we don’t have canyons lol

mountain drive!

just trying to fit in

[Bluenose-2er]

As responses have demonstrated opinions vary... both on how good the S55 can sounds with mods from base, and how important sound is in general. Seems a much more common opinion that the N55 sounds better... but even that is not consensus.

Since it is all subjective, I will throw in my own subjective opinion...

When I arrive at work after a 30 min commute in my MY2017 with stock exhaust, I drive into the parkade and always give it a little rev (OK, sometimes not so little) before I park for the work day. It makes me smile and starts my day off right If I am driving down a road after work with buildings on either side and the windows open, I do the same. Love the sound coming direct from the exhaust, without ASD corruption.

How a car performs on the track definitely matters (if you track). How a car performs on the road definitely matters. But I would argue the difference in performance at legal speeds on the road is pretty much non-existent.

I get to enjoy the sound every day, and entirely legally.

Find a car that excels at what matters to you and enjoy it!

[Cavpilot2k]

To those for whom sound is everything, there is the Jag F type with the supercharged V6.
Probably the best sounding 6cylinder out there. Plus supercharged cars sound better than turbo to begin with.
The only problem is that it costs more than an M2 and isn't as fast as my 135 was stock.

If it were a little faster it would be worth the coin because the sound is pure sex. Better than the S55 by light years, better than the N55, hell, better than anything in the road just about.

[boostm3]

Originally Posted by BlackJetE90

The S55 can sound different, with many different exhausts. I sound like a broken record posting this, but if one wants a deeper tone... key thing is switching to a single path exhaust like the N55 M2. A single path mid pipe synchronizes the exhaust from the two turbos.

AA signiture exhaust

Nice pops and crackles, but beyond that, Still sounds buzzy under moderate or greater throttle application!

In answer to the thread question, VERY! If sound werent important, why would so many people be upgrading their exhausts?