Before purchasing our 2020, I test drove a 2019 Cooper S that was a prior Mini Headquarter's car.

During the test drive and while in 'sport mode' it seemed the 2019's exhaust was more throaty with burbles when compared to the 2020 we purchased. I know the transmission between the two are different, and now I'm wondering if the exhaust system is different as well?

 

I've noticed this trend over the last three Mini's I've owned. My 2013 burbled and popped like crazy. Then my 2015 was mostly silent, but occasionally it would pop, but no where near as much or as loud as my 2013. I now have a 2020, and I can't get it make any sounds at all. I think this is something BMW has been deliberately doing, so that we're forced to buy a $2500 JCW exhaust kit.

 

They did add some filtration to the car in Europe to meet environmental laws. I wonder if that is on the USA cars as well and if it is relevant to the burbles.

 

I am glad to know I wasn't hearing, in this case the lack of hearing things. We had a 2006 S back in the day and that was a completely different animal.

That could be. Was the filtration added on the 2020's?