We own several R53 MINI MCS's, including a 05 Cabrio Automatic transmission-equipped car; but it seems as though the 07 R56 MCSa that we purchased in September is "louder" than the all of the other MINIs we own. By louder, I'm referring to engine noise....kind of like a loud "growl" as opposed to hearing the engine wind up as it does in the other cars. I don't think it's the exhaust, but it seems like the engine makes an excessive amount of noise as you accelerate---and not necessarily in a foot-to-the-floor manner.

Anyone else out there experience this?

My wife drove an 04 MCS 6 speed for the last 3 years; and now that she's in the R56 auto, she is continually complaining that it is annoyingly noisy when driving around town or on the freeway. Thanks

 

I've owned both R56's --- the volume seems about the same at the same rpm in both.
Read this:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-e...-how-daft.html

 

Our 05 R53 MCSa has more roadnoise associated with it than my R56 MCSa.

 

Actually, it's not "roadnoise" (run flat tires will disappear soon) but more an engine "growl"...like the old 6 bladed fan to boost V-8 engine cooling before they came up with clutch fans.

 

Are u sure it's not because you're not used to the growl of the newer turbo instead of the old supercharger whine? I know at WOT both sound so completely different. At a recent HPDE event that I attended, I was listening to other MINI's driving on track at WOT. It was great listening to how different each gen sounded as they passed by on the straightaway.

 

We're not talk'in WOT here; just driving it around town and on the local freeways.

 

MINIs have a sound filter that lets more engine noise into the cabin also it filters out certain frequencies to get that growling sports car sound.

Here's a little more info: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ound+generator

 

I don't know about compared to other MINI's, but it definitely has a nice throaty growl when I accelerate properly.

 

Mine is just right. I wouldn't like a super quiet car but I wouldn't want to be obnoxious. When I pass someone I don't want to let them think I am straaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaining.

 

Engine noise = music
Turbo = more base
Supercharge = treble

MINI = rock concert (rock, because nobody ever plays "air cello"!)