ZHP exhaust vs. M3 exhaust

[AWD330XI]

The M3 forum members complain that their exhaust sound is too "raspy". Is that how you would describe the sound of the ZHP exhaust? Or is it more of a growl?

 

[Bryan330i]

I think the ZHP sounds nice but I don’t think it is a lot different than the 325’s that drive down my street, not an attention grabbing difference anyway. The M3 is a different story, much better and more “substantial” sounding IMO.

 

[Fabp_330Ci]

I think the ZHP sounds nice but I don’t think it is a lot different than the 325’s that drive down my street, not an attention grabbing difference anyway. The M3 is a different story, much better and more “substantial” sounding IMO.

I agree, I think the ZHP exhaust is a bit throatier than a non-ZHP but it's nothing close to what an aftermarket exhaust sounds like. As for the M3, I think the extra 90 or so horses that the engine puts out really makes a noticible difference.

 

[Nelson330ci]

AWD - I thought you already made up your mind on purchasing either an M3 or ZHP..? Read the other tread you started again. The M3 's engine is far louder, ie the exhaust is far louder.

I think you said before that the the sweet music the M3 emites was "too raspy" or annoying for you. Maybe you should be buying a quiet lexus...just kidding!

Really though, if you have not yet, please drive the ZHP so you can listen first hand, its' much more tame than the M3 - no comparo..

 

[MrElussive]

The M3 exhaust is much noisier and it is very raspy. The thing is, the ZHP models still follow the strict emissions laws, whereas an M3 w/Sport mode engaged, does not as much.
Two things justify the M3 exhaust for me:
-When you're in the car, you mostly hear the engine
-The engine/exhaust system is pushing out 104 horses per liter, so it can sound however the hell it wants

Btw, I have a really nice video of a Ferrari 360 Modena driving away under hard acceleration and it is very raspy just like the M3, so BMW is definitely doing just fine with their M3 exhaust.