I have two M roadsters; a '98 and an '01. The '01 (S54 engine) has a sound around 4,000 RPM like a loose heat shield that is rattling a little bit. I talked to a guy at the Z fest in Cinti. who has had several M roadsters and he told me there is nothing loose, they just sound that way. I love the car but wish that it sounded like my '98. Any comments on this? Thanks, GGondek
It's called the "rasp" - it's almost unnoticeable on my '01 M-Coupe.. if you REALLY want to hear the rasp - ask someone to give you a spirited ride in an E46/M3.. I personally love the mechanical nature of the rasp - you know the engine is doing something when the exhaust makes that noise. Unfortunately - once in a while it attracts the wrong sort of attention (kind with gumball machines on their roofs) so one should exercise a bit of restraint/caution in letting the devils loose.
