MINI2

Cape Cod MINI · Jan 4th, 2002, 08:14 PM

Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way?

BruceK · Jan 4th, 2002, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI
Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way?

I've never understood how a car's noise level can accurately be measured in the real world - it's too subjective for valid comparisons. For instance, my wife's Nissan acquired new set of Michelins last week. To my ears, the road noise level in the car fitted with these tires dropped significantly. These new tires are quieter, but the car hasn't changed at all, has it? So what is being measured?

Interior road noise levels drop or rise considerably when the type of road surface changes during the course of a single drive - tarmac to concrete for example. Unless there is some standardized protocol to follow, and standardized road surfaces and specific tires to be used, interior noise levels are as meaningless as the treadwear number on tires.

R1 · Jan 5th, 2002, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI
Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way?

Don't know. My MINIdisk players too loud !!!

Seriously though! I had a Ford Mondeo (Contour) before and the interior sound levels are about the same. Very acceptable. I get a bit of tyre noise on concrete freeways but that's due to the 16" wheels and tyres.

Cape Cod MINI · Jan 5th, 2002, 07:47 AM

R1,
Thanks. That's the kind of subjective perception I'm looking for.
Bruce, I knew I should have pointed out that this is totally subjective opinions. My Silverado pickup is quieter than my GrandPrix GTP on the highway.
I'm thinking in terms of when driving on the highway for extended trips. Is the road noise always there and something you are aware of, or is it tolerable?

BruceK · Jan 5th, 2002, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI
R1,
Thanks. That's the kind of subjective perception I'm looking for.
Bruce, I knew I should have pointed out that this is totally subjective opinions. My Silverado pickup is quieter than my GrandPrix GTP on the highway.
I'm thinking in terms of when driving on the highway for extended trips. Is the road noise always there and something you are aware of, or is it tolerable?

Cape Cod, understood. But, believe me if there were any type of noise problem at all with the MINI you can bet someone would have posted it on this site.

MINZRED · Jan 5th, 2002, 01:33 PM

I have today been into my dealers their senior technician informs me that BMW have increased the sound proofing in later models I can identify with this I returned my first MINI and my later built model is substantially quieter. Incidentally he also tells me that BMW in Germany have identified the the drifting to the left problem and affected vehicle should be recalled in the first quater of this year. Their words not mine!! Apart from that I have no other info.

ricardo · Jan 6th, 2002, 04:03 PM

For a small car, the MINI seems to be exceptionally quiet. I have a humble MINI One with 15 inch alloys. I've only been up to about 90mph but at that speed it is easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice or to listen to music.

Long trips (4 hours or so) are not in the least bit wearing.

Cape Cod MINI · Jan 6th, 2002, 06:08 PM

Thanks to all for the posts. Very encouraging.

RedShift42 · Jan 7th, 2002, 10:52 AM

I was at another MINI forum where the the sunroof-interior noise subject was raised. It was hard to tell if people were speaking from speculation or experience, but it was suggested the sunroof adds considerable noise-- not just open, but when closed too.

Anybody have experience or opinions on that as well?

BI GAL · Jan 11th, 2002, 12:44 PM

My Cooper has a sunroof fitted (very nice it is too!!) and i've got no complaints about roof noise when the thing is closed. Obviously there's more noise when the things open but it doesn't seem any worse than other sunroofed cars i've driven.
I've not driven a MINI without a sunroof so i can't comment on whether a closed sunroof is noisier than the solid roof, but i'm sure there are folks out there who can....

ps. my MINI has no rattles, squeaks, or left-pulling problems. I'm a very happy bunny indeed!!!

40YRSLT · May 3rd, 2003, 11:26 PM

SOMETIME BACK THERE WAS A POSTING HAVING TO DO WITH THE REAR SEAT. IN THE PIC'S THERE WAS A SOUND ABSORBING SHHET THAT WAS INSTALLED UNDER THE SEAT. DOES ANYONE HAVE INFORMATION ON THAT "PAD".

GregF · May 4th, 2003, 05:07 AM

Was it Dynamat? It is sold in car audio shops (including Best Buy and Circuit City).

Johnson · May 4th, 2003, 06:49 AM

The MINI is definately quieter than my Jeep Cherokee Classic on long (2,500 mile interstate) trips; with sun roof closed. A very solid car. My 14 year old daughter got bored, but fatigue was not a factor.

MINImeat · May 4th, 2003, 07:57 AM

VERY LOUD! LOTS OF WIND NOISE AND ROAD NOISE AND...WAIT! LET ME ROLL THE WINDOWS UP AND CLOSE THE SUNROOF...
Ooh, that's much quieter, not as exhilarating, but very nice...
Seriously, I've been very impressed, especially in the rain. Very solid and quiet. Mine's an '03 MCS. I do like to use the remote-open and feel the wind, though.

GBMINI · May 4th, 2003, 11:12 PM

Just to join in too ...
CCM, When i picked up my MC last year I was surprised immediately that it was much quieter than the Lexus I had just got out of.
And I still am impressed today with the quietness of my MCS.

Why are you asking?

40YRSLT · May 5th, 2003, 02:33 AM

Thanks obehave, now that my search is over I don't have to yell in UPPER CASE.

Thanks

Cape Cod MINI · May 5th, 2003, 04:36 AM

Interesting that this thread popped up. I posted it 16 months ago! Of course I now have 18,000 plus miles on my MCS and know the answer!!

Jan 4th, 2002, 08:14 PM	#1
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 5,344 Offline	Current owners: How are interior road-noise levels? Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way?

Jan 4th, 2002, 09:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 04:10 PM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Re: Current owners: How are interior road-noise levels? Quote: Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way? I've never understood how a car's noise level can accurately be measured in the real world - it's too subjective for valid comparisons. For instance, my wife's Nissan acquired new set of Michelins last week. To my ears, the road noise level in the car fitted with these tires dropped significantly. These new tires are quieter, but the car hasn't changed at all, has it? So what is being measured? Interior road noise levels drop or rise considerably when the type of road surface changes during the course of a single drive - tarmac to concrete for example. Unless there is some standardized protocol to follow, and standardized road surfaces and specific tires to be used, interior noise levels are as meaningless as the treadwear number on tires. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jan 5th, 2002, 06:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
R1 Addicted to Speed!! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: ..."B" roads!! Local Time: 11:10 PM Posts: 4,915 Offline	Re: Current owners: How are interior road-noise levels? Quote: Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI Wondering how quiet/noisy you percieve the interior road-noise at highway cruising speeds. Does anyone have a decibel meter who could take a reading while on the motor way? Don't know. My MINIdisk players too loud !!! Seriously though! I had a Ford Mondeo (Contour) before and the interior sound levels are about the same. Very acceptable. I get a bit of tyre noise on concrete freeways but that's due to the 16" wheels and tyres.

Jan 5th, 2002, 11:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
BruceK Moderator & Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: San Antonio, Texas Local Time: 04:10 PM Posts: 3,759 Offline	Quote: Originally posted by Cape Cod MINI R1, Thanks. That's the kind of subjective perception I'm looking for. Bruce, I knew I should have pointed out that this is totally subjective opinions. My Silverado pickup is quieter than my GrandPrix GTP on the highway. I'm thinking in terms of when driving on the highway for extended trips. Is the road noise always there and something you are aware of, or is it tolerable? Cape Cod, understood. But, believe me if there were any type of noise problem at all with the MINI you can bet someone would have posted it on this site. + 2002 MINI Cooper S - Dark Silver / White roof, Sport, Premium, Lapis blue leather + 1965 Mini Traveller - Tartan Red / White roof, 1275, Cooper S discs, fully restored/renewed

Jan 5th, 2002, 01:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
MINZRED MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Oct 2001 Local Time: 10:10 PM Posts: 41 Offline	Noisy Nah !!! I have today been into my dealers their senior technician informs me that BMW have increased the sound proofing in later models I can identify with this I returned my first MINI and my later built model is substantially quieter. Incidentally he also tells me that BMW in Germany have identified the the drifting to the left problem and affected vehicle should be recalled in the first quater of this year. Their words not mine!! Apart from that I have no other info.

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Jan 5th, 2002, 07:47 AM	#4 (permalink)
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 5,344 Offline	R1, Thanks. That's the kind of subjective perception I'm looking for. Bruce, I knew I should have pointed out that this is totally subjective opinions. My Silverado pickup is quieter than my GrandPrix GTP on the highway. I'm thinking in terms of when driving on the highway for extended trips. Is the road noise always there and something you are aware of, or is it tolerable?

Jan 6th, 2002, 04:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
ricardo MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Norfolk Local Time: 11:10 PM Posts: 546 Offline	Quiet For a small car, the MINI seems to be exceptionally quiet. I have a humble MINI One with 15 inch alloys. I've only been up to about 90mph but at that speed it is easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice or to listen to music. Long trips (4 hours or so) are not in the least bit wearing.

Jan 6th, 2002, 06:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 5,344 Offline	Thanks to all for the posts. Very encouraging.

Jan 7th, 2002, 10:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
RedShift42 MINI2 Regular Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Boston, MA Local Time: 05:10 PM Posts: 52 Offline	I was at another MINI forum where the the sunroof-interior noise subject was raised. It was hard to tell if people were speaking from speculation or experience, but it was suggested the sunroof adds considerable noise-- not just open, but when closed too. Anybody have experience or opinions on that as well? -Eric. Current Bad Ride: VW Passat VR6 and no motorcycle. <sigh>

Jan 11th, 2002, 12:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
BI GAL MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Nottingham, England Local Time: 11:10 PM Posts: 97 Offline	My Cooper has a sunroof fitted (very nice it is too!!) and i've got no complaints about roof noise when the thing is closed. Obviously there's more noise when the things open but it doesn't seem any worse than other sunroofed cars i've driven. I've not driven a MINI without a sunroof so i can't comment on whether a closed sunroof is noisier than the solid roof, but i'm sure there are folks out there who can.... ps. my MINI has no rattles, squeaks, or left-pulling problems. I'm a very happy bunny indeed!!!

May 3rd, 2003, 11:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
40YRSLT MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF Local Time: 10:10 PM Posts: 10 Offline	SOMETIME BACK THERE WAS A POSTING HAVING TO DO WITH THE REAR SEAT. IN THE PIC'S THERE WAS A SOUND ABSORBING SHHET THAT WAS INSTALLED UNDER THE SEAT. DOES ANYONE HAVE INFORMATION ON THAT "PAD".

May 4th, 2003, 05:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
GregF MINI2 Senior Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Florida Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 511 Offline	Was it Dynamat? It is sold in car audio shops (including Best Buy and Circuit City).

May 4th, 2003, 06:49 AM	#13 (permalink)
Johnson MINI2 Regular Join Date: May 2002 Location: Overland Park, KS Local Time: 05:10 PM Posts: 51 Offline	The MINI is definately quieter than my Jeep Cherokee Classic on long (2,500 mile interstate) trips; with sun roof closed. A very solid car. My 14 year old daughter got bored, but fatigue was not a factor.

May 4th, 2003, 07:57 AM	#14 (permalink)
MINImeat MINI2 Master Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Memphis, Tennessee, USA Local Time: 05:10 PM Posts: 982 Offline	VERY LOUD! LOTS OF WIND NOISE AND ROAD NOISE AND...WAIT! LET ME ROLL THE WINDOWS UP AND CLOSE THE SUNROOF... Ooh, that's much quieter, not as exhilarating, but very nice... Seriously, I've been very impressed, especially in the rain. Very solid and quiet. Mine's an '03 MCS. I do like to use the remote-open and feel the wind, though. MINImeat B/W MCS

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May 4th, 2003, 11:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
GBMINI MINI2 Master Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Gloucester, MA, USA Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 7,535 Offline	Just to join in too ... CCM, When i picked up my MC last year I was surprised immediately that it was much quieter than the Lexus I had just got out of. And I still am impressed today with the quietness of my MCS. Why are you asking? Ian C. Gloucester, MA, USA (UK expat) driving GPMINI and Convertible GBMINI#6

May 5th, 2003, 02:33 AM	#16 (permalink)
40YRSLT MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIF Local Time: 10:10 PM Posts: 10 Offline	Thanks obehave, now that my search is over I don't have to yell in UPPER CASE. Thanks

May 5th, 2003, 04:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
Cape Cod MINI Exposing the Beast Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Cod, MA Local Time: 06:10 PM Posts: 5,344 Offline	Interesting that this thread popped up. I posted it 16 months ago! Of course I now have 18,000 plus miles on my MCS and know the answer!! Missing my buddies Dan and Ed but glad I have two angel buddies, And on a quest to Right Secco's Wrongs

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