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      08-23-2010, 02:28 PM   #1
warden
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Too loud to talk on the phone? Please advise

It may seem like an odd question, but I'm seriously considering a Z4 and need to know whether or not (with the top up) it's too loud for a business call over bluetooth.

I currently drive an e92 M3 and the only flaw with the car is the noise. It is so loud inside that it really interferes with any call.

I had a older Z4 3.0 and I'm feeling the lure again.

Anyone? Thanks.
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      08-23-2010, 02:56 PM   #2
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Any comments you get would be subjective, so I'd recommend buying/borrowing a decent Decibel Meter and testing it. Road surface, tire type/tread, ambient wind and throttle position all have an impact on interior noise level.

A cheap alternative to a DB meter, would be a Decibel Meter application on your iPhone. They go for $1.99 app on iTunes.
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      08-23-2010, 03:04 PM   #3
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I think it is relatively quiet with the top up. I can hear perfectly when talking on the phone. I had two E85's and I can say that the new E89 is much quieter than the older Z4's with the top up.

With the top down, it is obviously more noisy with the wind and road noise, but top up, you should be fine.
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      08-23-2010, 03:16 PM   #4
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It's actually good win the top down, I do it all the time, but not for business for obvious reasons. but no one has problems hearing me and I don't have to yell even at highway speeds. the E90/92, have the mics on the ceiling where the map lights are and that's what makes it bad. The Zed is so clear people actually hear the tic-tic of the blinkers
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      08-23-2010, 04:17 PM   #5
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My personal experience so far is that the sound quality on the phone is excellent w/ the top up and good with top down up to 45-50 mph. Probably wouldn't plan business calls top down if I could help it but you could if you had to.

Wind deflector probably would help in this regard (?), but I don't have one so can't compare.
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      08-23-2010, 04:20 PM   #6
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I have no issues when the top is up, but nothign but complaints about not being able to hear me when the top is down.
I have to pull over if I want the call.
Sounds like I shoudl take it back in and complain...
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      08-23-2010, 04:48 PM   #7
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I make calls with the top down at 70mph and with the top up....no problems for either and sometimes I'm talking to 84 yr old people with bad hearing !!! I crank up the volume a bit and it's fine.
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      08-23-2010, 05:07 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teezee View Post
My personal experience so far is that the sound quality on the phone is excellent w/ the top up and good with top down up to 45-50 mph. Probably wouldn't plan business calls top down if I could help it but you could if you had to.

Wind deflector probably would help in this regard (?), but I don't have one so can't compare.
I have a wind deflector and I think it definitely helps cut the wind noise. I have a soft voice and I have no problems with the sound quality driving on the freeways with the top down.
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      08-23-2010, 05:13 PM   #9
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I was astonished that I could actually have a conversation with the top down on a very rough road at 60mph. My interlocutor seem to hear me just fine.
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      08-23-2010, 05:47 PM   #10
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I was driving a friends e92 M3 the other day and was amazed how quiet it was at hwy speed. Don't own a Z yet but the Z4-is we test drove was not as quiet with the top up. Not bad but not as quiet on a fixed top car.
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      08-23-2010, 05:48 PM   #11
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I don't see any difference between my Z4 or former M3 when on the phone. I recommend you test drive a Z4 call a friend. Then call your friend from your M3 and get his input as well as your comparison.
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      08-23-2010, 06:06 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Breeze View Post

A cheap alternative to a DB meter, would be a Decibel Meter application on your iPhone. They go for $1.99 app on iTunes.
God, they have an App for that? Guess their marketing tag line IS correct!
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      08-23-2010, 06:17 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Breeze View Post
Any comments you get would be subjective, so I'd recommend buying/borrowing a decent Decibel Meter and testing it. Road surface, tire type/tread, ambient wind and throttle position all have an impact on interior noise level.

A cheap alternative to a DB meter, would be a Decibel Meter application on your iPhone. They go for $1.99 app on iTunes.
Plus the $869 for the iPhone....
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      08-23-2010, 06:43 PM   #14
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^^ don't quit your day job
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      08-23-2010, 07:09 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter View Post
I don't see any difference between my Z4 or former M3 when on the phone. I recommend you test drive a Z4 call a friend. Then call your friend from your M3 and get his input as well as your comparison.
Thanks to all for the input. This is especially helpful.

What's your general take on the Z4, coming from the M3? Any regrets?
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      08-23-2010, 08:01 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Memphis1 View Post
^^ don't quit your day job
As chance may have it, I have been semi retired for the last two years, but I am starting a new f/t day job next week...

And they are providing me with an iPhone...
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      08-23-2010, 08:43 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by warden View Post
Thanks to all for the input. This is especially helpful.

What's your general take on the Z4, coming from the M3? Any regrets?
None whatsoever, I like the style of the Z4 (traded my 2008 Z430is) found the 2009 much better, of course it is also the next model up

Good hunting !

PS if I had to do it gain I would go with the 18 inch wheels.
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      08-23-2010, 08:47 PM   #18
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Last edited by Mr. ///M3 RD; 08-24-2010 at 08:04 AM.. Reason: was not a nice joke :) so I deleted it
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      08-23-2010, 09:14 PM   #19
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[QUOTE=NikkiZ4;7879175]I have a wind deflector and I think it definitely helps cut the wind noise.

NikkiZ4

Which wind deflector do you use? Thinking about getting the BMW OEM mesh one, and am curious as to your thoughts.

Thanks
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      08-24-2010, 12:53 AM   #20
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With the top up, you can make calls PERFECTLY. No problems with sound whatsoever. However, I cannot hear/be heard when the top is down. So I wouldn't try with the top down, but with the top up, it will be great
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      08-24-2010, 05:34 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by warden View Post
It may seem like an odd question, but I'm seriously considering a Z4 and need to know whether or not (with the top up) it's too loud for a business call over bluetooth.
Calls are OK top up or down. If down, may need the windows up to baffle out road noise. But only time I have any real probs with road noise and fone bluetooth is driving past Jersey barriers or right next to buildings or walls, where the road sounds are bounced right into the car. Even then, calls are usable with windows up.

Now, if these are business calls and you're hoping to convince your boss you're home sick or visiting a client when in fact you're zipping in your Z ... on your own there.
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      08-24-2010, 11:39 AM   #22
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Personal calls - I use bluetooth even with top down. Reception is good.
Business calls - I won't answer a call from a customer if I'm in the car. I let it go to voicemail. So, I cannot answer as it pertains to business calls.
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