A35 - Noisy Continental tyres

[markjay]

Decibel is not a linear scale (because the ear does not perceive sound in a linear way).

A difference of 3 dB means double the acoustic energy in absolute terms (though the ear does not perceive is it as 'twice as loud').

A 10 dB difference will be perceived by the ear as double the volume.

So a 3 dB difference in tyre noise rating would be quite noticeable in itself to a person with normal hearing.

The main reason the difference in tyre noise isn't as noticeable as it might be is because the tyre isn't the only source of noise when a vehicle is moving (there's wind and engine noise, and noise from other cars).

Additionally, the tyre noise rating is measuring from outside the vehicle, and some cars will have better soundproofing than others so the noise level inside the cabin will vary even for the same tyre.

But buying a tyre with low noise rating is always a good move....

 

[jayboy222]

I replaced the Pirelli P Zeros on my E63 with Goodyear Asymetric 3s and the difference was night and day. Ride is much more compliant and noise levels have dropped dramatically. My wife has just put Goodyear Asymetric 5s on her W204 C180 Coupe and from an initial quick drive, they are also excellent if a quiet ride is on your list of requirements for a tyre.

 

[Deleted member 126251]

I replaced the Pirelli P Zeros on my E63 with Goodyear Asymetric 3s and the difference was night and day. Ride is much more compliant and noise levels have dropped dramatically. My wife has just put Goodyear Asymetric 5s on her W204 C180 Coupe and from an initial quick drive, they are also excellent if a quiet ride is on your list of requirements for a tyre.

Had a look on Blackcircles and by all measures (it is even cheaper) the Goodyear is better than the Pirelli (MO) - I wonder why MB fit them. Will be giving Goodyear a serious look when I need new rubber.

 

[gugne]

Tyre noise rating typically ranges from 68db to 71db.

Choose a tyre with low noise rating.......

As I mentioned 3 posts earlier, I've fitted Dunlops which are rated at 68db and it's had minimal effect.

 

[gugne]

Well... I'm not deaf, but I can't tell the difference between 68 and 72 dB. I have even less interest in finding out.
Maybe it was all that open zorsts on my Ducatis and loud rock music that did my frequency hearing in!
Sadly I could still hear the frequency of my ex wife's voice!! 
I have a performance car, alot about it is loud!!

You had a wife?

 

[abar121]

As I mentioned 3 posts earlier, I've fitted Dunlops which are rated at 68db and it's had minimal effect.

Yeah, but that is an external noise measurement, using some reference size on a reference surface. This is not what you have. You should have got the F1 Assym 3s that I and others recommended. You'd have to be deaf not to hear a BIG difference inside!

 

[gugne]

Yeah, but that is an external noise measurement, using some reference size on a reference surface. This is not what you have. You should have got the F1 Assym 3s that I and others recommended. You'd have to be deaf not to hear a BIG difference inside!

I take your point but you haven't taken into account that the recommendations were from people with different cars. It's an indicator but hardly a fair comparison.

I'm starting to wonder if, because mine has ZERO options, they left out some soundproofing just to spite me for not spending any extra cash.

 

[Deleted member 126251]

As I mentioned 3 posts earlier, I've fitted Dunlops which are rated at 68db and it's had minimal effect.

Yes however, a lot would depend on what other noise there is (how loud you play your music) and how well insulated your car is (I expert it is good) what condition your ears are in.

In a convertible, I think the difference would be noticeable (even to my knackered ears).

The science says that every 3 dB increase represents twice the sound intensity, or acoustic power. All else being equal (performance etc) going from 71dB to 68db would be a natural choice for me.

 

[gugne]

Yes however, a lot would depend on what other noise there is (how loud you play your music) and how well insulated your car is (I expert it is good) what condition your ears are in.

In a convertible, I think the difference would be noticeable (even to my knackered ears).

The science says that every 3 dB increase represents twice the sound intensity, or acoustic power. All else being equal (performance etc) going from 71dB to 68db would be a natural choice for me.

I'm forced to turn up the music just to drown out the noise. I'm not sure the car is well insulated at all. I remember the first day I drove it to work and was stuck queuing to get off a DC I was shocked at how loud the passing traffic was. But then re-read this thread and it looks like I'm the only one that thinks like this and I'm beginning to doubt my own sanity.

 

[Deleted member 126251]

I.................... But then re-read this thread and it looks like I'm the only one that thinks like this and I'm beginning to doubt my own sanity.

I used to be like that with barking dogs ......

 

[flowrider]

Different car I know but my Audi S5 had Pireli P Zero's all round until I got a flat on the front so I changed both fronts to Goodyear Eagle F1 AS3's and the noise difference front to rear is noticable. Cant wait for the rears to wear out.

 

[abar121]

I take your point but you haven't taken into account that the recommendations were from people with different cars. It's an indicator but hardly a fair comparison.

I'm starting to wonder if, because mine has ZERO options, they left out some soundproofing just to spite me for not spending any extra cash.

Sure, that's cool. We can only recommend based on our experiences. I've tried them on the C63, Z4M and also a 330i. All did replace Conti's amusingly enough and a massive difference to all three. Not got an A35

 

[mrdouble08]

The noise hasn't improved with miles so I've ordered a set of Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT which arrive this week. I'll update as and when. Not that any one is bothered.

Hey mate

Are the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GTs still average/rubbish on your A35? I.e. Is the road noise still evident? I’ve test driven the A35 and noticed terrible road roar on the Pirelli P Zeros they deliver with the car as standard.

I’ve recently read that the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2’s made a massive difference to cabin noise in an A35, so thought I’d double check!

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , On my C207 I have Cont 5p tyres on the car but I put up the the noise because of superb road holding.

I was recently was given on demo E400d with Michelin 3 tyres on the car and low noise levels to my ears

Unfortunately I feel that noise levels is a little hit and miss depending on the car / tyre type.

 

[JHS]

I had an A35 and it was OK on Dunlop crossplies. But it was a 1958 Austin version.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi all , time to shout at me again but tyres do need to be run in !

 

[Trickythemerc]

I dumped Continentals as soon as they hit the wear bars and fitted Dunlop RT something or other. The Continentals were that bad for noise I was checking for a failed wheel bearing. The Dunlops are silent by comparison.

 

[ShaunB]

Hi all , time to shout at me again but tyres do need to be run in !

Yes, but maybe only 20 or 30 miles just.

 

[V8andTurbos]

Just placed a deposit on a 2019 A35 premium with 19” wheels and aero kit - this thread is making me think twice. Saying that, my old W204 C63 came with conti 5’s when I purchased it & I thought I had a dodgy wheel bearing. Switched to Michelin PSS and eventually got used to the noise..