Too much noise from the road enters cabin?
#11
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I think the OP is referring to outside noise intrusion other than from the tires. My A6 is a bit better at sound isolation than my last '09 A4 and about the same as my allroad and former '01 A6. Not as quiet as my friend's Cadillac but very acceptable to me for a luxury sport sedan. As already mentioned, it's best to see if you can isolate where the outside noise is coming from. You could use a db sound meter or db phone app and see if it's close to the published factory specs. (Although various tires can make a difference in the readings when at speed).
<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>
#12
I went for a drive with a dB meter and my TDI registers at:
30mph = 58.4 dB
40mph = 59.8 dB
60mph = 62.2 dB
I have the Continental ContiProContact tires on 18" wheels and non-sport suspension. Of course, road surface plays a huge role in all of this.
30mph = 58.4 dB
40mph = 59.8 dB
60mph = 62.2 dB
I have the Continental ContiProContact tires on 18" wheels and non-sport suspension. Of course, road surface plays a huge role in all of this.
I think the OP is referring to outside noise intrusion other than from the tires. My A6 is a bit better at sound isolation than my last '09 A4 and about the same as my allroad and former '01 A6. Not as quiet as my friend's Cadillac but very acceptable to me for a luxury sport sedan. As already mentioned, it's best to see if you can isolate where the outside noise is coming from. You could use a db sound meter or db phone app and see if it's close to the published factory specs. (Although various tires can make a difference in the readings when at speed).
<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="display-name">Sound level @ idle (dB)</td><td>41.6</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ Full throttle (dB)</td><td>70.9</td></tr> <tr><td class="display-name">@ 70 mph cruise (dB)</td><td>63.4</td></tr></tbody></table>
#13
Much noiser than the C6 and I hate the fact that on many marks, Audi has regressed. Sometimes I think a window is down with as much noise that passes through.
If it weren't for the looks and the 3.0T motor I would have gotten rid of this car by now in the short 3 months I have owned it.
If it weren't for the looks and the 3.0T motor I would have gotten rid of this car by now in the short 3 months I have owned it.
#14
AudiWorld Super User
Thanks, exactly. Most of the discussions usually covers typical tire noise. In my case the tires are actually no problem (very little surface/tire noise), but the surrounding noises bother me. It's not really easy to pinpoint the problem to one specific area - I checked all the seals, windows, doors. It seems just that closed car does not insulate enough from the outside noises. I even manage to hear bird chirping when driving slowely with closed windows!
#15
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Hmm. The only bird I hear chirping when the windows are closed is my wife. How about wind noise at speed? Do you hear any excessive sound coming from any of the window seals? That could indicate one or more need to be aligned. If you have a smart phone, try downloading one of the sound level apps as I suggested. If the numbers are similar to the specs, it is what it is and it might mean your hearing is extremely sensitive. If not, there's something not right with the insulation or seals somewhere the car.
I would have to try driving another one and compare...
#16
AudiWorld Senior Member
Well, my road noise from the Pirelli tires is unbearably loud, depending on road surface. Only the smoothest of smooth, newly laid asphalt is silent. Everything else hums very loudly. I might get an SPL meter for tuning my stereo system, and maybe will check the road noise.
I'm really hopful that swapping to Michelins will help. Otherwise, a lot of closed-cell-foam and mass-loaded-vinyl will be going under the floor carpet.
I'm really hopful that swapping to Michelins will help. Otherwise, a lot of closed-cell-foam and mass-loaded-vinyl will be going under the floor carpet.
#17
AudiWorld Super User
Well, my road noise from the Pirelli tires is unbearably loud, depending on road surface. Only the smoothest of smooth, newly laid asphalt is silent. Everything else hums very loudly. I might get an SPL meter for tuning my stereo system, and maybe will check the road noise.
I'm really hopful that swapping to Michelins will help. Otherwise, a lot of closed-cell-foam and mass-loaded-vinyl will be going under the floor carpet.
I'm really hopful that swapping to Michelins will help. Otherwise, a lot of closed-cell-foam and mass-loaded-vinyl will be going under the floor carpet.
You can't do worse and are almost guaranteed to do better with the Michelins (or just about any other name brand tire for that matter).
#18
My 14 prestige cabin is surprisingly noisy especially in the rear right. Nothing to do with tires. Just sounds like the window is cracked open. I catch myself looking over my shoulder sometimes to see if the rear right window was left opened. I also hear a thud occasionally in the rear right when driving slow.
#19
#20
AudiWorld Super User
Actually, aside from my sarcasm, I am. Made the mistake and bought a set of Pirellis for my wife's allroad and had to dump them after 10K miles. The OEM P6's on my B8 A4 were horrible - could never get them properly balanced, were extremely noisy and I finally dumped them as well after 4 months. My '13 A6 came with P-Zero's and I couldn't get rid of them fast enough. If you search the forums, there's not a lot of love for the brand.