The new 128i cabrio didn't have that "vibration absorber", so that remains a mystery. The PE is somewhat loud, and on the initial drive (about 30 miles round trip), I did feel a little resonance in the floorboard, but again, that was with less than 100 mi. on the car and even less on the exhaust. Overall, I like it and so does my wife, who does most of the driving since it's her car.