Why the heavy sheets of "tarpaper" under the carpet?

[AV325i]

I just pulled the carpet out of my 325i and notices heavy sheets of what looks like really thick tarpaper under the carpet. It's in the trunk too. What is this stuff for? Noise reduction? Heating/cooling insulation? Then why in the trunk? Do I really need it? The stuff in the trunk is fairly heavy. Thanks!

[SpartanTiger81]

Noise reduction..

[E30_fiend]

no you dont need it

[Stu]

Sound deadening material. I'd keep it on a DD. The weight is negligable plus it's at the lowest point on the car.

[AV325i]

I think I will leave it out

Thanks. I think I will take the noise reduction "tarpaper" out and see how much noiser it is.