Another option for deactivating Active Sound Design

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by rr006rbc

You guys really find it that bothersome? It's probably because I drive w/ the windows down 95% of the time. It doesn't matter if it's 90 degrees out or 45 degrees out here in CA I drive with the windows down with the A/C or heater on according to weather. It's only up when it's raining/pouring but not sprinkling..

I don't know if I'd categorize myself a purist, but it does bother me that I haven't yet heard what the car really sounds like. I may turn it back on after all this, but for now I am determined to hear the real sound.

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by Yessir

This clip is a little different. You need to push the tab down on the gray clip and pull the black bar up fully then the connector will pull right out. Gently wiggling instead of pulling on the wires my recommendation. Pulling wires is never a good idea.

hahaha, thanks! I wasn't going to really pull holding the wires, I was trying to phrase my question right.

[Yessir]

Glad I could hep.

[Tnitaly]

I completed this DIY upgrade this afternoon and I love the difference! The sound being piped into the car was so very artificial; with the active sound inactive I can enjoy the sound of the turbos spooling when I put foot to pedal I

[fueledbymetal]

Originally Posted by Tnitaly

I completed this DIY upgrade this afternoon and I love the difference! The sound being piped into the car was so very artificial; with the active sound inactive I can enjoy the sound of the turbos spooling when I put foot to pedal I

Ditto that - so much nicer with it off! That artificial sound was just obnoxious (and I usually prefer a loud exhaust!).

[CanAutM3]

I own an M4 and went out to attempt this DYI today as the weather is getting nicer out (I can owrk on the car without freezing to death ).

I tried to access the ASD amplifier, but it seems quite complex to remove the side trim panel. Are there any trick to pull it out quickly, or do I just need to be very patient and dismantle the whole thing?

[dhoggm3]

Thanks so much for posting this. I did it yesterday and it was a spectacular upgrade. I never would have figured it out without your help.

The car sounds more like a stock E36 or E46 M3 now. It's a little quiet for heel/toe shifts by ear, but I'll get used to it. It's a huge upgrade for running the Turnpike for business - I'll be able to hear the HK radio!

There's a LOT more than just 3% of the sound coming through the speakers. BMW's PR machine lied to us about that one. The change is immediately noticeable.

[fueledbymetal]

Originally Posted by dhoggm3

There's a LOT more than just 3% of the sound coming through the speakers. BMW's PR machine lied to us about that one. The change is immediately noticeable.

Totally agree. The obnoxious blat when pressing the gas in the low rpm range that the ASD added was WAY more than 3%.

[sergkoko]

Disconnected mine after work on Friday, I like it.

[guitarman1]

Are you guys removing the entire left side trunk panel to access the plug on the active sound amp? Does the trunk panel come out easily after removing the 4 plastic grommets, or does it take some work to break it loose?

[Who's on first]

Originally Posted by guitarman1

Are you guys removing the entire left side trunk panel to access the plug on the active sound amp? Does the trunk panel come out easily after removing the 4 plastic grommets, or does it take some work to break it loose?

Just buy this, takes care of the active sound ... and more.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

It's a 23 second install, of that's not too bad for anyone.

[sleepy75]

Originally Posted by I hate picking user names

Just buy this, takes care of the active sound ... and more.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

It's a 23 second install, of that's not too bad for anyone.

This free solution is perfect for those of us already using the OBD port. It only takes ten minutes to complete anyway.

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I own an M4 and went out to attempt this DYI today as the weather is getting nicer out (I can owrk on the car without freezing to death ).

I tried to access the ASD amplifier, but it seems quite complex to remove the side trim panel. Are there any trick to pull it out quickly, or do I just need to be very patient and dismantle the whole thing?

It's not terribly complicated to do, a forum member (@Yessir, thank you!) walked me through it the night I was struggling with it, took about 30 mins start to finish.

The main thing is to get the Torx screw (in the M3 anyway) that's in the trunk. That holds the entire trim together. Once that is out, and the rivets holding the plastic part are out, I was able to move the trim far enough out to get my hand in. You have to push the grey tab of the connector, flip the black part up, and pull the entire thing out. Took about 5 seconds once I was able to squeeze my hand in.

I know other members have said it's too quiet, but for me personally, the car sounds awesome for the first time since I've picked it up. I have the exhaust valves disconnected, ASD unplugged, and the result is a nice sound that doesn't scare you into shifting at 5k rpm. I can actually "feel" the car now.

Good luck, and if you need any help, happy to post some pictures describing the process.

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by guitarman1

Are you guys removing the entire left side trunk panel to access the plug on the active sound amp? Does the trunk panel come out easily after removing the 4 plastic grommets, or does it take some work to break it loose?

4 rivets in the plastic trunk panel, and it comes out with one swift pull. You also have to remove 3 rivets (top left part of the trunk), and 1 Torx screw on the left side of the trunk floor. Once these are out, try pulling out the trim gently, it will separate far enough to get your hand in.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Krish_1

It's not terribly complicated to do, a forum member (@Yessir, thank you!) walked me through it the night I was struggling with it, took about 30 mins start to finish.

The main thing is to get the Torx screw (in the M3 anyway) that's in the trunk. That holds the entire trim together. Once that is out, and the rivets holding the plastic part are out, I was able to move the trim far enough out to get my hand in. You have to push the grey tab of the connector, flip the black part up, and pull the entire thing out. Took about 5 seconds once I was able to squeeze my hand in.

I know other members have said it's too quiet, but for me personally, the car sounds awesome for the first time since I've picked it up. I have the exhaust valves disconnected, ASD unplugged, and the result is a nice sound that doesn't scare you into shifting at 5k rpm. I can actually "feel" the car now.

Good luck, and if you need any help, happy to post some pictures describing the process.

Thanks for replying.

I am wondering if the trunk lining is different on the M4 vs the M3. On the M4, it seems I have to remove the little safety net, the 12V power outlet and the storage hook to be able to remove the trim .

[Krish_1]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Thanks for replying.

I am wondering if the trunk lining is different on the M4 vs the M3. On the M4, it seems I have to remove the little safety net, the 12V power outlet and the storage hook to be able to remove the trim .

You don't have to touch the net, nor the 12V outlet (M3 has it as well). Once the rivets and Torx screw are out, you will only separate the trim far enough to get your hand in. The actual unit is right under the left tail light.

[dhoggm3]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Thanks for replying.

I am wondering if the trunk lining is different on the M4 vs the M3. On the M4, it seems I have to remove the little safety net, the 12V power outlet and the storage hook to be able to remove the trim .

No you don't. It all floats on the panel.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Krish_1

You don't have to touch the net, nor the 12V outlet (M3 has it as well). Once the rivets and Torx screw are out, you will only separate the trim far enough to get your hand in. The actual unit is right under the left tail light.

Great !!! Thanks

[guitarman1]

Originally Posted by I hate picking user names

Just buy this, takes care of the active sound ... and more.

http://www.burgertuning.com/f_series...odule_BMW.html

It's a 23 second install, of that's not too bad for anyone.

Thanks for recommending another option. But, $295 to turn off active sound or open and close the exhaust flaps seems a little rich.

[Who's on first]

I can see that.

I also like having the ability to control the active sound and the halo brightness, so for me, with all that it was easier to swallow.

The boost gauge also built into it is creative, but basically useless in my opinion.

[Pinkoboe]

I pulled the plug on my active sound module tonight, and I could not be happier.

To me, the stock sound always was a inline six trying to sound like a V-8. It sounded course and unrefined. As someone else mentioned, there seemed to be a disconnect from the sound the engine was making compared to what it was actually doing.

Without active sound, it now sounds like a smooth BMW straight six, the way god intended it to sound. No more boomy bass, no more muscle car sounds, just pure BMW goodness. It just sounds real and mechanical now.

I am also shocked at how much of the exhaust note with active sound on came from the speakers. The car is so much quieter when not being flogged, but once you step on it, it sounds amazing.

Best Mod Ever.

[dhoggm3]

Originally Posted by unit

I pulled the plug on my active sound module tonight, and I could not be happier.

To me, the stock sound always was a inline six trying to sound like a V-8. It sounded course and unrefined. As someone else mentioned, there seemed to be a disconnect from the sound the engine was making compared to what it was actually doing.

Without active sound, it now sounds like a smooth BMW straight six, the way god intended it to sound. No more boomy bass, no more muscle car sounds, just pure BMW goodness. It just sounds real and mechanical now.

I am also shocked at how much of the exhaust note with active sound on came from the speakers. The car is so much quieter when not being flogged, but once you step on it, it sounds amazing.

Best Mod Ever.

Welcome to the club. Great mod!