R44 Performance
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Go Back   BMW M3 and BMW M4 Forum > BMW F80 M3 / F82 M4 Technical Topics > Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-20-2014, 03:34 PM   #155
seanq
Private
Ukraine
7
Rep
77
Posts

Drives: '13 e92 M3 ZCP
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SF Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M4TW View Post
This is from the thread on the same subject



This is just a way of providing feedback and listening in on what the engine is doing with the amplification adjusted according to the setting you've selected. A lot of people time their shift points by ear and this would therefore be an enthusiast's tool. The only difference here is that you have the option of turning down the engine sounds in the cabin when you're only cruising and listening to tunes or trying to carry on a conversation.
Correct me if I'm wrong, you are saying Active Sound can be turned off without software hacks? This is the first time I read that
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2014, 03:35 PM   #156
igom3
Major
76
Rep
1,147
Posts

Drives: 02 E46M3 15 F80 M3 16 X5 35d
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2016 X5 35d  [0.00]
2015 BMW M3  [0.00]
2002 E46 M3  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanq View Post
For a performance car to have an artificially enhanced sound is just plain silly for me. I expect to experience the actual engine sound, if BMW is worried about the sound being too quiet that can easily be solved with some modifications.
If you are OK with artificial sound then great for you, hopefully BMW releases a Ferrari/Mustang/Lambo sound app and you'll be able to choose what you want to hear, but other people have different tastes, and asking to hear the natural engine sound in a 70k+ BMW performance car is not complaining by any measure.

Cheers,
+ 1000
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2014, 03:52 PM   #157
Year's_End
Lieutenant General
Year's_End's Avatar
United_States
1103
Rep
12,442
Posts

Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by seanq View Post
For a performance car to have an artificially enhanced sound is just plain silly for me. I expect to experience the actual engine sound, if BMW is worried about the sound being too quiet that can easily be solved with some modifications.
If you are OK with artificial sound then great for you, hopefully BMW releases a Ferrari/Mustang/Lambo sound app and you'll be able to choose what you want to hear, but other people have different tastes, and asking to hear the natural engine sound in a 70k+ BMW performance car is not complaining by any measure.

Cheers,
I can entirely sympathize with your reasoning, although your opinion starts to sound childish with the app fallacy. There's a domino effect at play here and the cards are stacked against them in the aural department. For one, they're starting with a muffled F/I engine that doesn't produce the same sharp intake and crisp exhaust notes as its N/A predecessors for obvious reasons. On top of this, they've further insulated the chassis just like they've been doing across the range with sound deadening materials.

Now that the "unwanted" sounds are removed or significantly diminished, they need to amplify the noises that do matter. Many OEMs implement a tube that channels noise into the cockpit (e.g. Mustang), while BMW has chosen to playback the noises through the speakers.

I can understand that the principle is off-putting to enthusiasts as this isn't the "true" source of the noise in the literal sense, but what other options do they have aside from the two outlined above? Remove the sound deadening? Customers will think the car is less "refined" compared to its competition (and let's be honest with ourselves when we think about the majority of the buying demographic in this case). Uncork the engine and give it a less restrictive exhaust? Probably too showy for the M brand's "wolf in sheep's clothing" image. They could revert to an atmos engine and ditch the snails, but then the engine becomes less fuel efficient and torque output lags behind the competition (I'm sure that we couldn't care less, but we have to keep the consumer in mind).

This is really just a passive feature that tries to enhance the experience. If you focus less on what the source is and give the end product a shot, you might come into it with a less jaded opinion. Just my two cents.
__________________
Past: '08 E92 335i|ZPP|ZSP|6AT
Past: '15 Mustang GT|401A|PP|6MT
Current: '20 Shelby GT350|6MT
Appreciate 0
      03-20-2014, 04:19 PM   #158
Suave
Major
Suave's Avatar
United_States
279
Rep
1,449
Posts

Drives: GT4 and M2 in progress
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Philadelphia, PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Year's_End
Quote:
Originally Posted by seanq View Post
For a performance car to have an artificially enhanced sound is just plain silly for me. I expect to experience the actual engine sound, if BMW is worried about the sound being too quiet that can easily be solved with some modifications.
If you are OK with artificial sound then great for you, hopefully BMW releases a Ferrari/Mustang/Lambo sound app and you'll be able to choose what you want to hear, but other people have different tastes, and asking to hear the natural engine sound in a 70k+ BMW performance car is not complaining by any measure.

Cheers,
I can entirely sympathize with your reasoning, although your opinion starts to sound childish with the app fallacy. There's a domino effect at play here and the cards are stacked against them in the aural department. For one, they're starting with a muffled F/I engine that doesn't produce the same sharp intake and crisp exhaust notes as its N/A predecessors for obvious reasons. On top of this, they've further insulated the chassis just like they've been doing across the range with sound deadening materials.

Now that the "unwanted" sounds are removed or significantly diminished, they need to amplify the noises that do matter. Many OEMs implement a tube that channels noise into the cockpit (e.g. Mustang), while BMW has chosen to playback the noises through the speakers.

I can understand that the principle is off-putting to enthusiasts as this isn't the "true" source of the noise in the literal sense, but what other options do they have aside from the two outlined above? Remove the sound deadening? Customers will think the car is less "refined" compared to its competition (and let's be honest with ourselves when we think about the majority of the buying demographic in this case). Uncork the engine and give it a less restrictive exhaust? Probably too showy for the M brand's "wolf in sheep's clothing" image. They could revert to an atmos engine and ditch the snails, but then the engine becomes less fuel efficient and torque output lags behind the competition (I'm sure that we couldn't care less, but we have to keep the consumer in mind).

This is really just a passive feature that tries to enhance the experience. If you focus less on what the source is and give the end product a shot, you might come into it with a less jaded opinion. Just my two cents.
The sound is not artificial. It is the actual engine sound being channeled into the car with the help of the speaker rather than a pipe like the mustang. It is not a soundtrack. Just wanted to make that clear
__________________
201X ???? Coming soon
2015 F80 M3 AW/SO - Going Going Gone!
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2014, 10:13 PM   #159
MeganeTrophyGuy
Private
8
Rep
67
Posts

Drives: M135i & Cayenne V6
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Tokyo

iTrader: (0)

Active Sound in an M car

A few weeks ago, I sold my Renault Megane 265 RS Trophy for an M135 which has the artificial noise being pumped in, and though I don't really like the idea, I was willing to give it a try since it is just a temporary commuter car for the next year and not a full on M-model. I also liked the fact that this is one of the lighters BMWs with one of its biggest engines - each generation of BMW seems to get bigger and heavier which they seem forced to try to offset by constantly pushing up the hp numbers and use of advanced technologies. It says only a very small part of the sound is artificially produced and I suppose I am Ok with the idea for this kind of car (something that is more GT than track-oriented), especially after I added the M Performance Exhaust which gives about another 10% of sporty noise in all the right places, but it still kind of feels like the M135i is just one more example of sports car makers getting too mesmerized by the promise of technology, rather than remembering their sporting roots which historically produced wonderful, raw, analog driving experiences that truly connected the driver with their vehicle and the road.

M-Performace cars like my M135 supposedly have about 30-40% original parts when compared with the regular cars in their line while M-cars supposedly have 70-80% original parts. This makes it seem like more of a cop out to have to pipe in artificially produced sounds on all-out M-cars like the M3/4/5/6 (especially since there are great aftermarket systems that do a fantastic job of delivering 100% natural sporty sounds already). I have had some great BMWs in the past including an E36 M3 and E46 Alpina B3S, and the wonderful, signature BMW straight-six exhaust note was an important part of the sell for me.

My M135i is a short term 1 year purchase and though I had originally been thinking about trading up for an M4 next year, the artificially produced sound is a definite issue for me. I loved the glorious sound of the old V10 M5s and had long ago decided that wouldn't even consider the new M5 for the same reason.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2014, 10:55 PM   #160
Chuck W.
First Lieutenant
Chuck W.'s Avatar
354
Rep
365
Posts

Drives: '95 Porsche 993 Cab
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Agoura Hill (LA) CA

iTrader: (0)

It can be deleted through coding. I had the link from another forum.
__________________
2022 X5 40I - Ours
2016 BMW M2 LBB 6 Sp / ED Pick Up on 07/12/2016 - Her's
1995 Porsche 993 Cab - Mine
2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 Ext Cab - Hay Hauler
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2014, 11:53 PM   #161
nonagon
Captain
nonagon's Avatar
United_States
113
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: Porsche Cayenne GTS
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Arlington VA

iTrader: (0)

It's supposedly the actual engine sound, amplified through the speakers. Not synthesized. Yes there have been many threads on the subject.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 01:04 AM   #162
Velon
Private First Class
Velon's Avatar
Sweden
99
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: M5 f90
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Stockholm

iTrader: (0)

I have actually never driven a BMW with "fake" sound so my F80 will be the first. If it works out, why not. But I will miss the sound of the Boxer engine of my Porsche. That sound is as close to God I can get really. No need for amplifier there.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 01:14 AM   #163
Lups
...
Lups's Avatar
11820
Rep
15,400
Posts

Drives: I don't own a car.
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lost as usual

iTrader: (0)

I hate the idea of amplified sound, but hell, if it was up to me, someone would have sold me their brand new M3 2012 with zero miles on the clock.

Last edited by Lups; 04-18-2014 at 01:17 AM.. Reason: Again, language barrier, it's too big, like my ego.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 02:16 AM   #164
MeganeTrophyGuy
Private
8
Rep
67
Posts

Drives: M135i & Cayenne V6
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Tokyo

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Velon View Post
I have actually never driven a BMW with "fake" sound so my F80 will be the first. If it works out, why not. But I will miss the sound of the Boxer engine of my Porsche. That sound is as close to God I can get really. No need for amplifier there.
A few things:

1) I have always been one of those that wants "just a little bit more" than the stock sound since this is always a compromise both for EU drive by laws as well as the less hooligan-like owners out there and added a Supersprint system to my E36 M3 (AWESOME sound) and a SpeedArt system to my 2010 Boxtser S (like you said, a truly heavenly, spine-tingling sound!).

2) I actually LOVE the sound of my M135i (with M Performance Exhaust) when I am on throttle - impossible to tell that any of the noise generated is artificial and it actually sounds even BETTER than my 321hp E36 M3 with Supersprint. The engine note brings a HUGE smile to my face every time I gun it. That said, it is too quiet below 4000rpm and definitely needs windows open for full effect.

3) As I said, i don't mind the use of artificial methods to enhance the sound in a regular series BMW or even in a "lesser-M" like my M135 M Performance, but definitely have the expectation that a full on M-car by BMW, high end 911s, or anything by Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, or even AMG can manage to create a car with an engine note that it exciting and intoxicating without any artificial sweeteners. To me, it feels like an example of BMW corporate rather than BMW engineers calling the shots...
Appreciate 1
      04-18-2014, 02:44 AM   #165
Velon
Private First Class
Velon's Avatar
Sweden
99
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: M5 f90
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Stockholm

iTrader: (0)

Well Said. I agree.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 08:55 AM   #166
Oakleyguy
Resident Engineer
Oakleyguy's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
748
Posts

Drives: Land Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO / Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 Toyota URJ200  [0.00]
2017 BMW M2  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
2005 Toyota UZJ100  [0.00]
As others have said, the M3/4 will use a microphone in the engine bay to amplify sound into the cabin via the speakers. So basically a live concert of your engine. Why? Because BMW owners do want to hear some engine note, but do not want to hear road and wind noise.

If the Bimmerpost video riding in the prototype M4 with Bruno has any lick of truth, the system will sound damn fine in the cabin. That said, there's always the option of discounting the microphone.
__________________
///M4 (SO/BLK/BLK) Exec, LED, Blk 19s, HK, 6MT <- SOLD
///M2 (LBB), Exec, 6MT <- SOLD
2014 Land Cruiser, Slee Sliders, OME Lift, ARB Onboard Air
European Delivery Journal & F8X Door Rattle Fix
Machine Shop Directory - www.mfgcenter.com
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 09:07 AM   #167
STi2M3
Private First Class
42
Rep
131
Posts

Drives: 2015 MG/SO M3 (on order)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boston, MA

iTrader: (0)

Do you see any microphones????? We've all seen the engine bay, and as much as I hope it is mic'd sound, I think it is just going to be a recording like in the M5. I know we have some semi-offical confirmation of microphones, but until I see a microphone, I remain very sceptical. I think this is like the mythical third electric turbo.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 09:55 AM   #168
Lups
...
Lups's Avatar
11820
Rep
15,400
Posts

Drives: I don't own a car.
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lost as usual

iTrader: (0)

We have already had many ideas about how to handle the active sound. Coding is the best one, the one doctors recommend.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 09:55 AM   #169
Oakleyguy
Resident Engineer
Oakleyguy's Avatar
United_States
135
Rep
748
Posts

Drives: Land Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Denver, CO / Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 Toyota URJ200  [0.00]
2017 BMW M2  [0.00]
2015 BMW M4  [10.00]
2005 Toyota UZJ100  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by STi2M3 View Post
Do you see any microphones????? We've all seen the engine bay, and as much as I hope it is mic'd sound, I think it is just going to be a recording like in the M5. I know we have some semi-offical confirmation of microphones, but until I see a microphone, I remain very sceptical. I think this is like the mythical third electric turbo.
Really we won't know until we (3rd party enthusiasts) can get our hand on an actual car and do some investigating.

Otherwise we could try our luck at NYIAS?
"Umm sir, could please climb back out of the engine bay"
__________________
///M4 (SO/BLK/BLK) Exec, LED, Blk 19s, HK, 6MT <- SOLD
///M2 (LBB), Exec, 6MT <- SOLD
2014 Land Cruiser, Slee Sliders, OME Lift, ARB Onboard Air
European Delivery Journal & F8X Door Rattle Fix
Machine Shop Directory - www.mfgcenter.com
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 03:40 PM   #170
Kadema
Private First Class
Kadema's Avatar
Germany
1
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 123d
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

iTrader: (0)

Today, I drove at casual 70mph between Rothenburg ob der Tauber and an even smaller town called Schillingsfürst on a northern bavarian 'Landstraße' when suddenly a yellowish-golden car was approaching visibly less casual. It was already gone when I realized that I just got passed by an AY M3 (yes, I think it was a F80, could be mistaken, though). And you know what: Exterior sound was great.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 03:47 PM   #171
Velon
Private First Class
Velon's Avatar
Sweden
99
Rep
106
Posts

Drives: M5 f90
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Stockholm

iTrader: (0)

This makes me happy. Or happyish.
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 05:28 PM   #172
dhoggm3
Major
dhoggm3's Avatar
United_States
269
Rep
1,281
Posts

Drives: 850i C, Gated R8 5.2, E63
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Central PA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck W. View Post
It can be deleted through coding.
Really? If so, that's new information.
__________________
M850i Vert with RaceChip
E46 M3, Euro Headers, Rasp Pipe, Kassel Tune
Alpina B8, zero performance mods
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2014, 09:23 PM   #173
ake
Lieutenant
ake's Avatar
21
Rep
481
Posts

Drives: 2023 BMW i4 e40
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Munich, DE

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chuck W. View Post
It can be deleted through coding. I had the link from another forum.

Could you PM me that link? Thanks...
__________________
2015 ///M3 F80
[ Yas Marina Blue | Black Full Merino Leather | 19" Black-Light Alloy Wheels | M Double-Clutch Transmission | Carbon Fiber interior | Driver Assistance Plus / Lighting / Executive | Adaptive M Suspension | Harman Kardon Surround ]
Appreciate 0
Closed Thread

Bookmarks

Tags
2014 bmw m3, 2014 bmw m3 horsepower, 2014 bmw m3 specs, 2014 bmw m4 horsepower, 2014 bmw m4 specs, 2014 m3, 2014 m3 engine, 2014 m3 forum, 2014 m3 horsepower, 2014 m3 hp, 2014 m3 specs, 2014 m3 weight, 2014 m4 engine, 2014 m4 horsepower, 2014 m4 hp, 2014 m4 specs, 2014 m4 weight, 2015 bmw m3, 2015 bmw m4, 2015 m3, 2015 m3 engine, 2015 m3 specs, 2015 m4, 2015 m4 engine, 2015 m4 hp, 2015 m4 weight, active sound bmw m3, active sound bmw m4, active sound m3, active sound m4, bmw f80, bmw f80 forum, bmw f80 forums, bmw f80 m3, bmw f80 m3 s55, bmw f80 m3 sedan, bmw f82, bmw f82 forum, bmw f82 forums, bmw f82 m3 coupe, bmw f82 m4, bmw f82 m4 coupe, bmw f82 m4 s55, bmw f82 m4 video, bmw f83, bmw f83 m3, bmw f83 m4, bmw m forum, bmw m forums, bmw m3 active sound, bmw m3 carbon fiber roof, bmw m3 forum, bmw m3 forums, bmw m3 s55, bmw m3 s55 engine, bmw m4, bmw m4 active sound, bmw m4 coupe, bmw m4 coupe forum, bmw m4 curb weight, bmw m4 forum, bmw m4 forums, f80 m3 active sound, f82 m4 active sound, m4 active sound

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:04 AM.




f80post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST