BMW M3 M4 Active Sound: the Good and the Bad News

[Jason]

Originally Posted by alexmtl_135i

Judging by how hard it is to actually record the exhaust sound, I find it very hard to believe that this is a live audio feed from your exhaust. This would be very costly too, as you need an expensive microphone to get quality sound.

Please read the info carefully folks. The ENGINE'S sounds are amplified, not the exhaust.

[Kuwen]

Originally Posted by lux

I'm having mixed feelings now. The fact that BMW is using live engine sound is good but amplifying it through the speakers suck. In an ideal world I wish it was unnecessary.

Maybe this is more akin to enjoying a concert with an acoustic guitar vs an electric one. At least BMW isn't trying to lip sync this time around.

Nail on the head regarding lip sync comment.

[aajami]

Originally Posted by marcva

Why not just remove some of the sound deadening material that they have packed around the cabin to, you know, let in engine and exhaust noises(?!). It would also further lighten the car a bit.

Stop making so much sense!

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by Mako

At first I was against this and thought it was kind of a cheesy feature. BUT the more I think about it, especially with it sending the actual engine sounds into the cabin, the more I actually like the idea.

I remember with my C63, I loved the sound of the engine, so much so that I would turn down the music and open the windows just to hear that beauty roar. It was kind of a pain in the ass at the same time, because I really do enjoy my music and conditions aren't always perfect for windows down in Chicago.

Its not like this technology is sending audio outside your car to make the engine sound better to others, its simply letting the driver hear their own engine, because normally the engine sound is heavily muted inside the cabin. Now the people inside can hear what the people outside hear...

I do wonder why BMW can't simply add a feature to disable this for the people who are so against it, seems like an easy feature to add in the audio section of idrive.

Originally Posted by SoCalS2k

Well said!

+2

[Transfer]

VAG has been doing this for a while now, known as Sound Symposer on Porsche and Soundaktor on VW. Not sure what they're calling the Audi version.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ined-tech-dept
I test drove the S4 in 2012 and actually liked the enhanced sound. The perk with their version is you can toggle it off (independent of other performance settings) in Drive Select. With cabins so muted now as well as the use of the devil, (FI ) without some development for noise enhancement, the engine not is going to be heard. Sure some say "take out all the sound deadening!" But the vast majority (myself included) get tired of vocal wind noise, tire/pavement slap, and traffic noises. When was the last time you rode in an econobox Honda? You hear EVERYTHING in the interior. So loud.

BMW definitely needs to have an off option for this though but hardly anyone would use it because you won't hardly hear the engine if you turn it off. Yes this is speculation but I'm sure it is true. Now the point about hi fi audio being forced to have engine noises going through the speakers at the same time as your favorite song, that actually does concern me. I'm guessing it won't significantly alter audio output because the engine volume will be low and fixed but we'll have to see about the actual outcome.

Really though I am quite pleased it will at least be the actual live engine sound and not the goofiness they put in the M5 and this is not something that turns me off from the F80/82. It will be interesting to find out how they're mic'ing the sound. I highly doubt any of it will come from exhaust noises.

[e92ben]

Originally Posted by gvega702

Another nail in the coffin for BMW.

Do something right, with purpose and passion BMW Jesus. Remember where you came from and why you got here. I understand that companies must evolve and change but they must do it within there own brand values. It seems as though BMW's only value now is to make a buck.

So dramatic. Lol they did plenary right making it lighter than a e46 m3. Lol that's all that matters haha jk

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by dlbrooks18

So if you're listening to music does it amplify exhaust sound simultaneously or is it one or the other?

Engine sound, not exhaust sound. Simultaneously.

[bimmerjph]

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I still don't like it but it isn't as bad as on the M5 and M135i.

[dreamsongs]

This seems the place to be for all M3/4 talk but it's disappointing that BMW would resort to this nonsense. Give me a real sound not a manufactured one !

I've been waiting for this car since I sold my e92 last year. I don't like this news....I hope there's disable button at least...

[FogCityM3]

Oh geez, just another gimmick. Everything about these cars are being simulated….simulated/amplified engine noises, simulated road feel with electric steering, simulated "N/A - like high revving" turbocharged engine etc. The fact that BMW is relying on things to emulate certain characteristics by definition means they are straying too much away its roots (as far as enthusiasts are concerned)..for the general public/base models may be a different story, but not on the M cars please.

[ORIGIN M.]

Is it live or is it memorex ?

[gymtime]

If you get the upgraded speakers will it produce a better engine sound?

[StealYourFace]

Reminds me of the last cca hpde I attended at the glen. In the pits picking up speed headed onto a hot track, My car sounded really loud... in my right ear... until I realized my mic the instructor uses so we can communicate was picking up the exhaust note bouncing off of the wall

[TunedM2C]

Just wait until you add an aftermarket intake and BOV.

[hellrotm]

This is the final nail for me. I am biting the bullet and getting a 991.

By the time this is on lots, CPO 991 S will be right in my wheelhouse.

[solstice]

Miles better than a synthesized sound generator which is just plain pathetic and terrible but I would really like the option to turn it off. FI engines lack in induction noise what is better, amplified by speakers or no noise? I dunno, need to hear it.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Transfer

VAG has been doing this for a while now, known as Sound Symposer on Porsche and Soundaktor on VW. Not sure what they're calling the Audi version.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ined-tech-dept
I test drove the S4 in 2012 and actually liked the enhanced sound. The perk with their version is you can toggle it off (independent of other performance settings) in Drive Select. With cabins so muted now as well as the use of the devil, (FI ) without some development for noise enhancement, the engine not is going to be heard. Sure some say "take out all the sound deadening!" But the vast majority (myself included) get tired of vocal wind noise, tire/pavement slap, and traffic noises. When was the last time you rode in an econobox Honda? You hear EVERYTHING in the interior. So loud.

BMW definitely needs to have an off option for this though but hardly anyone would use it because you won't hardly hear the engine if you turn it off. Yes this is speculation but I'm sure it is true. Now the point about hi fi audio being forced to have engine noises going through the speakers at the same time as your favorite song, that actually does concern me. I'm guessing it won't significantly alter audio output because the engine volume will be low and fixed but we'll have to see about the actual outcome.

Really though I am quite pleased it will at least be the actual live engine sound and not the goofiness they put in the M5 and this is not something that turns me off from the F80/82. It will be interesting to find out how they're mic'ing the sound. I highly doubt any of it will come from exhaust noises.

I would actually welcome a sound symposer type enhanced sound.

Why BMW uses the speaker system is beyond me.

[MA///M3]

F'N DUMB..........

[gymtime]

Originally Posted by Carlos_Danger

Yes go and buy another brand because the real sound of the engine is augmented in the cabin

Oh and just ONE LITTLE THING that Porsche you're getting DOES THIS TOO so good luck finding a modern sports car without it
"VAG has been doing this for a while now, known as Sound Symposer on Porsche and Soundaktor on VW" Car And Driver

Oh the pleasure of letting know misinformed people that they're totally wrong, never gets old

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ined-tech-dept

I don't think Porsche uses speakers and you can also deactivate it


"Electronically synthesized noise is not a Porsche solution, so the engineers developed a new Sound Symposer that is standard on both versions of the car. An acoustic channel picks up intake vibrations between the throttle valve and air filter and a membrane incorporated in the channel reinforces the vibrations and transmits them as an engine sound into the cabin. The system is driver activated or deactivated via a “Sport” button that controls a valve ahead of the membrane.

The result is a direct acoustic link between the cabin occupants and the engine, providing optimal transmission of the load-dependent sounds. The sound of gearshifts can also be enhanced.

The Sound Symposer incorporates a tunable Helmholtz resonator to achieve an harmonious sound pattern, damping out unpleasant noise occurring at around 5000 rpm.

If the Sound Symposer is deactivated, an aperture in the air filter housing still allows the basic engine and exhaust tones to be heard—"because we don’t want it to sound boring!” explained Dr. Bernhard Pfäfflin, General Manager of the Noise and Vibration Department."

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by Carlos_Danger

Yes go and buy another brand because the real sound of the engine is augmented in the cabin

Oh and just ONE LITTLE THING that Porsche you're getting DOES THIS TOO so good luck finding a modern sports car without it
"VAG has been doing this for a while now, known as Sound Symposer on Porsche and Soundaktor on VW" Car And Driver

Oh the pleasure of letting know misinformed people that they're totally wrong, never gets old

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ined-tech-dept

Already know that.

Nice try.

BMW uses the speakers. Not even close in design.

[swanson]

Originally Posted by gvega702

Another nail in the coffin for BMW.

Do something right, with purpose and passion BMW Jesus. Remember where you came from and why you got here. I understand that companies must evolve and change but they must do it within there own brand values. It seems as though BMW's only value now is to make a buck.

[Race 1]

Lets say you could turn this feature on and off in the m3/m4.

I bet everyone complaining would turn it off, then turn it back on and leave it on.