Another option for deactivating Active Sound Design

BMWM.D. · 01-25-2015, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

The first pic is the HK Amp on the right and the (supposed) ASD amp on the left.

Nothing "supposed" about it -- that's the ASD control module. Thanks for posting good pics of it.

I should also mention that there is one downside to unplugging the module. And that is that a dealership will be unable to program your car with it unplugged. So keep that in mind if any programming related recalls or service actions pop up in the future, or if you need to have a control module replaced under warranty.

Mandi90TT · 01-25-2015, 11:02 PM

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't confirming whether or not that was the ASD module.

OneRib · 01-25-2015, 11:06 PM

Nice
Thanks for the update and pics

BMWM.D. · 01-28-2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't confirming whether or not that was the ASD module.

No worries, but that's definitely it. I found it by using BMW's official repair documents when I had the M3 in the shop. It also matches the location and images listed in the BMW parts catalog.

jewels · 01-28-2015, 05:51 PM

I too would like to thank our community for all the info on disconnecting to Active Sound.
There is no comparison...my M4 experience has been much enhanced.

Everybody has there own feeling on how they want there car to sound.
When I was 16years old my 65 Mustang had "glass packs" and could be heard several blocks away..I loved it.

My previous to the M4, GTR was fairly quiet inside the cabin, guess I got spoiled.

The active sound just sounded ..false

My view is that all should at least be given the opportunity to turn it off or on. A S is not a feature that should have been dictated to us with no option to adjust based on our assessment. (yes I know that this as well as other features can be coded). IMO

Millie1 · 01-29-2015, 05:04 PM

UK owner here , not collected car yet , firstly great write up and very helpful . Two questions first on a European car would everything be in the same side . Secondly would anyone know if you could have a switch system say within the boot , ie switch back on if needed without the removal of trim everything ? Cheers

Mandi90TT · 01-29-2015, 05:07 PM

Too many wires for a switch. Not sure about which side it is on in your wrong sided car........

jewels · 01-29-2015, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Millie1

UK owner here , not collected car yet , firstly great write up and very helpful . Two questions first on a European car would everything be in the same side . Secondly would anyone know if you could have a switch system say within the boot , ie switch back on if needed without the removal of trim everything ? Cheers

It is my understanding that the unit is located on the same side of the trunk on all M3-4s. The difference on our Verts is that the unit is at the very back corner and the others are further up on the back side of the wheel well.
As far as setting up a switch for the on-off of this unit, I am sure it could be done. There are roughly 8-12 wires in that plug (maybe more, I only reached in to disconnect it) it could be complicated.

Millie1 · 01-29-2015, 05:27 PM

Thank you for the replies , I will have a look into this when I get the car . If I decide to disconnect and I am able to have an auto electrician look into a switch I will post up here .

BMWM.D. · 01-29-2015, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Millie1

Thank you for the replies , I will have a look into this when I get the car . If I decide to disconnect and I am able to have an auto electrician look into a switch I will post up here .

This could be done if you don't mind cutting up the factory wiring. I'd have to pull up the wiring diagram again, but it would probably be as simple as splicing the switch into main power feed for the ASD module. It's powered by one of the fuses in the rear electronics module (fuse 159 maybe?), but that fuse also feeds the H/K amp, so simply pulling it isn't an option.

I'll find the wire I'm talking about and report back.

smedin · 01-29-2015, 10:21 PM

Done. A little wrastlin' with the liner, a quick stab with a long screwdriver, and off it goes.

Can't wait to take off tomorrow and (not) hear it.

Thanks for the easy audition!!!

smedin · 01-30-2015, 05:32 PM

After a day of running around, I have to say I like it better with the ASD unit unplugged. Yes, it is quieter at times (never silent), and when you're really on it, it's still plenty loud.

I guess the best way to put it is that, for me, with the active sound on, the engine sounded too loud for the load it was under. Faking awesomeness while none was happening. It gave a non-linear impression of what the car was actually doing. It screws with my head, and I don't dig it.

I understand that the factory is trying to give the impression of a NA engine, but, ALAS, it is not.

With the ASD unplugged, the car gives the distinct impression of effortless power when puttering around town, but still howls properly when booting it.

This, plus the new exhaust flap control module, plus the Parky secondary cat replace mod, should give me the perfect combination of moods from which to choose. I predict that I'll have the flaps open most of the time...

Millie1 · 01-30-2015, 05:45 PM

Thanks for the update smedin, I get my car end of Feb I will drive as is to start with and then may deactivate to see difference, as I have asked I would prefer to have a switch that I can deactivate or re activate for ease .

Interestingly on a main forum over here there has been no mention / discussion of the ASD either we Brits just put up with things and or we don't investigate the what and how of things , as I also note very little talk around coding.

jewels · 01-31-2015, 05:28 AM

This, plus the new exhaust flap control module, plus the Parky secondary cat replace mod, should give me the perfect combination of moods from which to choose. I predict that I'll have the flaps open most of the time...[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the update.
Please elaborate on the "new exhaust flap control module & Parky secondary cat replace mod"?

CanAutM3 · 01-31-2015, 09:47 AM

Thank you BMWM.D. and Dave90TT for posting this

. Will definitely try it out. The concept of active sound has always left me a little meh, and I do enjoy a quiet cabin.

smedin · 01-31-2015, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jewels

This, plus the new exhaust flap control module, plus the Parky secondary cat replace mod, should give me the perfect combination of moods from which to choose. I predict that I'll have the flaps open most of the time...

Thanks for the update.
Please elaborate on the "new exhaust flap control module & Parky secondary cat replace mod"?[/QUOTE]

Right! Here is the exhaust VCM:

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1080549

And here is the Parky mod (some call it ghetto. I call it brilliant and simple):

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1045821

smedin · 01-31-2015, 06:48 PM

Drove it all day today, and I enjoy the sound SO much more. No more fake. It's so weird, that active sound.

jewels · 02-01-2015, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smedin

Drove it all day today, and I enjoy the sound SO much more. No more fake. It's so weird, that active sound.

PLUS 1

SuspectisHatless · 02-08-2015, 07:40 PM

Thanks for this thread. I disabled AS today to test it. Its a little tricky pulling out the wire if you don't want to take off the side panel, but its doable. Personally I like the AS, but I think its a little to loud. I would feel more self-conscious when driving it in traffic. I'll give it a couple of days to see which way I prefer. I know my wife would prefer to keep it off.

smedin · 02-08-2015, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuspectisHatless

Thanks for this thread. I disabled AS today to test it. Its a little tricky pulling out the wire if you don't want to take off the side panel, but its doable. Personally I like the AS, but I think its a little to loud. I would feel more self-conscious when driving it in traffic. I'll give it a couple of days to see which way I prefer. I know my wife would prefer to keep it off.

Yes, I could possibly live with it if it were less heavy.

When cruising around town, ASD just seems to fake a high engine load when, actually, the load is light. The car actually seems faster to me now, because the experience seems more effortless. If that makes sense.

Conversely, with ASD off, there is still plenty of fine fine noise when booting it.

BMWM.D. · 02-12-2015, 09:37 AM

Glad this info has been useful to some of you.

ASD seems to be the way of the future for BMW. I even think my mom's new 328i might have it. She actually made a comment about how much louder the engine sounded, and I'm pretty sure I saw the "ASD" module on the control unit list when I had it hooked up to ISTA a few weeks ago.

RocketBoots · 02-12-2015, 12:10 PM

Any idea how to do this for a non-HK system in the USA? I know you mentioned it is in serial with the amp, but is there a way to bypass it somehow??

01-25-2015, 11:02 PM	#24
Mandi90TT Colonel 2712 Rep 2,371 Posts Drives: BSM 6MT M4 F82 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't confirming whether or not that was the ASD module. __________________ 2015 Black Sapphire Metallic 6MT M4
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01-25-2015, 11:06 PM	#25
OneRib Colonel 1107 Rep 2,448 Posts Drives: 2015 AY M3 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: PA iTrader: (2)	Nice Thanks for the update and pics
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01-28-2015, 05:51 PM	#27
jewels Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 217 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 & 2015 M4 Vert Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	I too would like to thank our community for all the info on disconnecting to Active Sound. There is no comparison...my M4 experience has been much enhanced. Everybody has there own feeling on how they want there car to sound. When I was 16years old my 65 Mustang had "glass packs" and could be heard several blocks away..I loved it. My previous to the M4, GTR was fairly quiet inside the cabin, guess I got spoiled. The active sound just sounded ..false My view is that all should at least be given the opportunity to turn it off or on. A S is not a feature that should have been dictated to us with no option to adjust based on our assessment. (yes I know that this as well as other features can be coded). IMO __________________ BMW Owner 2-3 & 4 Wheels
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2015, 05:04 PM	#28
Millie1 Enlisted Member 22 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Subaru 22b Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Staffordshire iTrader: (0)	UK owner here , not collected car yet , firstly great write up and very helpful . Two questions first on a European car would everything be in the same side . Secondly would anyone know if you could have a switch system say within the boot , ie switch back on if needed without the removal of trim everything ? Cheers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2015, 05:07 PM	#29
Mandi90TT Colonel 2712 Rep 2,371 Posts Drives: BSM 6MT M4 F82 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Colorado Springs iTrader: (0)	Too many wires for a switch. Not sure about which side it is on in your wrong sided car........
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2015, 05:27 PM	#31
Millie1 Enlisted Member 22 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Subaru 22b Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Staffordshire iTrader: (0)	Thank you for the replies , I will have a look into this when I get the car . If I decide to disconnect and I am able to have an auto electrician look into a switch I will post up here .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-29-2015, 10:21 PM	#33
smedin Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Twin Cities, MN iTrader: (0)	Done. A little wrastlin' with the liner, a quick stab with a long screwdriver, and off it goes. Can't wait to take off tomorrow and (not) hear it. Thanks for the easy audition!!! __________________ F80 6MT. In full color.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2015, 05:32 PM	#34
smedin Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Twin Cities, MN iTrader: (0)	After a day of running around, I have to say I like it better with the ASD unit unplugged. Yes, it is quieter at times (never silent), and when you're really on it, it's still plenty loud. I guess the best way to put it is that, for me, with the active sound on, the engine sounded too loud for the load it was under. Faking awesomeness while none was happening. It gave a non-linear impression of what the car was actually doing. It screws with my head, and I don't dig it. I understand that the factory is trying to give the impression of a NA engine, but, ALAS, it is not. With the ASD unplugged, the car gives the distinct impression of effortless power when puttering around town, but still howls properly when booting it. This, plus the new exhaust flap control module, plus the Parky secondary cat replace mod, should give me the perfect combination of moods from which to choose. I predict that I'll have the flaps open most of the time... __________________ F80 6MT. In full color.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2015, 05:45 PM	#35
Millie1 Enlisted Member 22 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Subaru 22b Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Staffordshire iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the update smedin, I get my car end of Feb I will drive as is to start with and then may deactivate to see difference, as I have asked I would prefer to have a switch that I can deactivate or re activate for ease . Interestingly on a main forum over here there has been no mention / discussion of the ASD either we Brits just put up with things and or we don't investigate the what and how of things , as I also note very little talk around coding.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2015, 05:28 AM	#36
jewels Second Lieutenant 30 Rep 217 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 & 2015 M4 Vert Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	This, plus the new exhaust flap control module, plus the Parky secondary cat replace mod, should give me the perfect combination of moods from which to choose. I predict that I'll have the flaps open most of the time...[/QUOTE] Thanks for the update. Please elaborate on the "new exhaust flap control module & Parky secondary cat replace mod"? __________________ BMW Owner 2-3 & 4 Wheels
	Appreciate 1 Quote

01-31-2015, 09:47 AM	#37
CanAutM3 General 21117 Rep 20,741 Posts Drives: 2021 911 turbo Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1) Garage List 2022 Audi RS6 [10.00] 2021 Porsche 911 turbo [10.00]	Thank you BMWM.D. and Dave90TT for posting this . Will definitely try it out. The concept of active sound has always left me a little meh, and I do enjoy a quiet cabin.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2015, 06:48 PM	#39
smedin Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Twin Cities, MN iTrader: (0)	Drove it all day today, and I enjoy the sound SO much more. No more fake. It's so weird, that active sound. __________________ F80 6MT. In full color.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2015, 07:40 PM	#41
SuspectisHatless Private First Class 52 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Thanks for this thread. I disabled AS today to test it. Its a little tricky pulling out the wire if you don't want to take off the side panel, but its doable. Personally I like the AS, but I think its a little to loud. I would feel more self-conscious when driving it in traffic. I'll give it a couple of days to see which way I prefer. I know my wife would prefer to keep it off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2015, 09:37 AM	#43
BMWM.D. Stupid Idiot 134 Rep 827 Posts Drives: E90 335i & 6th Gen ZL1 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Santa Barbara iTrader: (1)	Glad this info has been useful to some of you. ASD seems to be the way of the future for BMW. I even think my mom's new 328i might have it. She actually made a comment about how much louder the engine sounded, and I'm pretty sure I saw the "ASD" module on the control unit list when I had it hooked up to ISTA a few weeks ago. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2015, 12:10 PM	#44
RocketBoots Colonel 1860 Rep 2,104 Posts Drives: Horse Drawn Carriage Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (3)	Any idea how to do this for a non-HK system in the USA? I know you mentioned it is in serial with the amp, but is there a way to bypass it somehow??
	Appreciate 0 Quote