2012 M5 Uses BMW Active Sound Design To Enhance Cabin Sound

[tlav17]

hahaha this is a joke right? wow! i don't even know what to say. who thought this was good idea? and please tell me it is optional

[pokerface]

Automobilemag wrote about it (today's cover thread on Bimmerpost homepage) - the writer said he disconnected stereo amp and he couldn't hear the engine no more =\

[eMvy]

Originally Posted by kmarei

So how far off are we when people are installing 2x15" subs to enhance the sound of their engine

[red-sauerkraut]

Wow, I'd just love to know if that is true...

Originally Posted by pokerface

Automobilemag wrote about it (today's cover thread on bimmerpost) - the writer said he disconnected stereo amp and he couldn't hear the engine no more =\

[silentassasin]

I hate it when they do that

[Penso di no]

My GTI has that, too. Oh, wait. That's my 6-year old going "vroom, vroom".

[mhrir]

God I can't even imagine what they are going to do to the M3. I am so glad I ordered a 2012 M3. It will likely be my last M car.

[michal12]

How do you do that?

I guess this system is not meant to be switchable??

Originally Posted by pokerface

Automobilemag wrote about it (today's cover thread on Bimmerpost homepage) - the writer said he disconnected stereo amp and he couldn't hear the engine no more =\

[CMSS2000]

I hope this can be turned off. Just another stupid BMW "idea" that complicates all the electronics. My radio makes enough noise now when it's not even turned on that I had to remove it. What happen to "keep it simple"? We don't need any more "fake" engineering.

[MDyDinanM]

active sound design?

so what happens when you turn the speaker volume down or off? no more engine sound? LOL

anyways, this "idea" from BMW reminds me of Homer Simpson doing this:

[Alan l.]

I think this is fine if it is actually just broadcasting the actual engine sound through the speakers......not just running a prerecorded sound track.

If its the later then that is a huge let down from the M division.

Alan

[xEKx]

feeling bad with new M5

[SHOWTIME]

look at the bright side...if you want louder exhaust all you need to do is install bigger speakers lol

[jcrwu]

This is only a few steps away from being at an air guitar concert

[eisenb11]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

I think this is fine if it is actually just broadcasting the actual engine sound through the speakers......not just running a prerecorded sound track.

If its the later then that is a huge let down from the M division.

Alan

It sounds like the audio system is synthesizing fake engine sounds based on the firing of the pistons within the engine. That seems to imply that these are not the actual engine sounds.

Might as well make it sound like a Ferarri then. This is so many levels of lame I don't know what to say. I'm not very happy with the transition from ///Motorsport to ///Marketing.

[bvez3ro]

Don't laugh...the fuel efficency issue will give us more gimmicks like this. Audi is planning to play the 8 cylinder sound over the stereo if 4 of 8 are off during low rpms while cruising. i think bmw will do that too in the future.

[Ateam]

Originally Posted by Youngbp04

So not only is that completely lame, it also will completely taint and ruin the sound of any music you are listening to

I am pretty sure bmw is smart enough to know if music is on and channeling through the sound system then the "engine soundtrack" will be off.

[Jon D]

When I read the article my initial thoughts concurred with the many detractors in this thread. However, after consideration, I think it might not be such a bad idea.

You can’t please all the people all the time and BMW are no exception to this adage. Were they to have made the car more audible in true M tradition by, presumably, reducing the excellent noise isolating properties for which the current 5 series is renowned, it would lose appeal from those wanting a high performance car with the comfort and quietness of the F10. Conversely, had they done nothing it would not have appealed quite so much to those wanting the full-on M car experience.

What they have done is what BMW always do very well – exploit technology to its fullest advantage. A bit gimmicky in this instance, maybe. However, if the M5 proves to be everything from a snarling, hardcore V8 on the twisty stuff, to a sublimely quiet and comfortable long-distance cruiser, then I say it’s no bad thing.

What concerns me more are the early press reports of turbo lag and lacklustre on-centre steering feel

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Jon D

What concerns me more are the early press reports of turbo lag and lacklustre on-centre steering feel

In all the reviews posted so far (7 of them thus far), there's been only one single mention of what was perceived to be turbo lag and lack on-center steering feel. If these were actual or significant problems, I would have expected more than one single mention of each.

[M ETT]

Originally Posted by Crisp

Yea, I agree.

The 2017 M5 will shoot out white smoke from the rear fenders to replicate a burnout.... this way, you don't have to worry about blowing a differential, wasting tires, gas, clutch, etc.
I'm sure the smoke system will be well complimented by the surround sound 'Active Sound' of an engine in your car.

What are you saying?!

You can't deaden the sound of a twin turbo V8 with that exhaust man, no matter how soundproof they tried to make the cabin. Thus, all you need to do is not have your music blasting and you will hear it rev very clearly.
Hell, I can hear an electric engine revving up in a LEXUS very clearly, never mind a damn V8 TT in a BMW.

The future is bright.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Jason

In all the reviews posted so far (7 of them thus far), there's been only one single mention of what was perceived to be turbo lag and lack on-center steering feel....

Granted, but It's early days yet and these are only 'first drive' impressions. It'll be interesting to read what the press has to say after they've conducted full road tests.

[EdwinF10]

Reading this press release made me hop in the M3, roll down the windows and enjoy the glorious bark of the V8 plus perf. exhaust.
I'll never sell my M3 e92 because I feel it might me the last REAL M car.

What a sad idea.