• BMW faking it - The new BMW F10 M5 features synthetic motor sounds through the audio system to enhance engine noise

                    
      		   
      Published on 09-23-2011 11:41 PM
      56 Comments Comments
      Does anyone remember when M motors provided enough noise on their own? BMW is pumping synthetic engine noise into the cabin through the speaker system to the front and the back so everyone can hear what the motor is supposed to sound like. We like quiet cabins as well as engine sounds but this is a bit absurd. There is a real problem when a BMW M5 has to fake its engine noise. What is next? Different engine modes so you can pretend you have an F1 car or even fake blow off valve sounds to look cool to the kids?

      BMW says the synthetic engines sounds are "an even more direct reminder of their car's performance." We kind of prefer for our engine to be a reminder of our car's performance, not the stereo. BMW, what the hell?




      This article was originally published in forum thread: BMW faking it - The new BMW F10 M5 features synthetic motor sounds through the audio system to enhance engine noise started by Sticky View original post
      Comments 56 Comments
      1. KB's Avatar
        KB - 09-24-2011, 12:07 AM
        Not that I am doubting you, but this is the first I have heard of this. Link please? Or are you just mad that the new M5 beats the M3 around the ring? Click here to enlarge
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 09-24-2011, 12:31 AM
        Nope it is true. One of reviews talks about it.
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 09-24-2011, 12:34 AM
        BMW Press Release

        Active Sound Design delivers precise feedback.

        M5 drivers will be given an even more direct reminder of their car’s performance capability by technology that brings the distinctive sound of the high-performance V8 – in all its glory – into the cabin of the new BMW M5. The Active Sound Design technology specially developed for the new BMW M5 takes its cues from the driving situation at any one time to deliver an accurate reproduction of the engine’s sound through the car’s audio system. The system’s digital signal processing exchanges data directly with the engine management, allowing it to reflect the engine’s revs and torque, and the car’s speed over the road. The result over a smoothly driven journey is a discreet soundtrack in keeping with the harmonious and assured characteristics of the V8 powerplant. A stamp on the accelerator, meanwhile, prompts an immediate audible response to match the instantaneous – and typically M – burst of power from beneath the bonnet.

        In generating its signals, Active Sound Design takes its cues from the firing sequence of the eight-cylinder engine and the frequency range of the exhaust system. This gives the driver an extremely accurate impression of current engine load and an even more intense sensation of the V8’s high-performance characteristics. At the same time the Active Sound Design control unit ensures an even spread of sound across all five seats of the new BMW M5, while observing the legal guidelines governing noise emissions inside and outside the car. The characteristics of the sound produced by the technology also adjust to the engine settings selected by the driver. For example, switching to “Sport” or “Sport+” mode sharpens not only the engine’s responsiveness but also the acoustic experience inside the car.
      1. Kautiongsr's Avatar
        Kautiongsr - 09-24-2011, 12:38 AM
        it worked really well on the Z4.. so i dont see a problem..
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 09-24-2011, 12:42 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Kautiongsr Click here to enlarge
        it worked really well on the Z4.. so i dont see a problem..
        Not even close to the same system. This system is using the M5 sound system to artificially make the engine noise.
      1. KB's Avatar
        KB - 09-24-2011, 12:45 AM
        I'm taking my truck to Indy for the Colts - Steelers game Sunday night. Hope it doesnt get stolen!
      1. DarkPhantom's Avatar
        DarkPhantom - 09-24-2011, 01:05 AM
        What the apsodhfapsodhfpasdhfpasoudhfAre you effing kidding me?! This is absurd! Any way to turn the "engine noise" off?
      1. DBFIU's Avatar
        DBFIU - 09-24-2011, 01:10 AM
        LOL
      1. Yukohama's Avatar
        Yukohama - 09-24-2011, 02:44 AM
        im sure there is a way to turn it off or disable it?
      1. DD GT3 RD's Avatar
        DD GT3 RD - 09-24-2011, 03:27 AM
        that is $#@!ing retarded and ridiculous.
      1. basar13's Avatar
        basar13 - 09-24-2011, 03:33 AM
        I want to add blow off sound or maybe a a supercharger Click here to enlarge I also dont like this kind of artificial things.
      1. dreikraft's Avatar
        dreikraft - 09-24-2011, 04:03 AM
        i want that ///m power but without the guilt of polluting the environment. can you make my active sound design reproduce the faint whine of my toyota hybrid? Click here to enlarge
      1. Sorena's Avatar
        Sorena - 09-24-2011, 04:09 AM
        why the hell they couldn't make it sound good? with right set of exhaust, any $#@! sounds good.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 09-24-2011, 05:23 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Kautiongsr Click here to enlarge
        it worked really well on the Z4.. so i dont see a problem..
        They channeled more natural sound in the Z4, not the same thing.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 09-24-2011, 05:23 AM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by Yukohama Click here to enlarge
        im sure there is a way to turn it off or disable it?
        I hope you can turn BMW noise bull $#@! off.
      1. bmwsport's Avatar
        bmwsport - 09-24-2011, 01:23 PM
        Read the engineer's description on how the engine won't sound like a AMG motor due to the more efficient cross manifold design..effectively smoothing out the exhaust pulsations and aggression. Question is would you rather have a meaner sounding E60 M5 or a faster, more efficient and quieter new M5. Some would rather have a faster,quieter car than a slower, louder car. Just depends on your priorities.
      1. M3_WC's Avatar
        M3_WC - 09-24-2011, 02:20 PM
        You have to be an ultimate BMW fanboy to defend a decision like this.
      1. LostMarine's Avatar
        LostMarine - 09-24-2011, 02:22 PM
        i actually kinda prefer the gas pedal, brake pedal and steering wheel to be what reminds me of the performance of the car i drive..
      1. Sorena's Avatar
        Sorena - 09-24-2011, 02:22 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by bmwsport Click here to enlarge
        Read the engineer's description on how the engine won't sound like a AMG motor due to the more efficient cross manifold design..effectively smoothing out the exhaust pulsations and aggression. Question is would you rather have a meaner sounding E60 M5 or a faster, more efficient and quieter new M5. Some would rather have a faster,quieter car than a slower, louder car. Just depends on your priorities.
        i take the louder, less powerful S85.
      1. Sticky's Avatar
        Sticky - 09-24-2011, 03:23 PM
        Click here to enlarge Originally Posted by bmwsport Click here to enlarge
        Read the engineer's description on how the engine won't sound like a AMG motor due to the more efficient cross manifold design..effectively smoothing out the exhaust pulsations and aggression. Question is would you rather have a meaner sounding E60 M5 or a faster, more efficient and quieter new M5. Some would rather have a faster,quieter car than a slower, louder car. Just depends on your priorities.
        They should simply do it naturally with an electric exhaust switch that will open up the real sound instead of faking it. Porsche does this.
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