F10 M5 pumps fake engine noise into cabin...LOLZ

[roadwarrior]

I understand BMW wants to make the driving experience as great as possible. But, who in their right mind would think simulated engine noise pumped through speakers is cool? :shifty:

A new feature in the F10 M5 is Active Sound Design. From NY Times:
'The sound doesn't even come from a microphone in the engine compartment, which would make some perverse sense, but from a digital recording: "a discreet soundtrack in keeping with the harmonious and assured characteristics of the V8 power plant," BMW explains in its literature. Stomping on the gas pedal, the Bavarians continue, "prompts an immediate audible response to match the instantaneous - and typically M - burst of power from beneath the bonnet." They call it Active Sound Design. '

http://mobile.nytimes.com/art/903417/28;.w5?sub=Editorial
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20111031-48/bmw-m5-generates-fake-engine-noise-using-stereo/

What about using an aftermarket exhaust? Your car will make different noise than what comes from the speakers! :lolhit:

A funny post to this topic over on M5board,
Maybe they'll have an upgrade that lets you select which engine noise the Active Sound produces?

Selections:
1. Standard F10 M5
2. S85 V10
3. Smart Car
4. Yugo with fart can
5. Honda Civic with fart can

What do you guys think? Ready for fake engine noises coming thru the speakers?

[DennisCooper!]

Hi,

It's been briefly discussed before, i just can't currently find the thread here on MFest right now. Here's another recent post I made on another forum where the same as what you've posted was recently put up..

Hi,

The 'knee jerk' reaction is pretty much what everyone above has said...

However, I've posted on another forum about this and will put the main points here.

The reasoning behind it and the logic is actually quite simple. The vast majority of those who can afford to buy/lease a car like this don't want to spend a further £2,3,4 K on an exhaust system. Implications include loss of warranty and OEM'ness of the car itself which is highly important when it comes to resale time. M5's are 2 cars in one, a refined classy, prestige executive express and an animal for once business hours are over. When in business mode, owners don't want a loud exhaust note during town and city driving, M5 owners want the car to blend in discreetly whilst business is discussed etc. Given the solidity and sound proofing of the car, whilst travelling like this around town etc, it's very calm and quiet, which is exactly what M5 owners want. So, as a nod to gently remind the driver/owner that they're sitting under 550BHP of colossal power, they pipe in some engine sounds via the car's audio system. Remember, that whilst driving, part of the human brains ability of perception, aural inputs are required especially whilst driving - this is related to driving awareness and road safety. We've all marvelled at engine notes of all sorts of cars, but within the executive supercar mix, that aspect for the M5 isn't wanted. The engine note changes internally via the speakers give the driver an aural indicator to help judge speed and distances etc - all without sounding any different on the outside whilst it goes about discreetly in traffic - i.e it doesn't sound all obnoxious with a burble and parp you'd get in other similar brand cars.

Is it 'REALLY' such a bad thing? I don't think it is at all - perhaps when any of the enthusiasts who laugh and scorn are in the position to spend £90K on a car like the M5, perhaps they might then understand the logic above?! for those who still laugh, you STILL have the option to boot the car around somewhat to get the sound output, and when out of business hours and you dial the cars computers to go into Animal mode, you get the exhaust note then! for those who require something even more aurally exciting, you can spend the cash on an aftermarket exhaust system

Cheers, Dennis!

[M3LIKECHIPS]

Just remove the fuse....

[V1OCU]

I dont want to buy an M5 and have the sound created by the bloody speakers, I want to spend all that money and hear what the car SHOULD sound like. Sod all the business types, if you want to ponce around and not hear an exhaust note go buy a fricking Prius!

Rant over, lol

[DennisCooper!]

V1OCU

Have you bought one? and how much was the aftermarket exhaust that you've fitted? please post up video's of your car as we'd all love to hear how an F10 M5 sounds with one fitted!

cheers, Dennis!

[V1OCU]

V1OCU

Have you bought one? and how much was the aftermarket exhaust that you've fitted? please post up video's of your car as we'd all love to hear how an F10 M5 sounds with one fitted!

cheers, Dennis!

I wish mate, I want to see what after market exhausts will sound like!