New M5/M6 engine noise...
Discussion
Having also been in E90 & E92 M3s, E60 M5, E63 M6 and & F10M, the current car is not a patch on any of them for aural gratification. Or on any other naturally aspirated M car come to think of it.
However, the performance it delivers feels even greater than the ~10% extra power (and weight) over the previous generation M5, guess a third more torque will do that. At 560PS & 502 lb ft, it's outputs are almost precisely double those of the original E28 M5's engine. A third more weight too (~500kg). Is it twice as exciting to sit behind and use? No.
However, the performance it delivers feels even greater than the ~10% extra power (and weight) over the previous generation M5, guess a third more torque will do that. At 560PS & 502 lb ft, it's outputs are almost precisely double those of the original E28 M5's engine. A third more weight too (~500kg). Is it twice as exciting to sit behind and use? No.
340600 said:
That may be at least part of the reason then. I've driven the Golf and an F30 330d and found the noise bizarre. Like listening to the engine through a stereo rather than hearing it in person.
330d doesn't have it though? Can't find anything online about it in any case.Regarding the M5, I haven't seen anyone say they can actually hear it coming through the speakers, including Chris Harris and Pher's who have recently taken delivery.
Sounds pretty real to me ( with some pretty good left foot braking skills):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdeLDc-FXeE&fe...
Just roll the window down to increase volume.
Edited by -Z- on Saturday 7th December 18:06
340600 said:
Like listening to the engine through a stereo...
Which is precisely what "Active Sound Design" means. Page 31 of the press release for the current M5.BMW press release said:
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...
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...
Zwolf said:
340600 said:
Like listening to the engine through a stereo...
Which is precisely what "Active Sound Design" means. Page 31 of the press release for the current M5.-Z- said:
340600 said:
That may be at least part of the reason then. I've driven the Golf and an F30 330d and found the noise bizarre. Like listening to the engine through a stereo rather than hearing it in person.
330d doesn't have it though? Can't find anything online about it in any case.Regarding the M5, I haven't seen anyone say they can actually hear it coming through the speakers, including Chris Harris and Pher's who have recently taken delivery.
Sounds pretty real to me ( with some pretty good left foot braking skills):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdeLDc-FXeE&fe...
Just roll the window down to increase volume.
Edited by -Z- on Saturday 7th December 18:06
E65Ross said:
It doesn't sound as though it comes through the speakers, it really doesn't. But it still sounds pretty rubbish in my opinion. The reason I'm asking is because my dads just got a new M6 which has replaced an E92 M3 and unfortunately the M6 really, really isn't winning me over. I really wanted to love it. It's a fantastic place to be, the interior is stunning, it's more than quick enough but it just doesn't excite me anywhere near as much as the M3 did - having driven both the M3 was a cracking car. the M6 is such a good car it really is but dare i say....a bit soulless?
It's an interesting point. For me, even if it sounded "perfect" from the speakers it would still annoy me that the experience was faked, in the same way a "perfect" driving simulator simply wouldn't be as interesting as the real thing. It seems strange that BMW M seem to be going backwards at the moment, I'd be going AMG all day. Forced induction, heavy weight, and an auto gearbox - Audi and Merc do this very well. Where's the BMW USP?
Comparison of Active Sound enabled/disabled: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM0xLja4Rt4
Gaz. said:
From outside I think they're a massive improvement, but then I've never liked the sound of the NA M-power engines so the only way was up imo.
Mercedes really do have engine notes absolutely aced at the moment.
The naturally aspirated 6.2l exhaust note is epic. Tunnels are it's best friend Mercedes really do have engine notes absolutely aced at the moment.
I think you'll find that's a C5 RS6. 
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