Strange 340i exhaust question

[DonkeyApple]

Ive just picked up an 2016 estate version for general runabout duties. So far I’m pretty pleased with it. It’s pretty simple and straightforward to use and you don’t get bogged down in a load of fannying about with settings.

What I am struggling with is the lack of engine noise in the cabin. I’ve never really appreciated how much I use the note of an engine to select the right gear without even thinking or looking at any instrumentation. But with this car I am finding myself having to look at the Rev counter or hunt for the small number.

I’m reluctant to fit the loud exhaust kit in an attempt to remedy this as I actually prefer that it doesn’t make a racket on the outside but am I missing a trick with regards to getting additional engine noise inside the cabin, such as does it have any piped sound etc?

[Pistonheader101]

Cabin does a good job of soundproofing the exhaust note. Sounds much better from outside.

Alternative is to get a M performance power and sound kit fitted c.£1300.Sounds absolutely amazing and can hear it inside the cabin too. Isn’t ASBO at all.

Assuming you have a manual?

[DonkeyApple]

Pistonheader101 said:

Cabin does a good job of soundproofing the exhaust note. Sounds much better from outside.

Alternative is to get a M performance power and sound kit fitted c.£1300.Sounds absolutely amazing and can hear it inside the cabin too. Isn’t ASBO at all.

Assuming you have a manual?

It’s actually an auto. With a manual it would be in the gear that I left it in so wouldn’t be as much of an issue.

I bought the car to just be boggo transport and I really don’t want a loud exhaust outside of the car. I also don’t want the extra turbo boost it adds!!! Shock horror but is just a runabout and I’m enjoying driving a car that just blends in with everything else and no one gives a second glance. It’s a really nice, under the radar wagon.

[Smuler]

I have a 2017 for same duties.
There is assisted noise pumped in. ASD I think is the term.
When I look at coding options , this can be varied ; maybe the setting yours is on , isn’t the best fior you.
I you have Carly or bimmercode or know someone who does ?

[interstellar]

Have you unplugged the lead that controls the left exhaust flap and will keep it open?

Not sure if this just helps the cold start or not but will make it louder?


To open the valve/flap go for a drive in sport+ which will open the valve. Once its open (you can see its open by looking up the exhaust outlet) you can disconnect the actuator plug which will permanently leave the flap open. The actuator is located just after the silencer on the left outlet. There are loads of vids on you tube if your not sure and I've not heard of anyone getting error codes including myself.

Don't forget to protect the plug and actuator socket!

Edited by interstellar on Saturday 4th January 16:57

[DonkeyApple]

Smuler said:

I have a 2017 for same duties.
There is assisted noise pumped in. ASD I think is the term.
When I look at coding options , this can be varied ; maybe the setting yours is on , isn’t the best fior you.
I you have Carly or bimmercode or know someone who does ?

Thanks. Yes, BMW has ASD but it isn’t all that clear as to whether the 340 has it or if the later software can be recoded. The more specialist forums don’t seem to have clarity on this.

[DonkeyApple]

interstellar said:

Have you unplugged the lead that controls the left exhaust flap and will keep it open?

Not sure if this just helps the cold start or not but will make it louder?


To open the valve/flap go for a drive in sport+ which will open the valve. Once its open (you can see its open by looking up the exhaust outlet) you can disconnect the actuator plug which will permanently leave the flap open. The actuator is located just after the silencer on the left outlet. There are loads of vids on you tube if your not sure and I've not heard of anyone getting error codes including myself.

Don't forget to protect the plug and actuator socket!

Edited by interstellar on Saturday 4th January 16:57

Thanks. I may resort to this but if it’s possible to get the noise inside the cabin without increasing the noise outside I think that’s more palatable and civilised.

[ThePrisoner]

They are great cars. I rarely use the' sports' noise mode as i have other car's for that. Don't bother with the Exhaust upgrade / pulling plugs out shenanigans, it ain't worth it chap.

Just enjoy it for what it is .

A straight Six rear wheel drive motor with a proper Hand brake. Yes ....old school

[DonkeyApple]

ThePrisoner said:

They are great cars. I rarely use the' sports' noise mode as i have other car's for that. Don't bother with the Exhaust upgrade / pulling plugs out shenanigans, it ain't worth it chap.

Just enjoy it for what it is .

A straight Six rear wheel drive motor with a proper Hand brake. Yes ....old school

It is a remarkably old achool car. I have the feeling it’s very much the last of its kind.

[Pizzaeatingking]

My 2018 model had the fake noise, it was more noticeable in sport though. You could code it to be louder as mentioned above, you could also put it in sport mode and select chassis only, you'll get heavier steering but everything else will be the same (assuming you don't have adaptive suspension) might be worth trying for a bit to see if it does make any difference. I didn't notice the sound that much until it was turned off strangely.

[mr sagman]

I love mine too (340i Touring) MPPSK kit love the extra power and noise, seems like a few of us TVR boys know a great rear drive car when we see one.

[12TS]

It is quiet. Disappointingly so IMHO, both my previous 130i and 135i were better.

[VerySideways]

2016 340i Touring definitely has ASD - worth checking to see if yours is functioning or not if you have (or know someone with) Carly or Bimmercode or similar.

ASD isn't intrusive on that car. I turned mine off, found it too quiet, turned it back on again :-)

But yes, it's generally a swift and quiet car. The MPPSK sounds great but it's outside more than inside, so if you're looking to maintain that discretion then the MPPSK won't help you there!

[DonkeyApple]

Thanks. That’s my basic understanding. In an ideal world there would be a volume control for the ASD.

[DonkeyApple]

There does seem to be a solution.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t...

Ideally would like to find someone with the kit and experience to do the change though.

[95JO]

I haven't read the thread you've linked but I have coded out the ASD in my M235i with Bimmercode (app) and an OBDII reader, very intuitive to do.

I live too far from you to offer my services but I'm sure someone on a local BMW group/forum would do the needful for free.

[DonkeyApple]

Thanks.

I assume that messing about with the coding will have warranty implications? I’ve a year or so left so probably makes sense to wait in that regard.

[95JO]

DonkeyApple said:

Thanks.

I assume that messing about with the coding will have warranty implications? I’ve a year or so left so probably makes sense to wait in that regard.

I've taken my car in a few times for warranty work and they've never mentioned it. It does get reset if ever they update the software, easy enough to put back in place if you have Bimmercode/OBDII.

However, if for example the iDrive st itself then maybe they'd investigate further? I'm not sure.

[DonkeyApple]

I’m not hearing any change in exhaust note between driving modes. I’ve just checked on tickover and between modes only the offside pipe is open. Does the second pipe only open up above a certain rpm when in Sport?

[95JO]

DonkeyApple said:

I’m not hearing any change in exhaust note between driving modes. I’ve just checked on tickover and between modes only the offside pipe is open. Does the second pipe only open up above a certain rpm when in Sport?

Yes, there's a table on one of the BMW forums which gives you the breakdown for what RPM it opens in each mode/gear. IIRC in Sport/Sport+/DSC OFF it opens just at just under/over 2k in all gears.