They did try other methods to channel the real sound into the cabin. I'm reading it now: "engineers experimented with a tube connecting the induction tract to the cockpit. They tried a microphone in the engine's intake and a speaker in the dash to reproduce what it heard."
These methods didn't work so they recorded the M5 on a dyno and the computer plays it through the speakers matching the acceleration. They call it Active Sound Design. The sound can be stopped by pulling out a fuse located in the trunk. However, this also would disable your stereo.

I agree with others that if Lexus had done this, ther would be an uproar in the automotive world. There was a minor uproar about the ISF faux tails. Something like this would have meant total upheaval.

I can't wait to see how the so-called BMW purists react when they hear about this.

 

The M series vehicles have always been so pure , raw , and balanced. I am a little surprised and disappointed that the designers would resort to this. It seems contrived and artificial. The complete opposite of what a benchmark vehicle like this should have. "Active Sound Design" lol. Its like calling a janitor a "sanitary engineer".

 

I'm just curious, what would happen if the engine breaks down . Is it going to emit the fake noise too, kind of disappointing if you ask me considering it is infact BMW. I suspect other companies will follow in this I betcha.

 

Its like a push up bra on a super model. She clearly doesn't need it

 

I'm also disappointed BMW chose to go with the V8 twin turbo set up as opposed to the NA V10 from the previous E60 M5. The journalists say BMW tried to delete lag but admit they failed. They also claim the new model is less raw, being more refined and that this is a plus. Car Magazine sites this as a negative.

Looks like BMW has lost its way. Maybe they noticed that Lexus was raking in all the bucks and decided to make their cars more Lexus-like. Imitation may be flattering but that doesn't mean its the right thing to do.

 

Exactly...the double standard is easily seen here....people were just going nuts that the GS F sport doesn't have fog lamps...here is a 7 series based, SUV engine based fake engine noise M5 and the thread is dying already compared to the other one "OMG 0-60 in 2.7 seconds, OMG"

It was stated in EVO as well...absolutely beyond pathetic. Goes to show that HP is not everything, a lesson people still don't get.

Make no mistake about it, the new M5 is still a superb vehicle but the specialness and the "M" stands for "Mass" and "MOAR" of everything....

 

The VW GTI actually has this. Sounds great.

Some dubbers remove it (faster spool they say) but it doesn't bother me at all.

Plus full torque at 1800 rpm... I mean really, who needs faster spool?

 

Wow, that's lame.

I'd rather have my son make his own engine/exhaust noise: vrrroooooooommmmmm...roooooom

yeah, that screaming V10 was music to the ears

 

agreed, and also come with very impressive gas mileage

 

HAHAHA

 

The noise tube!

 

By purist, if you mean internet cry babies who will never buy the car, then they will probably ***** a lot but I think BMW realized with the E60 M5 to avoid the internet and give the paying customers what they want.

 

Piping your actual engine noise into the cabin is one thing. Making a recording of an engine on a dyno that plays over the speakers to simulate your engine? Geez. Is that really what M5 owners want? A distraction from the actual merits of this beast of a car, but a huge disservice to the M tradition.

 

Why can't they just put the windows down to hear the engine, lots of cars are well insulated

 

part of me wonder if it's better to just remove some insulation. more sound, less weight....