BMW isn't the only one faking it, Audi Soundaktor system plays artificial engine noise through the stereo - How to disable this system

[Sticky]

When BMW announced they would pipe in artificial noise in the F10 M5 through the factory speaker system, they were mocked relentlessly by enthusiasts and deservedly so. Unfortunately, Audi (and the Volkswagen group) has decided to join this ridiculous trend with their Soundaktor system in some of their latest models. With the new TDI 3.0 liter six-cylinder diesel motor which puts out 313 horses for example (and is not available in the USA) the system is designed to deliver an exhaust note more similar to a high performance gasoline motor. No, seriously.

Ok, so essentially some of the newer 2013 Audi's (Volkswagen puts a speaker by the firewall) play an audio file with a speaker designed to make you think the car sounds better than it does. What's the problem? Well, when you get a performance exhaust system this now conflicts as the audio file doesn't change yet it still plays. Here is how to get rid of it:

1. To access this fuse box (on the end of the drivers’ side of the dashboard), wedge a flat head screwdriver under the cover to pry it off. Note that there are three clips, at arrows in Figure 1.
2. Locate the factory fuse puller tool (Arrow A in Figure 1).
3. Consult the fuse location diagram in your car’s owner’s manual. Typically, the fuse is labeled “Sound actuator/exhaust sound tuning” and is located at position 5 4. of fuse block A on the driver’s side end of the dashboard.
5. Pop off the purple fuse guard frame on the proper fuse block (Figure 2).
6. Remove the proper fuse as listed in your Owner’s Manual.
7. Put the purple fuse guard frame back in.
8. Replace the fuse cover.
9. Go be pure on the open road.

Problem solved. Now if only manufacturer's would stop faking it and instead just work on having valved exhaust systems.

Source

[bobS]

I think this will continue to catch on, especially with hybrids, electric cars, etc. I bet all manufacturers start doing this....

[Legionofboom]

Personally I would rather my car be completely quite inside and sound amazing outside.

[Sledgehammer]

^^^ This

[bobS]

I agree...but I guess these companies are doing what they can to gain the upper edge and ultimately the sale.

[Sticky]

Personally I would rather my car be completely quite inside and sound amazing outside.

Valved system...

[Sticky]

So lame to buy an exhaust and have stock sound piped in.

[xbox_fan]

This is so insanely lame! Only good thing with vw's approach is that its used on more mainstream and affordable cars, maybe just maybe it will piss enough ppl off to get media attention. As long as it only affected M-car owners no one would care to help (since they dont have any friends)

[M3_WC]

Still not the same as BMW using is on the performance division cars.

BMW went from the glorious V10 sound, to using artificial V8 sounds. Weaksauce.

[Sticky]

Still not the same as BMW using is on the performance division cars.

BMW went from the glorious V10 sound, to using artificial V8 sounds. Weaksauce.

Truth.

[funkmobster]

This is great , no more need to change your exhaust . Just load the Akrapovic sound file into the car and it's done.

[mkodama]

Sadly, I think most of the market and a lot of so called "enthusiasts" actually want this. People want their car to sound good, and they are only going to hear it while they are inside and driving the car.

I dislike that this feature adds even more weight and complexity to today's cars which are already overburdened in wiring and complexity.

[Sticky]

There should at the very least be a factory delete option.

[Sledgehammer]

My FR-S has this silly feature as well, doesnt bother me. My setup is a sound tube if I am correct and it can be silenced but it doesnt bother me either way. I can see the need with cars from Fisker or Tesla as examples for pedestrians but if you bought that car you knew it didnt make "engine sounds" get over it. I think overall this is an attempt to give drivers the enjoyment without the loud exhaust for the public. These noise laws are the real cause of this IMO

[Sorena]

And amazingly enough, it seems there out there some people that like the idea!

[Sticky]

Just... no.