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      01-19-2020, 11:35 AM   #4
jmciver
///M SubDriver
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Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: DMV

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Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
All modern BMWs use some form of exhaust valve control for both performance and sound control. Although in IMO, the valves are more for sound control. The valve is controlled based on the mode you choose to drive: Eco, Comfort, and Sport (mode names vary slightly by model, but those are the basic modes), and also where you are driving (i.e. cruising on the highway vs driving around town). In general, regardless of where/how you are driving, the valves will be closed more in Eco mode and open more in Sport mode. Also, valves will typically be closed when cruising on the highway to help minimize any drone noises. Of course, if you want max sound from your exhaust with the valves open all of the time (and don't want an aftermarket exhaust), there are both aftermarket software and hardware solutions available. I have a hardware solution on my M3 where I can open and close the exhaust valves on my car with the press of a button on a remote key fob (I like to keep mine open all of the time ...).

Regarding engine noises being piped into the cabin, BMW has been doing this for a while, with BMW's more sporty models having more prominent sound piped into the cabin. If your BMW has an "M" in the title, you will most likely have fake sound in the cabin. That said, opinions on the fake sound are somewhat subjective. For example, there are several in the M3/M4 forums that have coded it off. I personally don't mind it and my M3 sounded almost too quiet when I coded it off. So most likely, there should be an aftermarket coding solution in the X7 to turn off the fake noise if it really bothers you.

Every model is different so I would recommend you take the M50 out on a good test drive, in Sport Plus mode, on both the highway and around town. My guess is that mode should be the "loudest" you will experience, and then you can judge your preference from there.
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///M3 COMPETITION 6MT - 2017 F80 Smoked Topaz Metallic
BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
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