[BigEvan1923]

Just ordered an M50i and I know the exhaust note is awesome but my wife can't stand the "look at me" nature of a loud start.

We're coming from an X3 M40i, which has got a pretty loud cold start as well and she's fed up with it.

Is there a way to dealer code or use bimmercode / bimmerlink to keep the valves closed on engine startup? I know most want to keep it open, but im assuming the reverse can be done as well.

[jasheaer]

Well that's an interesting one. I know in the settings there is an option for how aggressive the exhaust sound is, but I'm not sure if that's just the amount of noise that's piped into the cabin or the actual exhaust flap management.

A quick google didn't lend anything. I'll take a look at ours this afternoon if no-one chimes in, but I won't be able to test the cold start again until this evening.

Jay

[BMWBear]

Is trading in your wife an option?

[MystroX5]

Wrong vehicle for your purpose. Should get a 40i at this point as it’s probably the sound and attitude your wife is looking for.

[jsmonet]

See, now -this- would be a reason to buy a model x

It's barely 15 seconds at startup.

[BigEvan1923]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Wrong vehicle for your purpose. Should get a 40i at this point as it’s probably the sound and attitude your wife is looking for.

Wants the power, and overall driving dynamics...just not the first 15 seconds before idle.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by BigEvan1923

Wants the power, and overall driving dynamics...just not the first 15 seconds before idle.

Then that’s a easy fix. She will get use to and appropriate the exhaust note and probably recognize how rare it is these days.

[Wanderer73]

The car's exhaust can definitely grab some attention, but it tends to be more of an intrigued look vs. "shut that damn thing up". She'll get over it, trust me. My wife did not want the M50i because of the overall exhaust characteristics. She loves the car now and often will remotely start with her key fob as she's walking up to hear the growl. She giggles. It's part of the car's personality. If she cannot get past it, I agree that the 40i is better suited for her personality (nothing wrong with that).

[dmanb2b]

Even the 40i has a mild start up roar. It's main function is to quickly warm up your catalytic converter(s). The only way to turn it off is via tuning, which is not currently an option on ECUs made after June of 2020.

[Jakerx]

Originally Posted by BigEvan1923

Wants the power, and overall driving dynamics...just not the first 15 seconds before idle.

Seriously?

[BigEvan1923]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

Even the 40i has a mild start up roar. It's main function is to quickly warm up your catalytic converter(s). The only way to turn it off is via tuning, which is not currently an option on ECUs made after June of 2020.

Hopefully, that information will catalytic convert her.

[crackerjack15]

Originally Posted by BYEIL

Is trading in your wife an option?

She'll take the bmw. Lol

[CruiseControl]

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

Even the 40i has a mild start up roar. It's main function is to quickly warm up your catalytic converter(s). The only way to turn it off is via tuning, which is not currently an option on ECUs made after June of 2020.

Correct, my 40i is pretty loud at startup.

[cncmastr]

She'll warm up to it, get it?

[jsmonet]

all internal combustion bmw's have a flaps-open start to help throw a little heat at the cats at this point.

[gatordent2007]

Is she trying to sneak out at night? That's literally one of the coolest parts of the m50i

[yujini]

Not sure if you can use those devices to turn it off,
but there is an option to turn off cold start.. (coding necessary)

There are some people who actually did it because they thought they were bothering neighbors.

[8202632]

Yep! It’s called the LEXUS trade

[PinkNinja400Guy]

Originally Posted by yujini

Not sure if you can use those devices to turn it off,
but there is an option to turn off cold start.. (coding necessary)

There are some people who actually did it because they thought they were bothering neighbors.

I did some quick searching and it looks like you have to tune the engine? So it's expensive and voids warranty. That's sad, the cold start is obnoxiously loud... I have the same "bothering neighbors" concern.

[blutob2]

My car has a Dual Mode Exhaust (NPP) and I can control the startup sound via the infotainment system. I obviously have it on the loudest setting and anything quiet is dumb

Anyways, I'm glad my wife enjoys it too, not sure how to live with one that doesn't.

[machareus]

Get your wife a pair of noise cancelling headphones to wear for the first minute. All the benefits of cold start delete, no tune required.

And when your wife decides she would rather bear the sound than keep putting the damn headphones on and taking them off again, she will be left with a nice pair of headphones.

By my count, that's three gifts in one.

[lloyd99]

Originally Posted by jsmonet

all internal combustion bmw's have a flaps-open start to help throw a little heat at the cats at this point.

Originally Posted by dmanb2b

Even the 40i has a mild start up roar. It's main function is to quickly warm up your catalytic converter(s). The only way to turn it off is via tuning, which is not currently an option on ECUs made after June of 2020.

Thanks for sharing. Personal taste, I am not a fan of the initial load exhaust roar in my 21 X7 M50i. I understand others like it. I thought it was just a prestige/brand thing. I didn't realize it had a true function. Good to know.