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      01-21-2015, 10:06 PM   #1
BMWM.D.
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Another option for deactivating Active Sound Design

It's been a while since I've posted anything in the M3 sections around here, but I came across a situation today that resulted in some research and info that I'm thinking some of you might appreciate.

Most of you are probably aware the Active Sound Design can be coded out via INPA or other non-dealership coding systems. This is a good long term solution if you really don't like it. Unfortunately, BMW doesn't supply any coding options for ASD on the ISTA/P programming/coding system at the dealership level. And for many owners, I'm thinking the coding option is probably a little inconvenient and a bit of a gamble.

Today, I had an M3 customer that wanted me to look into options for eliminating the ASD function in her car. After looking at coding options and studying the wiring diagrams for the audio system, I simply unplugged the ASD control module. The system is now deactivated, but all other audio functions are normal. I did a few back to back drives with the module unplugged and functioning normally, and the difference is noticeable. I'm not going to say better or worse, but definitely noticeable.

Now, I think this is only a solution for cars with the Harmon Kardon sound system. The reason being that the ASD module is integrated into the system differently depending on audio system level. The H/K amplifier gets signals via hardwire from the ASD module, as well as regular stereo sound from the head unit via the fiber optic most-bus. The amp mixes the tones and outputs them to the speakers. On a basic stereo, the ASD module is actually in series between the head unit and the amplifier. So simply unplugging it would probably kill the entire audio system (like a fuse pull).

With the ASD module being fairly easy to access, this isn't a tough job. It's just below the left tail light in the trunk. You do need to at least partially remove the left trunk interior trim panel to get to it, but there's just a few plastic clips holding it in.

I didn't think to take any pics when I was doing the job, but hopefully this info will help some of you DIYers who want to play around with or easily deactivate this system. While it isn't as elegant a solution as coding, it can be put back to stock in a few minutes if need be.
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      01-21-2015, 10:12 PM   #2
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Huh. I just had that all apart, and I didn't look for it, but I also didn't see anything that looked like an ASD module. I have to take that area apart again to finish up my trunk sub install by laying some carpet down, so I will look for it, and take pictures if I find it.
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      01-21-2015, 10:18 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave 90TT
Huh. I just had that all apart, and I didn't look for it, but I also didn't see anything that looked like an ASD module. I have to take that area apart again to finish up my trunk sub install by laying some carpet down, so I will look for it, and take pictures if I find it.
Pictures would be AWESOME!
Thanks in advance.

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      01-22-2015, 03:53 AM   #4
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Yes, please.

I did a similar thing in my Golf R a few years ago... It was done in a picture DIY with everything straight forward. Hoping that's the case here. I actually don't mind the Active Sound, but would still like to see what it's like when it is off.
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      01-22-2015, 05:56 AM   #5
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My car will have HK so it would be awesome if this works! Standing by for pictures from somebody that already has their car
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      01-22-2015, 07:17 AM   #6
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In for pics. I want to try this asap.
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      01-22-2015, 09:25 AM   #7
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Sorry..... I guess I should have at least snapped a phone pic. I still have the car partially apart, so I might be able to do that today.

The module looks like a small amplifier with one electrical connector, and is located just behind the regular H/K amp. The H/K amp sits flat on the side of the trunk floor, with the ASD module being behind it, but mounted on it's side (like a book sitting on a bookshelf) with the electrical connector facing towards the center of the trunk.
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      01-22-2015, 09:30 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWM.D. View Post
Sorry..... I guess I should have at least snapped a phone pic. I still have the car partially apart, so I might be able to do that today.

The module looks like a small amplifier with one electrical connector, and is located just behind the regular H/K amp. The H/K amp sits flat on the side of the trunk floor, with the ASD module being behind it, but mounted on it's side (like a book sitting on a bookshelf) with the electrical connector facing towards the center of the trunk.
yeah, I saw that. I wondered what it was for. It's pretty large if it is only for the ASD. Are you sure it doesn't have some other function?
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      01-22-2015, 09:40 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave 90TT View Post
yeah, I saw that. I wondered what it was for. It's pretty large if it is only for the ASD. Are you sure it doesn't have some other function?
According to all BMW technical info, it's solely for the Active Sound functions. It's quite a bit smaller than the main H/K amp, but it's still an amplifier. Knowing how the wiring diagram is set up and what I found testing yesterday, it doesn't seem to affect anything else or serve any other functions.
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      01-22-2015, 11:18 AM   #10
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Awesome. Way easier to give the sound-off mode an audition! Thanks!!
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      01-22-2015, 11:36 AM   #11
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Do we have a video how the car sounds with Active Sound disabled?
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      01-22-2015, 11:38 AM   #12
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Here is step by step with pics: http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=983411
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      01-22-2015, 11:41 AM   #13
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The setup in the M4 is different than that; the amps look the same, but the location is different; further back.
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      01-22-2015, 11:45 AM   #14
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Wow what an easy solution. Pics please. Would seem like a great solution to quickly compare between active sound and no active sound.
I would think music would sound better without the active sound.
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      01-22-2015, 12:12 PM   #15
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      01-22-2015, 04:10 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave 90TT View Post
The setup in the M4 is different than that; the amps look the same, but the location is different; further back.
On the flat section, under the same panel??
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      01-22-2015, 04:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jewels View Post
On the flat section, under the same panel??
Yes. the big one is the Logic7 amp, and the one at the very back is apparently the ASD amp, but I have not confirmed that for myself yet.
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      01-22-2015, 09:51 PM   #18
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I tried to take a few pics this morning, but I already had the side trim panel back on and really didn't want to take it back off. You can make out the white electrical connector on the ASD module (where my finger is pointing) to get a better idea of where it is. This was taken with the rear trunk plastic trim cover removed, and the left trunk liner panel just pulled back a little at the rear. You can see the heat sink fins on the module and the black mounting bracket.

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      01-22-2015, 10:48 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave 90TT View Post
Yes. the big one is the Logic7 amp, and the one at the very back is apparently the ASD amp, but I have not confirmed that for myself yet.
We're counting on ya dave!
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      01-22-2015, 10:51 PM   #20
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Won't be until probably Sunday, when I get some free time to take the trunk apart again and take pics.
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      01-23-2015, 04:23 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave 90TT View Post
Won't be until probably Sunday, when I get some free time to take the trunk apart again and take pics.
We'll be patient
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      01-25-2015, 05:56 PM   #22
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Ok, so here's the pics. The first pic is the HK Amp on the right and the (supposed) ASD amp on the left. The second pic is a close up of the ASD amp.

I unplugged mine, and had no errors or issues or problems with my sound. I already had the ASD coded off, so didn't notice a difference, but just in case BMW decides to reset the coding for some reason, I still have the SD unplugged, which is what I want. ASD completely off.

Also, as a side note, in the first pic, the connector on the far right (front side of the car) is the connector that you tap into for the the musicarnw add-a-sub. If you don't have the add-a-sub, your connector will look a lot cleaner than mine does, as there is an extra harness in there.

Oh, one other thing: when you remove the side panel to get to the HK amp and ASD connector, there is black plastic brace that you have to remove as well, not shown in my pictures.
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