[RahulNagaraj]

BMW has announced a new set of over-the-air software updates to its iDrive 7 system. The OTA updates bring in a number of tech improvements and functionalities; meant to enhance the emotional driving experience, especially for its M3 & M4 owners.



As a part of the update, the BMW M3 and M4 models will now come with changes to the exhaust sound playing inside the cabin via its speakers. The new OTA update will refine the engine start sound on the performance-oriented M3 and M4 models. Also, cars with BMW's 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission can expect much clearer audio confirmation of gear shifts and changes in shifting loads.



Apart from the aforementioned exhaust sound changes, BMW will also introduce other in-car entertainment features, starting with Pandora and Spotify. The OTA updates will also enhance the BMW News app, allowing for personalised news filtering and listening through voice functions.



Another important update is that BMW's digital key will now be compatible with Android operating systems. The update allows Android owners to lock and unlock their cars by holding the phone near the driver's door handle. The update also allows for remote engine start by just placing the smartphone on the wireless charging tray.

Source: Autoblog

Link to Team-BHP news

[abhishek46]

Just wondering, how have they managed to 'refine' this sound.
By using 320Kbps MP3 instead of whatever crap was there earlier?

Why not drill a few holes in the firewall and the exhaust muffler instead?

[amvj]

Purists may not like it but one of the advantage is, the driver can now enjoy the artificial engine sound inside the cabin while not disturbing the pedestrians, community etc. It is actually a good thing. No need to spend for aftermarket exhaust that is also unsafe for the environment (free flow exhausts).

Installing a loud exhaust is like playing song loud on a public transport thinking that everyone would like it. I hate it when bullet riders pass with a free flow exhausts. The sound is rather unpleasant.

[devilwearsprada]

Originally Posted by amvj

Installing a loud exhaust is like playing song loud on a public transport thinking that everyone would like it. I hate it when bullet riders pass with a free flow exhausts. The sound is rather unpleasant.

I dont think thats a logical statement to make. Most of us do it for the gains, a good tune is impossible without a downpipe on a turbo car, and there's a lot of restrictions in play especially in BS4+ cars that are pertaining to the exhaust.

You can't really compare an //M to a Bullet.

[amvj]

Originally Posted by devilwearsprada

I dont think thats a logical statement to make. Most of us do it for the gains, a good tune is impossible without a downpipe on a turbo car, and there's a lot of restrictions in play especially in BS4+ cars that are pertaining to the exhaust.

You can't really compare an //M to a Bullet.

I completely agree with you on the performance front. Also lightweight of the aftermarket exhaust like Akrapovic, these are beneficial for serious racers, but for everyday drivers these are not needed. It's just the noise I am taking about.