Active Sound?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
Active Sound?
I've been reading that some automakers have been piping artificial "engine" sounds into the sound systems of their high-performance models (e.g. Mustangs, BMW, etc.).
MB doesn't do this, do they? I do notice that our E400 is much louder than tour GLK350, but this is true both inside and outside the car.
Please tell me that the engine sounds I'm hearing in the E400 are real, and not "Memorex!"
MB doesn't do this, do they? I do notice that our E400 is much louder than tour GLK350, but this is true both inside and outside the car.
Please tell me that the engine sounds I'm hearing in the E400 are real, and not "Memorex!"
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
I'm sort of kidding -- I have stood outside the rear of the E400 when it is running. What I hear from the tailpipes is definitely NOT artificial. What I'm asking about is the rumble I hear inside the cabin.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 379
Likes: 4
From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
Pretty sure MB doesn't do this in the E class or most other of their cars. I just got a '16 CLS400 and boy is it quiet as far as engine noise goes... I can barely hear that little 3.0L with its two turbo "mufflers".
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
If your CLS400 uses the 3.0L Twin Turbo engine, I imagine that once you start "using" the engine harder you will realize that it is capable of making some noise if you let it. Mine is near silent except for the (planned) exhaust burble at 1,000-2,000 RMP in Economy mode. In Sport mode it sounds like a very healthy 6-cylinder engine. . . until you punch it. Then it sounds more like a hot rod, with mechanical noise from under the hood and exhaust noise out back. Very satisfying to drive, although I imagine the CLS is not intended to be as "in your face" about it.
I am mostly posting this to be a "feel good" post for MB owners, as many BMW owners are complaining about the amount of artificial sound their cars make.
I am mostly posting this to be a "feel good" post for MB owners, as many BMW owners are complaining about the amount of artificial sound their cars make.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
What's up Steve,
You mean similar to how when they play laugh tracks on comedy sitcoms?
How SOFT has this generation become
!?!?
Anyway, if they must, can they play these in mine?
You mean similar to how when they play laugh tracks on comedy sitcoms?
How SOFT has this generation become
!?!?Anyway, if they must, can they play these in mine?
Last edited by Tonycpa; Oct 5, 2015 at 03:29 PM.
Trending Topics
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 26
None
Man, those 'Vettes are loud. A little more than I would expect coming out of an E Class. 
A few your ago while watching 'Pimp My Ride' (remember that show?), I saw them install some aftermarket gadget that connected to your sound system and ignition - so that it could read your RPMs - and allowed you to choose the exhaust note from one of several different cars (Ferraris, etc.) and then faked the sound appropriately.
That might be cool - driving around in some Honda Civic that sounded like it had an Italian V12.
A few your ago while watching 'Pimp My Ride' (remember that show?), I saw them install some aftermarket gadget that connected to your sound system and ignition - so that it could read your RPMs - and allowed you to choose the exhaust note from one of several different cars (Ferraris, etc.) and then faked the sound appropriately.
That might be cool - driving around in some Honda Civic that sounded like it had an Italian V12.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
Man, those 'Vettes are loud. A little more than I would expect coming out of an E Class.
A few your ago while watching 'Pimp My Ride' (remember that show?), I saw them install some aftermarket gadget that connected to your sound system and ignition - so that it could read your RPMs - and allowed you to choose the exhaust note from one of several different cars (Ferraris, etc.) and then faked the sound appropriately.
That might be cool - driving around in some Honda Civic that sounded like it had an Italian V12.
A few your ago while watching 'Pimp My Ride' (remember that show?), I saw them install some aftermarket gadget that connected to your sound system and ignition - so that it could read your RPMs - and allowed you to choose the exhaust note from one of several different cars (Ferraris, etc.) and then faked the sound appropriately.
That might be cool - driving around in some Honda Civic that sounded like it had an Italian V12.
True story, one night while walking to the train station after work, an older woman in her 50's was walking toward her car at a brisk pace trying to catch me. She tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if that was my Vette. I said yes it is. She told me she sits in her car for 5 minutes each night waiting for me to start it and drive off because she loves the sound so much and that it reminds her of when her dad used to take her for joy rides and to the track when she was a little girl.
Regarding the civic...lol...those goofs
Last edited by Tonycpa; Oct 6, 2015 at 11:13 AM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
Somewhere around November 7th, I hope to be able to schedule an appointment at VTR to have the car dyno'ed. That will probably be the best time to make a sound clip of the exhaust.
Last edited by Tonycpa; Oct 6, 2015 at 11:16 AM.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
Ok, thanks. Sound clips of that exhaust are very elusive as you know. Your other changes will have probably a greater impact on the overall sound once you are done, so not sure how much of the Meisterschaft will be coming through. Should be a pretty damn rugged sound when you are through with it all.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
^^^A lot of the well known MB performance shops told me it is very difficult to make the V8 Biturbo sound very loud and I agree with them. The Meisterschaft axle back alone was not even close to being loud enough for me. We'll just get it as loud as we can and be happy.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
Well, Tony, that's what we get for having turbo's. They give us all sorts of HP and torque, but in doing so they also act as mufflers.
The only turbo's I remember as being really loud were the 6-cyl turbo buses that the army used to use to shuttle us to the rifle ranges and bivouac areas at Fort Campbell. Now those were loud - far louder than my Corvair autocross bomb that ran open headers on the street for 25 years. I once had a Georgia State Trooper stop me (in that Corvair) on the highway down near Augusta. He wanted to know if I knew that there were blue flames coming out of my exhaust pipes. I asked him "Was it even from side to side?" (No crossover pipe, even flames would have meant that carbs were synchronized.) I then told him that he should wait until I pull away. There will be a spectacular ball of yellow flame from both pipes when I shift to second at 6,000 RPM.
The only turbo's I remember as being really loud were the 6-cyl turbo buses that the army used to use to shuttle us to the rifle ranges and bivouac areas at Fort Campbell. Now those were loud - far louder than my Corvair autocross bomb that ran open headers on the street for 25 years. I once had a Georgia State Trooper stop me (in that Corvair) on the highway down near Augusta. He wanted to know if I knew that there were blue flames coming out of my exhaust pipes. I asked him "Was it even from side to side?" (No crossover pipe, even flames would have meant that carbs were synchronized.) I then told him that he should wait until I pull away. There will be a spectacular ball of yellow flame from both pipes when I shift to second at 6,000 RPM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 220
Likes: 3
From: New York
2012 Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Sport Sedan
lol!
Now I know. This is the first vehicle I had with turbos. I do like the sound that comes into the cabin when I get on it. It sounds like the pavement is being ripped open.
However, I must admit the sound of a supercharged V8 with a cam is my preference.
I used to follow the progression of this twin turbo Vette built by the guys who did all the work on mine and I never thought it sounded muffled...obviously not factory turbos though
This built twin turbo sounds loud too
Now I know. This is the first vehicle I had with turbos. I do like the sound that comes into the cabin when I get on it. It sounds like the pavement is being ripped open.
However, I must admit the sound of a supercharged V8 with a cam is my preference.
I used to follow the progression of this twin turbo Vette built by the guys who did all the work on mine and I never thought it sounded muffled...obviously not factory turbos though
This built twin turbo sounds loud too
Last edited by Tonycpa; Oct 7, 2015 at 10:55 AM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
I doubt that there is any intention to have the turbo's act as mufflers, but basically any restriction in the exhaust system will serve to muffle the noise to some degree.
Back in the 1960's, we had a Corvair turbo that we ran with no air filter and no muffler. That little beastie was so noisy that we had to push it for the last block to get home, lest we wake up the whole neighborhood. I thought it was loud. Then I built up a normally-aspirated car with open headers and learned what REALLY loud meant.
It is all relative, but I think any car with a turbo would likely be even louder without it.
I, too, appreciate the quiet murmur Gonzo makes in normal driving. It is sort of like having him muttering under his breath. . .
The main thing I've noticed is that the "ordinary" MB's with turbos are a bit loud at idle and low RPM, and get quieter as the RPM's go up. The AMG's with turbos just get louder and meaner.
Back in the 1960's, we had a Corvair turbo that we ran with no air filter and no muffler. That little beastie was so noisy that we had to push it for the last block to get home, lest we wake up the whole neighborhood. I thought it was loud. Then I built up a normally-aspirated car with open headers and learned what REALLY loud meant.
It is all relative, but I think any car with a turbo would likely be even louder without it.
I, too, appreciate the quiet murmur Gonzo makes in normal driving. It is sort of like having him muttering under his breath. . .
The main thing I've noticed is that the "ordinary" MB's with turbos are a bit loud at idle and low RPM, and get quieter as the RPM's go up. The AMG's with turbos just get louder and meaner.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
When I was a kid, my buddies and I would fasten old playing cards to the forks of our bikes with clothes pins. The cards were hit by the spokes and made a noise. We thought we were hot stuff. By reading these posts, it's quite evident that many here never did grow up. Noisy vehicles are a menace to society. It's too bad the cops no longer seem to enforce the laws banning such idiotic behavior.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 85
From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
When I was a kid, my buddies and I would fasten old playing cards to the forks of our bikes with clothes pins. The cards were hit by the spokes and made a noise. We thought we were hot stuff. By reading these posts, it's quite evident that many here never did grow up. Noisy vehicles are a menace to society. It's too bad the cops no longer seem to enforce the laws banning such idiotic behavior.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
If noisy vehicles are a menace to society, what about that Prius doing 54 MPH in the left lane of the freeway?
I don't want to start a flame war here, but I do enjoy the sound of a well-tuned V-8 engine. I just don't want to drive a loud one as a daily driver. The E400's exhaust note on acceleration is modest, and I find it "engaging." I like the fact that it settles down to near inaudibility at cruising speed, so that the luxury feeling can take over.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
This has been MB's standard operating procedure ever since I have been driving the big V8 highway sleds for eons.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 61
2006 E320 CDI 2014 C63 507 Coupe 2012 E550 4M 2016 E63s Wagon
I encountered one of those Sunday. Caused me to loose and regain 30MPH. I told my wife as my 6.3L roared past him on the right that I just used whatever gas he was saving by driving like that.
