X5 40e noise maker

[ted99]

I see that starting with the 2018 MY, BMW is adding a noisemaker for low speed operation, in compliance with the new Federal regulations that 50% of all electric vehicles have this feature in MY 2018 and 100% later. Probably going to be a "dinger". If we have to live with this, and it's not going to be easily defeatible, how about letting us choose a "noise", BMW? Like ringtones. I'd choose "Ride of the Valkeries". As a driver of an i3, and now a 330e, I've had my share of numbnuts walking down the middle of parking lot aisles and I'd love to blast them with this!

[alphaod]

Honestly the noise maker is pointless. People ignore you when I've got a loud V8 against their ass not sure especially those that wear earphones ignoring everything in their environment anyways.

[retx]

I heard from the news that 40e is making the approaching hybrid noise to alert people. But, what does it sound like?

Is it alerting only when the car is moving in the slow speed? Or it's alerting anytime as long as the car's READY when the gasoline engine is off?

I should try to roll down the car windows when in the garage next time.

Thanks.

[P1]

The 40e making a noise already at low speeds...

[MochiEater]

Originally Posted by retx

I heard from the news that 40e is making the approaching hybrid noise to alert people. But, what does it sound like?

Is it alerting only when the car is moving in the slow speed? Or it's alerting anytime as long as the car's READY when the gasoline engine is off?

Both the X5 40e and 330e and i3 (and probably the other "e" and "i" cars) already make a sound. It's that low frequency spaceship sounding humming noise you hear in MAX eDRIVE at low speed.

You can hear this i3 just as it enters the sound chamber at 1:06

[candm]

Originally Posted by MochiEater

Both the X5 40e and 330e and i3 (and probably the other "e" and "i" cars) already make a sound. It's that low frequency spaceship sounding humming noise you hear in MAX eDRIVE at low speed.

40e owner here. Can confirm. Sounds like an alien spaceship humming at low speeds. Not sure if at all speeds in MAX eDrive but definitely noticeable at a stand still or slow speeds.

[retx]

Got it... Thanks guys.

I was able to hear that when rolling in the garage with the windows open. I was searching the thread last weekend for this and trying to figure out why my "car" is so "noisy".

It appears that this 40e constantly makes tiny sound when the car is in slow speed or even the car's completely stopped. This hybrid noise, the LED headlight fan noise, etc.

Note: My '15 35i is much quieter with Stop-start system. LOL.

[r33_RGSport]

I think what we need is a smacker, not a noise maker.
Even with rumbling v8 motor, people are tend to just walk in the middle parking lot with their eyes glued to their smart phone.
So, with a smacker, we can have something sticking out and smack them in their head, haha.