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Hamann Sound Controlling App for BMW M50d X5 and X6 Is Better than We Thought

A sound enhancing smartphone app - it's kind of sad that it has come to this, but with more and more really fast performance cars with very un-characterful engines, it was either this or complete silence.
BMW X5 M50d sound tuned by Hamann 8 photos
Photo: Hamann
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Or, even worse, the rattling of a diesel engine. This veritable Sound Tuning you are about to witness is performed by Hamann and is aimed at the two BMW models equipped with the 3.0-liter inline-six tri-turbo diesel engine. In other words, it's designed specifically for the X5 M50d and X6 M50d.

Being Hamann and all, this isn't just about an app, but mostly about some physical modifications. The tri-turbo SAVs and the SACs from BMW receive more than just a software modification, with their actual exhaust system getting some attention as well.

The sound enhancing works on two fronts. The first is the audio system inside the cabin where the engine sound is artificially synthesized just like in any other car that uses this trick (remember the Clio RS with the option to make it sound like a Clio V6?).

But then comes the Hamann magic which allows the user to control the flaps inside the exhaust's resonators sitting just before the final mufflers. This is a somewhat redeeming feature for Hamann, making the painted veil seem less artificial than in other cases.

However, when the tone of the engine sound changes as you slide your finger across the screen of a smartphone, you know something is wrong. It's like having a volume button for your engine sound - oh, wait, that's exactly what it is, only it's a fake sound.

Continuing with the comparisons, it's as if some little elves are quickly tearing the soundproofing material away as you finger moves to the right, and then putting it back just as quick when the index slides left. You can see it for yourself in the video below, where a gentleman showcases the whole debacle. As you can see, the clip appears to be shot outside, so the engine exhaust sound is really heavily affected by the Hamann modifications

So, take a look at the clip (again, in case you've seen our previous report) and have your say: is this sad, or is it a necessary (and actually quite fun) evil?

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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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