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Recently updated on October 25, 2023 at 01:48 am
[Update: 25.10.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. How can you increase the volume of a vehicle with a factory-installed sound generator? There is no option for a flat rate for all vehicles. Sound generators are devices that artificially alter the vehicle's sound and volume. They were and are often installed by manufacturers directly from the factory to give customers a sportier driving experience. However, at this point it is also important to note sound generators for retrofitting have generally been in Germany for a few years verboten. Strict legal regulations also apply to factory-installed sound generators, which limit the maximum volume depending on the performance and weight of the vehicle.
Increase volume
So if you want to increase the volume of a factory-installed sound generator, you should adhere to the legal limits and, if possible, have an inspection carried out by the TÜV. However, one can also say if the system gets louder, then the entry will probably fail directly. One way to increase the volume is to adjust the sound actuator settings using appropriate software. The sound actuator is an electronic component that controls the sound generator. It regulates the sound and volume of the vehicle depending on the engine speed, the load and the driving mode.
Changing the sound actuator settings usually requires a diagnostic device or special software that is compatible with the vehicle. This allows you to access the sound generator's control unit and change various parameters such as frequency, amplitude or modulation. However, you should be careful and only make minor changes in order not to damage the vehicle or the sound generator.
the exchange of components can also work
Another way to increase the volume of a factory-installed sound generator is to replace the sound generator itself. There are various sound generator suppliers that offer different sound characteristics and volumes. However, you have to make sure that the new sound generator complies with the legal regulations and has been approved by the TÜV. This has been difficult to impossible for a few years now. You also have to make sure that the new sound generator is compatible with the vehicle and does not cause any interference in the electronic system.
The volume of the sound generator can be increased in several ways:
- Software Modification: Some vehicles allow the volume of the sound generator to be changed via software adjustment (tuning). However, doing so can void the warranty and possible legal issues, especially if the modifications exceed the permitted noise levels.
- Aftermarket products: There are aftermarket products that are specifically designed to amplify or modify the vehicle's sound. However, please note that these products may not be available for all vehicles.
- Hardware Modification: Sometimes the sound generator itself can be physically modified to increase the volume. However, such modifications can be complex and should only be performed by professionals to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Vehicles with an external sound generator installed ex works
It should be noted that it is at least theoretically possible, the factory external sound generator on some of the listed vehicles using appropriate software louder/different set. Some vehicle types only activate the sound generator at higher speeds (from 30 or 50 km/h), which can also be reprogrammed depending on the vehicle type. However, we would like to point out that we cannot guarantee that the information in the table is correct.
| Brand | Model | Active sound |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | Audi S4 (B8, B9) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi S5 (B8, B9) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi S6 (C7, C8) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi S7 (C7, C8) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi SQ5 (8R, 80A) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi SQ7 (4M) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi SQ8 (4M) | Ja |
| Audi | Audi A3 8V | Ja |
| Audi | Audi A5 B8 | Ja |
| Audi | Audi A6 4G | Ja |
| Audi | Audi A7 4G | Ja |
| BMW | BMW i8 | Ja |
| BMW | BMW X5 M50d (F15, G05) | Ja |
| Skoda | Skoda Octavia RS (5E, NX) | Ja |
| Skoda | Skoda Kodiaq RS (NS) | Ja |
| Seat | Seat Leon Cupra (5F) | Ja |
| Seat | Seat Ateca Cupra (KH) | Ja |
| Maserati | Maserati Levant (M161) | Ja |
| Maserati | Maserati Ghibli (M157) | Ja |
| Maserati | Maserati Quattroporte (M156) | Ja |
| Porsche | Porsche Macan GTS (95B) | Ja |
| Porsche | Porsche Panamera GTS (971) | Ja |
| Porsche | Porsche Cayenne GTS (92A, 9YA) | Ja |
| Volkswagen | VW Golf R (MK7, MK8) | Ja |
| Volkswagen | VW Tiguan R Line (AD1, AD2) | Ja |
| Volkswagen | VW Arteon R Line (3H7) | Ja |
| Volkswagen | VW T Roc R (A11) | Ja |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG C43 (W205) | No |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG E53 (W213) | No |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 (X253) | No |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 (W167) | No |
| Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio (949) | Ja |
| Alfa Romeo | Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (952) | Ja |
| Jaguar | Jaguar F-PACE SVR (X761) | Ja |
| Jaguar | Jaguar F-TYPE R (X152) | Ja |
| Range Rover | Range Rover Sport SVR (L494) | Ja |
| Range Rover | Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic (L560) | Ja |
| Lexus | Lexus IS F (XE20) | No |
| Lexus | Lexus RC F (XC10) | No |
| Lexus | Lexus GS F (L10) | No |
| Ford | Ford Mustang GT (S550) | Ja |
| Ford | Ford Focus ST (DYB, C519) | Ja |
| Peugeot | Peugeot 308 GTi (T9) | Ja |
| Renault | Renault Megane RS (IV) | Ja |
| Renault | Renault Clio RS (IV) | Ja |
What noises are produced?
- Audi A6 C7 TDI: This diesel station wagon has a sound generator that imitates the sound of a V6 engine. The sound generator is linked to the driving mode and becomes louder or quieter depending on the setting.
- BMW X5 diesel: This SUV also has a sound generator that simulates the sound of a V8 engine. The sound generator can be controlled via the iDrive system and can be switched on or off.
- VW Golf GTD: This sporty diesel Golf has a sound generator that imitates the sound of a GTI engine. The sound generator can be adjusted via the infotainment system and can be operated in different modes.
Example Audi A6/A7 (4G) 3.0 biturbo diesel
To increase the volume of the sound generator on an Audi, you can use the VCDS program. This makes it possible to adjust various settings on the vehicle that can otherwise only be changed by a workshop. With VCDS you can set the volume of the sound generator as a percentage or change the sound character. To do this, you need to connect the VCDS cable to the car's OBD port and make the appropriate adjustments. However, you should be careful and do not change any values that you do not know, as this can lead to damage to the vehicle. More in the following video.
Please note that changing the volume of the sound generator will certainly violate local noise regulations, environmental protection laws or vehicle manufacturer warranties. It is therefore important to find out about the applicable regulations in advance. A change in the background noise of the factory-installed sound generator is almost always self-directed ILLEGAL!
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the sound generator in cars
- What is a sound generator in a car? A sound generator is an electronic device installed in some vehicles to change or amplify the sound of the engine. This is particularly popular with electric cars or quiet petrol and diesel vehicles to create a sportier driving experience.
Manufacturer-Specific Details
- Does Audi have Active Sound ex works? Yes, certain Audi models, like that Audi SQ5, are equipped with the Active Sound System ex works. This generates an authentic engine sound via speakers.
- Can you make the Audi SQ5 sound module louder? Technically it is possible, but it may be restricted or prohibited. Modifying the sound system may also affect the warranty.
- Does BMW have an Active Sound System ex works? Yes, BMW has that Active Sound Design (ASD) integrated in some models. The system uses the vehicle's speakers to provide the interior with engine sound.
- How to make the sound generator on Škoda Octavia RS louder? There are aftermarket options and specialized companies that offer solutions for customizing the sound generator.
- Can you adjust the sound generator on the Skoda Kodiaq RS? Yes, on some models, including the Skoda Kodiaq RS, drivers can use the infotainment system or the vehicle menu Intensity of the sound generator to adjust.
The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".
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