That is exactly it, you are not supposed to hear the difference that is way most people do not like it. When volume is noise based you don't hear the difference it sound the same.

 

The first time I had this feature on a CD head unit was back on 1993, it was a Pionner Premier unit that would measure the car's RPM and depending on how high they were, it would increase the volume. It did not have anything to do with interior/exterior noise or car speed.

On the E60 I have the setting at half and I don't really notice it.

 

I have mine set about the same and seems ok to me. I do not notice any appreciable change in level from the level I establish as I increase or decease speed, which tells me it is working to my satisfaction. I do notice on some material that has a lot of bass that I can tell I have more umph in the bass at higher speeds. Not always a good thing. I feel as though it is working better then the same feature on our Audi A4. But I agree that noise sensing volume adjustment would be the correct and proper method for a premium system.

 

Right. This solution makes more sense and is what I am trying to elude to.

 

LOL!
I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but let me try to explain again...

Ultimately, even with your description above, the increase in speed results in increased noise inside the car. Hence, does it not make more sense to have a system that measures cockpit noise levels and adjust the music volume according to that?

I'll give you another example:
I can produce more noise in the cockpit with my e60 at 40mph than I can at 90mph. How? Driving 40mph in first gear with the RPM's near redline vs. driving 90mph in 6th gear with the RPM's at 3500. Driving around in 1st gear only without shifting is impractical, but I'm just making a point.

 

LOL!
I feel like I'm beating a dead horse here, but let me try to explain again...

Ultimately, even with your description above, the increase in speed results in increased noise inside the car. Hence, does it not make more sense to have a system that measures cockpit noise levels and adjust the music volume according to that?

I'll give you another example:
I can produce more noise in the cockpit with my e60 at 40mph than I can at 90mph. How? Driving 40mph in first gear with the RPM's near redline vs. driving 90mph in 6th gear with the RPM's at 3500. Driving around in 1st gear only without shifting is impractical, but I'm just making a point.
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I was confused by your statement that you do not like the feature and consider it illogical. For me it is better than nothing and it is logical. The faster I drive the more wind noise coming from the outside to the inside....
I agree with Alex that noise dependant feature could be better but then complete soundproof cabin might be also better...We have what we have.... <_<