The end of the flap in the exhaust and the effects on classic cars
Now the EU has come up with a new amendment to the law that aims to put an end to exhaust flaps. The amendments to "Regulation (EU) No. 540/2014", which were introduced in the EU and therefore automatically in Switzerland on July 1, 2016, are intended to make cars quieter.
The legal text reads, among other things: "
Exhaust or silencing systems with several manually adjustable operating modes must meet all requirements in all operating modes. The noise levels generated in the operating mode with the highest noise levels must be recorded."
If the legislators have done their job consistently, all cars will therefore comply with the low limit values of 74/75 decibels in the future. Today, some cars exceed these values by 20 or more decibels, which is why noise-sensitive people rejoice accordingly.
However, there are only a few cars that have made use of complex flap systems in the exhaust, mostly from luxury and super sports car manufacturers. The last of these new cars will therefore be able to be registered in the first half of 2016 and in 20 or 30 years' time, if they make it to this sprightly age, they will probably be the more attractive youngtimers/oldtimers than their purring successors.
The change in the law has (so far) had no effect on the current vehicle population, but our children may one day be annoyed by this supposedly small change and the consequences for value retention.
If you are interested, you can read the lengthy provision here.
