M-Button question on new order? (Canada)

[CalgaryX3]

Having searched this forum, and asked two SA at my local dealerships, both with conflicting responses, here is my question:

I'm about to bite the bullet and factory order a new 2011 E90 M3. I'm choosing not to get the MDrive package for $2500 purely for aesthetic reasons-I don't like the look of the dash with the two humps!

In any event, do our Canadian cars come with an M-button on the steering wheel with this configuration, or do I have to order M-Drive in order to get the infamous M-button?

Thanks in advance
Asif

[w00tw00t]

I think you meant the I-Drive. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=mdrive+idrive

my opinion --> you'll regret not getting the idrive.

[BMRLVR]

Since September 2010 production, M drive has been standard on all M3's

Read text below:

2011 BMW M3 Sedan, Coupe, Convertible

BMW raised the performance benchmark once again with the introduction of the 4th generation M3. The latest M3 is again available, as was the 2nd generation, as a Sedan ($56,275), Coupe ($59,275) or Convertible ($67,925). All share the unique, high-revving, 414-horsepower V-8 engine and choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

For the M3’s 2011 model year, which started in March 2010, buyers of the M3 Sedan and M3 Coupe can choose a new Competition Package which reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes unique 19” wheels with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode (if equipped).

Starting with September 2010 production, the 2011 M3 will receive a number of further enhancements. Mineral White Metallic exterior paint becomes available, as do new Palladium Silver / Black / Black and Fox Red / Black interior upholsteries. The celebrated M Drive system becomes standard. Identified by its now-famous M Button on the steering wheel, M Drive allows the M3 driver to pre-program two “personalities” for the vehicle and toggle between them with a press of the M Button. The button will:
* Activate the “second level” of Dynamic Stability Control known as M Dynamic Mode (MDM).
* Activate the Sport setting of the Servotronic variable power steering system.
* Arm the shift lights (when equipped with M-DCT).
* Select the pre-stored setting for Electronic Damping Control (EDC), if equipped.
* Select the pre-stored setting for Drivelogic (when equipped with M-DCT).

Finally, BMW’s Auto Stop-Start feature becomes standard on the M3 with September production. Auto Start-Stop is a BMW EfficientDynamics fuel saving measure previously unavailable in the US except on ActiveHybrid models. Auto Stop-Start will automatically stop the engine when the transmission is placed in Neutral and the clutch is released. The engine will immediately restart as soon as the clutch is depressed. The system is driver selectable and will only function once the engine is up to operating temperature and the ambient temperature is between 37 Degrees F and 85 Degrees F.

The new Manual M Sport Seats (M3 Sedan, Coupe) offer the same adjustments as the previous electric seats but with manual adjustment in order to save weight (approximately 5kg per seat) and expense when power memory seats are not required. Lumber support and seatback side bolters remain electrically adjustable. Power Seats remain standard in the M3 Convertible.

[CalgaryX3]

Why thank-you. I had quoted something like that excerpt to my SA, however he continued to maintain that I would not get an M-button on my so equipped E90.

Cheers
Asif

[BMRLVR]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Why thank-you. I had quoted something like that excerpt to my SA, however he continued to maintain that I would not get an M-button on my so equipped E90.

Cheers
Asif

Please realize that you will not have the same programming ability of the system without I-Drive. You need I-Drive to be able to dial up Sport Plus for your throttle setting not to mention to be able to program the system to your exact preferences. Without I-Drive your M button will have predetermined settings but with I-Drive the M button is totally programmable.

To answer your original question you will get the M button without I-Drive but you will not have the same functionality. Having owned three E90 BMW's, two with I drive and two without, I can tell you that the I-Drive screen adds a lot to the functionality of the car, especially with the new I-drive system....... it is intuitive, fast and seamless. I'd recommend you get I-Drive even if you don't want nav. You will thank me in the end!

[CalgaryX3]

BMRLVR,

Your points are duly noted. Certainly food for thought, especially with the added functionality of the new Combox system in the '11s.

I'll keep you posted!
Asif

[w00tw00t]

Originally Posted by BMRLVR

Please realize that you will not have the same programming ability of the system without I-Drive. You need I-Drive to be able to dial up Sport Plus for your throttle setting not to mention to be able to program the system to your exact preferences. Without I-Drive your M button will have predetermined settings but with I-Drive the M button is totally programmable.

To answer your original question you will get the M button without I-Drive but you will not have the same functionality. Having owned three E90 BMW's, two with I drive and two without, I can tell you that the I-Drive screen adds a lot to the functionality of the car, especially with the new I-drive system....... it is intuitive, fast and seamless. I'd recommend you get I-Drive even if you don't want nav. You will thank me in the end!

+10000 IDrive FTW ...

[Chowster]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

BMRLVR,

Your points are duly noted. Certainly food for thought, especially with the added functionality of the new Combox system in the '11s.

I'll keep you posted!
Asif

1 on the new idrive and combox!

[BMRLVR]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

BMRLVR,

Your points are duly noted. Certainly food for thought, especially with the added functionality of the new Combox system in the '11s.

I'll keep you posted!
Asif

Definitely consider it. My thought is that if you are spending the money to get an M3 you midas well option it up so you get the most out of the car. The only way I would do an M3 without I drive is if I was building a dedicated Track Car out of one. If you are getting the car to use, I recommend to get I Drive, and EDC. Those two features more than anything make the car great to drive. The adjustable suspension makes the ride more comfortable (when in comfort compared to a non EDC car) and the I-Drive adds amazing control of the audio system/IPod interface, Mdrive settings and it is even a DVD player when you are parked.

[CalgaryX3]

BMRLVR,

Decisions decisions eh?! The M3 is a car I've wanted since the first generation debuted in the '80s. It's likely going to be a car I'm going to have for a long long time as well. So I want it to be just perfect-no regrets later on. Another big dilemma I've had as of late is the MT vs DCT. Since it's not going to be a daily driver, it would be fun to have something to row the gears with, but thereagain, the performance prowess of the DCT cannot be discounted either....but I digress

Hope to have my order in in the next couple of weeks for an April build, and late May delivery.

Cheers
Asif

[Gearhead999s]

+1 on the I-Drive as it really is a system controller for the complete car as much as a navigation tool.Even my wife when we ordered her 335is with the Nav said I do not need it.Every time I drive her car I notice that the settings are becoming adjusted for her preferences and she does like it now.The BMW system on the 11's is much better than my 08 and it is still better to use than the system on my 11 F150.

[CalgaryX3]

Gearhead,

The virtues of the system are undebatable, that is for sure. I guess, my question is, subjectively, how outdated will this system appear when I still have the car 10 years from now? I look at some of the CPO '06s and '07s on their lot, and their systems look so dated already!

Asif

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Gearhead,

The virtues of the system are undebatable, that is for sure. I guess, my question is, subjectively, how outdated will this system appear when I still have the car 10 years from now? I look at some of the CPO '06s and '07s on their lot, and their systems look so dated already!

Asif

A car that does not have a system will look very dated as they do todayIf it was a track focused car then it would not be an issue'

[CalgaryX3]

Gearhead,

LOL....I've spent the last 30 minutes searching "MDrive" and IDrive" and "MDM" and any other related term....I think you fellas may have me convinced to spend a little more

A

[Jaypod]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Gearhead,

LOL....I've spent the last 30 minutes searching "MDrive" and IDrive" and "MDM" and any other related term....I think you fellas may have me convinced to spend a little more

A

Like Gearhead said unless this is going to be a track purpose car, I dont know why you would order it without.

Good luck

[ns2000x]

I agree. Get the MDrive package.
From the post Jamie stated that press release is in my opinion not a reliable source as Canadian M3's are not specified the same as for example the USA.

I too antagonized over MT vs DCT, I was convinced when I ordered my M3 it would be a 6spd. Then I drove the latest generation of DCT's (AUDI

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by ns2000x

I agree. Get the MDrive package.
From the post Jamie stated that press release is in my opinion not a reliable source as Canadian M3's are not specified the same as for example the USA.

I too antagonized over MT vs DCT, I was convinced when I ordered my M3 it would be a 6spd. Then I drove the latest generation of DCT's (AUDI

Yep!I ordered the M-DCT also because I was so impressed with it in my wifes 335is and I am old

[BMRLVR]

CalgaryX3,

If this is a car you have wanted for along time then you answered your own question..... option it up so you won't regret it down the road. As for DCT vs 6MT that is going to be totally personal. I have driven DCT and it works great however in a car like the M3 I had to have the 6MT.

[CalgaryX3]

Well there it is. I'm convinced that I want the MDrive, however will pop in to the local dealer just to play around with the one in the Frozen Black E92 they have in the showroom. I'm sure that will seal the deal

As for DCT vs. MT, I'm still leaning towards the MT. Our 335i is an auto, and I'd rather have something different in the M.

Will post an update once the car is ordered!

Asif

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Well there it is. I'm convinced that I want the MDrive, however will pop in to the local dealer just to play around with the one in the Frozen Black E92 they have in the showroom. I'm sure that will seal the deal

As for DCT vs. MT, I'm still leaning towards the MT. Our 335i is an auto, and I'd rather have something different in the M.

Will post an update once the car is ordered!

Asif

Have fun placing your order!

[Chowster]

Good luck with the negotiations!

[Gearhead999s]

Originally Posted by CalgaryX3

Well there it is. I'm convinced that I want the MDrive, however will pop in to the local dealer just to play around with the one in the Frozen Black E92 they have in the showroom. I'm sure that will seal the deal

As for DCT vs. MT, I'm still leaning towards the MT. Our 335i is an auto, and I'd rather have something different in the M.

Will post an update once the car is ordered!

Asif

The DCT in my wifes E93 335is totaly transformed the car from her previous E93 335 which is a good part of the reason that I ordered the M-DCT in my new M3.