Getting MDM, is it possible?

ponch_ki · 03-16-2009, 11:47 AM

My M3 has no MDM on it at the moment. Is there a possible way for me to get one for my car? (I have no iDrive)

niterider · 03-16-2009, 12:16 PM

As far as I know, i have never heard of anyone being able to retrofit something like MDM on a car that didnt come with it. And if it was possible (which I dont think it is) it would cost way 2 much to even b worth retrofitting. However if I were you I would take that money and invest it in as many driving control classes as I could afford n attend as many track events as well. Once you learn how to drive your car properly MDM will not cut it for u. DSC off is all you will be running.

M3 Montreal · 03-16-2009, 12:32 PM

Damn... people post about whether EDC is a must on the M3 and in my opinion that is not a dealbreaker but MDM... Wow that thing is simply amazing and on street use I drive with it on almost ALL the time (with the exception being when I forget to press my M button).

gr8000 · 03-16-2009, 02:05 PM

no iDrive = no MDM

Retrofitting all this? Even if this was possible (may be, don't know) the cost would make it the most expensive MDM in the world!!

MMMorish · 03-16-2009, 02:09 PM

Would probably be easier to just trade your car in on a new one with MDM.

Doc · 03-16-2009, 03:17 PM

No MDM means no safe M experience IMHO. Maybe you have big cahonies and drive with DSC off 100% of the time?

Sell it and get a car with M button - money well spent if you want to go to the limit and not kill yourself in a hurry

mkoesel · 03-16-2009, 03:20 PM

Not sure why people think this would be so expensive to add as it is simply software.

Sure, MDM from the factory requires MDrive which in turn requires iDrive. Retrofitting all that would be horribly expensive and not worth it. But MDM itself is just a predefined DSC program. All the hardware to support MDM itself comes with every M3 regardless of how it is optioned.

Granted there's no guarantee that the non-ZTP cars have the MDM DSC program included in their firmware. But if that program is indeed present in the DSC control unit, then retrofitting it would simply mean finding a way to access it and installing a custom switch to turn it on/off. Or, even better, you could install a 3 position switch on the console (like the one EDC has) in place of the current two position one so that you could toggle between all modes. In fact, this mod would be useful for all cars, ZTP and non-ZTP alike and would very like be installed and wired up the same way for all cars as well.

Other variations of this theme would be adding a three position switch to support Sport Plus power from the dash, and adding a completely new switch to support changing the steering program from the dash. For us non-EDC guys, you could even add the steering switch where the blank one is currently. Again, this is all really just software, aside from the switch itself and wiring.

aus · 03-16-2009, 04:33 PM

You don't even need a 3 position switch. BMW could easily have made MDM active with a single push of the DSC button and DSC off with holding down the button, which is how it's done with DTC/DSC on the non-M cars.

It was a BS move by BMW to not make MDM standard on all M cars, and require a HUGE package to get it. It just shows how the M division has morphed from it's original vision. Now we get M X5 and X6's. What a joke.

jml · 03-16-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

You don't even need a 3 position switch. BMW could easily have made MDM active with a single push of the DSC button and DSC off with holding down the button, which is how it's done with DTC/DSC on the non-M cars.

It was a BS move by BMW to not make MDM standard on all M cars, and require a HUGE package to get it. It just shows how the M division has morphed from it's original vision. Now we get M X5 and X6's. What a joke.

They needed all the help they could get to sell iDrive.

04S · 03-16-2009, 11:00 PM

Agree it must be simply software, and a variation on the existing DSC theme which all cars have. But surely it would be difficult to get installed ?

ponch_ki · 03-17-2009, 10:58 PM

thanks for the replies guys, it sucks here because for some reason, idrive is only available on 5, 6 and 7 series. I have no idea why here in Manila, they dont include idrive as standard on all cars...

mchm3 · 03-18-2009, 09:57 AM

dsc off all the time

needspeed · 03-18-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mchm3

dsc off all the time

Not quite the same unfortunately

......Steve

busman76 · 03-18-2009, 10:52 AM

if somebody figures out how to install MDM I am game. I didn't want idrive but do want MDM

tightie · 03-18-2009, 11:53 AM

Wow, now I'm happy I have iDrive

FrenchBoy · 08-28-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by busman76

if somebody figures out how to install MDM I am game. I didn't want idrive but do want MDM

I think I feel the same way. I could care less about iDrive but wish I had MDM.

I agree that this is probably all due to software and that all the necessary hardware (sensors, etc.) is in all M3s. It's just a matter of having the right lines of code. I would actually be happy if normal DSC ON was calling out MDM functionality in my car. Same button; different behavior.

Also, I am under the impression that MDM can be spec'd without iDrive in other markets. Is this correct? If so it must be doable.

Has any tuner being able to do that? Retrofit MDM code to non-tech package cars?

Mrgunfun · 08-28-2009, 07:42 PM

Those of you who didn't get the MDM (or I-drive), you're missing out alot

3XTR3M3 · 08-28-2009, 08:50 PM

I dont have iDrive but I would totaly be on board for MDM. I mostly drive with DSC off but sometimes I could use some assistance and would be willing to pay for it.

Like FrenchBoy said, I would be up for making DSC behave like MDM all the time

michaeldorian · 08-28-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Not sure why people think this would be so expensive to add as it is simply software.

Sure, MDM from the factory requires MDrive which in turn requires iDrive. Retrofitting all that would be horribly expensive and not worth it. But MDM itself is just a predefined DSC program. All the hardware to support MDM itself comes with every M3 regardless of how it is optioned.

Granted there's no guarantee that the non-ZTP cars have the MDM DSC program included in their firmware. But if that program is indeed present in the DSC control unit, then retrofitting it would simply mean finding a way to access it and installing a custom switch to turn it on/off. Or, even better, you could install a 3 position switch on the console (like the one EDC has) in place of the current two position one so that you could toggle between all modes. In fact, this mod would be useful for all cars, ZTP and non-ZTP alike and would very like be installed and wired up the same way for all cars as well.

Other variations of this theme would be adding a three position switch to support Sport Plus power from the dash, and adding a completely new switch to support changing the steering program from the dash. For us non-EDC guys, you could even add the steering switch where the blank one is currently. Again, this is all really just software, aside from the switch itself and wiring.

I completely agree. technically speaking, MDM has nothing to do with iDrive. It's just someone with the acess to the MDM software and be able to toggle it. I wouldn't be suprised if MDM is actually on non-ZTP cars. There just no way to activate it. A 3 state DSC button would be the ideal retrofit.

michaeldorian · 08-28-2009, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

I think I feel the same way. I could care less about iDrive but wish I had MDM.

I agree that this is probably all due to software and that all the necessary hardware (sensors, etc.) is in all M3s. It's just a matter of having the right lines of code. I would actually be happy if normal DSC ON was calling out MDM functionality in my car. Same button; different behavior.

Also, I am under the impression that MDM can be spec'd without iDrive in other markets. Is this correct? If so it must be doable.

Has any tuner being able to do that? Retrofit MDM code to non-tech package cars?

This would be a great project for someone with knowledge of the BMW drive systems. I'd definately pay for it.

michaeldorian · 08-28-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aus

You don't even need a 3 position switch. BMW could easily have made MDM active with a single push of the DSC button and DSC off with holding down the button, which is how it's done with DTC/DSC on the non-M cars.

It was a BS move by BMW to not make MDM standard on all M cars, and require a HUGE package to get it. It just shows how the M division has morphed from it's original vision. Now we get M X5 and X6's. What a joke.

Totally agree. Some real BS on BMW's part.

mkoesel · 08-28-2009, 09:52 PM

Glad to see this thread revived and more people expressing interest.

I have to believe this is very possible. There is a thread on the forum (I'll dig it up if there is interest) from a vendor who claims to have retrofit software for M-DCT to eliminate the lag. If vendors have that level of knowledge about the various CUs throughout these cars then anything is possible. The problem is that vendors might not see a market for all this. However, as I pointed out in my last post, ALL M3s would benefit from having a 3 position switch on the center console to toggle MDM. Additionally, being able to toggle steering and Sport+ from the console would be nice for everyone. I think there is a potentially big market for this mod.

03-16-2009, 11:47 AM	#1
ponch_ki Second Lieutenant 53 Rep 297 Posts Drives: cars Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines iTrader: (0)	Getting MDM, is it possible? My M3 has no MDM on it at the moment. Is there a possible way for me to get one for my car? (I have no iDrive) __________________ 2008 AW E92 M3 (sold ) Amuse Ericsson Exhaust, Amuse Trunk, Vorsteiner Lip, BMW Performance Seats, AA SSK, AA Pulley, Gruppe-M Intake, BBS 19" LMs, AP Racing BBK 1994 BMW E36 M3 Euro (Track Car)
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03-16-2009, 12:16 PM	#2
niterider Proove It! 39 Rep 618 Posts Drives: Gintani Supercharged Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: City of Angels iTrader: (0)	As far as I know, i have never heard of anyone being able to retrofit something like MDM on a car that didnt come with it. And if it was possible (which I dont think it is) it would cost way 2 much to even b worth retrofitting. However if I were you I would take that money and invest it in as many driving control classes as I could afford n attend as many track events as well. Once you learn how to drive your car properly MDM will not cut it for u. DSC off is all you will be running.
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03-16-2009, 12:32 PM	#3
M3 Montreal Colonel 68 Rep 2,194 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 SG ,DCT & 2011 S4 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Montreal , Canada iTrader: (0)	Damn... people post about whether EDC is a must on the M3 and in my opinion that is not a dealbreaker but MDM... Wow that thing is simply amazing and on street use I drive with it on almost ALL the time (with the exception being when I forget to press my M button). __________________ 2012 E92-M3 Space Grey on Fox Red, DCT 2011 B8 S4 S-Tronic , Black on magma red
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03-16-2009, 02:05 PM	#4
gr8000 Major 72 Rep 1,172 Posts Drives: E92 M3 - DCT Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Athens, Greece iTrader: (0)	no iDrive = no MDM Retrofitting all this? Even if this was possible (may be, don't know) the cost would make it the most expensive MDM in the world!!
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03-16-2009, 02:09 PM	#5
MMMorish Just call me J.J. McClure 156 Rep 2,834 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & C4 Corvette Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5)	Would probably be easier to just trade your car in on a new one with MDM. __________________ MODS: Meisterschaft GT Racing Exhaust / BMC Air Filter / UUC SSK & DSSR (Modded)/ RPI Scoops / Passport SRX Hardwired / Custom Wrap 3M Clearbra / 20% Tint / 50% Windshield Tint / Key Hole Delete / Matted Out Accessories / VRS Type II Diffuser / Smoked Reflectors / Euphoria 6K LED Interior Lights / Rear Fog Light Mod / 6000K HID's / 6500K LUX H8 Angel Eyes / RDash License Plate LED Kit / LED Xenon Reverse Lights "M3 drivers have no friends"
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03-16-2009, 03:17 PM	#6
Doc Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 288 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW/Blk sunroof 19s Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cape Town, South Africa iTrader: (0)	No MDM means no safe M experience IMHO. Maybe you have big cahonies and drive with DSC off 100% of the time? Sell it and get a car with M button - money well spent if you want to go to the limit and not kill yourself in a hurry
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03-16-2009, 03:20 PM	#7
mkoesel Moderator 7510 Rep 19,370 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	Not sure why people think this would be so expensive to add as it is simply software. Sure, MDM from the factory requires MDrive which in turn requires iDrive. Retrofitting all that would be horribly expensive and not worth it. But MDM itself is just a predefined DSC program. All the hardware to support MDM itself comes with every M3 regardless of how it is optioned. Granted there's no guarantee that the non-ZTP cars have the MDM DSC program included in their firmware. But if that program is indeed present in the DSC control unit, then retrofitting it would simply mean finding a way to access it and installing a custom switch to turn it on/off. Or, even better, you could install a 3 position switch on the console (like the one EDC has) in place of the current two position one so that you could toggle between all modes. In fact, this mod would be useful for all cars, ZTP and non-ZTP alike and would very like be installed and wired up the same way for all cars as well. Other variations of this theme would be adding a three position switch to support Sport Plus power from the dash, and adding a completely new switch to support changing the steering program from the dash. For us non-EDC guys, you could even add the steering switch where the blank one is currently. Again, this is all really just software, aside from the switch itself and wiring.
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03-16-2009, 04:33 PM	#8
aus Major General 890 Rep 9,032 Posts Drives: Odysse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA iTrader: (10)	You don't even need a 3 position switch. BMW could easily have made MDM active with a single push of the DSC button and DSC off with holding down the button, which is how it's done with DTC/DSC on the non-M cars. It was a BS move by BMW to not make MDM standard on all M cars, and require a HUGE package to get it. It just shows how the M division has morphed from it's original vision. Now we get M X5 and X6's. What a joke. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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03-16-2009, 11:00 PM	#10
04S Captain 174 Rep 839 Posts Drives: M4 xDrive, X5 40i and U11 X1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	Agree it must be simply software, and a variation on the existing DSC theme which all cars have. But surely it would be difficult to get installed ?
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03-17-2009, 10:58 PM	#11
ponch_ki Second Lieutenant 53 Rep 297 Posts Drives: cars Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Manila, Philippines iTrader: (0)	thanks for the replies guys, it sucks here because for some reason, idrive is only available on 5, 6 and 7 series. I have no idea why here in Manila, they dont include idrive as standard on all cars... __________________ 2008 AW E92 M3 (sold ) Amuse Ericsson Exhaust, Amuse Trunk, Vorsteiner Lip, BMW Performance Seats, AA SSK, AA Pulley, Gruppe-M Intake, BBS 19" LMs, AP Racing BBK 1994 BMW E36 M3 Euro (Track Car)
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03-18-2009, 09:57 AM	#12
mchm3 Private 4 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 08 m3 dct Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	dsc off all the time __________________ 11 e90/ adv5.0 trak funks/ AA stage 2 Blower, AA exhaust , race x pipe 10 Matte black E63 ADV1 05
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03-18-2009, 10:52 AM	#14
busman76 Private First Class 10 Rep 116 Posts Drives: E90 M3 AW/Fox Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	if somebody figures out how to install MDM I am game. I didn't want idrive but do want MDM __________________ 08 E90 M3 AW/FR/ 6 speed/Prem/H&R/Macht Schnell Air Filter/B&W Roundels/ Monochrome Badging/ Black Kidneys/ black grilles/ clutch pedal spring removed,painted reflectors,AA Pulley. On order: Macht Schnell Spacers 15/12, GP Thunders,
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03-18-2009, 11:53 AM	#15
tightie JOSH SHOKRI. 524 Rep 5,881 Posts Drives: 991 GT3RS, 964, Raptor Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: los angeles, california. iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [7.90]	Wow, now I'm happy I have iDrive __________________ Current: 16 991 GT3RS , 91 964 C2, 17 Raptor \| Past: 2015 991 GT3, 2015 i3,15 YMB F80 M3, 13 E92 M3 DCT, 08 E92 M3 6MT, 07 E60 M5, 02 E46 M3 Instagram: @josh_speeddistrict #SpeedDistrict @SpeedDistrict
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08-28-2009, 07:42 PM	#17
Mrgunfun Second Lieutenant 219 Rep 241 Posts Drives: BMW M3 M-DCT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Garden State iTrader: (0)	Those of you who didn't get the MDM (or I-drive), you're missing out alot
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08-28-2009, 08:50 PM	#18
3XTR3M3 Lieutenant Colonel 99 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: E92 AW M3 6MT Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: LA iTrader: (1)	I dont have iDrive but I would totaly be on board for MDM. I mostly drive with DSC off but sometimes I could use some assistance and would be willing to pay for it. Like FrenchBoy said, I would be up for making DSC behave like MDM all the time __________________
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08-28-2009, 09:52 PM	#22
mkoesel Moderator 7510 Rep 19,370 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	Glad to see this thread revived and more people expressing interest. I have to believe this is very possible. There is a thread on the forum (I'll dig it up if there is interest) from a vendor who claims to have retrofit software for M-DCT to eliminate the lag. If vendors have that level of knowledge about the various CUs throughout these cars then anything is possible. The problem is that vendors might not see a market for all this. However, as I pointed out in my last post, ALL M3s would benefit from having a 3 position switch on the center console to toggle MDM. Additionally, being able to toggle steering and Sport+ from the console would be nice for everyone. I think there is a potentially big market for this mod.
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