First successful M3 M-drive (including MDM) retrofit

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Thanks for chiming in Mike. This is all great info. I wanted to clarify what I said above, and also make sure I understand the full story in light of what you have added.


So, to clear up my earlier statements, my assertion that non-iDrive cars don't get Sport+ should have been better qualified. As you say above you can code in Sport+ Power for such cars. My understanding, though, is that the tradeoff with coding Sport+ to a non-iDrive car is that this setting will then also be activated by the Power button on your console. In other words, the limitation for non-iDrive cars is that they only support two Power settings, period. So if you choose to code Sport+ then you lose either Sport or Normal Power. Is this correct?

My pleasure.

You are correct here for the most part. The M setting is separate from the Power button. So if you opted for the M button to have Sport plus, you would have normal throttle (with everything off), sport with the power button on, and then sport plus with the M button. So theoretically you could have all three modes available, although sport plus is past the point of diminished returns. Some people like it though. The limitation of the iDrive cars is not necessarily losing functionality in terms of available options, it's more about losing the flexibility to change what the button does. Think of the programming for a non-iDrive car in terms of the M button mapping as being static instead of dynamic, although you should be able to pick the options that suit you for that static mapping.

Originally Posted by mkoesel

At first I didn't understand what you were saying here exactly, but I think I get it. You mentioned above the fact that the M Button can be programmed to leave Power "unchanged", just like an iDrive-equipped car can. So I think what you are saying here is that you could also have it set to leave the other settings - aside from DSC and Servotronic - remain unchanged as well (again, just like an iDrive car can). I.e.:

Power: Unchanged
DSC: MDM
Servotronic: Sport
EDC: Unchanged
Drivelogic: Unchanged
Shift Lights: Unchanged

(Last three settings only apply where equipped, obviously)

This way, your M button is now just an "MDM and Servotronic-Sport" button. You then just adjust the other things from the console buttons (BC in the shift lights case) as you normally would. Right?

But this begs the question what if you later hold the M button down to program it? Wouldn't the "Unchanged" settings then be wiped out, thus leaving you no way to go back to them without recoding?

Edit: You can hold it down to program the memory on non iDrive cars. On iDrive cars you set it through the CCC/CIC.

[mkoesel]

Mike, check out this thread:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=510885

As the owner of an M3 with iDrive, I can see how you might not know the details of the non-iDrive MDrive implementation.

In light of this, if what you say below about being able to have access to all three Power settings is true, then I would have to wonder how you could ever get back to Sport+ if you reprogrammed the button to Sport or Normal?

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

My pleasure.

You are correct here for the most part. The M setting is separate from the Power button. So if you opted for the M button to have Sport plus, you would have normal throttle (with everything off), sport with the power button on, and then sport plus with the M button. So theoretically you could have all three modes available, although sport plus is past the point of diminished returns. Some people like it though. The limitation of the iDrive cars is not necessarily losing functionality in terms of available options, it's more about losing the flexibility to change what the button does. Think of the programming for a non-iDrive car in terms of the M button mapping as being static instead of dynamic, although you should be able to pick the options that suit you for that static mapping.



Exactly. Not sure what you mean by holding down the M button to program it. To my knowledge, there is no "programming" it other than changing the settings in the iDrive for cars that are equipped, and changing the settings in the code statically for cars not equipped with iDrive. You will always have the option to use the buttons on the center console and those will be unaffected by the retrofit.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Mike, check out this thread:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=510885

As the owner of an M3 with iDrive, I can see how you might not know the details of the non-iDrive MDrive implementation.

In light of this, if what you say below about being able to have access to all three Power settings is true, then I would have to wonder how you could ever get back to Sport+ if you reprogrammed the button to Sport or Normal?

To sort all of this out I would need a non-iDrive car.. Thanks for linking me to that, I had no idea the non iDrive cars had additional programming for the M Button. It's likely that if you reprogrammed it that you would not be able to go back to Sport+, but again, I would have to check the code to see. Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer on this..

[AirForceM3]

Did you order the part from the dealer? I checked online and put in 61 31 9 123 060 and it only brings up the without M drive option. It also said the part has been superseded. I have an 08 without I-drive and I am very interesting in doing this mod.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

To sort all of this out I would need a non-iDrive car.. Thanks for linking me to that, I had no idea the non iDrive cars had additional programming for the M Button. It's likely that if you reprogrammed it that you would not be able to go back to Sport+, but again, I would have to check the code to see. Sorry I can't give you a definitive answer on this..

Mike, have you been able to get a commitment from anyone with a non-iDrive, non-MDrive car yet?

Once you get this confirmed and working, I think you are going to have a few dozen forum members with pre-2011.5 non-iDrive cars begging you to take our money.

[JulieDriving]

Ah, the suspense is killing me! Somebody with a non-iDrive, non MDrive car, please drive your car over to Mike NOW, lol!!

[rhouck]

Originally Posted by AirForceM3

Did you order the part from the dealer? I checked online and put in 61 31 9 123 060 and it only brings up the without M drive option. It also said the part has been superseded. I have an 08 without I-drive and I am very interesting in doing this mod.

I bought mine used from Turner actually. Where are you checking online?

[alefcole]

Per getbmwparts Part Number was superceded!

Old Part Number 61 31 9 123 060
New Part Number 61319179506
Part Name SWITCH UNIT STEERING
Online Price $422.18

So i guess I will have to order the new part.

[rhouck]

My understanding is that BMW supersedes part numbers constantly, even though the parts remain the same. So a superseded version of 61 31 9 123 060 will be a different part number but will be an identical par.

It is confusing that that webpage lists ever switch combination as being w/o M drive (although it does give variations on w/ or w/o rain sensor). My assumption is that it is a typographical error, but I would confirm prior to ordering.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by alefcole

Per getbmwparts Part Number was superceded!

Old Part Number 61 31 9 123 060
New Part Number 61319179506
Part Name SWITCH UNIT STEERING
Online Price $422.18

So i guess I will have to order the new part.

I can probably get it for less.. standby on ordering so I can check.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Mike, have you been able to get a commitment from anyone with a non-iDrive, non-MDrive car yet?

Once you get this confirmed and working, I think you are going to have a few dozen forum members with pre-2011.5 non-iDrive cars begging you to take our money.

Not yet, anyone out there in SoCal? Shoot me an email/call/txt and let's get it retrofitted to your car so you can be the first non iDrive MDM retrofit.

I'm more than confident that I can do it, but would prefer a local car first.

[BPMSport]

My Price on SZL is $410 brand new. So if you want it let me know. there are 3 left in the nation according to the BMW database.

[alefcole]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

My Price on SZL is $410 brand new. So if you want it let me know. there are 3 left in the nation according to the BMW database.

Mike,

I know you are a busy man. When you get time do you mind PM me the price of the MDM coding with same basic options that the OP chose? I know the module is 410. I wanna know your time and your cable loan shipping costs.
Thank you

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by alefcole

Mike,

I know you are a busy man. When you get time do you mind PM me the price of the MDM coding with same basic options that the OP chose? I know the module is 410. I wanna know your time and your cable loan shipping costs.
Thank you

Please shoot me a PM or email or call me.

I will be in Philadelphia / New York from the 15th to the 21st if you are interested in having it done locally. I have a pretty busy schedule there so we would have to coordinate in advance.

Thanks,
Mike

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by alefcole

Mike,

I know you are a busy man. When you get time do you mind PM me the price of the MDM coding with same basic options that the OP chose? I know the module is 410. I wanna know your time and your cable loan shipping costs.
Thank you

Please email or PM me.

I am heading to Philadelphia on Tuesday and New York on Thursday, I have an M-Drive/MDM retrofit scheduled for Wednesday, and on Thursday another M-Drive/MDM retrofit plus a CIC retrofit. Figured while I was there I could take care of some customers as well during my non scheduled hours.

So if you are in the area feel free to contact me. I'm planning on making a post in the regional section to see if anyone wants coding while I'm there, but trying to get through the all of the present emails first.

[alefcole]

For those of you waiting for a 6MT MDM retrofit NO iDRIVE confirmation: YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Benvo did it again.

My car is a 2011 ZCP 6MT with NO iDRIVE, today in Philadelphia after 2 hours of playing with my car, Mike finally was able to get it to work. I can't believe no one local in California will jump for this retrofit.

When I ordered my car, I seriously hated the bump in the middle, I even sacrifice not having navigation when I did European Delivery. I have to say I was slightly upset to give up "M mode", and since by no means I am at an "instructor" level of driving YET: ALL nannies mode was too intrusive and NO nannies was too SCARY. I wanted to have something in between till I can master my car. Now finally I have the car I always wanted.

"MANUAL, NO HUMP, MDM"


WHO did it?? Mike Benvo of course, I have to wait till he showed up in the northeast to reserve my spot in this busy man agenda. Mike is an HONEST guy, he will not bullshit you and he values his time and yours.

Being the first car with no idrive, he had some "glitches" and took some time to make the steering angle calibration work, but Mike KNOWS what he is doing. I had my X5 coded before, but this shit is for Mike for sure, believe me.

I had european MDM coded and I can't say how it feels against the USA version, but all I can say is having MDM gives you that peace of mind some of us are looking for, and YES you can make the tires screech before it intervenes, NO you wont be able to drift. I will say its the perfect setting for a spirited style of driving, but definetely will scare the wife if she tries it.

I changed the steering wheel buttons too, at the end I had a minor inconvenience, My M top right button turns on MDM, but will also change the audio input was well. If I have the radio off (with my performance exhaust I haven't heard radio yet BTW) then you won't even notice. And the lower button still remains assigned to AIR recirculation. Mike told me that as he codes more cars he might find the way to make it work as a stock 2011.5 car does, and I might contact him in the future, I kind of like that the air recirculation remained active (I used it sometimes). For those of you wondering if I can save my selections: YES, after holding it for 2 seconds then the light blinks and saves the EDC and power setting at my will.

Thank you Mike Benvo for making this happen. I know you are gonna get a lot more busy after more people realize this.

Please don't PM me about cost, please contact Mike yourself and who knows in 1-2 years this might even be done for free, but for now lets just say it is PRICELESS....

[z335is]

Originally Posted by alefcole

For those of you waiting for a 6MT MDM retrofit NO iDRIVE confirmation: YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Benvo did it again.

My car is a 2011 ZCP 6MT with NO iDRIVE, today in Philadelphia after 2 hours of playing with my car, Mike finally was able to get it to work. I can't believe no one local in California will jump for this retrofit.

When I ordered my car, I seriously hated the bump in the middle, I even sacrifice not having navigation when I did European Delivery. I have to say I was slightly upset to give up "M mode", and since by no means I am at an "instructor" level of driving YET: ALL nannies mode was too intrusive and NO nannies was too SCARY. I wanted to have something in between till I can master my car. Now finally I have the car I always wanted.

"MANUAL, NO HUMP, MDM"


WHO did it?? Mike Benvo of course, I have to wait till he showed up in the northeast to reserve my spot in this busy man agenda. Mike is an HONEST guy, he will not bullshit you and he values his time and yours.

Being the first car with no idrive, he had some "glitches" and took some time to make the steering angle calibration work, but Mike KNOWS what he is doing. I had my X5 coded before, but this shit is for Mike for sure, believe me.

I had european MDM coded and I can't say how it feels against the USA version, but all I can say is having MDM gives you that peace of mind some of us are looking for, and YES you can make the tires screech before it intervenes, NO you wont be able to drift. I will say its the perfect setting for a spirited style of driving, but definetely will scare the wife if she tries it.

I changed the steering wheel buttons too, at the end I had a minor inconvenience, My M top right button turns on MDM, but will also change the audio input was well. If I have the radio off (with my performance exhaust I haven't heard radio yet BTW) then you won't even notice. And the lower button still remains assigned to AIR recirculation. Mike told me that as he codes more cars he might find the way to make it work as a stock 2011.5 car does, and I might contact him in the future, I kind of like that the air recirculation remained active (I used it sometimes). For those of you wondering if I can save my selections: YES, after holding it for 2 seconds then the light blinks and saves the EDC and power setting at my will.

Thank you Mike Benvo for making this happen. I know you are gonna get a lot more busy after more people realize this.

Please don't PM me about cost, please contact Mike yourself and who knows in 1-2 years this might even be done for free, but for now lets just say it is PRICELESS....

Great post. Did you have the sport servotronic done too?

[JulieDriving]

Originally Posted by alefcole

For those of you waiting for a 6MT MDM retrofit NO iDRIVE confirmation: YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Benvo did it again.

My car is a 2011 ZCP 6MT with NO iDRIVE, today in Philadelphia after 2 hours of playing with my car, Mike finally was able to get it to work. I can't believe no one local in California will jump for this retrofit.

When I ordered my car, I seriously hated the bump in the middle, I even sacrifice not having navigation when I did European Delivery. I have to say I was slightly upset to give up "M mode", and since by no means I am at an "instructor" level of driving YET: ALL nannies mode was too intrusive and NO nannies was too SCARY. I wanted to have something in between till I can master my car. Now finally I have the car I always wanted.

"MANUAL, NO HUMP, MDM"


WHO did it?? Mike Benvo of course, I have to wait till he showed up in the northeast to reserve my spot in this busy man agenda. Mike is an HONEST guy, he will not bullshit you and he values his time and yours.

Being the first car with no idrive, he had some "glitches" and took some time to make the steering angle calibration work, but Mike KNOWS what he is doing. I had my X5 coded before, but this shit is for Mike for sure, believe me.

I had european MDM coded and I can't say how it feels against the USA version, but all I can say is having MDM gives you that peace of mind some of us are looking for, and YES you can make the tires screech before it intervenes, NO you wont be able to drift. I will say its the perfect setting for a spirited style of driving, but definetely will scare the wife if she tries it.

I changed the steering wheel buttons too, at the end I had a minor inconvenience, My M top right button turns on MDM, but will also change the audio input was well. If I have the radio off (with my performance exhaust I haven't heard radio yet BTW) then you won't even notice. And the lower button still remains assigned to AIR recirculation. Mike told me that as he codes more cars he might find the way to make it work as a stock 2011.5 car does, and I might contact him in the future, I kind of like that the air recirculation remained active (I used it sometimes). For those of you wondering if I can save my selections: YES, after holding it for 2 seconds then the light blinks and saves the EDC and power setting at my will.

Thank you Mike Benvo for making this happen. I know you are gonna get a lot more busy after more people realize this.

Please don't PM me about cost, please contact Mike yourself and who knows in 1-2 years this might even be done for free, but for now lets just say it is PRICELESS....

Wow alefcole, you are THE BOSS for being the first non iDrive!
Thank-you, thank- you to you and Mike of course!!!!!

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by alefcole

For those of you waiting for a 6MT MDM retrofit NO iDRIVE confirmation: YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Benvo did it again.

Congratulations to both of you. How do I get in line and reserve a spot? I am very eager to get this done.

I can't believe no one local in California will jump for this retrofit.

Well, it is Cali, the promise land of German luxury steel on every street corner in every neighborhood. You can't show up to the party with a mere single hump M3 and expect to be taken seriously. Go big with a fully-optioned M3, or go home. Back to the east coast or midwest with you, you poser.

I kid.

Originally Posted by z335is

Great post. Did you have the sport servotronic done too?

That comes along for the ride, like it or not. But then maybe Mike can work his magic and code it out. However, would you really want to finally have that wonderous M button and yet not be able to uncork Servotronic sport mode?

[z335is]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Congratulations to both of you. How do I get in line and reserve a spot? I am very eager to get this done.

Well, it is Cali, the promise land of German luxury steel on every street corner in every neighborhood. You can't show up to the party with a mere single hump M3 and expect to be taken seriously. Go big with a fully-optioned M3, or go home. Back to the east coast or midwest with you, you poser.

I kid.

That comes along for the ride, like it or not. But then maybe Mike can work his magic and code it out. However, would you really want to finally have that wonderous M button and yet not be able to uncork Servotronic sport mode?

I agree, but some people might not like the idea of pulling off their steering wheel to complete the servotronic piece.

[howfast?]

Yet Another Successful MDM Without iDrive to share!

After messaging Mike Benvo back and forth for a few weeks, we made it happen Thursday just outside NYC. I drove down from Syracuse NY and special thanks to Nick for loaning us his garage and all that electricity!

BACKGROUND: My car is a 2008 e90 6MT - No IDrive, No EDC. Nothing against cars with all the tech options, but that was not what I wanted. I knew MDM was not in the cards for a single hump car in 2008, and must admit I was annoyed with BMW for not just including MDM in all M3's. Thought I could live without it, but realized about 2 days after getting the car that DSC On/ DSC Off was a pretty crappy way of going about it.

Mike and I agreed to first update the ENTIRE software in my car, then install the SZL, and code European MDM (only based on what others had to say about it being a little more lenient). My car had never seen a software update so we knew we were in for old software - Mike said it was the oldest he's ever seen! March 2008 Build.

The entire software update takes about 2 hours, requires a power supply (as the car cycles lights, windows, sunroof, fan, etc during the programming process) and we ended up with the latest feature set, 231E engine management, and presumably some other stuff that will take me more time to notice. Brake feel is firmer (why I can't tell you), mileage is up a hair (with ~250 miles on return trip), and power from the butt dyno is hard to call. My position was to take advantage of 5 years of engineering and programming changes and pray nothing went backwards. Fingers still crossed but all went very smoothly - my car cooperated with Mike's tools just fine.

The SZL as posted previously is required for MDM, and installs with relative ease. It's a tad expensive, but as you can see from the photo it's a pretty major component. Mike's pretty fussy, so together we took our time and made the swap without incident or any visual indication we had it apart.

Mike coded Euro MDM - the steering angle sensor calibrated fine, and after about 30 minutes he had MDM active. Or at least the lights were on...

Took it for a test ride, and as expected MDM allows a moderate amount of wheel slip for the benefit of forward momentum powering out of corners or on limited traction surfaces. It will only allow the car to step out a few degrees before more agressive DSC action intervenes. I can not compare this with US mode MDM - but Mike assures me this is the real deal and is quite a bit more lenient.

My upper button (still with the radio source icon) will toggle MDM (with Steering servotronic "Firm") on and off. It is not currently an option for non iDrive cars to chose the level of steering assist - MDM off = normal, MDM on = firm. Period. Holding the button will memorize the setting for the "power" as well which I find utterly useless. To each his own. I believe if you have EDC it will also allow you to memorize that setting as well. Like alefcole stated, it still controls the radio source as well if the radio is on. I don't use the radio much at the track or when screwing around, so it's not a big deal but it is weird. Mike is going to look into a possible fix - but it might just be the radio hardware and we have to live with it. It actually made me laugh, to be honest.

In all, the updates and retrofit went very smoothly. Last picture is about an hour from NYC on Route 52 heading home - hills and curves for 100 miles, oh my!

If you are thinking about MDM, love your car and plan on keeping it.. bite the bullet and do it. This should have been on your car from Day ONE!

[mkoesel]

Great writeup, howfast. Glad you are happy with the new setup.

The radio input thing is minor enough to be a non-issue for me. And I'll bet Mike figures it out eventually. Can't wait to get this done, looks like I need to get ahold of Mike now.