2008 & M Button ???

[Dr. Dre]

Did certain 2008 come without an "M" button. It seems like every other M3 I've driven or looked at has an "M" button. Is something that early models didn't have?

[SDPLV]

Originally Posted by Dr. Dre

Did certain 2008 didn't come with "M". It seems like every other M3 I've driven or looked at has an "M" button. Is something that early models didn't have?

Mine does. Its a stock feature.

Probably a swapped steering wheel/trim.

[RC Post]

08 here, I don't have it. It was an option I believe

[///mawana]

Originally Posted by RC Post

08 here, I don't have it. It was an option I believe

Retrofit, you are missing out!

[pbonsalb]

You can retrofit MDM. I did it. Requires changing the steering column switch gear, which you can buy used for about $200, and some coding, which could be free or expensive. My diamond button controls it but you might be able to find an M button.

[monterey]

For those who do not have the M button, I wonder if you guys drive with the added power always on or always off?

[pbonsalb]

There is no added power. It’s just more sensitive throttle response.

The MDM is Euro traction control that allows more slippage. It’s worthwhile to me to add it and code the steering wheel button. I now have control on the I drive over the settings. But I have only about $200 into that project — used switchgear with szl module and free coding from a friend.

[deansbimmer]

From what I've seen here at the shop, most 08's and 09's with manual transmissions haven't had M-Mode. Every DCT I've ever seen has had M-Mode.

[///Motown]

Had it on my 08 manual. Wasn't retro fitted

[Bruuuce]

I have a Power button on the center console. 08 6 speed, no nav

[MahiC]

I think I read it has to do with if you have navigation or not too.

[cclinard1]

Not on my 08. I drive with power button on all the time. Never off.

[shimmy23]

08 here and have the m button

[Law]

The "M button" and its associated features are collectively called M Drive.
It's listed as option code "2MD" in build sheets such as VIN decoders so if the car doesn't have M Drive, then it doesn't have the M button, MDM, servotronic, or sport+ throttle.

Here's an old thread where someone successfully retrofitted M Drive into their 2008 E92.

One thing I wanted to clarify about the MDM is that MDM is M-Dynamic Mode, and its default setting/coding in US-spec vehicles is not the same as Euro MDM.

MDM, when active, is basically traction control that has a higher threshold of intervention, meaning you can pull a small tailslide or chip some tires while shifting gears and not have the DSC intervene/go into panic mode.
This is true of both US MDM and Euro MDM.
Where Euro MDM differs, is that the aforementioned threshold is higher than the US MDM.
For US cars, this can be coded, as the hardware is all the same.

Tiff Needell explained it quite nicely in Fifth Gear (skip to 2:33)

[Richbot]

Iirc Single hump could not configure with the M button. Had to have nav.

So, good riddance

[Dr. Dre]

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

From what I've seen here at the shop, most 08's and 09's with manual transmissions haven't had M-Mode. Every DCT I've ever seen has had M-Mode.

My car is an 08 DCT.

[bvrider1]

That's cool to hear!

I have a 08 in manual that has this M-Mode button.

Originally Posted by deansbimmer

From what I've seen here at the shop, most 08's and 09's with manual transmissions haven't had M-Mode. Every DCT I've ever seen has had M-Mode.

[Ginlaan]

08 with m button and 6 speed.

[pbonsalb]

My 08 6 speed with idrive, build date 04/08, did not have m button on steering wheel. I did change the module and code the diamond button to become the m button and can now configure the settings through the Idrive. Had traction control coded to Euro MDM at same time.

I recall reading of a non idrive car having the module changed and being coded for this. Benvo may have done it and I assume any of the other coders could as well. My guess is that the configuration selected to activate with the m button could not be changed around like it can with idrive and that coding would be required instead.

[GRUESOM3]

I'm January 08 build and have m mode with 6mt. I also found the sport modes to be jerky and hard to control prior to upgrading to latest software. The new software seems to have smoothed it out a little bit.

[monterey]

I thought a saw a video of someone doing a dyno and got higher numbers with the m button pressed vs. no m button engaged.

[SDPLV]

I'd be pissed if I didn't have an M button!