The epitome of racing feeling in everyday traffic starts a new round. 35 years after the debut of the first BMW M3, BMW M GmbH presents the latest generation of its high-performance automobiles in the premium mid-size segment. Time to introduce the two new vehicles. In the #M3M4explained series, the developers have the floor.
Above all, Mario has the driver in mind when he plans and implements: What is the best way to customize the car's driving characteristics? The BMW M developer is responsible for the M Mode of the new BMW M3 and M4. In the video, Mario introduces the system – and reveals which setup he prefers. In addition, Mario shares his knowledge with the M community. We publish an excerpt from the questions and answers.
BMW M ENTHUSIASTS ASK, BMW M EXPERTS ANSWER.
If you don't have M Drive professional which modes do you get?
While M Mode ROAD and SPORT are always included. M Mode TRACK is exclusively available with M Drive Professional.
Which functions are deactivated in M Mode TRACK?
Driving Assistance, Intelligent Safety, Collision Warnings and Entertainment functions are deactivated in M Mode TRACK.
Why are safety features turned off in TRACK Mode?
The safety features are deactivated in M Mode TRACK to avoid disruptive interventions during highly dynamic driving on a racetrack – like automatic warning light activation at harsh breaking maneuvers or suppressing the lane control assistant with its steering interventions.
Can I lock the SPORT or TRACK mode?
For your full enjoyment all possible M Modes are always available and cannot be locked individually.
What will happen if I accidentally press any Driving Assistance button in M Mode SPORT?
The system will change back to M Mode ROAD. The Driving Assistance is only available in M Mode ROAD.
Why is the intelligent safety button LED green when activating M Mode SPORT?
M Mode SPORT activates the Individual settings of Intelligent Safety. The LED color depends on your Individual setting.
If we always use SPORT Mode for a long time, does that harm the engine?
All of our settings are developed for endless fun and infinite driving pleasure.
Can you configure the driver assistance settings in the custom M1/M2 buttons to stay on?
There is no correlation between M1/M2 and M Mode.
Is there a dependency between M Mode and Setup?
No, the M Modes focus on driving characteristics such as assistant systems, whereas M1/M2 Setup focuses on driving dynamics.
Can you select M1/M2 while in the different M Modes, such as ROAD, SPORT and TRACK?
Yes, all combinations between M Mode and M1/M2 are possible.
Exhaust Mode is changed by changing the engine mode, right?
Yes, that's correct. Watch Episode 9 - Engine Sound for further information.
What does MSA stand for?
Auto Start Stop.
Is it possible to use the infotainment in TRACK Mode?
The infotainment system will be deactivated in M Mode TRACK, to ensure the driver's concentration on the track. However, it can be reactivated again whenever you want.
Is it possible to change the car's default settings?
M1 and M2 can be individually configured.
How does the head up display differ from the F8x?
The all-new BMW M3 and M4 feature a new and bigger head up display and come with a bunch of new M specific features.
How does the drift analysis work?
Watch out for another episode to come.
What is your personal setup for the M1/M2 button?
I love driving with a sporty and loud setting. So, it is mostly something between Sport and Sport Plus.
Where are you from?
A pretty small village in the Bavarian alps.
How old are you?
27.
What did you study?
Electrical Engineering in Stuttgart and Alabama.
How long have you been working at BMW?
I started with a BMW scholarship in 2015. Since 2018 I have been working for BMW M.
What was your first BMW?
That was a F22 2-Series.
What is your favorite car?
F90 M5 CS, but there are some pretty cool projects on the horizon.
What is your favorite engine?
The S58.
What car do you drive?
F87 M2 Competition.
