Attention M3 fans: Do you want a car with all the adjustable chassis settings but without that pesky and expensive iDrive? Well, we’ve got good news, because starting with cars built this month, M Drive comes standard on all flavors of the 2011 BMW M3.
For those unfamiliar with M Drive, it’s a set of fancy buttons on the side of the center console that allow the driver to set the throttle response either to Normal, Sport, or Sport Plus. It also adds a special M Dynamic Mode for the stability-control system. All of these functions can be programmed to a custom combination of settings that is activated by the M Drive button on the steering wheel, which will surely impress your friends. In 2010 all of that kit—which was only available grouped with navigation, iDrive, comfort access, and adjustable electronic damper control (EDC)—would set you back $3250. For 2011, all you need to do is tick the $1000 option box for EDC and your BMW will have the same chassis components sans the expensive electronic goodies.
