BMW M1 and M2 buttons explained: how to set up your M car
The red M1 and M2 buttons let you store your favourite settings. What they do, how to set them up, which settings to choose and how M Mode works on newer BMW M cars.
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The M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel of a BMW M car let you recall your favourite driving setup with a single press. Engine response, suspension, steering, gear changes and more can be stored in two personal profiles.
Many owners never set them up, or are unsure which settings to choose. This guide explains what the buttons do, how to configure them, which settings work well for road and track and how M Mode adds another layer on newer models.
Where the M buttons come from
BMW M cars have offered configurable driving settings for many years. Earlier models such as the E60 M5 and the E90 generation M3 had a single M Drive button on the steering wheel. Later generations moved to two buttons, M1 and M2, so owners can store two different setups, for example one for the road and one for a circuit.
On the latest M cars, the buttons are red and sit on the steering wheel spokes. Many models also show the active setup in the instrument cluster and head-up display.
What you can store in the M1 and M2 buttons
The exact options depend on the model and equipment, but typically include:
- Engine: throttle response and sound, often Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus.
- Chassis: damper settings for cars with adaptive suspension, usually Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
- Steering: steering weight, Comfort or Sport.
- Brakes: on newer cars with integrated braking systems, pedal feel Comfort or Sport.
- Gearbox: gear change speed and the automatic or manual mode.
- M xDrive: on all-wheel drive models, 4WD, 4WD Sport or 2WD.
- Stability control: DSC, M Dynamic Mode or M Traction Control levels. Our article on BMW DSC, DTC and M Dynamic Mode explains these settings.
- Displays: the style of the instrument cluster and head-up display.
Pressing a button activates the stored profile. Pressing it again usually returns to the previous settings.
How to set up the M1 and M2 buttons
The general process on most M cars is:
- Choose the settings you want using the driving experience controls, the setup button or iDrive.
- Open the M Drive menu in iDrive, or hold the M1 or M2 button, depending on the model.
- Save the current settings to M1 or M2, or edit each setting in the menu.
- Name or confirm the profile if the system allows it.
The owner's manual of your car shows the exact steps. Take your time with the car parked, and test the result on a quiet road.
Recommended setups for the road
There is no single correct setup, but many owners use something like this:
M1 – fast road:
- Engine in Sport for a sharper response.
- Chassis in Comfort, because most roads are bumpy and softer damping gives more grip and control.
- Steering in Comfort or Sport, depending on personal preference.
- Gearbox in a medium shift speed.
- Full DSC or DTC, depending on conditions.
This setup feels lively without being tiring, and it suits most public roads. Many experienced drivers find that the firmest chassis setting is too stiff for public roads.
Recommended setups for the track
M2 – circuit:
- Engine in Sport Plus for the quickest response.
- Chassis in Sport or Sport Plus, depending on the smoothness of the circuit.
- Steering in Sport.
- Brakes in Sport on cars with this option.
- Gearbox in the fastest manual mode.
- Stability control in M Dynamic Mode or a suitable traction control level for your experience.
If you are new to track driving, start with more electronic support and reduce it step by step. Our guide to your first track day in a BMW explains how to prepare.
M Mode on newer M cars
Newer BMW M cars add an M Mode button. It changes the driver assistance systems and displays depending on the mode:
- Road: all assistance systems are available and the displays show normal information.
- Sport: fewer distractions, sportier displays and some assistance systems reduced.
- Track: on some models, intended only for closed circuits. Many driver assistance systems and audio functions are switched off, and the displays show only the information needed on track.
M Mode works together with the M1 and M2 buttons and can often be stored in the profiles. Track mode should never be used on public roads.
Tips for using the M buttons
- Set them up as soon as you buy the car. Many owners discover how much better their car feels with a well-chosen setup.
- Keep one setup comfortable. It makes long trips and bad roads more enjoyable.
- Check the active setup before you drive, especially if someone else used the car.
- Update after changes. New tyres or a wheel alignment can change how a setup feels.
The M1 and M2 buttons are one of the simplest ways to get more from your BMW M car. A few minutes of setup can make every drive better.
BMW M1 and M2 buttons at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Steering wheel spokes |
| Profiles | Two personal setups, M1 and M2 |
| Typical settings | Engine, chassis, steering, brakes, gearbox, xDrive, DSC |
| Earlier models | One M Drive button on cars such as the E60 M5 |
| M Mode | Road, Sport and Track on newer cars |
| Track mode | Closed circuits only |
| Setup | Via iDrive M Drive menu or the buttons |
Frequently asked questions
What do the M1 and M2 buttons do?
They recall two stored driving setups with engine, chassis, steering, gearbox and stability control settings.
How do I change the M1 and M2 settings?
Use the M Drive menu in iDrive or follow the owner's manual for your model to save the current settings to a button.
What is the best M1 setup for the road?
Many owners use Sport for the engine with the chassis in Comfort, because softer damping works better on bumpy roads.
Can I use Track mode on public roads?
No. Track mode switches off many assistance systems and is intended only for closed circuits.
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