Unlock the Potential of Your BMW X3M/X4M F97 F98: 2WD Mode and Advanced Coding

BMW’s M series vehicles, particularly the X3M and X4M (F97 and F98 chassis codes), are renowned for their performance and xDrive all-wheel-drive system. However, for enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, unlocking hidden features through coding can significantly elevate your vehicle’s capabilities. One of the most sought-after modifications is enabling 2WD mode on your xDrive X3M/X4M F97 F98, transforming your high-performance SUV into a rear-wheel-drive machine at the touch of a button. Beyond 2WD, a wide array of BMW coding options are available to personalize your driving experience, enhance comfort, and unlock features already present in your vehicle’s software.

This guide explores the exciting world of BMW coding, focusing on the popular 2WD M XDrive X3M/X4M FLASH F97 F98 modification and other available customizations to make your BMW truly your own.

Drivetrain Features: Unleashing 2WD Mode and More on Your X3M/X4M

For owners of the BMW X3M (F97) and X4M (F98), the ability to switch to a selectable 2WD mode is a game-changer. While xDrive provides exceptional grip and stability, especially in challenging conditions, engaging 2WD mode offers a purer, more traditional rear-wheel-drive feel. This modification can enhance driving dynamics in dry conditions, allowing for more playful handling and a different level of driver engagement.

2WD Selectable Mode (F97/F98): By coding your vehicle, you can gain the option to disengage the front axle, effectively turning your xDrive BMW into a rear-wheel-drive car on demand. This feature is particularly appealing for track days or spirited driving where a rear-biased setup is preferred. It’s important to note that professional coding is required to ensure this feature is enabled safely and correctly.

Beyond 2WD mode, other drivetrain enhancements through coding include:

• Sport+ Mode: Sharpen throttle response, adjust shift points, and modify stability control settings for a more aggressive driving experience.
• Comfort+ Mode (G05/G07): For models like the X5 and X7, Comfort+ mode softens the suspension and optimizes settings for maximum ride comfort, ideal for long journeys.
• Sprint Mode (G20 3 Series Only): Exclusive to the G20 3 Series, Sprint mode provides maximum acceleration and responsiveness for quick bursts of speed.
• Start car in your preferred driving mode: Customize your default driving mode to Comfort, Sport, EcoPro, or Adaptive, ensuring your BMW starts up in your preferred setting every time.
• Auto Start/Stop System – Remember Last User Setting/Memory: Tired of manually turning off Auto Start/Stop? Coding can remember your last setting, automatically disabling or enabling the system based on your previous preference.

Comfort and Convenience Features: Tailoring Your BMW to Your Lifestyle

BMW coding extends far beyond performance enhancements, offering a range of comfort and convenience features that can be personalized to your needs:

• Windows to Close with Key Fob: Conveniently close all windows and the sunroof by holding the lock button on your key fob.
• Disable Active Sound Design (Artificial Engine Sound): For a more natural engine sound experience, disable the artificial engine noise pumped through the speakers.
• Enable Windows to Close when Doors are Open: Allows you to close windows even after opening the doors, adding extra convenience.
• Enable Automatic Trunk to be Closed with Key Fob/Footwell switch: Automate trunk closing with your key fob or footwell switch for easier operation.
• Enable Soft Closing of Automatic Trunk: Enjoy a smoother and quieter trunk closing operation.
• Turn off Horn on Secure Feature when Locking with Engine Running: Prevent the horn from sounding when locking the car remotely while the engine is running.
• Enable Sunroof Closing when Vehicle is Parked and Raining (If equipped): Automatically close the sunroof if rain is detected while the vehicle is parked (if equipped with a rain sensor).
• Enable Automatic Activation of Seat and Steering Wheel Heating: Automatically activate seat and steering wheel heating in cold weather for enhanced comfort.

Safety Features: Enhancing Awareness and Control

BMW coding also allows for the activation of various safety and driver assistance features, some of which may be region-specific or disabled by default:

• Change Speed Limit Info Sign to ECE (Circle with Red Outline): Switch the speed limit sign display to the European ECE standard (circle with red outline).
• Enable Rear Camera Zoom: Gain a zoomed-in view from your rear camera for improved parking and maneuvering.
• Change Default Camera View to Automatic (For vehicles equipped with 5DN): Set the default camera view to automatic for vehicles with the 5DN option.
• Tire Pressure and Temperature Displays (For vehicles equipped with TPMS): Display tire pressure and temperature readings in your instrument cluster (if equipped with TPMS).
• Turn off Seat Belt Reminder for Driver/Passenger: Disable the seat belt reminder chime for driver and passenger seats (use with caution and responsibility).
• Enable Assisted Driving View on G05/G06/G20 (Requires 5AU and Software from July 2019): Activate the Assisted Driving View display on compatible models.
• Enable Automatic Lane Change Assist (Requires 5AT or 5AU): Enable automatic lane change assist functionality (requires specific driver assistance packages).
• Enable Automatic Speed Limit Assistant (Requires 5AT for SP15 Models, all SP18 Models For Cruise Control and LIM): Activate automatic speed limit assistant for cruise control and LIM functions.
• Enable Traffic Light Detection (Requires 5AU and Software from July 2020): Enable traffic light detection functionality (requires specific software and hardware).
• *Enable Give Way Warning / Yield Warning on Pre-LCI G01/G02/G11/G12/G30 (Requires with 5AT) :** Activate give way/yield warnings on pre-LCI models with the 5AT option.
• Enable Dynamic Spotlight (Requires 6UK Night Vision with 552 Adaptive LED or 5AZ BMW Laserlights): Enable dynamic spotlight functionality for enhanced night vision (requires specific lighting and night vision options).
• Change Default Distance on Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjust the default following distance for adaptive cruise control.

Instrument Cluster and Lighting Features: Personalizing Your BMW’s Aesthetics

Customize the look and feel of your BMW’s instrument cluster and lighting with these coding options:

• Digital Speedometer: Display a digital speedometer readout in your instrument cluster.
• Enable Alpina Instrument Cluster Theme: Change your instrument cluster theme to the stylish Alpina design.
• Change Sport Mode Color (Red or Grey): Customize the color scheme of your Sport mode display.
• Change to M Performance Instrument Cluster Theme (Equipped with Live Cockpit 6U3): For vehicles with Live Cockpit, switch to the M Performance instrument cluster theme.
• Change to M Vehicle Instrument Cluster Theme (Equipped with Live Cockpit 6U3): For vehicles with Live Cockpit, switch to the full M Vehicle instrument cluster theme.
• Enable Tire Pressure Monitor Display (Equipped with Live Cockpit 6U3): Display tire pressure monitoring information within the Live Cockpit.
• Turn off Amber Side Marker on Headlights: Remove the amber side marker illumination on headlights for a cleaner look.
• Disable Automatic Headlights in OFF Position: Completely disable automatic headlights when the headlight switch is in the OFF position.
• EU Two-Stage Brake Lamp Operation (Flashing on Emergency Braking): Activate the European two-stage brake lamp operation, causing brake lights to flash during hard braking.
• Enable Anti-Dazzle High Beams (Vehicles with 552 Adaptive LED or 5AZ BMW Laserlights): Enable anti-dazzle high beam functionality for intelligent and safer night driving (requires specific headlight options).
• Enable Variable Light Distribution (Vehicles with 552 Adaptive LED or 5AZ BMW Laserlights): Activate variable light distribution for optimized illumination in different driving situations (requires specific headlight options).
• Enable 5 Times Turn Signal in iDrive (Model Dependent): Increase the turn signal flash count to 5 times with a single stalk press (model dependent).
• Enable Independent Rear Turn Signals (G20 3 Series Only): Enable independent rear turn signals on the G20 3 Series.

iDrive/Infotainment Features: Enhancing Your Digital Experience

Coding allows you to unlock hidden iDrive and infotainment features, further personalizing your BMW’s digital environment:

• Remove Start-up and Camera Legal Disclaimers: Bypass the legal disclaimers displayed at startup and when using the camera.
• Change Start-up Logo to M Logo: Customize the startup logo to the iconic BMW M logo.
• Change Warning Chimes / PDC Sounds to BMW / Mini / Rolls Royce / BMW I (iDrive 5/6, iDrive 7 with 07/2021 i-Step and Newer): Change the warning chimes and parking distance control (PDC) sounds to different BMW group brands.
• Enable Xvid, OCG, and Xvcd Format Codecs for USB Video (iDrive 5/6): Expand USB video playback format compatibility on older iDrive systems.
• Enable Video in Motion for DVD/USB Playback: Unlock video playback while the vehicle is in motion for passenger entertainment.
• Remove Speedlock Restriction for Mobile Office and User Manuals: Remove speed restrictions for accessing mobile office features and the user manual while driving.
• Enable Bang & Olufsen DSP Setting (688 – Harman Kardon Systems with Logic 7 only – iDrive 5/6): Enable Bang & Olufsen Digital Signal Processing (DSP) settings for Harman Kardon systems (on specific iDrive versions).
• Enable Bower & Wilkins DSP Setting (688 – Harman Kardon Systems with Logic 7 only – iDrive 7): Enable Bowers & Wilkins DSP settings for Harman Kardon systems (on iDrive 7).
• Enable Android Smartphone Mirroring: Activate Android Smartphone Mirroring (e.g., Android Auto) on compatible iDrive systems.
• Change iDrive Layout to iDrive 6.0 (for MY 2016 7 Series only): Change the iDrive layout to the iDrive 6.0 interface on specific 2016 7 Series models.

Enhanced Bluetooth Coding: Mobile Office Functionality

Expand your Bluetooth connectivity and mobile office capabilities through coding:

• iOS – View Received Text Messages: Enable viewing of received text messages on iOS devices through iDrive.
• Android – View and Reply to Text Message Conversations & Emails: Enable viewing and replying to text messages and emails on Android devices through iDrive.
• Allow up to two phones to be paired to the iDrive system: Pair two phones simultaneously to your iDrive system for seamless connectivity.

Conclusion: Transform Your BMW X3M/X4M F97 F98 with Expert Coding

From unlocking 2WD mode on your xDrive X3M/X4M F97 F98 to personalizing comfort features and enhancing safety systems, BMW coding offers a powerful way to tailor your vehicle to your exact preferences. By leveraging the hidden potential within your BMW’s software, you can create a driving experience that is uniquely yours. Explore the possibilities of BMW coding and discover how you can elevate your ownership experience and truly unlock the potential of your BMW.