Probably a silly question as i can not see it in the manual but is it possible to set the gear response higher than the 1 bar it is set at when you start the engine? Or is the only way by manually changing every time you start the car.

 

Hmm, mine default to S3 (i.e. 3-bars). I would not drive in D1 or S1 very much and especially in stop and go traffic. It slips the clutch a lot. There is a story somewhere where someone burned out their clutch during break-in using D1 in stop and go traffic.

I am hardly ever in anything less than S4 for this reason. I did think I saw somewhere where the older model year default to S1 or D1. Maybe a change for 2008.

To answer your question, NO. It always goes back to default after you turn off the car. Just pretend you are a pilot doing his pre-flight checklist as you change all the settings each time, HaHa!

 

I'm with Glock-357. Mine defaults to either s3 or d3 if you switch it to D mode. S4 is my normal mode. D4 for the highway driving at the present time.
I am at 530 miles to go for the break in. Hope this helps.

 

So do you think the 2007 M5 has a default setting of D1? and that this has changed for 08? (If so maybe time to trade in) Its not to much of a problem but a bit of a pain when stopping and starting a lot. Also are the American models ahead of the UK? As when i purchased mine new in July 07, this forum were talking about there 08 cars?

 

Check with the guys on m5board.com, there are many 2007 M5's there and I think a few from the UK. What does the manual say about this?

 

mine's a 2008 model and also defaults D1. but when i slip it into manual, it's remembered my last setting (S5).
I read in the manual that the car will always start in D1 as a default.

 

Many thanks, thats answered my question as this is exactly what mine does.