Perfectly suited to road and race track: BMW M automobiles are convincing both in everyday use and when pushing the envelope. We have the most important tips on what to look out for before the start, on the track and after your race track experience. Then you can get the most from your BMW M and call up your full driving potential.
BEFORE RACE TRACK.
Before you go to the starting line: If your BMW M automobile has already got 2,000 km on the clock, make sure that it’s had its run-in service at your BMW partner.
When the service has been done, check your tyres for wear. For track use, track tyres are recommended, which are an option for many M models.
The ideal tyre pressure on the race track is between 2.3 and 2.7 bar for warm tyres.
On vehicles with M Compound or M Carbon ceramic brakes, the brake cooling duct covers on the front wheel arches have to be removed before taking to the race track. For this, turn the steering wheel full lock to the left or right in order to get at the cooling duct cover. Press the clip, then pull the plastic cover out and down.
Now turn the steering wheel full lock in the other direction and repeat the procedure on the other side. Removing the covers ensures better cooling on the track, which in turn reduces wear and brake fade.
The headrests on the optional M Carbon bucket seats can be removed to allow driving with a helmet. Just unscrew the headrests with a Torx screwdriver. Refit them before driving without a helmet or on public roads.
READY, SET, GO.
ON THE RACE TRACK.
When driving on the race track, increase the duration of the load gradually in order to accustom the vehicle and the tyres gently to race driving. One positive side-effect is that at the same time you yourself will get used to driving on the limit.
AFTER RACE TRACK.
When you cross the finish line for the last time, don’t park your BMW M straight away. The vehicle should be driven at reduced speeds and with minimal brake use so as to allow tyres and brakes to cool down gently.
After track use, check the tyres for wear and tear and make sure they’re at the correct pressure for road use.
With vehicles with M Compound or M Carbon ceramic brakes, don’t forget to refit the brake cooling duct covers on the front wheel arches. They should always be fitted when driving on public roads, as they protect the brakes against damp and improve the response in the wet. The covers also have an influence on drag and thus also on fuel consumption and emissions.
EXPERIENCING THE LIMIT.
Are you a petrolhead and love speed? Well, now you can make your dream come true: The race track training sessions offered by the BMW M Driving Experience allow you to try out numerous international race tracks, like the legendary Nürburgring or the world-famous track at Spa-Francorchamps. With the aid of experienced instructors you can fine-tune your racing line and enjoy sections of the course that usually only the pros get to drive on.
