They impress on both road and race track: BMW M automobiles. To make every race track experience a unique event, the M setup can be configured individually for every track. But what settings are recommended? We give tips for the perfect track day.
BEFORE RACE TRACK.
All set for the track! If you’re intending to use your BMW M automobile on the race track, make sure that your BMW Partner has carried out the 2,000 km running-in service on your vehicle. Then you can get ready: Here are the M Setup settings recommended for driving on race tracks.
ON THE RACE TRACK.
One recommendable "Engine" setting for driving on the race track is either SPORT or SPORT+ – mode, depending on the throttle response you prefer.
If you’re driving on race tracks with uneven surfaces, it’s advisable to set "Chassis" to SPORT. Reduced wheel movements and more direct surface contact coupled with sufficient comfort enable perfect handling. On flat race tracks, the chassis should be set to SPORT+. In this mode, minimal wheel and chassis movement achieve maximal longitudinal and lateral acceleration.
You can set the "Steering" and "Braking" programmes to either COMFORT or SPORT, according to your personal preference.
Now press the DSC OFF key. In the Control display you can now adapt the DSC setting. Choose the M Dynamic mode to achieve higher lateral dynamics and acceleration.
You want complete control? Then select the setting DSC OFF. That’s the way to get the maximum performance out of your BMW M without the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) kicking in.
By the way: Depending on availability and optional equipment, with the DSC turned off you can switch the M xDrive to 4-wheel Drive Sport mode or even to just Rear-Wheel Drive.
In 4WD Sport mode, your BMW M will provide greater drive power to the rear wheels. Which makes for even more driving fun.
Drift Mode on: In 2WD mode, the full drive power is transferred to the rear wheels, with no support from the front axle.
READY, SET, GO.
ON THE RACE TRACK.
Besides the engine, chassis, brakes and M xDrive all-wheel system settings, we recommend also setting the 10-level M traction control according to track and conditions. The higher the level, the less rear wheelspin the system allows and the less your BMW M automobile will drift. The M traction control is thus an effective and flexible traction aid which allows you to accelerate faster and easier out of bends on race tracks.
If the surface is wet, set the tool to level 9 or 10.
When the track dries out, set the M traction control to level 7 or 8. That will give you an ideal focus on traction and drive stabilisation.
On a dry surface you can choose between steps 0 and 6: at 0, you do without the traction control. The higher the level, the more the focus is on controlled drifting.
Set transmission to D3 or S3 for the fastest gear-changes and dynamic downshifting.
The M1 and M2 buttons offer preset configurations from the M Setup menu.
Full focus: Activate TRACK mode to limit the information displayed to only what’s relevant to driving on the race track. In this mode, the central information display and the entertainment system are switched off so as to minimize unnecessary distraction.
In addition, the driver assistance systems and the corresponding controls on the multi-functional steering wheel are deactivated. This reduces mistakes when concentrating on race track driving.
In TRACK mode, the flashing hazard lights activated shortly before reaching a standstill after sharp braking are deactivated.
AFTER RACE TRACK.
When you leave the race track, make sure to reactivate SPORT or ROAD mode.
DEEP DIVE.
Engine
EFFICIENT, SPORT and SPORT PLUS settings can be engaged to modify the engine’s characteristics. In SPORT and SPORT PLUS, the timbre and sound intensity are also precisely matched to the increased drive dynamics.
Chassis
The basic damper characteristics can be adjusted via the M Setup
menu. The driver can select from three modes, each with its own profile.
COMFORT optimises everyday journeys and long trips by smoothing
out road imperfections. The appreciably stiffer damper responses in
SPORT have been tuned during in-depth testing at the Nürburgring
Nordschleife. And SPORT PLUS optimises damper control to maximise
performance on smooth race tracks. This will be the setting of choice
for drivers keen to explore the outer reaches of the car’s dynamic ability
and experience the extremes of lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Steering
The driver can dip into the M Setup menu to call up either of the two steering settings. COMFORT mode brings an easy steering feel with precise feedback to the fore, while in SPORT mode the messages communicated through the wheel rim and the amount of steering force required are dialled up noticeably, maximising precision in dynamic driving situations.
Brake
The M specific version of the integrated braking system additionally presents the driver with two pedal feel settings. In their own individual ways, COMFORT and SPORT modes alter the amount of pressure on the brake pedal required to slow the car. The driver can therefore choose between more comfort-oriented and particularly direct, instantaneous response when braking.
M xDrive
You configure the distribution of power as required. In the default 4WD setting, rear-biased power transmission goes hand-in-hand with unshakable traction and precisely controllable handling. Increasing agility levels still further is 4WD Sport mode, which directs a greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Here, the linear build-up of lateral forces characteristic of M models even makes it possible to execute controlled drifts while staying effortlessly in control of the car. 4WD Sport mode has been set up precisely according to the grip attributes of the optionally available performance tyres, with the aim of maximising dynamics on the track. And switching off DSC brings 2WD mode into the equation. This setting allows experienced drivers to enjoy the uncorrupted driving experience of pure rear-wheel drive, with no stabilising interventions from the control systems.
M Traction Control
This form of traction control allows the driver to set the intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation. The relevant menu, accessed via the iDrive operating system, displays ten stages of precisely defined slip permitted at the driven wheels. The new traction control configuration option gives the driver the ability to generate the ideal balance of racing-car performance and directional stability to suit the situation, the road surface condition and their personal preferences. This allows them to deliberately approach the physical limits on the track and, by reducing the extent of control system inputs (in stages), create the perfect setup for controlled drifts through dynamically taken corners.
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.
