How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

HOW TO RACE TRACK – M SETUP SPECIAL.

Customizing the M setup menu
for the race track.

HOW TO RACE TRACK – M SETUP SPECIAL.Customizing the M setup menu<br />for the race track.

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.

BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive: Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.4-10.1 (WLTP); CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 235-229 (WLTP)

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How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

PART 1 OF HOW TO ADJUST THE M SETUP MENU TO PREPARE YOUR BMW M MODEL FOR RACE TRACK DRIVING.

BEFORE RACE TRACK.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

One recommendable "Engine" setting for driving on the race track is either SPORT or SPORT+ – mode, depending on the throttle response you prefer.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

You can set the "Steering" and "Braking" programmes to either COMFORT or SPORT, according to your personal preference.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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. 

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

In 4WD Sport mode, your BMW M will provide greater drive power to the rear wheels. Which makes for even more driving fun.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

PART 2 OF HOW TO ADJUST THE M SETUP MENU TO PREPARE YOUR BMW M MODEL FOR RACE TRACK DRIVING.

ON THE RACE TRACK.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

If the surface is wet, set the tool to level 9 or 10.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

Set transmission to D3 or S3 for the fastest gear-changes and dynamic downshifting.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

The M1 and M2 buttons offer preset configurations from the M Setup menu.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

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.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race.

In TRACK mode, the flashing hazard lights activated shortly before reaching a standstill after sharp braking are deactivated.

When you’ve crossed the finish line, don’t park your BMW M automobile immediately. Instead, drive the vehicle at reduced speed and using the brakes as little as possible. This way, brakes and tyres can cool down gently.

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AFTER RACE TRACK.

How to: Get your M Setup ready to race

When you leave the race track, make sure to reactivate SPORT or ROAD mode.

DEEP DIVE.

The M Setup menu offers these configurations in detail.

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  • Engine
  • Chassis
  • Steering
  • Brake
  • M xDrive
  • M Traction Control
BMW M2 on the race track.

BMW M2 Coupé: Fuel consumption in l/100km (combined): 10.2-10.0 [9.8-9.6] (WLTP); CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 230-226 [222-218] (WLTP), The figures in brackets refer to the vehicle with 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

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.

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BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive: Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.4-10.1 (WLTP); CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 235-229 (WLTP)

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  • The higher mechanical and thermal loads involved when driving on racing tracks lead to increased wear. This wear is not covered by the warranty. When driving on a racing track, gradually increase the duration of the load.

    Before and after driving on a racing track, have the vehicle checked at an authorized Service Partner or another qualified Service Partner or a specialist workshop.

    The standard brake pads and the wear indicator are not designed for racing track operation.

    Further information and advice can be obtained from an authorized Service Partner or another qualified Service Partner or a specialist workshop.

  • The models illustrated include optional equipment.

    Due to regular software updates, screen designs in the communication may differ from the actual screen design in your car.

    Official data on power consumption and electric range were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the NEDC take into account differences in the selected wheel and tire size; figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. WLTP values are used for assessing taxes and other vehicle-related charges that are (also) based on CO2 emissions, as well as for the purposes of vehicle-specific subsidies, if applicable. Where applicable, the NEDC values listed were calculated based on the new WLTP measurement procedure and then converted back to the NEDC measurement procedure for comparability reasons. For newly type-tested vehicles since 01.01.2021, the official data no longer exist according to NEDC, but only according to WLTP. For more information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures, see https://www.bmw.com/wltp.

    For further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emission of new passenger cars can be taken out of the „handbook of fuel consumption, the CO2 emission and power consumption of new passenger cars“, which is available at all selling points and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

    All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.