When driving on a race track

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General information

NOTE: The individual informational sections have validity for the vehicle, not visible to the reader.
Here, the type code, optional equipment and build levels are considered in the background.
These validities are used to display the relevant informational sections according to the vehicle configuration; irrelevant informational sections are hidden.
Therefore, for the correct display of the instructions, it is recommended to always identify the vehicle using the vehicle identification number in ISTA or AIR.
Selecting the basic vehicle features is not sufficient vehicle identification.

Chapter

Foreword

Model:
Vehicle identification number:

The customer must be informed that in particular the standard brake pads, the wear indicator and the flat tire monitor are not designed for use on race tracks.

The vehicle is also not designed to be used in motorsport competitions.

Excessive load on the vehicle, for example through use on a race track or in a motorsport competition, is not covered by the warranty.

If the customer still wants to drive on a race track, the following aspects must be considered/checked.

The facts must be explained to the customer.

Prerequisites for driving on a racetrack
The vehicle, particularly the engine and drivetrain, must be carefully broken in before operation on a racetrack.

The break-in period lasts at least 2000 km.
- In the case of M vehicles, the break-in service absolutely must have been performed.
- In case of AG vehicles, an oil change is recommended after the running-in period.
Scope of checks before driving on a race track
1. 3.1.1 - Vehicle check
Perform a comprehensive vehicle check service.
1. 3.2.1 - Engine
Precondition
1. 3.2.1.1.1.1 - Overview of approved engine oils for BMW Group engines
NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
To ensure the full power development of the engine (particularly for driving on a racetrack), we recommend the use of BMW M Twin Power Turbo LL-12 FE 0W-30 engine oil.

Recommendation: Carry out an engine oil change.
1. 3.3.1 - Cooling System
Visual check of all coolant radiators for contamination.

Vacuum off contamination, if any.
1. 3.4.1 - If fitted: Reversible electromotive reel (REMA) (in design version with SA5AL Active Protection)
If the vehicle is equipped with the SA5AL Active Protection optional equipment, the vehicle has the following functions, among other:
- The fastened seat belts are automatically pre-tensioned once after drive-off
- If situations of critical driving dynamics are detected, the front seat belts are automatically pre-tensioned
If the reversible belt-tensioning function for hazardous situations should be perceived as disturbing on the race track, there is the option of deactivating this function by means of the ISTA diagnostic system.

This function is optional equipment.

The vehicle can also be driven on public roads after the function has been deactivated.

The deactivation of the function has no effect at all on the restraint system in the event of an accident.

Furthermore, the one-time tensioning of the belt after drive-off can also be deactivated using the ISTA diagnostic system on request.

Deactivation of the functions "Belt tightening in danger" or "Eliminating seat belt slack"

Connect diagnostic system:

Carrying out vehicle test
Main menu
Vehicle handling
Vehicle modification
Conversion or conversion (coding only)
Deactivating Belt tightening in danger, driver/front passenger
Deactivating Eliminating seat belt slack, driver/front passenger

3.5.1 - Brake fluid

Check the age of the brake fluid - see Service Manual/Service history/Service Interval Indicator.

Age of brake fluid
Recommendation! Age of brake fluid	max. 1 Year

Check the fill level in the brake fluid expansion tank.

Top up to MAX if necessary.

3.6.1 - Brake pads

Check brake pad thickness at the front and rear axle.

Recommendation: Install new brake pads.

Recommendation: Use sport brake pads if available for the model.

Brake pad thickness
Friction material thickness, front axle	min. 9 mm
Friction material thickness, rear axle	min. 8 mm

3.7.1 - Brake disk thickness

Check brake disk thickness at the front and rear axle.

Recommendation: install new brake disks.

Brake disk thickness
Valid for front and rear axle. Measured brake disk thickness minus minimum brake disk thickness =	min. 1 mm

3.8.1 - Carbon-ceramic brake discs (CSiC)

Precondition

3400...

3.8.1.1.1.1 - Assessing carbon-ceramic brake discs (CSiC) for wear

Check brake disks at front and rear axle for wear; see ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .

Preparing work on the carbon ceramic brake
NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Work on the carbon-ceramic brake disc may be performed exclusively by specially trained service personnel.
The service personnel must have received the proper training.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Carbon-ceramic brake discs may not be modified/manipulated.
Retightening or disassembling brake components is not permitted.
Bore holes may not be mechanically processed. Counter-boring is not permitted.
- When working on the brake system, proceed with particular caution and observe all notes.
  The brake system is one of the most important safety systems on any vehicle.
- Only remove and install wheels with the aid of the wheel jack.
  This avoids damage to the carbon ceramic brake disc and brake caliper.
- Ensure that the carbon ceramic brake disc is not subject to any impact stresses or collisions with hard materials.
  This avoids damage to the ceramic surfaces and edges.
  
  NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  For additional information see: REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN USED CONDITION , or REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN NEW CONDITION
- Ensure that the contact surfaces of the hub and the contact surfaces of the rim are not damaged.
Check

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
For additional information see: ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .
- Check carbon ceramic brake disc for wear.
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Spalling on the edges of the friction ring of the carbon ceramic brake disc exceed permitted amount.

Brake discs which have been subjected to a high impact stress, such as from having fallen, must no longer be used. The brake disc is unusable due to visible and non-visible damage!

Measure
- See additional information: ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .
Check

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Brake cleaner may not be used.
- Check carbon ceramic brake discs for dirt.
Result

» The carbon ceramic brake disc is very dirty.

Measure
- See additional information: REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN USED CONDITION , or REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN NEW CONDITION .
Measure
- Only if required: While observing the Safety Instructions, clean carbon ceramic brake disc with a high pressure cleaner.
Measure
- For stubborn dirt in the bores: Carefully clean the bores manually with a suitable auxiliary tool (e.g. punch).
1. 3.9.1 - Brake lines
Carry out visual check of the brake line and brake hose for tightness, damage and porosity.
1. 3.10.1 - Covers of the brake air ducts
NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Before driving on the race track , remove the covers of the brake air ducts to improve cooling of the brake system.
Before subsequent driving on public streets , reinstall the covers of the brake air ducts.
The covers influence the drag coefficient, and thus carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition, the covers prevent water from getting on the brake disks.
This improves the response characteristics of the brake in wet conditions, particularly for M carbon ceramic brakes.

If fitted: Remove the covers of the brake air ducts in the front section of the front wheel arch covers and keep them in a safe place .
1. 3.11.1 - Wheels and tires
Check wheels and tires for suitability for race tracks.

Winter tires, all-season tires and steel wheel rims are generally not suited.

Recommendation: Use track tires.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
The display of the tire pressure is only ensured up to a system operating temperature of 120°C.
At higher temperatures, which can occur during racing, the display can be suppressed and a Check Control message can be output.
After cooling down, the system functions again without limitations.

Set the tire pressure according to the predefined value on the tire pressure information label for cold tires.

In the Tires menu of the head unit, select "Summer tires, other tires/race track".

Initialize RDC.

Lowering the tire pressure can lead to tire damage.
Scopes when driving on a race track
1. 6.1.1 - Warm up
Drive a warming up lap.

Heat the engine to operating temperature by brisk driving at medium rotational speed level and medium dynamics.
1. 6.2.1 - Electromechanical steering gear
Excess of the limit temperatures in the steering gear is possible in the event of extreme load and very high outside temperatures.

This is communicated by a Check Control message.

Consequently, the steering support is withdrawn gradually, which makes the steering feel less smooth.

After a cooling phase, the system recalibrates and functions as usual again.

This is not a component fault.

There is no need to visit a workshop.
1. 6.3.1 - Rear Axle Drive
The duration of the highly dynamic journeys on the race track must be increased slowly, since the Rear axle differential still has to be run in under high loads.

Meanwhile, the temperature increases.

Exceeding the limit temperatures in the rear axle differential is at extreme loads and very high outside temperatures possible.

This is indicated by a Check Control message.

As a result, the electromechanical lock is deactivated for reasons of component protection.

After a cool-down period, the system will recalibrate and function normally again.

It is not a component defect.

A workshop visit is not necessary.
1. 6.4.1 - Cool down
Drive a cool-down lap at brisk speed, at medium rotational speed level and medium dynamics.

Avoid brake load as far as possible.
Scope of checks after driving on a race track
1. 7.1.1 - Engine
Precondition
1. 7.1.1.1.1.1 - Overview of approved engine oils for BMW Group engines
Perform an oil-level check according to the operating instructions.

Top up motor oil if necessary.
1. 7.2.1 - Transfer Box
Precondition
1. 7.2.1.1.1.1 - 1.0 Technically suitable oils for transfer box
Perform oil change on the transfer box.
1. 7.3.1 - Rear axle differential
Precondition
1. 7.3.1.1.1.1 - 1.0 Technically suitable rear differential fluid
Change oil in rear axle differential.
1. 7.4.1 - Cooling System
Visual check of all coolant radiators for contamination.

Vacuum off contamination, if any.
1. 7.5.1 - Brake fluid
Check the fill level in the brake fluid expansion tank.

Top up to MAX if necessary.
1. 7.6.1 - Brake pads
Check brake pad thickness at the front and rear axle.
BRAKE PAD THICKNESS SPECIFICATION

Remaining brake pad thickness min. 3.7 mm
1. 7.7.1 - Dust boots
Check the dust boots on the brake calipers of the front and rear axle for damage.
1. 7.8.1 - Brake discs
Check brake disk thickness and condition at the front and rear axle.

Replace brake disks in the event of:
- Undershoots the minimum brake disc thickness
- Scoring
- Cracks
- Thickness difference
1. 7.9.1 - Carbon-ceramic brake discs (CSiC)
Precondition

3400...
1. 7.9.1.1.1.1 - Assessing carbon-ceramic brake discs (CSiC) for wear
Check brake disks at front and rear axle for wear; ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .
Preparing work on the carbon ceramic brake

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Work on the carbon-ceramic brake disc may be performed exclusively by specially trained service personnel.
The service personnel must have received the proper training.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Carbon-ceramic brake discs may not be modified/manipulated.
Retightening or disassembling brake components is not permitted.
Bore holes may not be mechanically processed. Counter-boring is not permitted.

When working on the brake system, proceed with particular caution and observe all notes.
The brake system is one of the most important safety systems on any vehicle.
Only remove and install wheels with the aid of the wheel jack.
This avoids damage to the carbon ceramic brake disc and brake caliper.
Ensure that the carbon ceramic brake disc is not subject to any impact stresses or collisions with hard materials.
This avoids damage to the ceramic surfaces and edges.

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
For additional information see: REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN USED CONDITION , or REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN NEW CONDITION
Ensure that the contact surfaces of the hub and the contact surfaces of the rim are not damaged.

Check

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
For additional information see: ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .

Check carbon ceramic brake disc for wear.

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Result

» Spalling on the edges of the friction ring of the carbon ceramic brake disc exceed permitted amount.

Brake discs which have been subjected to a high impact stress, such as from having fallen, must no longer be used. The brake disc is unusable due to visible and non-visible damage!

Measure

See additional information: ASSESSING THE CARBON-CERAMIC BRAKE DISKS (CSIC) FOR WEAR .

Check

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Brake cleaner may not be used.

Check carbon ceramic brake discs for dirt.

Result

» The carbon ceramic brake disc is very dirty.

Measure

See additional information: REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN USED CONDITION , or REFERENCE SAMPLE CATALOG FOR ASSESSING VISUAL QUALITY OF CARBON CERAMIC BRAKE DISCS IN NEW CONDITION .

Measure

Only if required: While observing the Safety Instructions, clean carbon ceramic brake disc with a high pressure cleaner.

Measure

For stubborn dirt in the bores: Carefully clean the bores manually with a suitable auxiliary tool (e.g. punch).

7.10.1 - Covers of the brake air ducts

NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Before driving on the race track , remove the covers of the brake air ducts to improve cooling of the brake system.
Before subsequent driving on public streets , reinstall the covers of the brake air ducts.
The covers influence the drag coefficient, and thus carbon dioxide emissions.
In addition, the covers prevent water from getting on the brake disks.
This improves the response characteristics of the brake in wet conditions, particularly for M carbon ceramic brakes.

If removed: Reinstall the covers of the brake air ducts in the front section of the front wheel arch covers .

7.11.1 - Wheels and tires

NOTE: Inform the customer that the following instructions must be performed immediately after racing and before driving on public streets.

Check wheels and tires for damage.

Check tires for minimum tread depth.

Check the tire pressure of all the tires and adjust, if required.

Let tires cool down
Set the tire pressure according to the predefined value on the tire pressure information label.
In the Tires menu of the CID, select the corresponding tire type and dimension.
Initialize the TPM.

Adjustment of the tire pressure when the tire is cold, otherwise TPM warning messages could occur due to an excessively low pressure.

7.12.1 - Vehicle check

Perform a comprehensive vehicle check service.