When driving on a race track

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General information

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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.
2. 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 TwinPower Turbo LL-12 FE 0W-30 engine oil.
  
  Recommendation: Carry out an engine oil change.
3. 3.3.1 - Cooling System
  Visual check of all coolant radiators for contamination.
  
  Vacuum off contamination, if any.
4. 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
  In F95, F96 life cycle impulse vehicles:
  
  The PreCrash function including reversible belt tensioning is deactivated in M MODE "TRACK". This means that the function can be deactivated on the race track, for example, via the M MODE "TRACK" if required.
  
  All vehicles:
  
  If the reversible belt-tensioning function is perceived as annoying for hazardous situations on the race track, there is the alternative option of deactivating this function permanently 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...
1. 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 .
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 .
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).

3.9.1 - Brake lines
Carry out visual check of the brake line and brake hose for tightness, damage and porosity.
3.10.1 - Brake air ducts
NOTE: TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Before driving on the race track, check the brake cooling air ducts for contamination and damage. If necessary, clean and/or repair.
Check operation of air flap control adjustment mechanism. Repair if necessary!
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.
2. 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.
3. 6.3.1 - Rear axle differential
  The duration of the highly dynamic drives on a race track must be increased slowly because the rear axle differential must still be broken in during a high-load operation.
  
  This increases the temperature during this time.
  
  Excess of the limit temperatures in the rear axle differential is possible in the event of extreme load and very high outside temperatures.
  
  This is communicated by a Check Control message.
  
  To protect the components, the electromechanical lock is consequently deactivated.
  
  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.
4. 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

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.
7.2.1 - Rear axle differential
Precondition
1. 7.2.1.1.1.1-1.0 Technically suitable rear differential fluid
  Change oil in rear axle differential.
7.3.1 - Cooling System
Visual check of all coolant radiators for contamination.

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

Top up to MAX if necessary.

7.5.1 - Brake pads