E46 M3 CS/ CSL "Track Mode" DSC Possible on standard M3?

[Timbuk2]

I am thinking about buying an E46 M3 to turn into a track car.

On the CS (very rare) and the CSL (very expensive) they have a "Track mode" DSC.

Can anyone tell me if this is able to be loaded onto the standard M3 somehow? The BMW customer services guy said he had the feeling it was a factory upgrade only but he wasn't sure and is looking into it...

I was thinking about getting a CS but there are only one or two for sale so it severely limits my options, and seeing as I can just put a steering rack from the CS/CSL on a standard M3 and will be doing the brakes anyway, this special "track mode" would be all I was missing from a CS.

Also, can anyone tell me if the CS and the CSL have this "track mode" as an extra setting or if it replaces the standard M3's DSC mode?

Thanks for any informed responses

[TheEnd]

Yep, it's inside the software of the later DSC modules, it just needs to be coding to be active, but don't expect BMW to know how to do it.

[Timbuk2]

Thanks for the reply, any idea what year it came in?

Wanted to buy as new as possible, 2004-2005 so I assume it'd be possible to get it unlocked?

[TheEnd]

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=37...

There's some info there, I think it might be possible on all of the M3s, but only the later ones had the correct lights in the dash to display it.

[jon-]

It can be done, they've the lights from about 2003. You can unlock it yourself with the £40 OBDC lead and software.

It's not a very good mode.

[Timbuk2]

TheEnd said:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=37...

There's some info there, I think it might be possible on all of the M3s, but only the later ones had the correct lights in the dash to display it.

Thanks thet's really helpful that link!

jon- said:

It can be done, they've the lights from about 2003. You can unlock it yourself with the £40 OBDC lead and software.

It's not a very good mode.

How come? Surely it must be better on the track than standard DSC which is very intrusive (have driven a standard M3 with it on on a track).

[jon-]

It's still fairly intrusive. The M3 is so well balanced it's not needed on track IMO, and on the road the standard setting is fine, unless you want to do skids, then it's all off.

[Timbuk2]

It's more to have on when my friends are driving the car TBH, I know it's well balanced but someone who's never driven a powerful RWD car before to suddenly get out on track with no driver aids is asking for trouble!

Surely if it's better than the standard DSC it's worth doing?

[Joe M]

Definitely worth doing. With the standard dsc you go into a corner a bit too quick or too much throttle and the car sorts it out, with m-track mode you go into a corner a bit too quick, the car slides a touch, then sorts itself out.
It will be perfect for letting your friends drive as you mentioned.
Ive done this personally to my own car, its very easy and cheap to do with the correct cable/software. The cable also allows so much more to be done so its great value for money.
Unfortunately, BMTechnic appear to have stopped trading since yesterday, and they were one of, if not thee most highly regarded for providing the cable/software.
You should check out M3Cutters, lots of good info on there, also, where are you located? You could probably get a member on there to do it for you for beer tokens.

[joema]

Thats a shame for BMtechnic. the software I have is decent and for £30 was stonking value.

I turn the traction control off when on track tbh. Stay smooth and dont hammer the trhottle with lots of lock on...

[jon-]

If you're anywhere near me (Hitchin, North Herts) you're welcome to borrow my lead to do it, it's not difficult.

Really sad news about BMTechnic

[TheEnd]

All you'd need is one of these-
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-INPA-K-CAN-Cars-Dign...

and the software either comes with it, or is freely available. BM technic used a simplified installer, but it's quite possible a certain German car manufacturer didn't like someone selling their software.

[Timbuk2]

Thanks for all the help, I don't actually have the car yet though!

When I do then hopefully I will be able to take someone up on their kind offer.