First time at the drag strip with the M4

[Game Changer]

Hello members
I recently had the 1200 mile service done and had a chance to take my new M4 to the 1/4 mile drag strip today. The weather was very hot (91 degrees) although the M performed respectably given this unfavorable condition.

First pass with factory tire pressure, no cool down, no launch control (LC)...12.69 at 116.08 with a 2.28 60 FT(terrible). Note, I noticed the smell of oil inside the car after the pass. Popped the hood and noticed the same, but did not see any oil leaks. I then let the car cool for an hour and dropped the rear tire pressure to 25.5 psi.

Second pass, netted a 12.35 at 117.89 with a 2.17 60FT(terrible). I then let car sit while I read up on the LC protocol. I also watched a few videos, which were helpful. Essential details for those new to this platform: deactivate the TC, place all settings in sport mode and transmission at the highest setting, place transmission in "1" position by pushing shifter to the right, press brake pedal with left foot (hold it down) and then by pressing the gas pedal to the floor (hold it down as well). You will then see the flag appear and LC. At this point, I attempted to adjust the rpms from 3k to 2100 using the cruise control settings, but was not allowed to do so. Note, as long as you keep your gas pedal to the floor after taking off, the DCT will shift itself.

This pass netted a 12.37 at 117.96 with a 2.12 60FT. Car was hot bc of ambient temps and I had taken it for a spend to practice the LC.

I believe with some more seat time and practice, and also, becoming more familiar with this platform, this car will run 11.60s with optimal weather conditions. Btw, I beat a dodge charger hemi 392 and a Roush 3 mustang.

Chime in with any corrections, clarification or tips

[Game Changer]

Anyone home... hello out there

[jninja]

What is your car? Model / specs / upgrades?

[ReddsektoR]

Originally Posted by Game Changer

Hello members
I recently had the 1200 mile service done and had a chance to take my new M4 to the 1/4 mile drag strip today. The weather was very hot (91 degrees) although the M performed respectably given this unfavorable condition.

First pass with factory tire pressure, no cool down, no launch control (LC)...12.69 at 116.08 with a 2.28 60 FT(terrible). Note, I noticed the smell of oil inside the car after the pass. Popped the hood and noticed the same, but did not see any oil leaks. I then let the car cool for an hour and dropped the rear tire pressure to 25.5 psi.

Second pass, netted a 12.35 at 117.89 with a 2.17 60FT(terrible). I then let car sit while I read up on the LC protocol. I also watched a few videos, which were helpful. Essential details for those new to this platform: deactivate the TC, place all settings in sport mode and transmission at the highest setting, place transmission in "1" position by pushing shifter to the right, press brake pedal with left foot (hold it down) and then by pressing the gas pedal to the floor (hold it down as well). You will then see the flag appear and LC. At this point, I attempted to adjust the rpms from 3k to 2100 using the cruise control settings, but was not allowed to do so. Note, as long as you keep your gas pedal to the floor after taking off, the DCT will shift itself.

This pass netted a 12.37 at 117.96 with a 2.12 60FT. Car was hot bc of ambient temps and I had taken it for a spend to practice the LC.

I believe with some more seat time and practice, and also, becoming more familiar with this platform, this car will run 11.60s with optimal weather conditions. Btw, I beat a dodge charger hemi 392 and a Roush 3 mustang.

Chime in with any corrections, clarification or tips

most likely stock car? Get a stage 1 tune, better tires, GTS DCT/differential/mdm coding, and the times will be in low 11's.

charger 392 and mustangs are not hard cars to beat.

[Game Changer]

No mods other than reducing tire pressure. I need tips on how to drive the car. I come from a C7 Z platform, which ran low 10s. I will check into the stage 1 tune and the coding bc I have no idea. Btw some chargers and mustangs are very competitive cars in the drag racing world. Man, I am just looking to get the most out of this car when I go to track days with car buddies. Thanks

[F80Moe]

Get some stickier 295/305 rear tires before adding more power since it looks like traction is an issue

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by Game Changer

No mods other than reducing tire pressure. I need tips on how to drive the car. I come from a C7 Z platform, which ran low 10s. I will check into the stage 1 tune and the coding bc I have no idea. Btw some chargers and mustangs are very competitive cars in the drag racing world. Man, I am just looking to get the most out of this car when I go to track days with car buddies. Thanks

$300-$350 for a jb4 kit and you'll gain some great power, if the track has race gas, map 7 would be pretty big difference from stock

[Game Changer]

Thanks for the feedback! I will add a tune at some point once after I have mastered the feel of this vehicle. I do see stickier tires in my near future. Btw, do you all smell oil in cabin and in the engine bay following a hard run? I have.

[Defense]

Driver settings are critical. Set your M1 button to sport plus everything, Transmission to highest non-manual mode setting. Turn off all nannies for both settings (no dsc or edc). Set your M2 button to sport plus engine and your transmission to S3. Set your suspension to efficient in M2. Hit the M1 button twice and drive around the water box. Straighten the car out and floor the car fast. Let tires spin by keeping it floored until the car passes the tree( about 30 feet). Back up past the light (tree). Hit M2 button twice. Pull up slowly (like entering a car wash) until the second light is lit. Hit brake with left foot and floor the right pedal. A racing flag will appear. Drop RPMs by hitting left cruise control button down. Let left foot off brake pedal as the second yellow stage light (out of three) illuminates, and shift at 6200 RPMs manually for 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. 11s all day.

[Patrón]

Originally Posted by Defense

Driver settings are critical. Set your M1 button to sport plus everything, Transmission to highest non-manual mode setting. Turn off all nannies for both settings (no dsc or edc). Set your M2 button to sport plus engine and your transmission to S3. Set your suspension to efficient in M2. Hit the M1 button twice and drive around the water box. Straighten the car out and floor the car fast. Let tires spin by keeping it floored until the car passes the tree( about 30 feet). Back up past the light (tree). Hit M2 button twice. Pull up slowly (like entering a car wash) until the second light is lit. Hit brake with left foot and floor the right pedal. A racing flag will appear. Drop RPMs by hitting left cruise control button down. Let left foot off brake pedal as the second yellow stage light (out of three) illuminates, and shift at 6200 RPMs manually for 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. 11s all day.

sounds like you've done this a bit. does the 6,200 keep it in a more optimal power-band better than approaching redline in every gear? thanks.

[IrvineTim]

Originally Posted by Game Changer

Hello members
I recently had the 1200 mile service done and had a chance to take my new M4 to the 1/4 mile drag strip today. The weather was very hot (91 degrees) although the M performed respectably given this unfavorable condition.

First pass with factory tire pressure, no cool down, no launch control (LC)...12.69 at 116.08 with a 2.28 60 FT(terrible). Note, I noticed the smell of oil inside the car after the pass. Popped the hood and noticed the same, but did not see any oil leaks. I then let the car cool for an hour and dropped the rear tire pressure to 25.5 psi.

Second pass, netted a 12.35 at 117.89 with a 2.17 60FT(terrible). I then let car sit while I read up on the LC protocol. I also watched a few videos, which were helpful. Essential details for those new to this platform: deactivate the TC, place all settings in sport mode and transmission at the highest setting, place transmission in "1" position by pushing shifter to the right, press brake pedal with left foot (hold it down) and then by pressing the gas pedal to the floor (hold it down as well). You will then see the flag appear and LC. At this point, I attempted to adjust the rpms from 3k to 2100 using the cruise control settings, but was not allowed to do so. Note, as long as you keep your gas pedal to the floor after taking off, the DCT will shift itself.

This pass netted a 12.37 at 117.96 with a 2.12 60FT. Car was hot bc of ambient temps and I had taken it for a spend to practice the LC.

I believe with some more seat time and practice, and also, becoming more familiar with this platform, this car will run 11.60s with optimal weather conditions. Btw, I beat a dodge charger hemi 392 and a Roush 3 mustang.

Chime in with any corrections, clarification or tips

you should try a road course!! You will appreciate the car in a different light!! Besides, the fun lasts 20 minutes, not 12 seconds!!

[whoop_ass]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

you should try a road course!! You will appreciate the car in a different light!! Besides, the fun lasts 20 minutes, not 12 seconds!!

100% this
m3/m4 are not drag cars

[Game Changer]

Originally Posted by Defense

Driver settings are critical. Set your M1 button to sport plus everything, Transmission to highest non-manual mode setting. Turn off all nannies for both settings (no dsc or edc). Set your M2 button to sport plus engine and your transmission to S3. Set your suspension to efficient in M2. Hit the M1 button twice and drive around the water box. Straighten the car out and floor the car fast. Let tires spin by keeping it floored until the car passes the tree( about 30 feet). Back up past the light (tree). Hit M2 button twice. Pull up slowly (like entering a car wash) until the second light is lit. Hit brake with left foot and floor the right pedal. A racing flag will appear. Drop RPMs by hitting left cruise control button down. Let left foot off brake pedal as the second yellow stage light (out of three) illuminates, and shift at 6200 RPMs manually for 3rd, 4th, and 5th gears. 11s all day.

Thanks for the information! I will try this the next time out except for passing the tree by 30 ft...the track officials will boot me off the track here. So, manually shifting the car in the respective gears net the best results?

[Game Changer]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

you should try a road course!! You will appreciate the car in a different light!! Besides, the fun lasts 20 minutes, not 12 seconds!!

Tried it many years ago and did not care for it much although a number of my friends have been course racing for over 35 years. I prefer drag racing for the little rush I get.

[ceedawg]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

you should try a road course!! You will appreciate the car in a different light!! Besides, the fun lasts 20 minutes, not 12 seconds!!

I concur 10000% Much more fun than drag racing by far.