M4 RPM Redline Visual

[idavid]

Hi all,

My car just back from the dealer after service. It is a M4 Competition 2017.

I've told them that my car seems to be a bit jerky in low speed. The dealer said they had resolved it by 'upgraded' the software and reset the adapter of my car.

I noticed that all my settings have been reset. The RPM redline indicators (refer to attached, the orange and red LEDs) do not change anymore. The amount of red leds were different for different modes (efficient, sport and sport plus). Now it always having the 2 red lights and 1 orange. I also feel not much power difference between modes. Is that normal? Thanks.


https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...1&d=1565262576

[CanAutM3]

The displayed red line does not change with Engine modes, but it does vary with engine temperature. When the engine is cold, it will display a lower red line. All M3/4 have been this way since the E46. Further, the ultimate power produced does not vary much with the Engine setting, it is how fast it responds to accelerator input that does.

[gatorfast]

I think you are mistaken OP. The orange and red markers on the tach have nothing to do with throttle mode but rather engine temp. As stated above, the variable redline has been a staple of M cars going back generations. When the engine is cold (ie sitting overnight) the redline will decrease to let you know it is not at optimal temperature yet and max engine speed is deceased. The lights will then slowly disappear, increasing available engine speed until the final redline is set at ~7.6k RPM.

On another note, I would rely on oil temp to truly determine if the engine is at proper operating temp. Once the oil temp gauge comes off it's resting position I would be more comfortable using full power vs relying on the variable redline indicator.

[idavid]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The displayed red line does not change with Engine modes, but it does vary with engine temperature. When the engine is cold, it will display a lower red line. All M3/4 have been this way since the E46. Further, the ultimate power produced does not vary much with the Engine setting, it is how fast it responds to accelerator input that does.

Thanks mate. Hmmmm... not sure why I remember that the red line changed before. I must had got it wrong. So you reckon this is normal? Thanks.

[idavid]

Just wondering would the GTS DCT makes some difference? before the dealer's software 'upgrade' I have the GTS DCT flashed.

[gatorfast]

No, DCT software should have no impact on this.

[Roch M4]

Originally Posted by idavid

Thanks mate. Hmmmm... not sure why I remember that the red line changed before. I must had got it wrong. So you reckon this is normal? Thanks.

When you are accelerating and shifting on manual mode, the LED will blink to tell at what optimum RPM you should shift. But the remaining LED lights will only be affected by the engine temperature. During winter I will have 5 red LED light on for several minutes.

[Robotechnology]

OP, you are not crazy... my 2015 did what you described based on engine temperature:

Redline at 5,500 rpm (or as low as 4,500 during winter) gradually increasing to 7,500 as I drive and engine warms up.

My 2018 does not do this at all. 7,500 rpm regardless of engine temperature. At first I thought it was because of the competition package but I drove 2016 competition and it worked the same as my 2015 non competition. So it seems to be the way 2017 and newer F8x work. Drove a 2017 non competition and it didn’t do it either. I have no idea why they made this change. I never go full throttle until oil temp is at normal operating temperature though. Always thought the moving redline was a cool and unique M feature and don’t understand why BMW got rid of it.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Robotechnology

OP, you are not crazy... my 2015 did what you described based on engine temperature:

Redline at 5,500 rpm (or as low as 4,500 during winter) gradually increasing to 7,500 as I drive and engine warms up.

My 2018 does not do this at all. 7,500 rpm regardless of engine temperature. At first I thought it was because of the competition package but I drove 2016 competition and it worked the same as my 2015 non competition. So it seems to be the way 2017 and newer F8x work. Drove a 2017 non competition and it didn’t do it either. I have no idea why they made this change. I never go full throttle until oil temp is at normal operating temperature though. Always thought the moving redline was a cool and unique M feature and don’t understand why BMW got rid of it.

The OP is saying he believes the Redline would vary depending on the selected engine mode (Efficient/Sport/Sport+) . I don't believe this ever was the case on any F8X.

[Makky]

Originally Posted by Robotechnology

OP, you are not crazy... my 2015 did what you described based on engine temperature:

Redline at 5,500 rpm (or as low as 4,500 during winter) gradually increasing to 7,500 as I drive and engine warms up.

My 2018 does not do this at all. 7,500 rpm regardless of engine temperature. At first I thought it was because of the competition package but I drove 2016 competition and it worked the same as my 2015 non competition. So it seems to be the way 2017 and newer F8x work. Drove a 2017 non competition and it didn’t do it either. I have no idea why they made this change. I never go full throttle until oil temp is at normal operating temperature though. Always thought the moving redline was a cool and unique M feature and don’t understand why BMW got rid of it.

My 2018 competition is showing different levels based on engine temperature.