M-Track Mode

[Obioban]

I looked into doing this on my car, but the cost just for parts was around $1k, so I decided that it wasn't worth it. I've also read a couple of threads that say the MK20 module is less intrusive and thus comparable to M-Track mode, but I have no clue if that is true or not. Also, I'm not sure how this claim could be quantified.

If anything the Mk20 feels more restrictive than standard MK60.

[T.J.]

Makes sense, I'm very skeptical of those claims. Can't imagine the MK60 being even more intrusive than the MK20.

I’ve owned cars with both and they didn’t feel noticeably different.

[bimmer]

It starts around model year 2003, and extends through the end. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe there is no exact month, ie. some early 03's may have it and others not.



There is a light in the cluster - in some cars its disabled and it can be enabled, in others it has to be retrofit. That arrow/cricle on the left. You can do the cluster test to see if you have it. And I believe if you do the cluster test and you do have the light that also means you have the MK60.

To clarify, you don't need to retrofit the light. If you don't have it, you code it so that single press brings up the center yellow circle/triangle with exclamation point (M Track Mode) and long press adds the "BRAKE" light to indicate that DSC is fully off.

[Phoenix///M3]

To clarify, you don't need to retrofit the light. If you don't have it, you code it so that single press brings up the center yellow circle/triangle with exclamation point (M Track Mode) and long press adds the "BRAKE" light to indicate that DSC is fully off.

Explanation from the last page of the DIY...

d. If you don’t have a functional M-track symbol, and don’t want to solder the LED, set
“DTC_LAMPE” to “nicht_aktiv”
i. This will make the DSC system act like the non-M DSC where a single press
makes the DSC symbol light up, and a long press makes the DSC and Brake lights
turn on.

[MarcoPolo]

been running M-Track mode for a few months and curious on the rest of the settings. if you're running non-zhp brakes, you have to set DRUCKMODELL_HINTERACHSE” to “typ_2”
i presume it's because it assumes you're on non-zhp oem calipers so it's calibrating abs accordingly. what would this mean for someone who is running a BBK. it isn't ZHP, but it's bigger/strong than regular non-zhp calipers...so should we leave the value at "typ_3"?

[Obioban]

been running M-Track mode for a few months and curious on the rest of the settings. if you're running non-zhp brakes, you have to set DRUCKMODELL_HINTERACHSE” to “typ_2”
i presume it's because it assumes you're on non-zhp oem calipers so it's calibrating abs accordingly. what would this mean for someone who is running a BBK. it isn't ZHP, but it's bigger/strong than regular non-zhp calipers...so should we leave the value at "typ_3"?

Depends on the bias of your bbk. IIRC the ZCP brakes are slightly more rear biased than stock, so if your bbk is more rear biased than stock (and I’m remembering correctly about ZCP) then yes. Otherwise no.

e.g. My brembos are slightly more front biased than stock, but my car is slightly front heavy shifting the bias rearward, so the non ZCP setting should be pretty perfect for my car.

A properly set up bbk shouldn’t feel “stronger”.

[Ramps]

I have a 2003 (09/02 production) and it has the MK60 but my cluster doesn’t have the MDM light or even the symbol for it. Can I just buy a cluster from an 05/06 model and swap it out and have it work when i code track mode or is it not that simple? Does my cluster harness have the correct pins and wire for it etc?

[rbg]

Does somebody have a writeup for soldering a LED for the cluster?

[old///MFanatic]

Explanation from the last page of the DIY...
d. If you don’t have a functional M-track symbol, and don’t want to solder the LED, set
“DTC_LAMPE” to “nicht_aktiv”
i. This will make the DSC system act like the non-M DSC where a single press
makes the DSC symbol light up, and a long press makes the DSC and Brake lights
turn on.

Yeah mine is programmed that first press turns off DSC (lights triangle) and long hold adds the dash Brake yellow light to show it’s in M-Track mode.
*Disclaimer mine was custom coded in 2012-2013 and may have different programing.

[S14]

My only slight disappointment with M-track mode is that you can't use the fastest shifting parameters in SMG unless the DSG is fully disengaged.

[JamesSJ1]

My only slight disappointment with M-track mode is that you can't use the fastest shifting parameters in SMG unless the DSG is fully disengaged.

What are you...a masochist? With the CSL software, every shift in S5/S6 feels like it would tear the RACP completely out of the car. I have to modulate the throttle even in S5 to not feel like it's banging the entire drivetrain to pieces. Maybe if you didn't also have the CSL software, in which case non-CSL S5 = CSL S3 and that would make more sense. I had an E60 M5 years ago, and at least between the engine power and the SMG3, it would break the tires loose in the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts in S6 at full power and give some relief to the drivetrain. Sometimes I wonder if the intertia fix puts a little too much clamping power down and should allow for just a little clutch slur, at the expense of clutch life but saving the drivetrain and RACP.

[rbg]

If I have my car tuned and will perform this M-track coding will it mess up with my tune uploaded into the DME?

[SandeepM3]

Do we know how much slip angle MTM allows?

[HDdave]

Sine doing my SMG conversion a year ago I have somewhat forgot how to code.. But I do remember after doing the conversion I got all code happy and went through the thread on the old M3 forum and basically did everything on there (I LOVE the euro flashers for some reason)... I remember this being as easy as the rest obviously and found it to be my absolute favorite option I have turned on. I am an early-ish 03 as well, actually have a build date of 3/17/03 so I believe one of the very first facelift cars and it works flawlessly. I also use it as my preferred mode for normal driving

[Obioban]

Do we know how much slip angle MTM allows?

Not enough that you'll be happy with it on track. It's amazing for street use... and not useful for track use.