Does tracking affect your M3 warranty?

[drey]

I would assume that it does not, and don't recall any disclaimers in the manual, so unless you make the wrong mods you're probably OK, right?

Wouldn't want to be wrong when we're talking about a $60-$70K car...

[E90///M3`]

afaik... it does affect your warranty tremendously.

[drey]

"afaik"

Have no idea wtf that means so I'll assume it's just a flippant answer.

[Digital.James]

Originally Posted by drey

"afaik"

Have no idea wtf that means so I'll assume it's just a flippant answer.

As far as I know...

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by drey

"afaik"

Have no idea wtf that means so I'll assume it's just a flippant answer.

[E90///M3`]

Originally Posted by drey

"afaik"

Have no idea wtf that means so I'll assume it's just a flippant answer.

your assumption makes you look even dumber. it means AS FAR AS I KNOW. for you to assume i was giving a "flippant" answer just cause of an acronym you didn't understand depicts laziness on your behalf. after being on this forum for awhile i'm almost 100% sure this topic has been discussed.

[endofanera7]

^ lol...

Back on topic. I have tracked my M3 and not a single problem with the warranty. Nobody says you have to report to your dealership whether you track the car or not. As long as you dont over rev the engine (if you have a 6MT), and dont have mods that might affect your warranty such as ECU Tune, Supercharger etc, they will not void your warranty.

[drey]

As long as you dont over rev the engine (if you have a 6MT)

Rev limiter pretty much precludes this possibility, doesn't it? Unless you've messed with the ECU, chipped the car, etc.

Maybe a better way to approach this is to ask the question, has anyone ever tracked their car and then had BMWNA give them a problem on any subsequent warranty work?

[wwjd15]

I believe BMW should say something like "if you track it, warranty will be voided" somewhere in user manual.

[smmmurf]

Originally Posted by drey

As long as you dont over rev the engine (if you have a 6MT)

Rev limiter pretty much precludes this possibility, doesn't it? Unless you've messed with the ECU, chipped the car, etc.

Maybe a better way to approach this is to ask the question, has anyone ever tracked their car and then had BMWNA give them a problem on any subsequent warranty work?

Incorrect. Mechanical overrev can be caused by downshifting into a lower gear before road speed is below the rev limiter.

I.e. shifting into 2nd gear at 90mph

[Legion5]

BMW sponsors track events for owners. Seriously people.

[m3heaven]

I know some car manufacturers go as far to send someone to track events to take pictures of cars and write down license plate and vin numbers.

However, I don't know if BMW does this....they might or might not.

Coming from an Evo, I know Mitsubishi did this sometimes.

If you're really paranoid just take off your license plate and cover your vin #.

[Meff]

My BMW dealer holds track day events specifically for clients....

[WinzVT]

Originally Posted by Meff

My BMW dealer holds track day events specifically for clients....

My salesperson at Scottsdale BMW sells M cars almost exclusively and is an avid track junkie. He was trying to get me to join them on the track days they sponsor from day 1.

[drburton]

Depends on the dealer. If you go in with 10k miles on your car and your brakes are toast they will start asking questions. It seems common they will honor the warranty for one brake change then u are SOL..

[status38]

Seems kind of odd they would sell a car that basically requires a track to use the abilities of the car, then void your warranty for doing it.

I'm thinking your insurance company would have a bigger problem with it than BMW would.

[drey]

"Seems kind of odd they would sell a car that basically requires a track to use the abilities of the car, then void your warranty for doing it."

I agree, but you never know once the corporate lawyers get involved.

[Erhan]

Have you ever heard of BMW Car Club America? Either BMW wants us to track our cars, or it is a big scam to monitor which customers are tracking their cars.

[ksoze]

From the 2011 M3 Supplemental manual (Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 604 369 - © 03/10 BMW AG):

Driving on a race track
BMW recommends the following measures before driving on a race track:
> Participate in a BMW driver training course
> Have the vehicle checked by your BMW center

Operation on race tracks results in a higher rate of wear. The BMW M3 is not designed for use in competitive motorsports. This wear is not covered by the vehicle warranty.

The series brake pads and wear indicator are not designed for operation on a race track. Your BMW center will be glad to advise you.

[osteome]

I only thought GT-Rs were voided in the warranty department when you actually used the car for what is was built to do?

[elh0102]

This is a well-worn topic to which you will find many varied opinions and experiences. Having had track experience with a half-dozen or so different cars and dealers, I will offer one more. Manufacturers write their warranty exclusions in a manner that offers arguable, and often compelling support for both track use and any modification voiding warranty coverage. In some cases of denied coverage, the owner may ultimately prevail in an adversarial proceeding, if sufficient time and money are available. I will recommend two rules: 1) Choose a dealer that has a history of being supportive of DE events, if possible; and, 2) Assume that any modification could have the effect of compromising warranty coverage.
Some dealers will offer very unfair and unsupportable responses to a warranty claim if any modification is observed, regardless of how benign. Unfortunately, that puts the owner in the potential position of having to pursue a frustrating and expensive course to gain coverage. It is wise counsel to choose your dealer carefully, and maintain a positive relationship with those folks. You may need their support one day.

[drey]

ELH -

that is an informative, rational response, but it's difficult for me to believe that for a corporation as large and as dedicated to motorsports as BMW, it comes down to your personal relationship with your dealer.