If your BMW race or track car is new enough to have the BMW Apps option and also has the Navigation System Professional, your iPhone can be your track data acquisition system. The BMW M Laptimer—available from your iPhone’s App Store—is a tool for analyzing track data and automatically calculating lap times. The app records precise BMW sensor data directly from your BMW.
This video has race car driver Andy Priaulx demonstrating the use of the BMW M Laptimer app with a new BMW M4 at the Brands Hatch circuit in the United Kingdom. (The same Andy Priaulx who just put BMW Team RLL's Z4 on the podium with Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand at the 2014 Twelve Hours of Sebring, by the way.)
Vehicles can record all data with the latest Professional generation navigation system, available in selected models since July 2012. The following vehicles equipped with an older generation of the navigation system do not support recording Throttle, RPM, and Fuel:
1 Series (Recording Throttle, RPM, and Fuel may be supported for certain 1 Series)
3 Series (Recording Throttle, RPM, and Fuel may be supported for certain 3 Series)
5 Series
6 Series
7 Series
X3
X5
X6
M5
M6
Specific data from sensors is recorded and interpreted, including steering angle, accelerator pedal, and G-force. Data may be analyzed after the lap to help you drive more smoothly and improve your lap times. Summaries of your data can be shared via Facebook and Twitter, and recordings can be e-mailed to friends to compare your lap or turn-by-turn results.
BMW M Laptimer app records the following data:
- GPS position
- Speed
- Forward acceleration
- Lateral acceleration
- Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h or 60 mph
- Accelerator pedal*
- Steering angle*
- Deceleration*
- Engine speed*
- Gear*
- Consumption*
* Data may be unavailable for vehicles of certain models years and configurations. Please visit the app's support page for more details.
Instructions for users:
To use BMW M Laptimer in your BMW, download the app from the App Store, connect your iPhone to your BMW using the USB connector or the Snap-in adapter, and launch the app. You will then be able to use your BMW's iDrive controller and display to create recordings and use other features in the car. Analysis of a drive is performed on the iPhone after creating a recording in your car.
Disclaimer: Like any other tool or entertainment device, users must exercise caution and responsibility and use the device only where it's safe and legal. Using a laptimer on public roads or at driving schools where lap timing is prohibited is not a good idea. Be smart and be safe.—Scott Blazey
