Update!: "Chassis Malfunction"

[MaynardZed]

Couple of weeks ago, I got two "Chassis Malfunction" warnings and limp mode on the track at Arizona Motorsports Park, third and fourth sessions of the day. Went away after returning to pits and turning car off and has stayed away with over a week of normal street driving.

Took the M4 in for service to have warning checked out, and a supplementary oil change (on my dime). The dealer found this:



Ok, yeah, so no shit I was driving aggressively and skidding/sliding at the track. I drive with all nannies off and the M4's rear can get a little happy to say the least. The warning came up a couple of turns after a fairly significant slide save I did (at least it felt significant in my shorts)

Just annoying that the car got its panties in a bunch like this. I sort of think there must be something else going that they don't see. Every freaking M commercial shows the cars drifting / sliding etc. You mean to tell me every one of those cars threw a "Chassis Malfunction" warning because of this "aggressive driving". I'm sure my car is flagged or they at least have their eye on me, but my SA is pretty cool.

[AlpineE92M3]

Just say you were trying to do what you saw in an M4 commercial...see what they say

[Vectors2final]

Your chances to win in a case where they would refuse to cover something because of aggressive driving are pretty good.

The ///M brand is about performance, and it is marketed as such. The features talk about "track ready performance" and their advertising speaks for itself. You could use every bit of online material and brochure to prove your point. Hell, even the PCD program would prove that they condone aggressive driving.


Unless you were causing acutal damage to your car, you're not in the wrong.

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by Vectors2final

Your chances to win in a case where they would refuse to cover something because of aggressive driving are pretty good.

The ///M brand is about performance, and it is marketed as such. The features talk about "track ready performance" and their advertising speaks for itself. You could use every bit of online material and brochure to prove your point. Hell, even the PCD program would prove that they condone aggressive driving.


Unless you were causing acutal damage to your car, you're not in the wrong.

Yeah I totally agree, and I'm not worried that they wouldn't pay for some sort of warranty repair. Apparently there's nothing wrong with my car except for my "outside influence" on it.

I guess the annoying thing to me is that the car's computer is deciding to throw me into limp mode because it's scared the car is sliding. The DSC system is (should be) totally turned off when I'm on the track, so it should stay the hell out of my business.

It becomes a problem when you pay good money for a fun track day and have to cut it short due to the malfunctions. I have a 2day event at Chuckwalla coming up that I'll stay overnight for and I'm nervous to bring the M4 and possibly waste the weekend. I may end up bringing my reliable old E36 with 170k miles on it. That little car has NEVER not finished a weekend due to mechanical failure (or goofy computers).

[Longbow64]

This is a bit disappointing. My friend's E92 engine blew in Vegas on the track and BMW knew that and replaced it under warranty. Funny thing is (well not for him) was his car had the least miles and was the only one without a tune or supercharger.

[ASAP]

Is this with everything off or in M mode? With everything off, none of this should happen... With M Mode, I could see it happen if you push the limits too far (probably an internal safety).

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by ASAP

Is this with everything off or in M mode? With everything off, none of this should happen... With M Mode, I could see it happen if you push the limits too far (probably an internal safety).

DSC was totally off (we were sliding/drifting a bit). The MDM mode is too intrusive on the track. Yes that computer should be off, that's why its so annoying it butted in.

[MaynardZed]

Update: I ended up taking the M4 to Chuckwalla and low and behold it throws the same "chassis malfunction" code and put me into limp mode on the fourth session of day 1. Didn't bother to go back for the second day for fear it would do it again. Track fees, hotel charges, and my time wasted.

I'm taking it back to the dealership obviously and am not going let them brush this off as another "oh well, you were driving it too aggressively". One of two things must be true:

A) There IS something wrong with my car. OR

B) The new BMW M4 is NOT track capable.

[DocWeatherington]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Update: I ended up taking the M4 to Chuckwalla and low and behold it throws the same "chassis malfunction" code and put me into limp mode on the fourth session of day 1. Didn't bother to go back for the second day for fear it would do it again. Track fees, hotel charges, and my time wasted.

I'm taking it back to the dealership obviously and am not going let them brush this off as another "oh well, you were driving it too aggressively". One of two things must be true:

A) There IS something wrong with my car. OR

B) The new BMW M4 is NOT track capable.

I am going to go with A)

Your the 1st I've heard of such issue. Either way, I think BMW will do you right. I would just make sure your dealership actually works to solve the issue with BMW NA. I want to say its probably a bad sensor, these are track capable cars and then some.

[AustinY 2208]

I am going to go with (A) too!

[oldkingdom]

I agree with them on the solution but i have to say, I completely sympathize with you and would be PISSED for all the reasons you just displayed. Not that it could've been prevented but what a waste. Sorry man. Keep us updated on what happens and how BMWNA handles it for you.

[gthal]

Something must be up with your car. I've done my fair share of slipping and sliding at the track and no such warning. Good luck and keep us posted!!!

[MasterC17]

I certainly hope this isn't the case with all F8X's, that sure would be disappointing. With all the nannies off the car should not intrude in such a way. Let us know what they find.

[MatthewDavid]

Is your car lowered by chance? Perhaps has nothing at all to do with it, personally just curious.

I wonder if Chris Harris or Jezza had to clear fault codes on their test drives.

Kind of reminds me of that little chip insurance companies will put in your car to monitor your driving. Next thing you know Cyberdyne is rolling out Skynet...

[MaynardZed]

Stock suspension. Agreed, should be something wrong with my car specifically. Would be a bunch of M engineers to disagree with option B). Bunch of other guys tracking their cars with DSC off with no problems yet.

Wonder if the R888 in slightly different sizes than stock are confusing the stability module somehow. Even so it should be off and not monitoring g forces?

I'll keep everyone posted.

[M3 Number 86]

Wow. Just wow.

Is that what the codes are really reading ("too aggressive.....") or is that what the tech is putting down as his statement after speaking with you?

Hopefully, it is nothing major and is just a faulty code - those darn computers!

I ran a 2:07.7 and it was my first time there (e9x). I'm assuming the M4 should be able to destroy my lap time with no hiccups whatsoever.

Good to meet you though, perhaps we'll meet again there at another event. Hope the car gets the spa treatment!

[MaynardZed]

Originally Posted by socal TW

Wow. Just wow.

Is that what the codes are really reading ("too aggressive.....") or is that what the tech is putting down as his statement after speaking with you?

Hopefully, it is nothing major and is just a faulty code - those darn computers!

I ran a 2:07.7 and it was my first time there (e9x). I'm assuming the M4 should be able to destroy my lap time with no hiccups whatsoever.

Good to meet you though, perhaps we'll meet again there at another event. Hope the car gets the spa treatment!

Just what the code read. I never talked to the tech, just told them to check out this code. Afterwards they asked if I was tracking the car (even though they clearly know I do).

2:07 is really good for any street car there especially an E92. Good job. Best I did was 2:13.0 in the M4 before getting the code. I actually was faster last year in my E36

[evanescent03]

really bummed to hear this for you!! sounds like you're in the minority which is promising for the rest of us, but really sucks, man. i hope it gets figured out for you. sure hope i don't have to deal with this :-/

i'll definitely be watching for updates. thank for sharing

[YMB_F80]

Do you have adaptive suspension?

[robbo mcs]

Originally Posted by MaynardZed

Wonder if the R888 in slightly different sizes than stock are confusing the stability module somehow. Even so it should be off and not monitoring g forces?

I wonder if this could be it. Especially if the change in size is not in proportion front to rear.

[MaynardZed]

Yes, adaptive suspension. Doesn't seem to be an issue with suspension components though. Something with the module (accelerometer?) that detects lateral movement?

Tire size difference seems plausible, but everyone else that tracks their F8X uses slightly different tires sizes too? I've had R888 265/30/19 / 295/30/19 and 265/35/19 / 295/30/19 combos on the car and it did it both times. I've tracked the car about 8 track days and it only did it the last 2 times.

Car gets dropped off at dealership tomorrow. I don't need a loaner and I'm going to tell them I don't want it back until they figure out what's wrong. My next track day with that car isn't until May 2nd.

[MaynardZed]

Dealer saying they've found a problem.

"We have tracked the failure to a sensor in the traction control system, it will be here by next monday and i will complete the repairs then. If you have any questions please contact me at 480-538-xxxx"

We shall see.