M3 ECU Nanny Mode?

[DrJake]

Test drove an M3 last weekend and commented to the salesman how the engine seemed to cut out early and lack the acceleration of even Dad's Acura. Very surprising. He noted that their test cars are set in "nanny mode" to prevent anyone from harming the engine with hard clutching or high revving, and that in addition, there are computer set limits during the break-in period. He mentioned that the first programming would be removed on purchase, and that the second break-in limiter would be removed at the 1200 mile service they recommend.

I've never heard any of this before. What gives?

By the way, I settled on another M3 in the showroom. An Imola Cabriolet which I can't wait to pick up next week. Surprisingly, price was well below sticker.

Jake

 

[j2azz]

I have heard there are break in limiters. Never heard of the "nanny" one. But I will tell you, my M3 is faster than any Acura (except maybe an NSX). break it in, you'll love it

 

[JGM3E3632]

BMW E46 M3 would beat an NSX.

 

[bahnstormer]

yes it is an option, but i think is smg only
did u drive a 6spd or an smg? i do know
that they reprogram something at 1200
miles, but i'm not certain. i'll ask my bmw
tech

 

[DrJake]

I drove a six speed, and noticed little in the way of pickup anywhere on the tach. I couldn't bring it over 5K at all as the throttle seemed to cut off or cough a bit. I thought there might have been a problem with the car since the 0-60 numbers don't lie. The sales guy didn't give me a straight answer until after the drive.

Anyway, I was thrilled to get a deal on the showroom model. I picked the imola red over the white and the carbon black. White's not my thing and my black C-230 is dirty an hour after washing. Ended up at $57,238. Another local dealer had similar numbers.

2004 Imola Red M3 Convertible
Xenon, 19 inch wheels, and heated seats. Window tint and rubber mats thrown in.

Jake

 

[bahnstormer]

very cool car
imho the m3 convert is not cool, but i'd take one any day!
heheh
congrats on your purchase!

 

[DrJake]

I agree the coupes look nicer. Also quicker, and somewhat more rigid, I'm told. Still, giving up riding my hog doesn't mean I'll give up having some wind in my hair on a summer night!

Best,
Jake

 

[DrJake]

Just an update. Picked up my Red Cab yesterday and noticed it was significantly quicker than the test drive I took earlier. Also, only yesterday did the salesman mention, "push the sport mode button when you drive quick". Now why hadn't sales mentioned it when I complained about my test drive. Who knows. Anyway, I drove in the rain today and noticed that it stuck like glue where my Merc C230 with aftermarket 8.5 by 18's would have left the road. Wow! If only we didn't have four days of rain forecast.

 

[BTM3]

never heard of that

i've never heard of dealers limiting the engines during breakin..

i have to say that i recently test drove a new X5 4.4 as my significant other wants an SUV and she likes Bimmers. I probably shouldn't say this, but the dealer basically gave me the keys when he saw what i pulled up in...
they let me take a brand new X5 that had JUST come off of the truck.. literally, it took them 10 mins to get all the plastic and cardboard off the seats, steering wheel and floors... it had 12 miles on it.
there were definitely NO limiters... LOL, i probably screwed up the breakin because i broke every rule feeling the car out during the test drive.. no one came along with us, just me and my girl. she drove it for awhile.. punched it and braked hard to feel it out. but when it was my turn.. i DROVE the car... slammed the brakes, stomped the gas... i wanted to really feel how the car handled.. very aggressive for an SUV, felt like a 5 series sport.. i was impressed.

in response to the comparisons to an NSX, i'll keep you updated.. i've got a friend who has a beautiful 98 NSX, gunmetal grey.. beautiful - t top. totally babies the thng... its never seen bad weather... he's been dying to race me since i got my M last summer just never had the chance.. we're supposed to set something up soon, a definite plus is he's a state trooper too, he told me that when we do get together, it'll be all planned out... no worries of any law enforcement to worry about as he's giving them a heads up, plus we won't have to worry about holding back... its all in fun. nothing serious, but he's been bragging that his NSX is this and that... blah blah blah... My response was simply... the M3 speaks for itself.. car guys recognize the name for performance.... PLUS!!! 5 years of newer technology in my car??? if cars followed the same principle as moore's law.. his car is a 600mhz pentium II with 64mb ram.. Mine's a P4 - 3.2 ghz with 2 gigs of RDRam... well bad analogy... geek talk.. but i'm guessing that my car is faster overall... yeah, his is lighter, lower and wider... but less hp - 290 i think.. 5.8 sec 0-60mph vs. 4.8 for the ///M? 3090 lbs for NSX vs. 3781 for ///M - that's a big diff. plus i weigh about 230 myself... hmmmm this could be close. i'll let you know what happens.