BMW M Laptimer App available for download on iTunes

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

BMW Launches the BMW M Laptimer App

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Precise, real-time racing-style telematics for BMW Enthusiasts.

BMW Group Technology Office USA announced today the release of the BMW M Laptimer App. The BMW M Laptimer App is made for BMW Brand vehicles with the BMW Apps option, and is now available in the iTunes Store.

Previewed in June 2013 (see BIMMERPOST preview video below) and intended for off-road use only, the BMW M Laptimer App records data from a BMW Apps–equipped vehicle’s on-board network and GPS receiver to create comparative track sessions and provide essential performance information. It generates track maps and captures essential driving data including top speed, number of laps, best lap time and ambient temperature. Information is then presented on the scorecard screen when the vehicle is no longer in motion.

The BMW M Laptimer provides highly visual depictions of throttle, speed, brake input, engine RPM, fuel level, and g-force. Users can easily zoom in and out, and rewind or fast forward through track recordings. BMW M Laptimer will automatically calculate laps and times for the user without the need for pre-installed track map data. The App can be used on virtually any closed circuit.

A Comparison Mode gives users the ability to view individual or dual runs in real-time. Users can select their own laps or compare against a lap sent by another BMW driver. Users may also share track day results with friends to compare data. Additionally, users can post results through social media integration, including Facebook and Twitter.

The BMW M Laptimer app can be downloaded for free in the iTunes App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bmw-...ign-mpt=uo%3D2

BIMMERPOST Addendum:

Instructions for installing app from outside the U.S.

Go to settings and choose Itunes and App Store then click on your iTunes id and select view. Change your location to be US. Then enter payment information, choose Method to be None. Next put in any valid address (only need the city and state - I chose Cupertino CA for the irony of it).

Then put in a phone number with a 3 digit area code and (I think) 7 digits for the rest. now you are done.

Go back to this post and click the link - and you will go straight to the app in the US iTunes store. Once you have downloaded it, you will of course have to set your details back using the same method as above to be your home location.

Takes 5 mins from start to finish and you will have the app.

BMW Announcement Video

BIMMERPOST Video Demo

Screenshots:

BMW M Power App

BIMMERPOST BMW M Laptimer App Review

BIMMERPOST review:

In short, the M Power App records data from the various automotive sensors in the car and uses that information to record track sessions and provide:

• lap times and scorecard view
• real-time review of the lap (with comparison modes)
• important technical data
  • throttle input
  • steering input
  • braking force
  • G-force
  • RPM
  • fuel efficiency

Two of my favorite features of the app include the head-to-head ghost comparison mode and the custom track generator feature.

The app can generate custom tracks on the fly, so you aren't limited to only using the app for its preprogrammed tracks. This feature will be useful for autocross, custom tracks or regular trips to your grocery store.

The head-to-head ghost comparison mode lets you compare two separate laps and view both runs on the track map in real time. It's a great way to see where one lap gained or lost time to the other. The two laps chosen for comparison can both be the user's own laps, or compared against a lap sent to the user by anyone else (friend, track instructor, etc.). Enough talk, you can see best for yourself in the video below.

The app was demoed to us by two fellas from the BMW Technology Office - Phil Johnston, Product Manager for the BMW Group Apps Platform and Paul Doersch, the US Product Manager and Technical Lead for the M Power App.

Requirements / Availability:
iOS6 / iOS7
BMW Apps Option
USB Cable or Snap-In Adapter
* Can be used for any BMW model (not only M cars) with BMW Apps option

[Used2be]

Originally Posted by Jason

[bpnews="BMW Launches the BMW M Laptimer App"]

Jason, great news! BMW needs to inform their customer service people of this. Just about five hours ago I phoned BMW customer service in the USA and asked specifically about the release date for this App. The rep I talked to was aware of the App and had received other calls about it, but had been told by BMW there was no release date as yet. I haven't yet downloaded iOS 7 and won't until I'm sure that this App will be compatible with it. Thanks for the info!!

Just did the download and one of the notes concerning the BMW Laptimer Apps option specifies that it is "Only available in cars with Navigation system Professional." , whatever that is? I hope the M5 models come with that system.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by Used2be

Jason, great news! BMW needs to inform their customer service people of this. Just about five hours ago I phoned BMW customer service in the USA and asked specifically about the release date for this App. The rep I talked to was aware of the App and had received other calls about it, but had been told by BMW there was no release date as yet. I haven't yet downloaded iOS 7 and won't until I'm sure that this App will be compatible with it. Thanks for the info!! Just did the download and one of the notes concerning the BMW Laptimer Apps option specifies that it is "Only available in cars with Navigation system Professional." , whatever that is? I hope the M5 models come with that system.

Glad to share the good news.

And yes, it's compatible with iOS7. I have it installed.

[M54ccibo]

Installed. iOS 7. Got to go out and drive a bit to test this...

[Used2be]

Originally Posted by M54ccibo

Installed. iOS 7. Got to go out and drive a bit to test this...

It's night here and I'm going to wait for daylight tomorrow. Please let us know how it works for you! I don't have an iPhone, but do have the iPad, and think that might be the best mobile review method because of the larger screen. Of course the laptop computer should be just as good. The app does have a 2X viewing option to enlarge the image, and it fits perfectly onto the iPad at that size.

Just using the two recorded demo runs to try using the various modes and it is marvelous! Drag your finger across the screen in either direction to change the location of the car on the track and it displays the pertinent info at that point of the track for whichever mode you're in. I don't have much experience with this kind of thing, but I do know it will be VERY FUN!!!!

Since I have only the iPad it appears that the best place for it while driving and connected to the USB port will be the pocket on the back of the front seats. I was hoping the mesh storage on the front passenger side would work, but it's too small for the full size iPad.

[SEWELLGT]

Just installed and went for a spin. This thing is gonna get me in trouble haha, pretty sweet but I'm going to need to spend some time with it to understand all the features.

[johntomferg]

re-posting from the parrallel M3 forum thread:


Originally Posted by radiantm3

So I don't have BMW Apps in the M3, but I do in the X5M. It says it doesn't support Throttle, RPM or Fuel data for this car. Curious as to which cars support all the features? Or maybe my car needs a software update for this?

Just got back in. 2013 M5 and iPhone 4S w/ IOS 7.

Data types I see right off the bat in the record:

Map
Throttle
RPM
Fuel
G-Force

Of course I have wheel position as well via the wheel graphic.

When I run the BMW App I have on the Control display:

Stop/Record
M screen (just shows the M logo as best as I can tell)
The breadcrumb track sketch (generated on the fly)
G-force view
Sessions.

The best part for me was I had just barely finished installing my exhaustmeister valve control box and was enjoying that as well as having the benefits of the app.

[DrKevM5]

It's like Xmas for you, Johntomferg!

[Jason]

Added instructions for installing this app for our non-U.S. members.

[DrKevM5]

Sweet! I get to test it at Mosport this weekend!

[johntomferg]

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

It's like Xmas for you, Johntomferg!

Sweet! I get to test it at Mosport this weekend!

DrKevM5, Your Christmas present is superior. I would love to have a track event scheduled for this weekend.

[Used2be]

I'm still learning, but this app is wonderful so far. Being able to show the actual terrain the car is traveling through on the upper half of the screen, and being able to magnify the view, while dragging the car over the route manually and seeing the readout from any of the various modes is great. Or, having the same magnified view of the terrain while letting the map mode drive the car in real time while the screen shows you mph, steering angle, and with red (braking) strips on the road and green (acceleration) strips also. Very sweet!

But, I have to believe that many cars will now be recording from onboard sensors and will store some minutes/seconds of that in the hard drive. Can law enforcement pull you over and demand to be allowed to plug into the car's hard drive? I suppose they could show cause if they had just caught you on radar over the speed limit?

[anselmw]

What needs to be done for the apps menu item to show up? I know my car has apps but I only have an iPad and it does not seem to recognize it?

[DiegoM]

I can't seem to figure out how to delete the recorded sessions. Any input? Thanks! =)