[admranger]

I've run a cubic butt ton of track days, including a decade of BMW Club racing. However, last weekend was my first in my 2011 E90. Totally stock except I took the front strut pins out. I wasn't planning on using this car for the event, but a friend's broke down so he used the E46M3 that is set up for the track (Ohlins, Eibachs, PF-06's, PF Direct Drive Rotors, swapped strut hats, etc., etc.).

My observations:

1) This is a big, heavy car (duh...). You need to let it transition all that weight without momentum. In other words, you need to pause your steering at dead center when you transition from a right turn to a left turn or vice versa. Otherwise the momentum of all that mass over compresses the springs on the second side and you will have unpleasant handling. Want to "bend" the car into a corner with slow hand movements instead of just standing it on edge.

2) Brake pads are inadequate for significant track time. They went away in heavy braking zones at speed. My next track event I'll use PF-08s.

3) Brake fluid should be upgraded to Motul 660 or similar. Not sure you need Castrol SRF, but that's the top shelf stuff w/a price point that is 10x other fluids. Your call here.

4) I was on PS-2's. Ok tire. I have RE-11's on the E46 for street use and a set of old RE-01R's that are getting burned up for track days. Probably one weekend left and then I'll likely go with some Nitto's for a value tire. I have run stickies before, but for DE events, street tires are so much more fun and you will learn more on street tires than on stickies (until you get very advanced). Since the only car that passed me was a Z06 corvette on stickies, I don't think I need to change...

Good luck and be safe!