Track Report 1st time for the E92

[von_zoom]

A day at Carolina Motorsports Park, CMP. This was a two fold “first” day. One, first time for me on this track, and two, first time for the E92 to be tested for real. The car was just like it came out of the box. Tires inflated 37 front, 40 rear, and the power steering cylinder covered with a towel and tie straped. Note picture, I added the red line to indicate the approximate location of the tie strap.





CMP is somewhat short, 2.3 mile concrete track, with tight turns and medium to medium/long straights. It borders on being a “late” apex track with two nice sweepers.

Three sessions were driven, all in “M” mode with various settings. First session about 60 percent to learn the track, second about 80 percent as tires and brakes limited a more aggressive mode, and the third, about 75 percent as brakes were beginning to show signs of fade. The brakes were good until they got hot, and then were subject to slight fade, push the car harder, they rebelled in concert. The PS2s did not like being worked hard either. As long as turn in was made at a reasonable entry speed, the car did not push. However without throttle modulation, (with no traction control active) it could get tail happy real quick during acceleration out of any turns. Even with this, nothing was surprising about the car. Power was about what I expected, quick to take effect, and worked well in getting the car to rotate despite the PS2s. While the wrap-around seats were nice, I missed the harness. The stock belt did not prevent me from moving around a bit, and in fact, my left leg rested quite firmly against the door and because of my continued sore sholder I tended to hold the steering wheel for additional support. Uncomfortable after a while. The car wanted to run, and correctly set up with Rs and proper brake pads, it would be very competitive and a lot of fun.

No issues with heat, DCT, and with only a little PS fluid loss. The towel trick work with no fluid reaching the engine or compartment. Fluid level loss in the tank was negligible. Only a lot of rubber to get off the white car.
The E92 was the only one at the track, and it received a lot of attention. In fact, during my last run, I got black flagged twice. The reason, two instructors I know wanted to get in and take a ride. So I stopped to pick them up, one at a time. I was happy to accommodate them. vz

A short video of the first time out.

[skierman64]

Great write up, thanks for sharing. My experience was similar to yours except I had no brake fade to speak of but I sure noticed the PS2s getting squirmy once they got hot (6-8 laps at Thunderbolt circuit in NJ).

Were you locking the stock seatbelt and then making it tight by moving the seat forward? I find this does a reasonable job of holding you tight in the seat.

Since you didn't mention it, I assume you had no DCT downshifting issues under braking.

What gear where you getting tail happy, 2nd or 3rd?

[von_zoom]

skierman64

Were you locking the stock seatbelt and then making it tight by moving the seat forward

I did not do that, but I pulled it tight prior to entering the track. I suppose once you get used to a harness, the standard belt is a poor substitute.

Since you didn't mention it, I assume you had no DCT downshifting issues under braking.

What gear where you getting tail happy, 2nd or 3rd?

No DCT issues at all, and did not notice any ill effect with downshifting. And, CMP for me was a 3rd, 4th, and short 5th gear track. I short shifted to keep rpms (and speed) down. I only have 3400 miles on the car, so I took it easy. Top speed that I recall actually seeing was 125, back stretch.
vz

[skierman64]

Originally Posted by von_zoom

skierman64
I did not do that, but I pulled it tight prior to entering the track. I suppose once you get used to a harness, the standard belt is a poor substitute.

I haven't looked, do they make quick fit belts for the E92 yet?

[lucid]

Glad you got to enjoy your car on the track VZ.

You said your PS2s were at 37/40. Is that cold or hot? When I use them, I do 35/35 cold, which ends up being 40/40 hot.

[von_zoom]

I had/have little experience with street tires, other than rain, so I was guessing with the pressure. 37/40 was cold. I guess less would have been better. I hope I don't have to worry about that again.

I haven't looked, do they make quick fit belts for the E92 yet?

Sorry but I do not know. I would think that you should be able to fit something. would mean cutting you floor rugs, front and rear. I would assume the sides could use existing brackets.

vz

[lucid]

Originally Posted by von_zoom

I had/have little experience with street tires, other than rain, so I was guessing with the pressure. 37/40 was cold. I guess less would have been better. I hope I don't have to worry about that again.
vz

Yep, 35/35 cold is what I started out with in the rain on PS2s. What track tires do you have in mind?

[von_zoom]

What track tires do you have in mind?

As of now, my thoughts are that I have had such good performance from my BFG G Force R1s that I will stay with them. Square set up, 275/35/18 on 18X10 rims. However, the jury is still out. It may not be until next season that I put the car in track garb, although fall would be nice.
vz

[KINGLEH]

nice.. CMP isnt tooo far from me but i wont be taking the M there... I dont want to punish my tires and brakes that much....

Im not suprised your brakes started to go at only 75% WFO...

[M3FOR4]

Do you have any experience with this track?
Perhaps with a siren???
HA

Originally Posted by KINGLEH

nice.. CMP isnt tooo far from me but i wont be taking the M there... I dont want to punish my tires and brakes that much....

Im not suprised your brakes started to go at only 75% WFO...

[BMW M Power Mexico]

Thanks for the report. Glad you enjoyed the M. I love it on the track.

The towel solution is ingenious but I would be a little bit worried at the possibility of it catching fire. The temps in there while at the track get very high. I'd rather replace my PS pump (still under warranty) than risk a fire under the hood. Is PS fluid flammable?

[von_zoom]

BMW M Power - I do not know if PS fluid is combustible, but if so, then a spray of fluid in the engine compartment in my mind would be more likely to start a fire than a simple towel around the cap on the reservoir. From the pictures that I have seen of fluid being displaced is fairly radical, and could beg the question of fire danger. I appreciate your bring the subject up, and I will check into it.
vz

[Dascamel]

Fluid on track is probably more likely to cause an incident than the fluid catching on fire. What material can handle the temps better and still function to soak up the fluid?


edit: After a quick google search, yes it is flammable. Flash point is near 400F.....

Material fact sheet.
http://www.mightyautoparts.com/pdf/m...7/ps104tcc.pdf

[BMW M Power Mexico]

AFAIK there have been no reported incidents of M3s catching fire so its probably not a big issue. I would wonder if the towel might increase the possible risk. I am no expert so I wouldn't know, just a hunch. What definitely might happen is that IF there is a fire AND you had a towel in there AND BMW finds out then I'd say your warranty is gone.

Probably I just worry too much!

[von_zoom]

Thanks BMW M Power. I was concerned about this issue, so when I placed the towel around the cap of the reservior, I was careful not to allow the cloth to touch anything except the reservior. Most of the excess towel was under the hole in the cap, but the towel did not touch any of the other engine components. Your point is taken, and if used, care should be given.
vz

[willwin2day]

Hey Von Zoom! Great write-up! There is not a more fun to have at the track than the M3. The easiest car I have ever driven to drive fast.

All the best,
Donnie Isley
BMW Driving Instructor

[4u3]

I felt the same way, until I purchased my 06 Cayman S, now I do not know. Not as fast on the striaghts but darn close, on turns it is just more fun, lighter, just feels better. I have my 09 E92, with adj camber and toe for the track, same with my Cayman S, the Cayman just seems to to a better job. That said, the E92 is the overall better car, a wonderful daily car, that the Cayman can not compete with.