First DE in M3

[drburton]

Had my first DE in the M3 this past weekend - fantastic experience. Before I provide my input, my experience level with track driving is novice. This is my second event, the first in this car (other one was PCA in a Boxster).

THE M3 PERFORMANCE
The car was stock except for the exhaust. I felt it handled excellent, very balanced and predictable. The power out of faster corners is unreal, this car is a beast . Coming down the straights the other cars seemed like they were barely moving. The brakes do fade, as frequently reported on this forum. I also got the stock pad deposits, so my braking on the second day was pretty rough, lots of vibration. Given the abuse on them, I thought they did hold up pretty well. I'm still debating if I will go with track pads next time.

I had a couple of tense moments, like when a car pulled a spin right in front of me .

THE TRACK
The event was at the BIR in Minnesota. The track is very fast, two long straights and two high speed corners. Turn #1 can be taken at full speed coming off the front straight, I don't have the nerve to do it, but certainly doable. I hit about 145 at the end of the straight. Really fun track.

If you are curious about the track I'll post a link to a video (not my car, just a random video for reference).

Video Link with GT3 Cup car (again, i don't know this person, just track reference).

Also, I'll attach some pics.

[IbanezGod]

awesome pictures!!! Can't wait to hit 1200 and hit up a DE with my E90

[drburton]

I wanted to add that the Dinan exhaust at full throttle down the straight sounded awesome. I know that it isn't one of the louder aftermarket options, but at wide open throttle it is pretty aggressive. Got a number of compliments from drivers I passed on the sound coming by.

For anyone considering the Dinan it is a nice balance for everyday driving and more aggressive when you want it to be.

[ersin]

Cheers.

[anthony @ eas]

[besiktas]

great video, loved the track