BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > Track / Autocross / Dragstrip / Driving Techniques
 
BPM
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-02-2013, 06:29 PM   #23
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm not a "wrencher" whatsoever and the more I think about it the more I migrate to a newer BMW as a track car.

In fact tomorrow I'm going to see a 100% stock 2003 M3 SMG with 18's (listed for $11K). I figure after some basic maintenance (fluid flush, etc), tires, alignment and brake pads, it's ready for the track. Plus I can beat the snot out of it and not worry much.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2013, 06:44 PM   #24
radiantm3
Apex Everything!
radiantm3's Avatar
United_States
964
Rep
4,378
Posts

Drives: 2007 Honda S2000, 2017 GT350
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Cedar Park, TX

iTrader: (6)

Garage List
2011 E92 M3  [9.35]
2014 BMW i3  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by M3SQRD View Post
My vote also is for an S2000! They are a blast to drive on the track. Only down side is aftermarket parts are not cheap...
They are cheap compared to M3 parts.
__________________
2011 E92 M3(Sold). 2007 Honda S2000 (Track Car). 2016 Cayman GT4 (Sold). 2017 Shelby GT350 (AKA Crowd Killer).

My pet project: https://stickershift.com
Appreciate 0
      01-02-2013, 09:06 PM   #25
rhouck
Registered
rhouck's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longboarder View Post
Thanks everyone for the input. I'm not a "wrencher" whatsoever and the more I think about it the more I migrate to a newer BMW as a track car.

In fact tomorrow I'm going to see a 100% stock 2003 M3 SMG with 18's (listed for $11K). I figure after some basic maintenance (fluid flush, etc), tires, alignment and brake pads, it's ready for the track. Plus I can beat the snot out of it and not worry much.
SMG

Make sure to do research on S54 (and e46 in general) track reliability as well prior to purchasing. Kaiv here on m3post tracked his extensively and might be able to talk you through any potential issues and costs.
__________________
2009 Honda S2000 -- 1:59.726 Buttonwillow 13CW (N/A, OEM Aero, RS3); 1:55.792 Buttonwillow 13CW (S/C, aero, RS3)
2008 BMW e92 M3, 6MT, MR/FR, NT-03+M 18x10, JIC Coilovers
2007 Yamaha R6
M-drive retrofit! http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676825
Appreciate 0
      01-04-2013, 05:23 PM   #26
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhouck View Post
SMG

Make sure to do research on S54 (and e46 in general) track reliability as well prior to purchasing. Kaiv here on m3post tracked his extensively and might be able to talk you through any potential issues and costs.
Thanks. Found a 2003 SMG Sport package that seems appealing. Transmission didn't clunk when changing gears and didn't shudder upon start up when warm...engine seemed to be strong, no weird sounds or rattles and everything was in good working order. One owner car and 100% stock.

I'm bringing it to the best shop in OC (MRF Engineering) to do a PPI tomorrow so I will be informed by an expert as to whether this particular car is in decent shape to use as a track car.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2013, 12:08 PM   #27
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
F8ck it. Instead of buying a beater (RX-7, S2000, e46 M3) for a dedicated track car, I'm turning my e92 into a track car. Purchasing a BBK today and then will start looking at springs, camber plates, corner balancing and of course, tires.

But thanks for all the input/insight guys.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      01-08-2013, 08:09 PM   #28
Jaypod
Brigadier General
Jaypod's Avatar
No_Country
125
Rep
4,971
Posts

Drives: Frozen M3, AM V8V, 991 GT3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (7)

Nice choice, but I have to say, I was looking forward to a track car build thread
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 06:47 AM   #29
Raucky2000
Lieutenant
Raucky2000's Avatar
22
Rep
469
Posts

Drives: SGM E90 M3 dct
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (3)

That works, but one of my golden rules: Whatever your track car is, be prepared to write it off. If you can't stomach the pain of writing that check then pick a different car.
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 12:47 PM   #30
CSL_E36
Private First Class
CSL_E36's Avatar
United_States
60
Rep
198
Posts

Drives: 96' S54 E36 ///M3 17' M2
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Dublin CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longboarder
F8ck it. Instead of buying a beater (RX-7, S2000, e46 M3) for a dedicated track car, I'm turning my e92 into a track car. Purchasing a BBK today and then will start looking at springs, camber plates, corner balancing and of course, tires.

But thanks for all the input/insight guys.
Hustling 3800lbs around a track is not as fast as it sounds, regardless of HP. Fun? Absolutely! The E92 is still balanced and a hoot to slide around in. But you may find yourself still getting passed by S2000, RX-7,and E36.

BTW Thanks for beating the snot out of your 2013, its much appreciated by the community

Im interested in seeing your results with the blower and DCT during high heat track sessions.
__________________
*1996 S54 E36 M3* •2017 F87 M2•
Sold: 07' e90 335i, 08' e92 M3
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 05:31 PM   #31
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jaypod View Post
Nice choice, but I have to say, I was looking forward to a track car build thread
Me too. Particularly with a car like the FD RX-7. Oh well...doing a track build the M3 will be cool as well. I just bought a BBK yesterday (StopTech 380/365 with drilled rotors). Not the best but will do fine for my skill level. I and am now researching suspension.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Raucky2000 View Post
That works, but one of my golden rules: Whatever your track car is, be prepared to write it off. If you can't stomach the pain of writing that check then pick a different car.
Agree 100%. I've given it a lot of thought. I'm ok with it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 96LTWM3 View Post
Hustling 3800lbs around a track is not as fast as it sounds, regardless of HP. Fun? Absolutely! The E92 is still balanced and a hoot to slide around in. But you may find yourself still getting passed by S2000, RX-7,and E36.

BTW Thanks for beating the snot out of your 2013, its much appreciated by the community

Im interested in seeing your results with the blower and DCT during high heat track sessions.
You are sooo right. Currently I only have engine mods. It was supposed to be an airstrip (roll-on) car only. So at larger tracks it does ok...although the brakes are the achilles heel so I just bought a BBK to be installed next month. And with the stock suspension, it's a complete slug around the tracks with tighter turns and less open straights. Next, I will be looking into suspension.

@ 3,800 lbs, no matter what I do, unless I remove weight, it will never be able to do what a 3,000 lb car can do. I realize that...and I'm ok with that.

The car has performed flawlessly so far at 2 track events but the conditions were cold. The VT2 with the air to water intercooler seems very good as keeping IAT's down, which in turns keeps oil temps down. I can rest my hand on the intake manifold after 20 laps in a row. But I'm expecting the blower to cause some heating issues if I run it at 100% on say a 95 degree day. I'll probably have to come in early. If I was going to do a track only car, I wouldn't have installed the blower in the first place.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 06:31 PM   #32
rhouck
Registered
rhouck's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (2)

Though it sounds like you are committed already, a reminder that for the cost of the BBK and suspension for the e92, you could buy a prepped track car And the cost of race gas and tires....

Look forward to seeing you out there though. There is an event on Sat Jan 19th hosted by a forum member here that you should make it out to!

http://speeddistrict.com/item/events...anuary-19-2012
__________________
2009 Honda S2000 -- 1:59.726 Buttonwillow 13CW (N/A, OEM Aero, RS3); 1:55.792 Buttonwillow 13CW (S/C, aero, RS3)
2008 BMW e92 M3, 6MT, MR/FR, NT-03+M 18x10, JIC Coilovers
2007 Yamaha R6
M-drive retrofit! http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676825
Appreciate 0
      01-09-2013, 07:11 PM   #33
klammer
Brigadier General
97
Rep
3,246
Posts

Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 19 X5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: chicago

iTrader: (0)

Good luck and I'm on the same path, sans blower. I love this car and the fact that I can truly have a car that does well on the town and the track is a challenge I just couldn't pass up. In my mind, I love the irony of a street car (in my case 4 doors) that can keep up with all but the fastest cars on the track with some simple mods. I have no interest right now, or the room... Ahhhh urban living... For a dedicated track car. I want to be the guy who shows up, pulls out the car seats, shames a few "sports cars", rolls up the windows, hits the AC and radio, and drives home. There's something romantic (for me) in that. If I wreck it, then it becomes the dedicated track build Good luck and have fun, the slopes pretty slippery
__________________
mods: track ready stuff
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2013, 07:50 AM   #34
bigjae1976
Major General
bigjae1976's Avatar
1564
Rep
8,074
Posts

Drives: 11 E90 M3 Individual
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (22)

Garage List
2004 BMW M3  [4.50]
2011 BMW E90 M3  [5.25]
2013 BMW 328i  [5.00]
I think the only must upgrades are:

BBK
Coilovers
Seats
Harnesses
Wheels & tires
__________________
2018 F30 320iX Melbourne Red
2011 E90 M3 Monte Carlo Blue
2004 E46 M3 Imola Red
2000 E36/7 Z3 Steel Blue
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2013, 12:46 PM   #35
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhouck View Post
Though it sounds like you are committed already, a reminder that for the cost of the BBK and suspension for the e92, you could buy a prepped track car And the cost of race gas and tires....

Look forward to seeing you out there though. There is an event on Sat Jan 19th hosted by a forum member here that you should make it out to!

http://speeddistrict.com/item/events...anuary-19-2012
I can do this in stages but you are probably right. I only need to spend $6.5K for now...the StopTech BBK is $5.3K installed, and I will initially start with springs (I have EDC) and camber plates. Already have Michelin PSS which may last a couple more sessions. But I should get lightweight 18"wheels/tires and a good coilover system and those will put me back another $6K (if I'm lucky).

I hope to see you at one of the Speed District or other events. I can't make the one on the 19th since it's likely that I only have brake rotor life for one more track event and I'm going this Sat with SpeedVentures to Big Willow so I will have to wait until my BBK comes before my next event.

Quote:
Originally Posted by klammer View Post
Good luck and I'm on the same path, sans blower. I love this car and the fact that I can truly have a car that does well on the town and the track is a challenge I just couldn't pass up. In my mind, I love the irony of a street car (in my case 4 doors) that can keep up with all but the fastest cars on the track with some simple mods. I have no interest right now, or the room... Ahhhh urban living... For a dedicated track car. I want to be the guy who shows up, pulls out the car seats, shames a few "sports cars", rolls up the windows, hits the AC and radio, and drives home. There's something romantic (for me) in that. If I wreck it, then it becomes the dedicated track build Good luck and have fun, the slopes pretty slippery
lol yeah it certainly does well on the fast tracks. Even though I'm a noob and just practicing being smooth, my lines, entrance & exist speed, etc the car is so fantastic that it's faster at 75% then many other cars at 100%. But at the low speed technical tracks, I'm having a hard time not getting lapped.

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976 View Post
I think the only must upgrades are:

BBK
Coilovers
Seats
Harnesses
Wheels & tires
Good to know. Hadn't thought about seats/harnesses.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2013, 01:55 PM   #36
rhouck
Registered
rhouck's Avatar
United_States
10
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 2008 E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longboarder View Post
I can't make the one on the 19th since it's likely that I only have brake rotor life for one more track event and I'm going this Sat with SpeedVentures to Big Willow so I will have to wait until my BBK comes before my next event.
FYI rotors are covered under your new BMW maintenance plan. They are free. You can go to WSIR on Saturday, then drive to the dealership and ask for them to give you new rotors (if they are indeed past minimum depth... which I would be somewhat surprised about unless you have done a ton of track days already!)

That maintenance plan is rolled into the cost of the car --- use it!
__________________
2009 Honda S2000 -- 1:59.726 Buttonwillow 13CW (N/A, OEM Aero, RS3); 1:55.792 Buttonwillow 13CW (S/C, aero, RS3)
2008 BMW e92 M3, 6MT, MR/FR, NT-03+M 18x10, JIC Coilovers
2007 Yamaha R6
M-drive retrofit! http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676825
Appreciate 0
      01-10-2013, 04:05 PM   #37
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rhouck View Post
FYI rotors are covered under your new BMW maintenance plan. They are free. You can go to WSIR on Saturday, then drive to the dealership and ask for them to give you new rotors (if they are indeed past minimum depth... which I would be somewhat surprised about unless you have done a ton of track days already!)

That maintenance plan is rolled into the cost of the car --- use it!
I hear you but I'm never going back to a BMW dealer. Having a blower eliminates the warranty and free maintenance but I knew that before I bought the car.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 12:50 AM   #38
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Oh just to revisit this...so I bought a 2013 STi in January. Haven't tracked it yet because I've been researching what is needed to turn it into a track car. And I'm finished with my research and happy to report it needs absolutely nothing. Nada...zilch. A lot of guys just run them stock at the track and they are perfectly suited. Brembo brakes, tight suspension, factory 200 treadwear tires, etc. Oh and retains the factory warranty and free maintenance. Perfect track car for someone like me that is mechanically inept.

Seems like the STi should work nicely at lower speed/tighter tracks like SOW and I can run the M3 at the fast tracks like Big Willow.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 12:57 AM   #39
saeedg48
Brigadier General
United_States
335
Rep
3,574
Posts

Drives: Porsche 991.1 GT3
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Newport Beach, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Longboarder View Post
Haven't tracked it yet because I've been researching what is needed to turn it into a track car. And I'm finished with my research and happy to report it needs absolutely nothing.
__________________

2015 Porsche 991.1 GT3
2015 F80 M3 -- Individual; Space Grey
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 11:33 AM   #40
dereksM3
Captain
dereksM3's Avatar
United_States
270
Rep
888
Posts

Drives: 2016 MG 340i M-Sport
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lynnwood, WA

iTrader: (3)

If I were to lend my two bits although maybe not an option because of AWD but get an evo (preferably a IX). I just sold my evo. With full bolt ons they are easily 400awhp/400awtq and reliable all day long. 4G63 is a monster of an engine. For a dedicated track car they are cheap.

Pro's:
-Easy to make light 2900-3000lbs with basic weight removal
-Bolt ons are cheap and 400-500awhp is very easy on stock engine and has longevity.
-Already has Brembos, track pads are enough for most situations with 2pc rotors
-Handling and steering feel is second to none
-Tires are pretty cheap as 255/40/17 is pretty common size to track with

I owned a IX for 6yrs and ran it in all types of scenarios. Was FBO around 400whp with custom Ohlins, magnesium wheels, and sticky nittos. Weighed around 3100lbs and it was a beast at the track. My E92 pales in responsiveness and all out handling characteristics. Although the M3 is very very good the Evo was almost perfect. Steering and suspension feel with a properly setup evo with the amount of traction is almost cheating what you can get away with on the road course.

You can pick up Evo VIII's for around ~15k and IX's for around ~20k. It would be worth taking a peak. For a track toy I'd want something extremely reliable, easy to work on, and a plethora of aftermarket. My choices would be Evo IX, C5 Z06, E36 M3, or 350Z possibly.
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 12:30 PM   #41
Groundpilot
Banned
Groundpilot's Avatar
United_States
476
Rep
1,711
Posts

Drives: 135I DCT , e92 M3 DCT, Audi A6
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: long island,ny

iTrader: (0)

I like new sti and almost pulled the trigger last year. But after reaserching a little bit, the engine was not the strongest part if pushed hard and there were many reviews about engine blow ups.
Did subaru adress that issue?
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 12:44 PM   #42
Longboarder
Major General
Longboarder's Avatar
3371
Rep
6,763
Posts

Drives: 2016 BMW i8
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Monarch Beach

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Groundpilot View Post
I like new sti and almost pulled the trigger last year. But after reaserching a little bit, the engine was not the strongest part if pushed hard and there were many reviews about engine blow ups.
Did subaru adress that issue?
Good question. I haven't heard much on the forums about any 2013's blowing up but it could just be a matter of time. Good thing is that the motor is a heck of alot cheaper to fix than our S65 if something goes wrong. I'm keeping mine relatively stock (just a downpipe and a custom protune) which made 305/346 AWHP on 91 oct on Cobb's Mustang dyno which is perfect for it's platform on both the track and street.

I'm changing tires to the new RE11A's before I hit the track and look forward to seeing how it performs compared with the heavier but more powerful RWD M3.
__________________
Current BMWs: 2021 X5M, 2012 e92 M3, 2022 X5 40i, 2016 X5 50i
2015 Porsche 991 Turbo S
a couple others
IG: longboarder949; YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT1...eoFBszPIK0gf9w
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 12:50 PM   #43
kchu221
JDM whore
kchu221's Avatar
South Korea
184
Rep
3,341
Posts

Drives: 2009 997.1 Turbo
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: los angeles

iTrader: (11)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Groundpilot View Post
I like new sti and almost pulled the trigger last year. But after reaserching a little bit, the engine was not the strongest part if pushed hard and there were many reviews about engine blow ups.
Did subaru adress that issue?
the engine blowing up were more common on the 06-07 sti... my friend owns a 07 sti, after 2 monthes of purchase the engine blew, good thing subaru warrantied the engine and replaced it for him, but when they changed out the engine, they reused the turbo's from the blown engine...
__________________
2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2
Appreciate 0
      07-12-2013, 01:01 PM   #44
Richbot
Major General
2735
Rep
5,473
Posts

Drives: Jerez Black E90
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: STL

iTrader: (5)

STI engine's fine, factory programming lets it run dangerously lean in certain conditions, like when it's on the rev limiter. Pretty much all of the aftermarket tunes fix this, it's amazing they let it leave the factory like that

Wish you would have bought an FD and put a 3-rotor in it, for the entertainment value
__________________
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:49 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST