Autocross anyone? - M3 Forum 2010 2009 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BMW E90 M3 E92

FrenchBoy · 04-19-2008, 10:56 PM

I am planning to replace my '01 325Ci this year. I bought it new and since then I have been bitten by the autocross and track day bug. I have consequently tweaked it a bit since then (TC Kline suspension, AA exhaust, UUC sways, Turner camber plates, dedicated wheels/tires, etc.) and it does pretty well at both types of events. I do about 6 to 10 autocrosses and 5/6 track days a year.

I initially wanted to replace it with a 135i. I test drove it and liked it a lot. However I feel like that it is a bit small for me. I am 6'3", have a 1 month old baby and the new car is going to be my only car for a while. Plus I also test drove the new M3 and liked it A LOT. So right now, I am thinking I am going to buy the E90 M3 towards the end of the year. I do not doubt the M3 will be an excellent track day car. However, I am wondering how good of an autocross car it will be.

Any thoughts?

sayemthree · 04-20-2008, 12:46 AM

if you want to have a blast in the car the M3 will be awesome. dont expect to win a lot of trophies, its heavy.

FrenchBoy · 04-21-2008, 01:07 PM

Although I do realize that it is a heavy car, reviews that I have read seem to indicate that it feels and drives lighter that it actually is, and is pretty nimble.

I have seen quite a few E46 M3s and Corvettes kick some serious butts at autocrosses. I am wondering if the M3 could be in that league...

Ronin13 · 04-21-2008, 11:03 PM

I think it would be a "fun to drive" car in autox (check out the Speed Channel test drive video). The M3 slaloms extremely well, should be OK on larger sweepers and will accelerate when you get to something that looks like a mini straight. I emphasize fun because if the competition side is most important, it will struggle against a 996 GT3, Elise or Z06 which most likely will be considered in its class (Drivers being equal).

SS32 · 04-22-2008, 03:31 PM

If I can get serviced, my first autox will be a week from sunday. I'm interested to see how it will fare. I imagine the high red line is going to help a lot.

sayemthree · 04-25-2008, 03:24 PM

If I ever get mine - I will go to the LA chapter event at Cal SPeedway in July.

lucid · 07-14-2008, 02:41 PM

I auto-X'ed it yesterday. Loads of fun. It was a test and tune event, so not a competition. The senior instructor who was running the whole event had a chipped 400hp 135 with coilovers and 245/17 wheels. I timed him run a couple of 52ish laps when pushing hard. A heavily moded E36 M3 driven by another instructor was also running 52ish laps. My best lap was 54ish. An Elise driven by yet another instructor ran 50ish. I let yet another instructor drive my car, which resulted in a 53ish lap. This was my first auto-cross ever. So, the 2 seconds the instructor had on me in the 135 should really be attributed to driver differences, which pretty much means the M3 kind of matches a heavily moded 135 in auto-X (well, also, I chose to pull sideways drifts around the hairpin cone for fun as opposed to doing it the right way, which probably cost a few tenths). Not bad for the M3 overall vs. the moded 135 in autocross given the size and weight differences.

sayemthree · 07-14-2008, 03:27 PM

the M3 feels suprisingly light on the AX course - i was impressed. tires wont last long tho.

lucid · 07-14-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

tires wont last long tho.

Yeah, I'm starting with 33/35 psi cold on the stock tires, but I am seeing uneven wear on the fronts, more wear in the center, so I plan to run slightly lower pressures. I didn't have time to measure them hot, but I must assume they get up to 38/40 or more.

FrenchBoy · 07-15-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucid

I auto-X'ed it yesterday. Loads of fun. It was a test and tune event, so not a competition. The senior instructor who was running the whole event had a chipped 400hp 135 with coilovers and 245/17 wheels. I timed him run a couple of 52ish laps when pushing hard. A heavily moded E36 M3 driven by another instructor was also running 52ish laps. My best lap was 54ish. An Elise driven by yet another instructor ran 50ish. I let yet another instructor drive my car, which resulted in a 53ish lap. This was my first auto-cross ever. So, the 2 seconds the instructor had on me in the 135 should really be attributed to driver differences, which pretty much means the M3 kind of matches a heavily moded 135 in auto-X (well, also, I chose to pull sideways drifts around the hairpin cone for fun as opposed to doing it the right way, which probably cost a few tenths). Not bad for the M3 overall vs. the moded 135 in autocross given the size and weight differences.

Your instructor is a buddy of mine and is actually a moderator on 1addicts.com under the "larryn" avatar. I know him well as I used to autocross with the Boston chapter. He is an excellent driver. The Boston chapter puts on amazing autocross events. I hope you go back and enjoy yourself.

lucid · 07-15-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

Your instructor is a buddy of mine and is actually a moderator on 1addicts.com under the "larryn" avatar. I know him well as I used to autocross with the Boston chapter. He is an excellent driver. The Boston chapter puts on amazing autocross events. I hope you go back and enjoy yourself.

Yes, Larry looked pretty good out there in his new 135. He didn't actually instruct me as he was busy running the event, but he did seem like a cool guy. It's actually too bad he didn't instruct me, as I would have asked him to drive my car, which would have given us a more solid reference point for the moded 135 vs. M3 comparison as opposed to me trying to make inferences on the driver contribution to the laps I timed. I would assume he would have driven my car faster than the instructor who was helping me out did. Anyway, great event; very much worth the time and money.

enigma · 07-15-2008, 03:40 PM

My first event is this Sunday, will see how it goes. I have the autocross wheels and tires ready to go, will probably put them on the car for the first time later this week to make sure everything is good to go.

sayemthree · 07-16-2008, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

My first event is this Sunday, will see how it goes. I have the autocross wheels and tires ready to go, will probably put them on the car for the first time later this week to make sure everything is good to go.

you got an e92?

sayemthree · 07-16-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucid

Yeah, I'm starting with 33/35 psi cold on the stock tires, but I am seeing uneven wear on the fronts, more wear in the center, so I plan to run slightly lower pressures. I didn't have time to measure them hot, but I must assume they get up to 38/40 or more.

michelins tend to be happy with lower pressures than other tires. you shaould also check tire temps.

enigma · 07-16-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

you got an e92?

um, thats kind of the point of hanging out here. Just took the dealer longer than I would have liked to get a DCT.

The autocross wheels fit with no problem (275/35-18 f/r) and its well past the 1200 mile service so its ready to go.

sayemthree · 07-16-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

um, thats kind of the point of hanging out here. Just took the dealer longer than I would have liked to get a DCT.

The autocross wheels fit with no problem (275/35-18 f/r) and its well past the 1200 mile service so its ready to go.

cool - but need to change your Avatar.

Drives: E46 M3 and Elise

what tires and what wheels? size and offset?

enigma · 07-16-2008, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

cool - but need to change your Avatar.

Drives: E46 M3 and Elise

Fixed, I forgot about it since I don't spend much time here any more thanks to the constant trolling and posing by the massivly uninformed that goes on now.

sayemthree · 07-17-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

Fixed, I forgot about it since I don't spend much time here any more thanks to the constant trolling and posing by the massivly uninformed that goes on now.

so what about those track wheels ? or were you just posing?

enigma · 07-17-2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

so what about those track wheels ? or were you just posing?

FrenchBoy · 07-17-2008, 01:29 PM

Nice. Are those Fikse's?

enigma · 07-17-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrenchBoy

Nice. Are those Fikse's?

Yes they are. 9.5"x18 front and rear. They were great to work with and fit no spacers needed. It was the first set of wheels they made for an e92 m3.

10" should fit up front with a 285/30-18 if you get the offset just right or add camber. I have lots of room left in the rear. However, the BMW CCA charges you points for every bit of extra rim you put under the car and I jugged the extra rear tire to not be worth the classing hit I would take.

I stayed away from the 285/30 because I was running the stock suspension and the super low profile tires generally react less well to camber limited cars.

sayemthree · 07-18-2008, 12:37 AM

cool - whats the offset? Nittos? Toyo?

you autocross with CCA?? I thought CCA had you in either stock or modified?

04-19-2008, 10:56 PM	#1
FrenchBoy Pro/E Guru Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 663 iTrader: (0)	Autocross anyone? I am planning to replace my '01 325Ci this year. I bought it new and since then I have been bitten by the autocross and track day bug. I have consequently tweaked it a bit since then (TC Kline suspension, AA exhaust, UUC sways, Turner camber plates, dedicated wheels/tires, etc.) and it does pretty well at both types of events. I do about 6 to 10 autocrosses and 5/6 track days a year. I initially wanted to replace it with a 135i. I test drove it and liked it a lot. However I feel like that it is a bit small for me. I am 6'3", have a 1 month old baby and the new car is going to be my only car for a while. Plus I also test drove the new M3 and liked it A LOT. So right now, I am thinking I am going to buy the E90 M3 towards the end of the year. I do not doubt the M3 will be an excellent track day car. However, I am wondering how good of an autocross car it will be. Any thoughts?

04-21-2008, 01:07 PM	#3
FrenchBoy Pro/E Guru Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 663 iTrader: (0)	Although I do realize that it is a heavy car, reviews that I have read seem to indicate that it feels and drives lighter that it actually is, and is pretty nimble. I have seen quite a few E46 M3s and Corvettes kick some serious butts at autocrosses. I am wondering if the M3 could be in that league... __________________ 2009 E90 M3 \| SG \| FR \| 6Speed

04-22-2008, 03:31 PM	#5
SS32 Major Drives: 08 M3, 87 325 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Raleighwood, NC Posts: 1,325 iTrader: (0)	If I can get serviced, my first autox will be a week from sunday. I'm interested to see how it will fare. I imagine the high red line is going to help a lot. __________________ V1 DIY - Blinder M45 DIY - Exhaust Cutouts - Removed Clutch Pedal Spring DIY - Fiamm Air Horns

07-14-2008, 02:41 PM	#7
lucid Major General Drives: Z4M coupe; E30 M3 track Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 7,589 iTrader: (0) View lucid's Garage	I auto-X'ed it yesterday. Loads of fun. It was a test and tune event, so not a competition. The senior instructor who was running the whole event had a chipped 400hp 135 with coilovers and 245/17 wheels. I timed him run a couple of 52ish laps when pushing hard. A heavily moded E36 M3 driven by another instructor was also running 52ish laps. My best lap was 54ish. An Elise driven by yet another instructor ran 50ish. I let yet another instructor drive my car, which resulted in a 53ish lap. This was my first auto-cross ever. So, the 2 seconds the instructor had on me in the 135 should really be attributed to driver differences, which pretty much means the M3 kind of matches a heavily moded 135 in auto-X (well, also, I chose to pull sideways drifts around the hairpin cone for fun as opposed to doing it the right way, which probably cost a few tenths). Not bad for the M3 overall vs. the moded 135 in autocross given the size and weight differences. __________________ Track vids: http://www.youtube.com/user/nhmse92m3#p/u Last edited by lucid; 07-14-2008 at 03:38 PM.

07-15-2008, 03:40 PM	#12
enigma Captain Drives: E92 M3 and Elise Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Land of the Microchip Posts: 698 iTrader: (0)	My first event is this Sunday, will see how it goes. I have the autocross wheels and tires ready to go, will probably put them on the car for the first time later this week to make sure everything is good to go. __________________ Manual gearboxes, the rotary dial of cars.

04-20-2008, 12:46 AM	#2
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: ObamieTheKommie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ObamaKommieLand Posts: 4,852 iTrader: (0)	if you want to have a blast in the car the M3 will be awesome. dont expect to win a lot of trophies, its heavy.

04-21-2008, 11:03 PM	#4
Ronin13 First Lieutenant Drives: DKG E92 M3, S2K, JGC Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: STL, MO Posts: 362 iTrader: (0)	I think it would be a "fun to drive" car in autox (check out the Speed Channel test drive video). The M3 slaloms extremely well, should be OK on larger sweepers and will accelerate when you get to something that looks like a mini straight. I emphasize fun because if the competition side is most important, it will struggle against a 996 GT3, Elise or Z06 which most likely will be considered in its class (Drivers being equal).

04-25-2008, 03:24 PM	#6
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: ObamieTheKommie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ObamaKommieLand Posts: 4,852 iTrader: (0)	If I ever get mine - I will go to the LA chapter event at Cal SPeedway in July.

07-14-2008, 03:27 PM	#8
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: ObamieTheKommie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ObamaKommieLand Posts: 4,852 iTrader: (0)	the M3 feels suprisingly light on the AX course - i was impressed. tires wont last long tho.

07-17-2008, 01:29 PM	#20
FrenchBoy Pro/E Guru Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 663 iTrader: (0)	Nice. Are those Fikse's? __________________ 2009 E90 M3 \| SG \| FR \| 6Speed

07-18-2008, 12:37 AM	#22
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: ObamieTheKommie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ObamaKommieLand Posts: 4,852 iTrader: (0)	cool - whats the offset? Nittos? Toyo? you autocross with CCA?? I thought CCA had you in either stock or modified?