E36 M3 track car vs my C63 coupe

DARK_M3 · 07-01-2012, 08:56 AM

Very cool! I wish I had one. And a small team with funding so I could start running in the Continental sport car series.

gthal · 07-04-2012, 05:13 PM

Just got back from the first track day in the E36 M3. All I can say is WOW.

It felt like I was driving a go-kart compared to the E92 M3 or C63. It simply stuck like glue. It was very visceral and raw. I could feel and hear everything the car did. It was incredibly neutral and was hard to get it to oversteer or understeer. It simply went where I pointed it with ease. The steering was precise, little to no body roll, incredible grip (this was on Dunlop Star Spec street tires and it still had incredible grip).

Heel toe is much easier in the E36 than the E9X and I was faster today than I have been in either my E92 M3 (DCT or 6MT) and my C63 coupe. I actually started to change my driving lines as I could MUCH more aggressively dive into corners, brake later and harder and get back on the gas much, much earlier. The E9X M3 and C63 are fun track cars but this little car is just amazing. It was by FAR the most fun I have ever had at the track. I'm out again next Thursday

Anyone who is on the fence about a track dedicated car, just go get it. You worry less (the investment at risk is much lower), you are incredibly connected to the car, safer (roll cage, 6 point harness, hans, fire system), and faster than you would think. The E36 M3 is simply an amazing track car with balanced and predictable handling, huge braking, decent power and incredibly direct and communicative chassis. If you can't tell, I'm happy

1MOREMOD · 07-04-2012, 05:39 PM

good to hear. did you time laps? how much quicker were you than the merc and new m3?

gthal · 07-04-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chriszeh

good to hear. did you time laps? how much quicker were you than the merc and new m3?

We aren't allowed to record lap times (insurance issues) but I am certain I was running notably quicker. There was a Porsche 911 Turbo (older version), a Corvette Grand Sport and an E92 M3 (DCT) and I was easily as fast or faster than any of those cars. We are all in a similarly experienced run group so likely no big difference in driver ability... the E36 M3 was just the faster car.

My next project is to buy an E92 M3 and do the same thing to it... get it completely track prepped and stripped... take out all extra weight, redo the suspension and brakes, exhaust, roll cage, etc. That would be a beast too. When prices come down in a few years, that will be the next project. There has to be a way to get an E92 down 500 lbs... that would be a beast of a track car. The only issue is everything for the E92 is WAY more expensive than for the E36. The E36 M3 is actually a VERY cheap car to build and maintain.

1MOREMOD · 07-04-2012, 06:59 PM

thats sweet. grand sport and turbo 911 arent slow by any means. yeah the e90 would make a nice full prep track car at 3100 lbs.

dnvrdrvr · 07-05-2012, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthal

Just got back from the first track day in the E36 M3. All I can say is WOW.

It felt like I was driving a go-kart compared to the E92 M3 or C63. It simply stuck like glue. It was very visceral and raw. I could feel and hear everything the car did. It was incredibly neutral and was hard to get it to oversteer or understeer. It simply went where I pointed it with ease. The steering was precise, little to no body roll, incredible grip (this was on Dunlop Star Spec street tires and it still had incredible grip).

Heel toe is much easier in the E36 than the E9X and I was faster today than I have been in either my E92 M3 (DCT or 6MT) and my C63 coupe. I actually started to change my driving lines as I could MUCH more aggressively dive into corners, brake later and harder and get back on the gas much, much earlier. The E9X M3 and C63 are fun track cars but this little car is just amazing. It was by FAR the most fun I have ever had at the track. I'm out again next Thursday

Anyone who is on the fence about a track dedicated car, just go get it. You worry less (the investment at risk is much lower), you are incredibly connected to the car, safer (roll cage, 6 point harness, hans, fire system), and faster than you would think. The E36 M3 is simply an amazing track car with balanced and predictable handling, huge braking, decent power and incredibly direct and communicative chassis. If you can't tell, I'm happy

I know, right? Glad to hear you got it out and it surpassed your expectations. I'm at the track in my E36 every chance I get! Makes me

every time.

gthal · 07-12-2012, 05:57 PM

Pictures from today's track event. I absolutely LOVE this car!!

klammer · 07-12-2012, 09:47 PM

adc · 07-13-2012, 10:48 AM

Nice company at the track... Do share more of your impressions when you have a chance.

jpirelli · 11-08-2012, 08:42 PM

Sweet

Hisam135i · 11-11-2012, 03:13 PM

that is a BA car sir well done!

IMG · 11-25-2012, 08:12 AM

Badass !

lenzm3edan · 11-25-2012, 09:16 AM

Congrats on the new toy.

Alex@Autocouture · 11-26-2012, 12:02 PM

looks sick

TheKosherStogie · 11-26-2012, 12:43 PM

BEAUTIFUL an lighter

Raja Ventureshield · 11-26-2012, 02:46 PM

speechless. e36s looks so beautiful
c63 e36. nice 36 flipped backwards is 63. :-)

dcgolfdr · 11-26-2012, 03:24 PM

Great car, I want to do the same thing!!
Does anyone want to buy a GTR??

MVEED3 · 11-26-2012, 04:59 PM

Nice find. The build is legit. I agree on the Schrick cam recommendation. The top end wakes up nicely especially with good tuning.

When you get the car on scales, let us know what she weighs in at.

Thanks,
Allen

gthal · 11-26-2012, 06:52 PM

Thanks everyone for the comments. The e36 is in storage for the winter... can't wait until next season. This past summer was a BLAST!

rjd598 · 11-26-2012, 07:55 PM

that is so amazing. love that color too i want one so bad

WarrantyTracker · 11-30-2012, 12:17 PM

You. Rule.

I don't know how you can take a paint job that sweet to the track. Time to chip it up.

I have a 140-hp-ish '79 E21 Euro that weighs 2400#. Seriously short on power (though it was the fast 6cyl FI 3-series of its day) but the light weight makes it a rare thrill to flog. Everybody should have at least one light car with great suspension!

rotaz · 12-29-2012, 06:50 PM

So sick. I think I'll be going this route as well. E36 will be cheaper to maintain than the cayman.

07-04-2012, 05:13 PM	#46
gthal Colonel Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,718 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [3.37]	Just got back from the first track day in the E36 M3. All I can say is WOW. It felt like I was driving a go-kart compared to the E92 M3 or C63. It simply stuck like glue. It was very visceral and raw. I could feel and hear everything the car did. It was incredibly neutral and was hard to get it to oversteer or understeer. It simply went where I pointed it with ease. The steering was precise, little to no body roll, incredible grip (this was on Dunlop Star Spec street tires and it still had incredible grip). Heel toe is much easier in the E36 than the E9X and I was faster today than I have been in either my E92 M3 (DCT or 6MT) and my C63 coupe. I actually started to change my driving lines as I could MUCH more aggressively dive into corners, brake later and harder and get back on the gas much, much earlier. The E9X M3 and C63 are fun track cars but this little car is just amazing. It was by FAR the most fun I have ever had at the track. I'm out again next Thursday Anyone who is on the fence about a track dedicated car, just go get it. You worry less (the investment at risk is much lower), you are incredibly connected to the car, safer (roll cage, 6 point harness, hans, fire system), and faster than you would think. The E36 M3 is simply an amazing track car with balanced and predictable handling, huge braking, decent power and incredibly direct and communicative chassis. If you can't tell, I'm happy __________________ 2015 Austin Yellow M4 \| Black Full Merino Leather \| DCT 2014 Corvette Stingray \| Z51 \| Torch Red \| 7MT - Sold 2012 C63 Coupe \| Performance package \| Obsidian Black - Sold 2011 E92 M3 \| Jerez Black \| Fox Red \| DCT \| Competition Package - Sold Last edited by gthal; 07-04-2012 at 05:20 PM.
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07-04-2012, 05:39 PM	#47
1MOREMOD 2014 Track Days - 6\|Ridge 1:54:61\|Pacific 1:35:72 Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors Posts: 11,728 iTrader: (5)	good to hear. did you time laps? how much quicker were you than the merc and new m3? __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings & bearings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW race\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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07-04-2012, 06:59 PM	#49
1MOREMOD 2014 Track Days - 6\|Ridge 1:54:61\|Pacific 1:35:72 Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors Posts: 11,728 iTrader: (5)	thats sweet. grand sport and turbo 911 arent slow by any means. yeah the e90 would make a nice full prep track car at 3100 lbs. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings & bearings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW race\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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07-12-2012, 05:57 PM	#51
gthal Colonel Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,718 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [3.37]	Pictures from today's track event. I absolutely LOVE this car!! __________________ 2015 Austin Yellow M4 \| Black Full Merino Leather \| DCT 2014 Corvette Stingray \| Z51 \| Torch Red \| 7MT - Sold 2012 C63 Coupe \| Performance package \| Obsidian Black - Sold 2011 E92 M3 \| Jerez Black \| Fox Red \| DCT \| Competition Package - Sold
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07-12-2012, 09:47 PM	#52
klammer Brigadier General Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 07 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chicago Posts: 3,224 iTrader: (0)	__________________ mods: akra evo, dinan 3.45 diff, ess akra tune, dinan stg.3, Alcon bbk, HRE P40
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07-01-2012, 08:56 AM	#45
DARK_M3 Banned Drives: 08 E90, 89 Grand Wagoneer Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: So Cal Posts: 1,294 iTrader: (3)	Very cool! I wish I had one. And a small team with funding so I could start running in the Continental sport car series.
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07-13-2012, 10:48 AM	#53
adc Brigadier General Drives: 2009 E90 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC Posts: 4,085 iTrader: (6)	Nice company at the track... Do share more of your impressions when you have a chance. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 ED 2014 X1 28i 2000 Boxster
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11-08-2012, 08:42 PM	#54
jpirelli Power is nothing without control Drives: E90 + E92 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Southeast/Southwest Posts: 752 iTrader: (3)	Sweet
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11-11-2012, 03:13 PM	#55
Hisam135i Major Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 1,155 iTrader: (0)	that is a BA car sir well done! __________________ 2008 Monaco Blue 335i \| Terracotta \| Premium \| Auto \| Comfort Access \| Matte-black Grills \| Carbon Fiber Splitters \| 20% Tint \| 1- point E9x Picture Game \| Staggered 19' VMR V701 \| Legal Disclaimer: My posts on this website cannot be held against me in any issues, such as warranty claims. \|
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11-25-2012, 08:12 AM	#56
IMG VT3 Drives: E36 M3 Track car,Ess E90 M3 DD Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Couch Posts: 6,970 iTrader: (5)	Badass ! __________________ NO FEAR.NO LIMITS.NO EQUAL Ess VT3 LC built motor,Volk TE37SL,Euro taillights,Dinan Xpipe,Custom Headers,Akra axle back CF tips,ModeCarbon FR lip,BMW CF wing LOW BOOST 60-130 6.7 sec
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11-25-2012, 09:16 AM	#57
lenzm3edan First Pride Drives: E90, Mercedes C300, subi Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Connecticut.. Posts: 1,350 iTrader: (6)	Congrats on the new toy. __________________ ESS VT-2 595 silverstone E90 /// M3 - 6spd - AD08 - Spacers - H&R - AA exhaust - Primary cat delete - Custom test pipes - ESS tune - Lighted ZHP.
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11-26-2012, 12:02 PM	#58
Alex@Autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E30 M3, E92 Frozen GTS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ny Posts: 3,145 iTrader: (9) Garage List 2011.75 E90 BMW M3 [3.83] 2011 bmw/ m3 [0.00]	looks sick __________________ AUTOcouture Motoring \| 15-01 Pollitt Drive St. 6, Fair Lawn NJ 07410 201.666.3500 \| Alex@autocouturemotoring.com
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11-26-2012, 12:43 PM	#59
TheKosherStogie Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 08 M3 DCT AW/Red Join Date: May 2009 Location: West Hollywood Posts: 1,590 iTrader: (1)	BEAUTIFUL an lighter __________________ 13 E92 M3 ZCP Stock w/Rs3 - WSIR 1:33:9 / BW C13 2:03:6 / ACS 1:56:7 KW CS w/Rs3 - WSIR 1:32:8 / BW C13 1:59:2 / ACS 1:55:1 APR Wing/Rs3 - WSIR 1:30:9 / BW C13 1:57:7
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11-26-2012, 02:46 PM	#60
Raja Ventureshield Major General Drives: BMW M3 coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,654 iTrader: (6)	speechless. e36s looks so beautiful c63 e36. nice 36 flipped backwards is 63. :-)
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11-26-2012, 03:24 PM	#61
dcgolfdr Wheelsucker Drives: M3 and a truck Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 933 iTrader: (9)	Great car, I want to do the same thing!! Does anyone want to buy a GTR??
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11-26-2012, 04:59 PM	#62
MVEED3 Second Lieutenant Drives: '08 e90 M3/'12 S1k Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 254 iTrader: (8)	Nice find. The build is legit. I agree on the Schrick cam recommendation. The top end wakes up nicely especially with good tuning. When you get the car on scales, let us know what she weighs in at. Thanks, Allen __________________ 2012 Bluefire S1kRR Ohlins~Akra~Brembo~Lightech~Gilles 2008 Sparkling Graphite e90 M3 6spd AST~Vorshlag~Akra~Advan~Yoko~Pagid~BMW Performance
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11-26-2012, 06:52 PM	#63
gthal Colonel Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 2,718 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 M3 [3.37]	Thanks everyone for the comments. The e36 is in storage for the winter... can't wait until next season. This past summer was a BLAST! __________________ 2015 Austin Yellow M4 \| Black Full Merino Leather \| DCT 2014 Corvette Stingray \| Z51 \| Torch Red \| 7MT - Sold 2012 C63 Coupe \| Performance package \| Obsidian Black - Sold 2011 E92 M3 \| Jerez Black \| Fox Red \| DCT \| Competition Package - Sold
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11-26-2012, 07:55 PM	#64
rjd598 Brigadier General Drives: 10' M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 4,492 iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [4.50] 1999 BMW M3 [0.00]	that is so amazing. love that color too i want one so bad __________________ 10 E90 M3/dct/ztp/zpp/heated seats/eps/19'/iPod retired- 08 535i/nav/prem./L7/ipod retired- 06 325i/nav/prem./sat/xenons/style 128
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11-30-2012, 12:17 PM	#65
WarrantyTracker Track? What Track? I was just riding along . . . Drives: Alpine White E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: An Undisclosed Location Posts: 543 iTrader: (0)	You. Rule. I don't know how you can take a paint job that sweet to the track. Time to chip it up. I have a 140-hp-ish '79 E21 Euro that weighs 2400#. Seriously short on power (though it was the fast 6cyl FI 3-series of its day) but the light weight makes it a rare thrill to flog. Everybody should have at least one light car with great suspension!
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12-29-2012, 06:50 PM	#66
rotaz Captain Drives: CaymanS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: OC Posts: 686 iTrader: (0)	So sick. I think I'll be going this route as well. E36 will be cheaper to maintain than the cayman. __________________ \|Arrived 12/14/06\| JP Vizage Kit\| Gone 4/4/09 \|
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