BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

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


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > M3 (E90 / E92 / E93) > General M3 Forum (E90 + E92 + E93)
 
Mporium BMW
View Poll Results: Does your M3 see track time?
No way 29 10.74%
Not yet, but maybe in the future 94 34.81%
1-2 days per year 32 11.85%
3-5 days per year 48 17.78%
6-12 days per year 41 15.19%
Greater than 12 days a year 26 9.63%
Voters: 270. You may not vote on this poll

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-12-2012, 03:25 PM   #23
ortho281
Major
ortho281's Avatar
United_States
200
Rep
1,164
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Katy, TX

iTrader: (1)

9 track days so far this year, with 4 more schelduled before end of the year.
__________________

Akra GT4 / MS Stage 2 / MS UDP / BPM Tune / KW CS / H&R Sways / TMS Delrin / ST 380/355 BBK / Cantrell 2.5" Ducts / SR34 Pads / Apex Arc-8 / Hoosier R7's / Mode GT4 Splitter / GT4 Canards / APR GT-250 Wing / Cantrell Half Cage / Recaro Pro Racer / Schroth Profi II-6 / BMW Alcantera Wheel / Cool Shirt / ESS Fire Supp / Solo DL
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:08 PM   #24
TTG
...
TTG's Avatar
United_States
930
Rep
4,323
Posts

Drives: M340
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by canadian stig View Post
why buy an M3 if not to track it? they aren't exactly the greatest daily drivers out there. I just bought mine this year and already did about 12 track days with it. I would have done more if I wasn't so busy with work.
Bec M3 is good for many other stuff as well.

It is also very funny how people stay away from tracked M3's when buying used. That is usually one of the 1st questions asked.....

I don't track my cars but do enjoy the performance and the looks of M cars....
__________________
2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA|ZPP|ZPX|1CR|1PE|6NW|6WD
2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired
2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired
2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:17 PM   #25
jmgM3
Private First Class
jmgM3's Avatar
United_States
12
Rep
136
Posts

Drives: E90 M3 - 6MT - Jerez Blk
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Houston TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ortho281 View Post
9 track days so far this year, with 4 more schelduled before end of the year.
Not trying to get off topic here, but would you please PM me with one or two tracks (Houston area) that would be recommended for a track newby.

Much appreciated!

I've had my M for almost a year now but I feel like we're still getting to know each other. Not sure I'm ready for tearing it up at the track just yet.
Also, I think Jerez Blk is probably the worse color for track use - so sensitive... I know I sound like a p00$$y right now
__________________

2011 E90 M3 - Jrz Blk - 6MT
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:21 PM   #26
canadian stig
Banned
canadian stig's Avatar
11
Rep
242
Posts

Drives: 2008 E90 M3
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TTG View Post
Bec M3 is good for many other stuff as well.

It is also very funny how people stay away from tracked M3's when buying used. That is usually one of the 1st questions asked.....

I don't track my cars but do enjoy the performance and the looks of M cars....
Um, no it isn't. What exactly is an M3 good for that cannot be achieved with a 335i or even a 328i while saving a load of $$$ on purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and fuel consumption? Spirited drives down mountain roads? There aren't that many around, and practically none here in southern ontario.

And yes people stay away from tracked cars because they perceive tracking to be "abuse". Though to be honest, tracked cars are still certain to be adequately maintained, unlike the garage queen cars where the owner probably didn't even change the engine oil in over a year!
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:31 PM   #27
Amri215
Banned
Amri215's Avatar
12
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: 2012 Alpine White M3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TTG View Post
Bec M3 is good for many other stuff as well.

It is also very funny how people stay away from tracked M3's when buying used. That is usually one of the 1st questions asked.....

I don't track my cars but do enjoy the performance and the looks of M cars....
+1

I know I searched high and low until I found one that was not tracked.

I would hate to damage the cosmetics of the car and going to track takes its toll on the paint, not to mention the brakes, the tires ...etc etc etc.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:32 PM   #28
TTG
...
TTG's Avatar
United_States
930
Rep
4,323
Posts

Drives: M340
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Seattle, WA

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by canadian stig View Post
Um, no it isn't. What exactly is an M3 good for that cannot be achieved with a 335i or even a 328i while saving a load of $$$ on purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and fuel consumption? Spirited drives down mountain roads? There aren't that many around, and practically none here in southern ontario.

And yes people stay away from tracked cars because they perceive tracking to be "abuse". Though to be honest, tracked cars are still certain to be adequately maintained, unlike the garage queen cars where the owner probably didn't even change the engine oil in over a year!
My car was one of those garage queens..... 5K miles 4 oil changes when I sold it.

We have great mountain roads on WA state and she was strictly a weekend / pleasure car ...... just like my next M will be.
__________________
2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA|ZPP|ZPX|1CR|1PE|6NW|6WD
2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired
2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired
2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:32 PM   #29
jin.patrick
Lieutenant
jin.patrick's Avatar
Canada
33
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Montréal, QC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post


The E92 isn't bad though. The baby seat fits very well in the back and with the folding seats you can fit pretty much anything in there .
How is it that we never saw each other on the street?
I haven't seen another SSII E92 M3 in Montreal yet (at least downtown)
__________________
Current: 2016 F80 M3 (DCT) Black Sapphire Metallic

Past: 2015 F82 M4 (6MT) Austin Yellow
Past: 2010 E92 M3 (DCT) Silverstone II Metallic
Past: 2008 E90 M3 (6MT) Sparkling Graphite Metallic
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:36 PM   #30
CanAutM3
General
CanAutM3's Avatar
Canada
21103
Rep
20,741
Posts

Drives: 2021 911 turbo
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shibalnoma View Post
How is it that we never saw each other on the street?
I haven't seen another SSII E92 M3 in Montreal yet (at least downtown)
Maybe because I spend too much time at the track

On a more serious note, there are 2 other SSII E92s in my neighborhood. But other than that, it is true that you do not see them that often in Montreal.

How come I have not seen you at the track yet ?
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:37 PM   #31
jin.patrick
Lieutenant
jin.patrick's Avatar
Canada
33
Rep
433
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Montréal, QC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CanAutM3 View Post
Maybe because I spend too much time at the track

Which track do you usually go to?
__________________
Current: 2016 F80 M3 (DCT) Black Sapphire Metallic

Past: 2015 F82 M4 (6MT) Austin Yellow
Past: 2010 E92 M3 (DCT) Silverstone II Metallic
Past: 2008 E90 M3 (6MT) Sparkling Graphite Metallic
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:40 PM   #32
CanAutM3
General
CanAutM3's Avatar
Canada
21103
Rep
20,741
Posts

Drives: 2021 911 turbo
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shibalnoma View Post

Which track do you usually go to?
Mostly Mont-Tremblant with occasional stints at Calabogie, St-Eustache and Sanair.

You should check out the BMW club of Quebec, they host great events .
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 04:46 PM   #33
CanAutM3
General
CanAutM3's Avatar
Canada
21103
Rep
20,741
Posts

Drives: 2021 911 turbo
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Car54 View Post
How is loading tires and wheels in the back through the front doors?
Probably not as easily as in an E90 but still quite manageable
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 05:14 PM   #34
gatorfast
Major General
gatorfast's Avatar
United_States
4966
Rep
6,852
Posts

Drives: 718 Cayman
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SoFla

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by canadian stig View Post
Um, no it isn't. What exactly is an M3 good for that cannot be achieved with a 335i or even a 328i while saving a load of $$$ on purchase price, insurance, maintenance, and fuel consumption? Spirited drives down mountain roads? There aren't that many around, and practically none here in southern ontario.

And yes people stay away from tracked cars because they perceive tracking to be "abuse". Though to be honest, tracked cars are still certain to be adequately maintained, unlike the garage queen cars where the owner probably didn't even change the engine oil in over a year!
With that logic why even buy a 335i or 328i when you can just buy a Honda civic and save a load of $$. The M3 is a fantastic daily driver for someone who likes performance as well. It has all the comforts of a luxury car while having the performance of a sports car. Not everyone has the capabilities, money, tolerance for risk, desire, etc to track their cars.

M3's that see track time are by far in the minority. I'm not knocking tracking your car at all. I think it's awesome. But you sound very naive thinking the M3 is strictly a track car and not a daily driver for 99% of people out there.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 05:19 PM   #35
Khrishna
Banned
0
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: UT

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TTG View Post
Bec M3 is good for many other stuff as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gatorfast View Post
But you sound very naive thinking the M3 is strictly a track car and not a daily driver for 99% of people out there.
Because ..he's canadian stig..
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:23 PM   #36
jphughan
Brigadier General
jphughan's Avatar
United_States
594
Rep
4,488
Posts

Drives: '16 Cayman GT4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amri215
I know I searched high and low until I found one that was not tracked.

I would hate to damage the cosmetics of the car and going to track takes its toll on the paint, not to mention the brakes, the tires ...etc etc etc.
Paint issues would show up when you looked at the cars. And brakes and tires are consumables anyway, so I don't see why increased wear would worry you there. Suspension wear? Maybe, but these cars were DESIGNED to be on the track.
__________________
'16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up)

Gone but not forgotten:
'11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans | Black Nov w/ Alum | 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:26 PM   #37
jphughan
Brigadier General
jphughan's Avatar
United_States
594
Rep
4,488
Posts

Drives: '16 Cayman GT4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TTG
My car was one of those garage queens..... 5K miles 4 oil changes when I sold it.

We have great mountain roads on WA state and she was strictly a weekend / pleasure car ...... just like my next M will be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TTG View Post
I don't track my cars but do enjoy the performance and the looks of M cars....
These posts make me sad. It may be true that only a tiny minority of M3s are ever tracked, just as it may be true that only a tiny minority of supercars are ever driven anywhere, never mind on a track -- but all that means is that the majority of those owners have no idea how much of their cars' fun potential and value they're leaving on the table. That point was driven home for me when I caught a ride on the track in an instructor-driven MP4-12C.
__________________
'16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up)

Gone but not forgotten:
'11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans | Black Nov w/ Alum | 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)

Last edited by jphughan; 11-12-2012 at 09:37 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:32 PM   #38
jphughan
Brigadier General
jphughan's Avatar
United_States
594
Rep
4,488
Posts

Drives: '16 Cayman GT4
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jmgM3
Not trying to get off topic here, but would you please PM me with one or two tracks (Houston area) that would be recommended for a track newbie!
Houston MSR (in Angleton), Texas World Speedway in College Station, and coming in March, Circuit of the Americas in Austin!

Just go to www.thedriversedge.net and sign up. Great HPDE organizers that run several Texas tracks, so you get a consistent experience wherever you go, and their 2-day events are far better from a fun, value, travel justification, and long-term learning perspective than the normal 1-day offerings. Lots of members here including myself run with them and love it.

Paint worries are exaggerated IMHO, especially if you have clear bra. Not really any worse than road hazards. As for feeling not ready, that's the perfect mindset. People who think they'll impress everyone their first time and go out with something to prove are the ones who risk learning a hard lesson. Approaching it with excited trepidation is the way to go.

The one thing to check is your insurance coverage. If your normal carrier doesn't cover HPDEs (most don't anymore, sadly), Lockton has HPDE insurance on a stated-value basis.
__________________
'16 Cayman GT4 (delivery pics, comparison to E92 M3 write-up)

Gone but not forgotten:
'11.75 M3 E92 Le Mans | Black Nov w/ Alum | 6MT (owned 5/2011 - 11/2015)

Last edited by jphughan; 11-12-2012 at 09:36 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:39 PM   #39
MKE_M3
Lieutenant Colonel
MKE_M3's Avatar
United_States
65
Rep
1,705
Posts

Drives: 2011 e90 M3
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Milwaukee, WI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jphughan View Post
It's not just popular for track use, it's a car whose existence can only be truly appreciated on the track -- even more so than other cars.
Totally agree. I loved my M3 before I tracked, but afterwords, forget about it. I am hooked. The feel of taking a corner at 6000 RPM in third and revving it to 8400 RPM onto the straight, shifting into fourth and revving it to 8000+ RPM again, shift into fifth, watching the speedo approach 145+ MPH before braking, nailing a perfect heal toe shift into 2nd or third into another corner... Experiencing perfect balance, then start again... pure bliss!!!!!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 06:57 PM   #40
Expert@ApexWheels
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
Expert@ApexWheels's Avatar
3462
Rep
6,698
Posts


Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Of course! The best place to enjoy the M!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 07:00 PM   #41
FormulaMMM
Brigadier General
FormulaMMM's Avatar
United_States
3663
Rep
3,422
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jphughan View Post
It's not just popular for track use, it's a car whose existence can only be truly appreciated on the track -- even more so than other cars. Does the M3 also make casual daily driving more fun than other cars? Of course. But you just don't understand how much better an M3 is than all those other cars (and how much fun you can have in it) until you see what it can do out there. Not even twisty canyon roads come close to delivering that sensation.

I don't think the added cost of an M3 over a 335i for example (even ignoring the higher running costs) are justifiable UNLESS you take it to the track occasionally IMHO.
All of this is 100% truth.
__________________
M4 GTS, GT3, C63 S | E90 M3s, E39 M5

Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 07:18 PM   #42
Porschefile
Major
Porschefile's Avatar
59
Rep
1,250
Posts

Drives: E92 M3
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Tennessee

iTrader: (7)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jphughan View Post
It's not just popular for track use, it's a car whose existence can only be truly appreciated on the track -- even more so than other cars. Does the M3 also make casual daily driving more fun than other cars? Of course. But you just don't understand how much better an M3 is than all those other cars (and how much fun you can have in it) until you see what it can do out there. Not even twisty canyon roads come close to delivering that sensation.

I don't think the added cost of an M3 over a 335i for example (even ignoring the higher running costs) are justifiable UNLESS you take it to the track occasionally IMHO. And yes, as others have said, if you're going for your first few times you can run it bone stock and be fine. As you get faster (i.e. get better versions of the "driver mod"), the first thing you'll need to get is upgraded brake fluid, then brake pads, then maybe larger tires with a square setup and possibly even grippier summer tires that wear faster, or up to R-compounds once you can handle them. After that you'd be looking at suspension mods (camber plates, coilovers, etc).
completely agree. If I didn't track my car I'd probably just rock a 335i and save some cash and gain some torque. But the E9X M3 just rocks on the track. Mine sees 12-15 days a year. And I've only got ~$10k in mods and it doesn't really need any more improvement for track IMO. For an advanced driver all it needs are PFC pads or bbk and it is good to go really.
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 07:18 PM   #43
Amri215
Banned
Amri215's Avatar
12
Rep
161
Posts

Drives: 2012 Alpine White M3
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jphughan View Post
1)Paint issues would show up when you looked at the cars.

2) And brakes and tires are consumables anyway, so I don't see why increased wear would worry you there.

3) these cars were DESIGNED to be on the track
1) Yes I tend to look at my car so not sure what you mean here

2) Please tell me you are joking, the rates at which they are consumed between the street and track; are day and night, so again not sure what you mean here?

3) Maybe but not mine
Appreciate 0
      11-12-2012, 07:52 PM   #44
Powerbeast
Lieutenant General
Powerbeast's Avatar
United_States
5395
Rep
10,824
Posts

Drives: F80 M3 RarriRot
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (4)

too much money invested in mine LOL
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 06:06 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