[3.0L]

I'd say go for it.

I've long considered a track day, too. However, I'd much prefer to flog someone else's M235i.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by 3.0L

I'd say go for it.

I've long considered a track day, too. However, I'd much prefer to flog someone else's M235i.

If that's the case I'd suggest saving up for the BMW M school. Gives you a chance to flog the proper M cars (by the time you book, the M2 will probably be included). You get 2 days of track time and it's a great way to progressively build up your skills. Just be warned that afterwards you're going to really want carbon ceramic brakes.

I'll probably save next for their 2 day school at VIR.

[semclane]

Quick, if you are not already a member of the SCCA, join it and sign up for one of the two Track Night in America sessions remaining this summer. They are at Thunderhil (using the new "West" 2 mile track). Low key, 3 20 minute sessions, good place to try it and see if you like it for just $150. It will be hot. I did the June event and it was 107 according to the outside air temp readout, but the car ran fine.

Why am I recommending this over a BMWCCA event? The local track school/HPDE event in August is already sold out.

[isthar]

Just a data point. I'm taking my new M235, around 2500 miles, on all-seasons (!!!) to the track.

You're the driver, you can take it easy, as I will.

I've tracked only once before, in my previous daily driver MINI Clubman S JCW (and I did go off track turn 6-7 on the last lap, didn't slow down enough on the downhill). *

Given the $$ difference, I will certainly take it easier, but still the fun to be had is fully there, regardless of your speed (besides, you aren't going for timing, just to drive at closer to what these cars are goddam built to do!)

DO IT.

* edit: and what happened for going off track? sadly it did cut the last lap short for everyone (sorry guys), and aside from ego bruising, the side wheels (JCW Challenge wheels) and a slight bit of the body work got, well, as if you took a bunch of fine pebble sand and threw it at the side... and left behind little minute micro chips/scratches, but really, basically on a daily-driver kinda point of view, from normal distances, just not there. Wheels, brakes, eh, I didn't even notice a difference in wear (I'd say auto cross is more noticeable). Of course you took some miles off the tires... but whatever. Besides, I want these all seasons OFF so I can go get the summers on.

p.p.s. thanks to that track day I get to now say "I've passed a Lamborghini in my MINI" (cuz as you can imagine, a Lambo owner, or at least a reasonable one, is NOT going to risk going too fast

[Cyberdemon]

Ech - the stock all seasons I would be frightened to be taking on the track. I got rid of mine after 2 months, and found them to be dangerous at the limit. I took a turn too hard the other day when coming off the highway and wound up in a 4 wheel drift, and that was still at legal speeds.

I would be scared pushing them at speeds well above that point, this is really too much car to properly be handled by all season RFT's.

[isthar]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Ech - the stock all seasons I would be frightened to be taking on the track. I got rid of mine after 2 months, and found them to be dangerous at the limit. I took a turn too hard the other day when coming off the highway and wound up in a 4 wheel drift, and that was still at legal speeds.

I would be scared pushing them at speeds well above that point, this is really too much car to properly be handled by all season RFT's.

Oh I'm with you. I'm going to go real cautious and slow... and I am debating doing tire swap and just sell/give the A/Ses to someone... but I did email the coordinator (BMW CCA event) and he says I'll be fine.

Oh and I don't plan on doing anything other than Sport+ and no attempt at asking for full traction off. I'll let DTC do its thing.

But good data point. I'll keep thinking about the tire swapping.

(full story: I own a set of staggered wheels on winter tires, bought from a forum guy. my car came stock w the A/S and I presume squared wheels but I haven't confirmed that. So if they are square, what I want to do is swap:

remove A/S tires from squared wheels
swap winter tires to squared wheels
purchase and install summer tires on staggered wheels

*pant* and to do all that... time and $... bleh.)

[Cyberdemon]

FWIW I did exactly what you suggested. The factory square wheels will get winter tires, the all seasons will sit in a pile (whats left of them, I blew 2 out) to go back on for the lease return, and I picked up dedicated summers which I'll re-sell when I turn the car back in.

Given how quickly I destroyed the RFT's the second set of wheels may be a cost savings.

[MEBII]

Overwhelming support of doing a track day. I do dream of the cork screw at Laguna Seca. I am a BMWCCA member so I might go that rout. But also considered a "Speed SF", anyone have experience with them?

[uberspeed]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

Don't do it. Methamphetamine is a cheaper habit.

Hence why I gave up motorcycles and track days in that camp, I miss it though. These days I think at least one track day a year in your own car is a great learning experience, know thy limits and those of the vehicle, or at least start to form a framework for such. OP, do it!

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by MEBII

Overwhelming support of doing a track day. I do dream of the cork screw at Laguna Seca. I am a BMWCCA member so I might go that rout. But also considered a "Speed SF", anyone have experience with them?

I've run with Speed SF. Good group. I'd recommend.

[OpenAir]

First time on a track was with the Porsche World Tour and it was one of the best days of my driving life! I can't wait to take my 228 on the track later this summer...I think everyone should at least once! I even looked into the BMWCCA but they will not allow verts on the track, so I ditched the membership thing.

The track will still let me run as I have roll-over protection. Don't plan on warp 9, just some "engaging" driving!

[racerstf]

I am do the ED thing to pick up my M235i... You better believe I will be taking my car to the Nurburgring before I come back home. This car belongs on a track!

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by racerstf

I am do the ED thing to pick up my M235i... You better believe I will be taking my car to the Nurburgring before I come back home. This car belongs on a track!

Make sure the insurance you get while over here covers even tourist days at the Ring. The only company that still covers it here is Mariscon which is why I have them. I'm over the Ring. It's fun but way too expensive. I like the Hockenheimring much more. I'm going this weekend on Sunday.

[Phiberoptik]

If you track and something breaks, does BMW warranty cover it also?

[MEBII]

Originally Posted by Phiberoptik

If you track and something breaks, does BMW warranty cover it also?

I don't believe the BMW warranty covers track damage.

[Cyberdemon]

Originally Posted by Phiberoptik

If you track and something breaks, does BMW warranty cover it also?

This is a very gray area, but a couple things:

-It depends what breaks. If you have a collision, or miss a downshift and go into 1st instead of 3rd and grenade the engine - you can expect it will not be covered.

-If your fuel pump goes while at the track, or something that should not be directly related to running the car hard (running the car hard on the road would have caused the same failure) then it would be covered.

There are also guys who will pull off all their license plates while at the track. Some manufacturers and insurance companies have been known to look around the web to try and see if the vehicle was used at a track recently. Especially for people who try to commit fraud by hitting something on track, then driving the car a mile away and saying "omg I just hit a guard rail swerving to avoid an old lady". Then come to find out the track event posted all their photos and there is the car.

[supremepower]

Highly recommend doing some track time

One small suggestion is to swap the stock brake pads for the Pagid RS29. Major improvement in braking feel and performance

[AWheeler]

Absolutely, yes, take it to the track. You have some lovely circuits in northern California. Be sure to have an instructor ride with you, as they are very helpful in learning how to get comfortable and drive smoothly at high speeds.

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

If that's the case I'd suggest saving up for the BMW M school. Gives you a chance to flog the proper M cars (by the time you book, the M2 will probably be included). You get 2 days of track time and it's a great way to progressively build up your skills. Just be warned that afterwards you're going to really want carbon ceramic brakes.

Or just do this if you hesitate to put the wear and tear on your own car.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by Cyberdemon

Ech - the stock all seasons I would be frightened to be taking on the track. I got rid of mine after 2 months, and found them to be dangerous at the limit. I took a turn too hard the other day when coming off the highway and wound up in a 4 wheel drift, and that was still at legal speeds.

I would be scared pushing them at speeds well above that point, this is really too much car to properly be handled by all season RFT's.

Every track day I've ever been to was on a Mustang GT with all-seasons. You learn their limits quickly. One of my first instructors was former IndyCar racer Bill Prout. He told me that learning on all-seasons was actually a good thing, because they squeal so much and give you plenty of warning. Track tires like Toyo Proxes don't really squeal at all, so you should be experienced before using a tire like that.

[racerstf]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

Make sure the insurance you get while over here covers even tourist days at the Ring. The only company that still covers it here is Mariscon which is why I have them. I'm over the Ring. It's fun but way too expensive. I like the Hockenheimring much more. I'm going this weekend on Sunday.

Cool thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind. I'll look up that track as well.

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by wjones14

Every track day I've ever been to was on a Mustang GT with all-seasons. You learn their limits quickly. One of my first instructors was former IndyCar racer Bill Prout. He told me that learning on all-seasons was actually a good thing, because they squeal so much and give you plenty of warning. Track tires like Toyo Proxes don't really squeal at all, so you should be experienced before using a tire like that.

QFT

Street tires are really nice when you are starting out because they are progressive -- they don't have that "traction cliff" that slicks or R-comps have. They also make a TON of noise, so you have a good idea if you're pushing it too hard or if you messed up a turn. Highly recommend you just track your car stock (maybe a brake fluid swap before you go), and then go from there.

[2+3=5]

Sooooo much fun!!!!