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2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics N55 (M235i) Engine, Transmission, Exhaust, Tuning M235i convertible for tracking

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      06-13-2017, 07:25 AM   #1
salukutinaveen
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M235i convertible for tracking

I am considering buying a used M235i convertible and would like to know if it can be taken for tracking.. Summit point is the nearest track for me and they need role bar installed for any convertibles. Want to see if there are any for M235i Convertible..

Any help is appreciated !

Thanks in advance !!
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      06-13-2017, 09:41 AM   #2
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Strom Motorsports does a cage for the coupe. I doubt it will work for the convertible, but you can check with them.
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      06-13-2017, 09:46 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
Strom Motorsports does a cage for the coupe. I doubt it will work for the convertible, but you can check with them.
Thanks man ! I will check with them .. Mustang and Camaro have these roll bars .. not sure if anyone makes something like these for M235i ...
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      06-13-2017, 09:49 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by salukutinaveen View Post
Thanks man ! I will check with them .. Mustang and Camaro have these roll bars .. not sure if anyone makes something like these for M235i ...
I doubt those roll bars will pass any kind of track day inspection. Would have to see how they mount, but from what I remember about those old bars is that they are mostly cosmetic and don't have any bracing to keep it from folding in on itself in a roll over.

Any legit bar will make you lose the use of your back seat.

If tracking the car is one of your priorities I suggest you consider not getting a convertible. Unless it's a S2000 or Boxster. Those come with factory roll bars that most tracks will allow. I think the new miata does too.
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      06-13-2017, 09:56 AM   #5
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most verts are not welcome at track days by most groups.

Get a coupe.
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      06-13-2017, 10:01 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
most verts are not welcome at track days by most groups.

Get a coupe.
This. Why make your life much more difficult that it needs to be? Coupes are easier to mod too. And you can fit 4 wheels and tires in them. And they handle much better even stock. I could go on and on.
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      06-13-2017, 10:10 AM   #7
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I know guys ! I currently have an M3 and will be selling it soon.. but wife wants a convertible 4 seat, which sucks ! Coz I cant find one that I can take to the track !

Any suggestions!? Need not be a BMW.. at this point, i am open to other brands as well ..
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      06-14-2017, 09:53 AM   #8
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I track my verts M235i, my local track allowed pop up so with helmet and 4points everything goes fine. If you real need a cage, most half cage is useless, only for look, esp like aftermarket roll bar.

Vert M235i performance is very impressive to me as a vert. With LSD and Coilover its hard to feel the lack of rigidity. LSD is key.
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      06-14-2017, 10:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by salukutinaveen View Post
Any suggestions!? Need not be a BMW.. at this point, i am open to other brands as well ..
Budget? I have no idea how the track would view it, assume more favorably than a true vert, but the Porsche Targa is sexy as hell.

Here's the deal. If you just wanted a 4-seat convertible I'd suggest other things. The MB options are good, S5 etc. but the double duty as a track day beast is massively complicating things as you know. The back seat in the 240 is pretty much useless except for children.

Really depends on what you plan to use the car for outside of track time. I personally wouldn't make my life miserable 350 days a year for the 15 I'd spend on the track. Hell if you are looking for open roof fun with wife and kids as stupid as it sounds a Wrangler might be best.
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      06-14-2017, 11:07 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BEM-S4 View Post
Budget? I have no idea how the track would view it, assume more favorably than a true vert, but the Porsche Targa is sexy as hell.

Here's the deal. If you just wanted a 4-seat convertible I'd suggest other things. The MB options are good, S5 etc. but the double duty as a track day beast is massively complicating things as you know. The back seat in the 240 is pretty much useless except for children.

Really depends on what you plan to use the car for outside of track time. I personally wouldn't make my life miserable 350 days a year for the 15 I'd spend on the track. Hell if you are looking for open roof fun with wife and kids as stupid as it sounds a Wrangler might be best.
Thank man ! I only need the back seats for kids really, and a daily driver car. Also plan to take it to Track may be 5 times a year .. But want to get more into tracking..

I wish I had that money .. Love 911's ! My budget is around 50k .. can push to 60K..
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      06-14-2017, 11:25 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by salukutinaveen View Post
Thank man ! I only need the back seats for kids really, and a daily driver car. Also plan to take it to Track may be 5 times a year .. But want to get more into tracking..

I wish I had that money .. Love 911's ! My budget is around 50k .. can push to 60K..
In that case the 235 is probably what you need to be doing. For your purposes you're firmly in the jack of all trades master of none, but you know that.

Only other real question is do you do more highway driving or B roads for your daily needs? The 2 is a great car, I have had 2 of them now, but I'd take a C43 over the 235 if I spent more time on the highway. That or an S5. When I have to get on the turnpike to head out to my second office 90 miles away the 235 convertible stays home. The 4-series is nice too but I LOATHE hard top convertibles. Word is that's going away eventually though.
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      06-14-2017, 11:26 AM   #12
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And you're welcome...

http://www.bmwofsterling.com/new/BMW...6b69a8e7e0.htm

If that's not the car you're planning to buy it should be. Get them to CPO it for you through 75K miles with included maintenance and you are good to go.
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      06-14-2017, 11:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
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In that case the 235 is probably what you need to be doing. For your purposes you're firmly in the jack of all trades master of none, but you know that.


Thank you !

Mostly highway .. I will check out the merc as well ..
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      06-14-2017, 11:43 AM   #14
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Quote:
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Thank you !

Mostly highway .. I will check out the merc as well ..
Just full disclosure I have not driven the MB convertible. I have driven the coupe and I had the 235 coupe before switching to vert, so I am basing my advice on coupe vs coupe comparison. Assume it will hold true for vert vs vert.

That said I wouldn't necessarily spend $20K more on that versus the exec demo 235 I sent you. Is it nicer on the highway? Sure. But I wouldn't justify a 50% price premium for it.
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      06-15-2017, 09:55 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dukeapenguin View Post
I track my verts M235i, my local track allowed pop up so with helmet and 4points everything goes fine. If you real need a cage, most half cage is useless, only for look, esp like aftermarket roll bar.

Vert M235i performance is very impressive to me as a vert. With LSD and Coilover its hard to feel the lack of rigidity. LSD is key.
I would never track a vert without a proper roll bar. I see a few roll overs a year at the track. Just last December a VW GTI rolled over.

More power to you, but not for me. I tracked my s2000, but that comes with proper protection from the factory.

If I had a vert and needed the rush I would hit up the auto cross and stay away from road courses.
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