[M3 Esq]

I'm going to test drive one tomorrow but this is what I'm thinking:

Alpine White (or maybe BSM)
Sensatec
Aluminum trim
Moonroof delete
6 speed manual
Heated seats

Port options:
LSD
M Performance brakes
M Perf suspension

10k/yr lease with full MSDs

Aftermarket oil temp gauge

Thoughts?

[Greenkirby21]

hey! that's kinda what I was thinking for mine : )

well.. except EBII and no heated seats

But I can't order mine yet
I wish they came out with conclusive information for LSD port install

[Tim917]

splitter, diffuser..

Doesn't stop tech or someone have a big brake kit? (or will soon). May save some $

why heated seats?

[pit1]

well optioned!!!

Track car lease, through BMW Financial?
Do you have experience with that?
Any Lease agreement issues?

I'm looking to do the same in about 9 months when DD is paid off. I commute 80 miles/day so this will be my summer/track car. Would prefer to lease.

[ManCityFan]

I am considering something very similar. however, those port options would likely add about $8k to the price, possibly more?

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by Tim917

splitter, diffuser..

Doesn't stop tech or someone have a big brake kit? (or will soon). May save some $

why heated seats?

I'll take a factory installed BBK over aftermarket anyday. A friend of mine has a stoptech BBK on his E36 racecar and said the ABS sometimes acts funny with the BBK. Plus I am not even sure how big a difference there is between the M sport brakes that come standard and the M Perf brake kit so I might not even order it.

Heated seats because I would sometimes use it as a daily car.

Originally Posted by pit1

well optioned!!!

Track car lease, through BMW Financial?
Do you have experience with that?
Any Lease agreement issues?

I'm looking to do the same in about 9 months when DD is paid off. I commute 80 miles/day so this will be my summer/track car. Would prefer to lease.

I tracked my leased E92 M3 with no issues. A lot of guys do it. Just make sure you have insurance.

Originally Posted by ManCityFan

I am considering something very similar. however, those port options would likely add about $8k to the price, possibly more?

I know, but since it's going to be a stripper that's ok. I'll need to see if any of the port options can be residualized in the lease.

[M.barnes]

no one i know advocates buying an m235i as a track car as its too soft and smooth and wallowy. Better with a 2nd hand M3 or similar

[JustChris]

Do you get much more for the M Perf brakes? Are the front calipers bigger and the discs drilled and vented?

Sound good though yup.

[M.barnes]

calipers are the same size, but mounted at a different point to allow bigger discs which are drilled

[ManCityFan]

based on published stop distances, it appears that the stock calipers/rotors are pretty decent. wonder if swapping out for track pads and fluid would suffice?

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by M.barnes

calipers are the same size, but mounted at a different point to allow bigger discs which are drilled

I think this is right. The M Performance brake kit discs are drilled and slotted AFAIK. The calipers are made by Brembo and are aluminum.

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by M.barnes

no one i know advocates buying an m235i as a track car as its too soft and smooth and wallowy. Better with a 2nd hand M3 or similar

Agree but there is something to be said to having an under factory warranty track car. Plus it looks great.

[M.barnes]

Yeah don't get me wrong, I'm tracking mine lol but mine is a daily driver that will see track days. If I wanted a car just for track it wouldn't be the 235i.

In terms of brakes id go for braided hoses, better fluid and pads and if really needed grooved standard discs (which you can get from bmw). Will be a massive saving over performance brakes. You are paying a massive amount for 30mm bigger discs I think.

[BEM-S4]

Tracking a leased vehicle isn't an issue, insurance is a different story. I've seen a number of guys having their P-cars towed off the track to the side of a nearby road before calling their agent.

[M3 Esq]

Just got back from my test drive. First of all it looks great. The car was AW over black leather, manual, and fitted with the black grills, M Performance stickers, and rocker panel blades.

I took it for a short drive, maybe about 20 minutes. The shifter is great. It is short throw and feels really good. Pedal position was good as I didn't have any trouble with heel and toe. Good acceleration, very similar to my 335i - it's the same engine so no surpirses there. However, even with the extra HP and torque, it didn't feel that much faster than my 335i wich was a bit disappointing.

There is no temp guage which is odd. On the idrive screen it had guages for HP and TQ levels. Fun I guess but not useful.

Steering is a bit numb just like the R&T reviews said. You don't get much if any feedback through the wheel. Steering is precise though and overall felt ok. I don't think I wouldn't buy the car because of it.

Seats are comfortable. Very similar to the 335i. The side bolsters on the 335i might be a bit more supportive.

Is the exhaust note pumped in to the cabin? My salesperson wasn't sure but said he didn't think so. If it is I couldn't tell. The car is pretty quiet but does make a good sound under hard acceleration. I didn't expect it to be super engaging (i.e. E46 M3) but it seems like it would be a good compromise as a DD and HPDE car.

Overall it's a good car. I still might lease one but I am going to wait until the LSD is available. My salesperson said he looked into it and didn't see that it was available yet. The dealership GM (who I am friends with) told me there was a bulletin on it and that he didn't remember what it said but would check on it for me.

[M3 Esq]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Tracking a leased vehicle isn't an issue, insurance is a different story. I've seen a number of guys having their P-cars towed off the track to the side of a nearby road before calling their agent.

This is not advisable. Better to absorb the loss if not insured rather than go to jail for insurance fraud.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by M3 Esq

This is not advisable. Better to absorb the loss if not insured rather than go to jail for insurance fraud.

Agreed entirely, haven't done it myself but have seen it done. Also not advisable to get a GT2 you aren't capable of driving and blowing the thing up on a downshift from 5 to 2 with 200 miles on the odometer. More $ than brains...