[MineralF22]

I apologize for probably a post that many have posted. This is my first car, of value so I want to ensure I take proper protocol for participating in a track day.

What are some things you do and/or suggest for someone who wants to track their m235i? I purchased it 2 months ago from a BMW dealer, it just crossed 33k miles, and it was completely stock when purchased. All I have done to it so far is drive 800 miles, changed the grill to black, and swap the mirror caps out.
I will be replacing two of the tires, as one has a bulge on the sidewall and the other is older than 3 years old.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

[John in VA]

See this section: https://www.2addicts.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=638

Good luck, and be careful!

[mecheng77]

Unfortunately as great and reliable as these cars are including the engine. The N55 under high G forces is known to starve the engine of oil and spin the bearings. If ppl track their car a wise investment is a baffle for the sump

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by MineralF22

I apologize for probably a post that many have posted. This is my first car, of value so I want to ensure I take proper protocol for participating in a track day.

What are some things you do and/or suggest for someone who wants to track their m235i? I purchased it 2 months ago from a BMW dealer, it just crossed 33k miles, and it was completely stock when purchased. All I have done to it so far is drive 800 miles, changed the grill to black, and swap the mirror caps out.
I will be replacing two of the tires, as one has a bulge on the sidewall and the other is older than 3 years old.

Any and all advice is appreciated!

Do you know yet which track you'd like to drive on, and when you'd drive it?

[ggggbmw]

I have been tracking my 2014 for five years now. Usually 3 weekends a year.

I have not made any specific performance modifications to the car for tracking. The only 'mod' was replacing the charge pipe with a metal version, more for reliability reasons. Also have installed wheel studs, but not sure I'd do that again. Engine and suspension are essentially 'stock'.

For track use I do flush with a high temp brake fluid. I've used RBF600, and currently use Castrol SRF. I install a real track pad. I've used Ferodo DS1.11, PFC08, and this year I'll be trying G-LOC R12/R10 pads. The Ferodo DS2500 will not hold up under hard use, but will last a weekend easily. I also have a dedicated set of 17" track wheels and tires, using Hankook RS4's. All of this has served me well, and kept my operating costs relatively low. For a first time out the only critical thing is fresh brake fluid.

As for the N55 oil starvation issues, well, that is a concern. However, many people run for years without ever having an issue. One thing to do to combat this is to make sure your oil is at full fill. Or maybe even a bit over (like 250ml / quarter quart).

Another choice I have made is to run a relatively narrow 225 width tire. This limits your ultimate grip and keeps the G forces down. It also forces you to drive the car carefully and really learn how to control the car and turn/brake/accelerate smoothly. Another upside is that narrower/smaller tires are cheaper.

If your ultimate goal is set incredible lap times, well, this isn't the car to do that. If your goal is to have a ton of fun and learn a lot, that is very achievable with this car. And believe me, the car is still plenty fast. I'm typically in the faster half of any intermediate run group and can hang with the advanced guys driving 'normal' cars.

[RGM330i]

And set aside some budget for brake pads and tires.......... I do not track my M240i but did my Cayman 981.......a blast but there are some wear items for sure.