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      06-10-2020, 09:44 AM   #1
K8_M235i
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My M235i for medium and economical track use

Hey Everyone. I post a lot on here, but I've never made a thread dedicated to my car.

My M235i is my "daily", but also for this season it is going to be my casual track car. I have a S54 E36 race car, but because of current events and financial/logistical reasons it doesn't make sense for me to run it this summer.

I have tracked my m235 a decent amount in the past, but in stock form as a backup car if the e36 was broken. Since I will be driving it a lot more this summer I decided to address some of its easier to remedy flaws.

I focused on making it economical to run, as well as something that is enjoyable to drive 6 hours to and from the track in one day.

This is how I set it up:

Suspension:
Tc-Kline camber plates (-2.5 front / -2 rear)
Dinan springs + bump stops

Brakes:
Hawk Dtc-70/60
Ate 200 fluid

Driveline:
M perf LSD (spec'd when new)
Rogue Engineering Short shifter

Engine:
Fabspeed sport cat
Stock otherwise

Wheels/tires:
Bimmerworld TA5r 17x9 +42 (10mm spacer front)
Falken 200tw 245/45 square
Rogue Engineering Race wheel studs


The 2 most important things in my opinion for running an F22 economically are camber plates and 17" wheels. Camber plates make it possible to make a set of front tires last more than one day. They also make turn-in much better and the car way more neutral especially when running a square tire setup.

Because of the fact I'm running 17" wheels, tires are much much cheaper. The Falkens that I run are only $125 a piece. They are very popular within the AER community because they last forever and they are very consistent. They aren't as fast as an Re71r, but they are also half the cost.

I'm going to Limerock Park tomorrow and I will report back with some footage.
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      06-10-2020, 01:48 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
This is how I set it up...
Well done!

Looking forward to your Lime Rock video. Which club is running there tomorrow?
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      06-10-2020, 01:59 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dradernh View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
This is how I set it up...
Well done!

Looking forward to your Lime Rock video. Which club is running there tomorrow?
Tomorrow is just a scca track night. In two saturdays I'll be there with bmwcca.
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      06-11-2020, 09:59 PM   #4
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Here's some footage from today. I had a great time, Limerock is a very fun and challenging track. Given that this was a track night in America event, there weren't a ton of traffic free laps, but I made the most of it and had a great time.

Towards the end of the second session I got a drivetrain malfunction and greatly reduced power. Towards the end of big bend you can actually see the car die. I tried restarting it, but it didn't sound good so I tried shutting it off again. It sounded like it was down a cylinder and all I could hear was a big vacuum. I didn't want to start it until I read the codes so I got flat towed back.

When I read the codes I was confused because they pointed towards a blown charge pipe. I have an evolution racewerks pipe that I installed before my stock one got the chance to blow. At this point I realized that the loud vacuum noise was probably the sound of my car being NA for a brief moment. The charge pipe must of somehow managed to recouple itself slightly because when I started it up everything seemed normal aside from a slight whistle. I felt the middle of the charge pipe and sure enough the rubber coupler was ready to fall off the upper portion of the pipe. I decided to clear the codes, skip the last session, and drive home while trying to stay out of boost.

This weekend I'll reattach the coupler fully and make sure to get the clamps nice and tight before Palmer on Tuesday.

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      06-11-2020, 11:14 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's some footage from today. I had a great time, Limerock is a very fun and challenging track. Given that this was a track night in America event, there weren't a ton of traffic free laps, but I made the most of it and had a great time.

Towards the end of the second session I got a drivetrain malfunction and greatly reduced power. Towards the end of big bend you can actually see the car die. I tried restarting it, but it didn't sound good so I tried shutting it off again. It sounded like it was down a cylinder and all I could hear was a big vacuum. I didn't want to start it until I read the codes so I got flat towed back.

When I read the codes I was confused because they pointed towards a blown charge pipe. I have an evolution racewerks pipe that I installed before my stock one got the chance to blow. At this point I realized that the loud vacuum noise was probably the sound of my car being NA for a brief moment. The charge pipe must of somehow managed to recouple itself slightly because when I started it up everything seemed normal aside from a slight whistle. I felt the middle of the charge pipe and sure enough the rubber coupler was ready to fall off the upper portion of the pipe. I decided to clear the codes, skip the last session, and drive home while trying to stay out of boost.

This weekend I'll reattach the coupler fully and make sure to get the clamps nice and tight before Palmer on Tuesday.

Nice driving and great vid! LRP is definitely a fun track
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      06-12-2020, 12:37 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's some footage from today.
Looks like a good time. First time with these Falkens? Any impressions? Seems like the fronts were having a hard time from the video...

Bummer about the charge pipe and missing track time. At least it's a trivial fix.

I was kicking myself for not bringing clamps along this weekend, too. Borrowed my friend's Miata and the exhaust hangers tore on track, clamps would've been the perfect fix. We ended up just ziptying it together and kept going
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      06-12-2020, 03:23 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's some footage from today.
Thanks for posting your video.

We can see your hand move to the shifter, but were you in 4th gear all the way around?
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      06-12-2020, 07:18 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msendit View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's some footage from today.
Looks like a good time. First time with these Falkens? Any impressions? Seems like the fronts were having a hard time from the video...

Bummer about the charge pipe and missing track time. At least it's a trivial fix.

I was kicking myself for not bringing clamps along this weekend, too. Borrowed my friend's Miata and the exhaust hangers tore on track, clamps would've been the perfect fix. We ended up just ziptying it together and kept going
It was my first time using them on this car. I think they definitely prefer a lighter car, but they still were easy enough to manage. I think they would also like a little more front camber, but I can't add any more because my springs would hit the strut towers.

I'm a big fan of them just because of how long they last. Falken actually just came out with a replacement 200tw which I'm going to try.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dradernh View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's some footage from today.
Thanks for posting your video.

We can see your hand move to the shifter, but were you in 4th gear all the way around?

I would shift into fifth on the main straight, down shift 5,4,3 into 1, use 3rd for turns 1,2, and 3, and then shift back into 4th on the back straight before the uphill and use 4th for the rest.

I tried using 3rd one lap up the hill, but the revs jumped way more in 3rd when the car got light, so I stuck with 4th. I was trying to be (somewhat) nice to the car.
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      06-16-2020, 05:58 PM   #9
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Quote:
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I'm a big fan of them just because of how long they last. Falken actually just came out with a replacement 200tw which I'm going to try.
People say the new Azenis RT660 is as fast as RE71r but wears out even quicker.
If you want long lasting tw200 tire, maybe try Hankook RS4.
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      06-16-2020, 09:33 PM   #10
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
I'm a big fan of them just because of how long they last. Falken actually just came out with a replacement 200tw which I'm going to try.
People say the new Azenis RT660 is as fast as RE71r but wears out even quicker.
If you want long lasting tw200 tire, maybe try Hankook RS4.
I actually read a blog post that said exactly what you just said. After I read it I bought another set of rt615k haha. My current ones have 4 days and 14ish heat cycles, and they still feel and look good.
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      06-17-2020, 02:02 PM   #11
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Here is some footage from Palmer yesterday. I drove a bit "loose" and definitely got a bit carried away with my turn 14 curb usage.
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      06-17-2020, 02:37 PM   #12
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Quote:
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Here is some footage from Palmer yesterday. I drove a bit "loose" and definitely got a bit carried away with my turn 14 curb usage.
Looks like fun!

I see Fred put in curbs and tire walls - when did that happen? The last time I was there the only help like that were the barriers to keep you from falling off the mountain!

Fast lap of 1:56.46?
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      06-17-2020, 02:44 PM   #13
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post


Here is some footage from Palmer yesterday. I drove a bit "loose" and definitely got a bit carried away with my turn 14 curb usage.
Hey, Fred put in curbs and tire walls - when did that happen!?!

Fast lap of 1:56.46?
They modified the track for the beginning of last season. They took out the wall separating pit lane from the track, added the little post things, and added a bunch of tires everywhere. They are also running the track cw now too, which is very fun.

Fast lap was 153.82, it pops up at the end of the video on the aim.
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      06-26-2020, 09:48 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
The 2 most important things in my opinion for running an F22 economically are camber plates and 17" wheels. Camber plates make it possible to make a set of front tires last more than one day. They also make turn-in much better and the car way more neutral especially when running a square tire setup.
100% agree on this point! I did the exact same thing, running camber plates, 17x8 wheels, and 245 square tires. The camber and wider width up front definitely helps turn in. Glad to see you're enjoying the car.
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      07-16-2020, 12:32 PM   #15
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Here's a lap from Thompson Motor Speedway in CT two days ago. Thompson is a fun little track. Great curbs and somewhat relaxing to drive. It's bumpy coming on and off the old nascar oval, but I think it's entertaining.

I'm still running on the same Falkens from mid way through last season. They have a tiny bit more tread life, but they are definitely not in their prime.


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      08-04-2020, 09:40 PM   #16
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Here's some footage from 2 weeks ago that I forgot to upload. I drove Palmer a couple weeks ago with a good friend of mine. We both had very similar pace and trust each other as drivers, so it was very fun.


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      08-09-2020, 11:11 AM   #17
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Here's a lap from NHMS North and South Chicane from last week.

I will rebuilding my calipers this week. When I came in after the last session I had a decent little fire on my drivers side front. My dust boots have been in disrepair for a little while and I'm getting a little uneven pad wear, so time to rebuild.


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      07-16-2021, 02:16 PM   #18
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Old post, I know.

I like the wheels. Would the 17x9 fit the 370mm front and 345mm rear rotors?

Also, if you are interested in selling them (if they fit), I would be interested. Cheers.
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      07-16-2021, 02:18 PM   #19
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Old post, I know.

I like the wheels. Would the 17x9 fit the 370mm front and 345mm rear rotors?

Also, if you are interested in selling them (if they fit), I would be interested. Cheers.
I don't think they would fit the 370mm rotors. They are very very tight to the 345s. I'm pretty sure bimmerworld says you need 18s for the 370s
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      07-16-2021, 02:29 PM   #20
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Thanks! I like the weight and looks of them. Thanks again.
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      07-16-2021, 02:32 PM   #21
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Thanks! I like the weight and looks of them. Thanks again.
They make 18s too! They are a great value
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      07-16-2021, 03:18 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by K8_M235i View Post
Here's a lap from NHMS North and South Chicane from last week.

I will rebuilding my calipers this week. When I came in after the last session I had a decent little fire on my drivers side front. My dust boots have been in disrepair for a little while and I'm getting a little uneven pad wear, so time to rebuild.
Old post, I know.

I missed your Loudon video when you posted it. It brings back fond memories of the excitement I experienced during time trials while barely under control between the exit of 6 and the exit of 10. What a dangerous track, that one is; still, there were remarkably few incidents during the time I was running there.

I wanted to ask you about your caliper rebuild. Whose kit(s) did you use, did they include fluid seals as well as dust boots, and did you find that you had 40mm pistons on both front and rear calipers?

I'm going to have my blue M-Sport calipers rebuilt and am looking for a source for more than just the dust boots sold by BMW. I looked at bimmerworld, but the front caliper rebuild kit is out of stock and they don't have a date for when it will be back in stock. They do have the rear kit, so I was thinking that if the pistons are the same size front and rear I might try buying rear kits and using them for both front and rear. There's always Zeckhausen, too, I imagine. Any thoughts you have would be most appreciated!
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