E36 cheap track day toy

[Hamster69]

So you aren't a fan of these engine mounts. They seem considerably cheaper. This isn't supposed to be a nice drive, it's supposed to handle well.

[carpetsoiler]

Hamster69 said:

So you aren't a fan of these engine mounts. They seem considerably cheaper. This isn't supposed to be a nice drive, it's supposed to handle well.

Then get those!

[TroubledSoul]

Hamster, please update if you get those mounts. They look a good buy. I take it you'd go for the extreme ones?

[mk4gtiturbo]

I'd interested as well. Are all engine mounts the same? (I'm thinking if, no, When I drop my 2.8 into the Compact!)

[Hamster69]

I was going to go for the "stiff" ones but not extreme. It's not exactly got to take the strain some M3 one have. I don't often drift either which is when I think those would be needed. I do have to drive to Belgium in it soon too. Would rather get there with all my teeth still in.

[TroubledSoul]

Fair dos! Mine is intended for actual racing, not just track days, when it's eventually done so still interested to hear how you find them as it will give me something to go on.

[Hamster69]

So about a month with no activity. This has to be a record for this year. Partly caused by a lack of money and going away on holiday for the first time since I bought the BMW. As I write this I am lying in bed on the Greek Island of Rhodes. It is still early morning and the fiancée is asleep, so I thought it was about time for an update.

I did buy those engine mounts. I also purchased some stiffer gearbox mounts to go with them. I really am cutting things close now. We return home from holiday on Thursday. I will get the car out of storage on Friday. Sunday morning I have booked a few laps at Silverstone during the Pistonheads Sunday service. Then on Wednesday we set off for Spa. I'm also working on Saturday so when I'm going to get all these mounts fitted I'm not sure but they will have to be done by Sunday morning. Fire extinguisher ordered as well, which will have to be "fitted within the reach of the driver" to be allowed on teach at Spa.

Pictures of the work then tracks to follow but for now I'm going for a dip in the pool. 27 degrees in October makes a very nice change.

[iSore]

E34 520i/525i M50 engine mounts are perfect. I have them on mine and they are both a direct swap and don't transmit noticeably more noise into the cabin. They are the solid rubber ones, not the hydraulically damped E36 types. They're about 40 quid the pair from the dealers.

[f0xy]

Good work on sticking with the M44, looks like you've had a decent number of days out in it too.
What day are you at Spa, Thursday or Friday?

iSore said:

E34 520i/525i M50 engine mounts are perfect. I have them on mine and they are both a direct swap and don't transmit noticeably more noise into the cabin. They are the solid rubber ones, not the hydraulically damped E36 types. They're about 40 quid the pair from the dealers.

I've used these for a number of years without issue too - cheap, reliable and not harsh at all.

[Hamster69]

Well I have bought the fast road ones now so we will see how they work out. I'm not particularly worried about noise or harshness so long as they are an improvement. My car has come a long way since it was quiet and comfortable.

We will be on track Thursday. Assuming that le shuttle is actually running Wednesday.

[f0xy]

I'm sure they will be fine. I'm there on the Thursday, but only on track in my 36 on Friday. I will keep an eye out for your car

[Hamster69]

Back in the workshop Saturday. Undertrays off and I was a bit surprised to find that both engine mounts have compleatly sheared off.



As I jacked the engine on a pump up stand it became clear that the whole front end was loose.
New parts ready to go on.



Not to bad a job although a bit tricky to get the old engine mount studs out of the brackets as there was not a lot to grip. Anyway new engine mounts in.



I think it is safe to say the old ones have seen better days.



They are a lot more solid than the standard ones. I'm glad I only went for the "fast road" ones and not the "extreme race". You can now hear every noise, the engine even whines like a supercharger has been fitted.
Gearbox mounts fitted, brake fluid changed again and popped along to Silverstone this morning to see how it goes.



Very pleased! There was some quite quick stuff out there. Ultima GTR, new GT3 RS etc. obviously hammered us on the straights, but anyone can go fast in a straight line.
Actually round Copse, there was nothing quicker.

[TroubledSoul]

Do you think those fast road ones would be fine for a race car? I don't want to build something that's a pig to drive if I don't have to. Plus it will be driven to and from track days most of next year.

Did you get the gearbox mounts from the same place?

[Hamster69]

Like I say they are extremely hard. Anything harder I would be worried about the mount brackets braking.
The gearbox mounts were an eBay purchase.

[TroubledSoul]

Awesome. I think I might go for a set if you're happy with the quality. I've got the front arms and steering rack off so I'm just thinking it might be the right time to do these. What do you reckon?

[Hamster69]

They do seem good quality, but obviously they have only used this morning. The front arms aren't really in the way. I guess it would be a bit easier with the rack off.

[TroubledSoul]

Cheers, might buy a set tomorrow. Are the stock ones sort of like a damper? Or are they solid too, albeit in a softer rubber way?

[iSore]

Engine mounts that are too stiff would concern me. I used the E34 525i ones and they have just enough 'give' without being harsh.

[Hamster69]

I know I said the bumper was full. But it is the home of the British GP.



I also came across a pic on the Sunday service forum. Thanks who ever took it.

[Hamster69]

We had an amazing time on Thursday at Spa. Yes it snowed, no it didn't stop us. A more detailed report, hopefully with videos to follow. But for now just to say we all can home safe and sound. Defiantly will be going back!