330ci for track use ?

[couchcommando]

Hello, for the last 10 years I have raced/trackday bikes and after this seasons racing I am having a rest from it.
I fancy doing some car trackdays having done a couple in the past, I want something I can drive there and back that will be fun, lap times don't interest me at all. I have a 335D as my normal car and have been looking at a 330ci for track use. There are a few in my budget of £3k. I would assume I will have to change the brake fluid and pads for something more track biased but apart from that will it provide what I am looking for ?

Any other suggestions welcome but budget is £3k and it has to be rear wheel drive, thanks.

[Chris71]

Do you want it as a dedicated track car?

If so I wouldn't go for an E46 (or later). At that budget I'd be thinking E36/E30 or something like an MX5 or 205 GTi. You want a car that's going to be cheap, simple and well supported in terms of spares, consumables and upgrades.

If you just want an occasional track car then give it a go in the 335D. You may need to cool the brakes down ever so often if you're really going for it, but otherwise it should be perfectly adequate as an introduction.

Personally I'd have a go first before spending cash on a dedicated track car. Don't get me wrong, you will get hooked, but you might find your road car is okay for occasional track use or you might get some ideas for a dedicated track car while you're there.

Edited by Chris71 on Thursday 11th November 13:40

[couchcommando]

Yeah it would only be for track use, done a few days in the past in my road car and enjoyed them, don't really want to use the 335d it's worth too much and needed for work

[pikeyboy]

In my opinion yhey are too big and heavy for track use without some serious money spending on them.

[GreigM]

pikeyboy said:

In my opinion yhey are too big and heavy for track use without some serious money spending on them.

I agree with this - consumables will cost a lot - as above, something like an MX5 might be a better bet...

[Chris71]

For that budget in RWD it's only really an MX5 or an E30/E36 BMW I think. I had a ride in an MX5 racecar (Max 5 I think the series is called?) this week and that was hillarious - very sideways indeed and quicker than you might expect a relatively standard MX5 to be around a very greasy Silverstone.

[swtmerce]

If I didn't have my E36 M3 which I use for track and wanted to save a little on running costs, I'd definitely consider a 330. No problem in getting the weight down to close to an E36, great engine, better shell and chassis I reckon.

[pitbull turbo]

i wouldn't bother to be fair. i have had a 330 m sport and didn't find it that great as a fast driven car and also it lacks vital rwd things like lsd! its a decent everyday car but on the track it will cost loads in maintance as its hevey and not that quick!
for that budget maybe a 200sx or even a r33 gtst would be better as it would cost the same to run as the 330 but will fast and have a lsd and tuning options once you are bored.

[g40steve]

Chris71 said:

For that budget in RWD it's only really an MX5 or an E30/E36 BMW I think. I had a ride in an MX5 racecar (Max 5 I think the series is called?) this week and that was hillarious - very sideways indeed and quicker than you might expect a relatively standard MX5 to be around a very greasy Silverstone.

Who's was it you had a go with?
I go TDing with Rodders & Nick & they are very poised in all conditions

[fuchsiasteve]

Forget the big heavy 330ci and go for a Honda Accord Type R. Great fun on track and sound superb with a long air intake fitted (amplifies that VTEC howl). You just need to fit DS2500 pads for great stopping ability. Much more agile and involving than a 330 and can be had for 3K.

They are bullet proof reliable too. Just done another 100 lap stint at Oulton Park today in our 197,000 mile example (still on its original engine!).

Easy to work on too

Edited by fuchsiasteve on Friday 12th November 21:14

[dan101smith]

Personally I'm not a big fan of the engine in the 330i.

For my £3k I'd either buy a cheapo E36 M3, or an E36 328i with some mods for under £2k, and spend the balance on trackdays.

But it depends on how much track use influences your decision. An E46 is the more refined car on the road, without a doubt.

[couchcommando]

Thanks for the advice, it's a big no to anything front wheel drive !, I'll look at other stuff as well now

[Chris71]

g40steve said:

Chris71 said:

For that budget in RWD it's only really an MX5 or an E30/E36 BMW I think. I had a ride in an MX5 racecar (Max 5 I think the series is called?) this week and that was hillarious - very sideways indeed and quicker than you might expect a relatively standard MX5 to be around a very greasy Silverstone.

Who's was it you had a go with?
I go TDing with Rodders & Nick & they are very poised in all conditions

Dunno. I'd never driven Silverstone before so I jumped in the passenger seat with a guy called Ben in an MX5 racecar for the first few laps to get an idea of where I was going.

I meant very sideways in a positive way I hasten to add, and it was slippery as hell out there, but it did seem to be running quite an entertaining setup.

This is a different car, but my enduring memory of the day will be this:


I never thought I'd see those two on the same track...

[braddo]

This E36 328 is now sold but something similar would be preferable to a 330i, I think:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2135022.htm