E92 M3 on the track, any good..?

[RatBoy M3CS]

Well it's time to consider the next project now, after 18 months developing the E46CS.. and i dont think i can get it lapping much faster, short of taking some weight off of the car, and as a daily driver, thats a bad idea.. so E92..

Is there a good reason why i havnt seen one on the track before..?
Is the 1650Kg something to do with this..? yes it comes with 420bhp.. but do they lap any quicker.. with the extra weight..?
Are the EDC dampers any good or a hinderance like the PASM dampers on the GT3's..?

Any one got exp of these cars on the track..? vs the E46..?

[Slurms]

I've seen a couple on track and they have looked very good.

certainly no questions about the speed they can lap at.

Some reports of high brake wear but then with a car like that it's to be expected.

[chrisr29]

Seen plenty at the 'ring. They look brilliant!

[mat205125]

Just an personal observation, but outright pace should be a second priority on a trackday with FUN being number 1. We all love passing other cars on track days, but I prefer to view a track day as a personal challenge, and an opportunity to "have a play" rather than improving lap times (that are never ever timed, of course!)

ETA

I don't usually like silver cars, but your CS looks awesome with those wheels, and that stance

Edited by mat205125 on Wednesday 11th March 11:24

[RatBoy M3CS]

Thanks for the vote on the CS.. I think it looks pretty good too now..
18 months development... and its quick on the track for sure now.. I can brake and corner the same as the GT3's.. but they do pull away on the staights.. and its getting to me now..! 415bhp and 1395Kg.. is just too quick to run with.. round Slitherstone they are about 8 seconds quicker in the right hands, but i have passed many that were not...!
I was considering an E92 as a solution to run with them at just over half the cost..!
but yet to find myself on the track at the same time as one to back2back the cars..

I agree, trackdays are all about fun.. but everytime you have to pull over to let someone past, it chips away at your enjoyment level...!

[Nords]

Thorney has a e92 project car so badger him for info or check out http://www.thorneymotorsport.co.uk/racing/

[RatBoy M3CS]

Indeed... I know the man well.. he has done pretty much all the setup work on my car to date..

[bb1]

@RatBoy: Any pics, info on spec of your CS? Thanks

[mat205125]

How about a supercharger on your E46 to close the gap on the straights?

[bher]

mat205125 said:

Just an personal observation, but outright pace should be a second priority on a trackday with FUN being number 1. We all love passing other cars on track days, but I prefer to view a track day as a personal challenge, and an opportunity to "have a play" rather than improving lap times (that are never ever timed, of course!)

I really second to that.
I track my e92 and struggle to follow the elise/exige on short tracks, but feel and enjoy the power in tracks with straights.
My feeling is that if you want the best time, driver's experience, chassis set-up, power to weight ratio, dampers and tyres are the most important point. A well balanced car will let you reach the limit more securely.
On the other hand, regarding fun and sliding (without drifting), power is the key... and the E92 is described as easier to predict than previous M3...

[scz4]

mat205125 said:

How about a supercharger on your E46 to close the gap on the straights?

Close the gap, he'd be creating the GAP. ESS Stage 1 kit is around 450bhp, the next stage is 500bhp then 550bhp. http://esstuning.com/default.asp?c=shop&cat=93...

[mat205125]

bher said:

My feeling is that if you want the best time, driver's experience, chassis set-up, power to weight ratio, dampers and tyres are the most important point. A well balanced car will let you reach the limit more securely.

Weight is important, but if you look at the performance of a proper race car, then that is predominantly from suspension and tyres .... Andy Priaux's WTCC E46 touring car produces a similar amount of power to an E46 M3, weighs maybe 20% less, and runs slicks, a splitter, and a wing. If you were to fit the same tyres to an M3, chop a load of weight out of it, and slap on an aero kit and slicks, the WTCC car would still be massively quicker around a lap. Investing in a top notch suspension kit is where the time is.