E46 M3 On Track
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm thinking of a change of car next year, but just can't find anything that really fits my criteria.
Before my current R32 I had a VX220 as my only car, and did a few track days in it. I really miss the track days, as well as the feeling that every drive was an event. Ideally I'd go back to an Elise, but need something a little more practical.
What's the general view on M3s on track? Has anyone driven an Elise-based car and M3 on track? I always think the M3 would feel a bit too big and comfy to really excel on track. Also, how special does it feel on the road compared to an Elise?
I'm guessing a handful of track days a year would take its toll on the wallet in the form of brakes and tyres as well.
I think a CSL would probably fit my needs perfectly...well, all except the budget sadly.
I'm thinking of a change of car next year, but just can't find anything that really fits my criteria.
Before my current R32 I had a VX220 as my only car, and did a few track days in it. I really miss the track days, as well as the feeling that every drive was an event. Ideally I'd go back to an Elise, but need something a little more practical.
What's the general view on M3s on track? Has anyone driven an Elise-based car and M3 on track? I always think the M3 would feel a bit too big and comfy to really excel on track. Also, how special does it feel on the road compared to an Elise?
I'm guessing a handful of track days a year would take its toll on the wallet in the form of brakes and tyres as well.
I think a CSL would probably fit my needs perfectly...well, all except the budget sadly.
Edited by JimCross on Thursday 31st December 15:50
I had an Audi Elise track day car. It was fantastic on track and good on road. The M3 is the opposite.
I have found the standard brakes to be better than expected (though not brilliant) but the steering lock and body roll made the car feel large.
I guess pick your track. The M3 needs power and space
I have found the standard brakes to be better than expected (though not brilliant) but the steering lock and body roll made the car feel large.
I guess pick your track. The M3 needs power and space
I used to have a VXT, which was fantastic on track (apart from it's brakes. I boiled the fluid, which was pretty scary). Anyhow, I'm considering doing a Bedford track day soon in the M3, but am wincing at the cost of Pagid RS29s at £420 for front and rear axles just for the occasional track day.
Overall, the M3 feels great on the road. The secondary ride is sooo much better than the VXs, obviously (anyone who's hit a pothole in a VX/Elise knows what I mean). The M3 doesn't feel that special until you start pushing at the edges, when it begins to feel very special indeed. It's very communicative and fun to drive. The engine note is much more like it compared to the standard VX 4 pot too.
As for the track, well the VXT had some roll and pitch, but obviously that was limited and it clung on superbly. The M3 I'm expecing will roll quite a bit and if driven un-sympathetically will overheat the tyres quickly, not to mention the brakes. Soo, tidy laps it'll have to be then.
HTH.
Overall, the M3 feels great on the road. The secondary ride is sooo much better than the VXs, obviously (anyone who's hit a pothole in a VX/Elise knows what I mean). The M3 doesn't feel that special until you start pushing at the edges, when it begins to feel very special indeed. It's very communicative and fun to drive. The engine note is much more like it compared to the standard VX 4 pot too.
As for the track, well the VXT had some roll and pitch, but obviously that was limited and it clung on superbly. The M3 I'm expecing will roll quite a bit and if driven un-sympathetically will overheat the tyres quickly, not to mention the brakes. Soo, tidy laps it'll have to be then.
HTH.
bennyboysvuk said:
The M3 doesn't feel that special until you start pushing at the edges, when it begins to feel very special indeed. It's very communicative and fun to drive. The M3 I'm expecing will roll quite a bit and if driven un-sympathetically will overheat the tyres quickly, not to mention the brakes. Soo, tidy laps it'll have to be then.
HTH.
Agree with this, the M3 come alive when pushed hard and when I do so I am always surprised at it's capability. When on its toes it is a fantastic car on the road.HTH.
But it's not so good on a track. I took it on to find it's limits safely. It rolls too much through the corners and very quickly you are wincing wondering what the tyres are doing and end up not driving at 10/10ths, which is where all the fun is. And the brakes are poor if pushed to much. Compared to GT3 I did some laps in, it was rubbish. But no doubt the GT3 would be too hardcore for normal UK roads, so swings and roundabouts.
However....back on the road it's just a joy, remains sure-footed and composed no matter what the road throws at you and just seems to want to go faster and faster. I did scrub off the outer edges of the front tyres on a two week road trip on twisty Spanish mountain roads though (35 deg didn't help).
Bennyboy- book Rockingham March- see Northloop thread & can see how how it compares to the 36s... Be good to have a nice mobile Chicane mind you if its wet not many can drift like yr goodself so the tables will be turned well & truely!
Think if dry you will be a tad disapointed with the 46 on track as standard tho.
MOT drift day end of this month too if you have some rear tyres need polishing off.
Be good to have a nice mobile Chicane mind you if its wet not many can drift like yr goodself so the tables will be turned well & truely! Think if dry you will be a tad disapointed with the 46 on track as standard tho.
MOT drift day end of this month too if you have some rear tyres need polishing off.
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