Tracking an M5

[johnag007]

Hi family needs and central London mean there is not much chance of owning 2 cars, "been there done that" and had the 2nd doing 5-6 track days and not much else aside from accumulate fees, depreciation, and aggravation.

I will be replacing my trusty old X5 as well as my XFR which I have in Europe, since again I am not spending the required time to enjoy it (and will eventually risk a monster speeding fine).

So, can I track an M5 (upcoming or existing models being considered) like 3-4 times a years? Do their brakes fade, what are consumable like? I read the Evo article on the M5 used there and clearly they go through hell everyday.

Most importantly, having owned an M3, how more ponderous are M5 around the track? Are they really enjoyable, my XFR is is front heaving for really fun driving.

Sincerely

JAG

[Zod]

Really depends on the track. If it's a tight track without long straights, then it's not very M5-friendly. A mix of curve radii and some straights to put down the power and the M5 can shine. I moved into the M5 from a CSl and had to change my driving style. It cannot carry the same speed around a tightish corner as a CSL (particularly one on Cup tyres), but its acceleration out of the corners is brutal, so you really emphasise the slow-in and then get on the power early, using it to tighten the rear on the way out of the corner.

[M5 Mark]

As above depends on what track. If it's somewhere lame like Brands indy circuit then it's a waste of time. If it's full brands or any major full track then no problem. Personally I LOVE taking mine to Snetterton, that track is made for M5s IMO YES the breaks do fade, upgrade to 6 pots and problem solved.

[Beardy10]

Many years ago (I think 2003) I went on a BMW organised M/// track day at Silverstone....this was obviously the era of E46's and E39's. There weren't many M5's but the one's that were there really struggled in the bends compared to the E46....it really stuck in my mind. Obviously no idea how much better the E60 is but at the end of the day it's a big heavy car and I would have thought the wide expanses of Silverstone would be pretty much as much of an M5 friendly track as you could find.

[johnag007]

Many thanks for the answers. Brands Indy is really too small for most powerful cars, and none of the heavy ones can be setup properly around the tight 180 degree turn (Druid?) anyway, most have scrubbed hundred of pounds of tires around that one.

Living in Central London Silverstone and full Brands are therefore the best.

Many thanks for answers, I have a feeling I might be better off buying 2 cars though, no one seems to cherish an M5 compared to an M3 or worse CSL. Now if only baby seats could fit is a CSL...

JAG

[Zod]

Beardy10 said:

Many years ago (I think 2003) I went on a BMW organised M/// track day at Silverstone....this was obviously the era of E46's and E39's. There weren't many M5's but the one's that were there really struggled in the bends compared to the E46....it really stuck in my mind. Obviously no idea how much better the E60 is but at the end of the day it's a big heavy car and I would have thought the wide expanses of Silverstone would be pretty much as much of an M5 friendly track as you could find.

I was there. Didn't notice that, but I did see an M5 show it's extra power down the Hangar straight. Still had to brake earlier than the M3s though.

[Beardy10]

Zod said:

Beardy10 said:

Many years ago (I think 2003) I went on a BMW organised M/// track day at Silverstone....this was obviously the era of E46's and E39's. There weren't many M5's but the one's that were there really struggled in the bends compared to the E46....it really stuck in my mind. Obviously no idea how much better the E60 is but at the end of the day it's a big heavy car and I would have thought the wide expanses of Silverstone would be pretty much as much of an M5 friendly track as you could find.

I was there. Didn't notice that, but I did see an M5 show it's extra power down the Hangar straight. Still had to brake earlier than the M3s though.

It could just be the couple of people out on track in the M5's in my group weren't much cop behind the wheel but they definitely really struggled in the bends. If you wanted to track an M5 the brakes and suspension would definitely need attention.

[130R]

Tyres are obviously very important too, on a set of worn tyres you are really going to struggle. Would recommend going with something like a Pirelli P ZERO Corsa tyre and you will notice a big difference in lap times. They're not cheap though.

[M5 Russ]

My e39 has had AP brakes and a full Bilstein coilover conversion. I would be say it's as quick as any E46 m3 around the track bar a CSL.

[_Neal_]

What impact do the coilovers have on the ride - a lot firmer on the road?

[M5 Russ]

They make the car a little firmer but it now Feels so precise and sure footed. It is well worth the money in my opinion.

[manand38]

Take my E60 to the Ring sometimes, storming....