Worth to track an E90 330i?

[Zebrs]

Hi all, I’ve got an E90 330i (N52) manual sitting on my driveway doing not a lot. I’ve also been toying with the idea of something like a clio for a fun track car.

Struck me the other day that stripping the E90 could save enough weight to make a viable track car at least in power/weight terms given its ~250bhp, or at least used to be. It’s reasonably leggy (147k) but the engine is sound, and water pump has been addressed in last couple years. Given the fact I know it, and that it’s prob not worth a great deal, I’m wondering if it’s trackable rather than buying something unknown.

Viable idea, or not worth it?

[Darkslider]

I wouldn't bother personally, even losing some interior trim you'd need to budget for a full set of tyres, brake pads and two full tanks of fuel each track day, there's cheaper to run track car options out there!

[d_a_n1979]

Zebrs said:

Hi all, I’ve got an E90 330i (N52) manual sitting on my driveway doing not a lot. I’ve also been toying with the idea of something like a clio for a fun track car.

Struck me the other day that stripping the E90 could save enough weight to make a viable track car at least in power/weight terms given its ~250bhp, or at least used to be. It’s reasonably leggy (147k) but the engine is sound, and water pump has been addressed in last couple years. Given the fact I know it, and that it’s prob not worth a great deal, I’m wondering if it’s trackable rather than buying something unknown.

Viable idea, or not worth it?

Go for it; why not?@

You've got the car there; so if that's what you want to do, then strip it out as much as you can; put some more aggressive brakes on (Mtec C hook discs and Ferodo DS2500/3000 pads with HEL braided lines) and get some lighter alloys and stickier tyres (Team Dynamics are cheap enough in 17/18" sizes (just make sure they'll clear your brake calipers etc) and away you go

You could even have a dedicated set of 2nd hand alloys with track tyres on (Toyo 888s as an example) and take them down with you, swap them out there and hit the track; when done, swap the alloys back and drive home

That's exactly what I used to do with my Integra DC5 when I used to frequent Anglesey Circuit regulalry

[Swervin_Mervin]

Not sure why you think a manual N52 330i E90 wouldn't be worth much. The manual 330i in E90 and E91 are fairly sought after I thought, and tend not to hang around for sale for very long.

[ShoooRn]

The E90 is a very capable track car but for sure not the cheapest. The consumables are where it'll start costing more than something older but the cost is always higher with tracking any BMW.

Weight saving will be somewhat considerable I imagine having felt the doorcards.

The Car itself is quite desirable still even at higher miles so of course the ball is in your court but it will use more fuel and more tyres (and brakes) than that of a smaller hatchback for example but will be more unique.

[BFleming]

Having occasionally tracked my E46 330i some 10 years ago, my recommendation is "do it". There's nothing like the look on the Clio lads faces when you pull past them on the straights!
Don't strip anything out just yet, but consider some subtle mods/maintenance like some polybushes, new brake fluid & possibly some better pads. If you enjoy the first day you do like that, then think about weight saving, better seats etc. Leave the headlining in place - it weight nothing & will stop condensation dripping on you!
If you ever get fed up with it, there's a decent secondhand market for track tools too. Enjoy it!

[Zebrs]

Thanks chaps - consensus seems to be its not an insane idea but could be pricey to run. I quite like the idea of a little fettling before going all in. Brakes are already using drilled/grooved discs and uprated pads, but could prob do with some braided lines and a bit of suspension work.

Thanks all

[Mr Tidy]

Well it's probably easier to use a car you already have and know to find out if it's any good before swapping it for something else.

If you do go ahead I'd love to know how you get on - I've got one as a daily driver!

[d_a_n1979]

Zebrs said:

Thanks chaps - consensus seems to be its not an insane idea but could be pricey to run. I quite like the idea of a little fettling before going all in. Brakes are already using drilled/grooved discs and uprated pads, but could prob do with some braided lines and a bit of suspension work.

Thanks all

I’d personally not run drilled discs, they have a habit of cracking. But if they’re already fitted, see how they go

[Toed64]

I disagree with some of the comments above, old BMWs are great fun on track and you'll see quite a few out there. Rear wheel drive cars are arguably more fun than front wheel drive hatchbacks too. If it has the N52 motor, it'll take the abuse, so long as you use decent, higher than standard road viscosity oil...don't be tempted to use 0W20 because these engines run hot. I'd go for 5w40 or thicker...I use 15w50 in my track car (which is a fwd hatch at the mo) and it uses a lot less less than it does when using the standard 5w30.

I'd also put fresh gearbox and diff oil in and remove the clutch delay valve to reduce clutch slip when shifting quickly.

One cheap but very effective mod is to fit M3 lower control arms to the front. They give significantly more negative camber and it reduces understeer, improves the turn in and grip dramatically. They also have the advantage that front tyre shoulder wear is reduced, so your tyres will last much longer on track.

They are available for about £50 each on Amazon, but they are only listed by part numbers and have the BMW logo ground off!
TRW JTC1426 and JTC1427
(They are listed as spark plugs this evening!)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TRW-JTC1426-Spark-Plugs/d...