E92 Monte Carlo fire extinguisher

[TorqueDirty]

Ok have been gently salivating over these for a while now and have started to look more closely at some classified ads - and I have a question.

Did the Monte Carlo edition come with a red fire extinguisher under the driver's seat or is it just that there are few ex track cars on sale just now?

This for instance:-





and this:-



TD

[helix402]

The fire extinguisher can be fitted to any BMW at a dealer (or diy) as an accessory. Whether it was standard on the special edition, can't help you I'm afraid.

[TorqueDirty]

Thanks Helix,

I guess the next obvious question is: Would you buy a car that has been fitted with an extinguisher? My assumption is that a car with a fire extinguisher has had some significant track use (or at least that was the plan). Will tracking these cars harm them or is it simply a matter of making sure that they are appropriately serviced and looked after?

[Gruber]

TorqueDirty said:

Thanks Helix,

I guess the next obvious question is: Would you buy a car that has been fitted with an extinguisher? My assumption is that a car with a fire extinguisher has had some significant track use (or at least that was the plan). Will tracking these cars harm them or is it simply a matter of making sure that they are appropriately serviced and looked after?

You worry too much.

I've always carried a fire extinguisher - usually in the boot - and am not a trackdayist. And even if it has been tracked from time to time, provided it has been properly maintained it really shouldn't be a problem. It's a strong engine that was built to rev. And brakes / pads, which would probably be the greater victims of track days - are easily checked visually or via the OBC.

[TorqueDirty]

Gruber said:

You worry too much.

Maybe.

I'd still sooner buy a car that has not been thumped around a track for much of its life - all other things being equal. These cars ain't cheep to buy or maintain as I know from my previous M3 ownership (and that one was far from reliable sadly despite being bought nearly new!)

I'd guess that the engine, gearbox, various mounts, wheel bearings, suspension, bodywork, pads, discs, tyres, all get a good workout on track and will inevitably wear faster than if simply used for normal road driving. Some of these things are easy to spot, others not (at least for me).

That said, I do take your point about these cars being very tough and therefore easily able to withstand some track work.

And I did once have an Audi Quattro with a steering wheel that popped in to flames when going round a round about once. That certainly tested my composure! I carried a fire extinguisher in that car for as long as I had it!

[Wills2]

I think you're over thinking it, my old SL had a fire extinguisher and that never saw a track either, I'd be more bothered that the monte carlo isn't a CP car I'd search out one of those instead, lots of little improvements that add up to a better drive.

[glasgowrob]

My Mondeo taxi has a fire extinguisher. Hasn't seen a track (yet)

[TorqueDirty]

I'm being dumb no doubt but what does CP stand for?

[Cemesis]

Competition Pack.

All my old E39 M5's had fire extinguishers. I suspect it could be an option that someone ticked rather that doing so with a track purpose in mind.