Can you 'track an M5?
Discussion
Right I'm in a pickle.
I've fallen out of love with my E36 M3 for a few reasons, but mainly because it is too low milage (33k) for the kind of track abuse that I have planned for it next year.
A matey of mine has just bought an E34 M5 and another is looking at an E39 M5. Both are on my wish-list.
So here's the question; Can you actually take an M5 (either generation) on track in the same way you might use an Elise and a) have fun, b) not kill it and c) not kill your wallet?
Are these big beasts actually fun on the track or is the Queens Highway, more their kind of thing?
Tar muchly,
Asbert.
I've fallen out of love with my E36 M3 for a few reasons, but mainly because it is too low milage (33k) for the kind of track abuse that I have planned for it next year.
A matey of mine has just bought an E34 M5 and another is looking at an E39 M5. Both are on my wish-list.
So here's the question; Can you actually take an M5 (either generation) on track in the same way you might use an Elise and a) have fun, b) not kill it and c) not kill your wallet?
Are these big beasts actually fun on the track or is the Queens Highway, more their kind of thing?
Tar muchly,
Asbert.
An M5 is not an obvious track car, due mostly to its weight and suspension setup, which is more suited to fast road driving. Tyres, suspension and not least brakes will take a right £££ pounding.
However, the M5 is of course the Ring Taxi (see Sabine throw it around) or have a look on youtube for various track M5 fun & games.
E.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKWCYoiSZmo
However, the M5 is of course the Ring Taxi (see Sabine throw it around) or have a look on youtube for various track M5 fun & games.
E.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKWCYoiSZmo
rassi said:
.
However, the M5 is of course the Ring Taxi (see Sabine throw it around) or have a look on youtube for various track M5 fun & games.
E.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKWCYoiSZmo
This is what appeals. Always wanted to be a taxi driver However, the M5 is of course the Ring Taxi (see Sabine throw it around) or have a look on youtube for various track M5 fun & games.
E.g. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKWCYoiSZmo
My problem of course is that I see the track as a playground and not an excercise in 'have dumpling before you drive to extract the last nano-second out of each lap' type affair, a la our Loti bretheren.
Oversteer is my friend and whilst the M3 will oblige, It just looks a little too, 'obvious'.
Humph.
Edited by ASBO on Wednesday 28th November 09:52
It is not a track car.
To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
As has already been said tyres, susp and brakes will consume ££££££££££££££s! You will have oodles of fun though. However IMHO if you really must go this route an M6 would be even MORE fun - and probably better value. It's just a huge Caterham on track really!
In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.
In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.
Pugsey said:
As has already been said tyres, susp and brakes will consume ££££££££££££££s! You will have oodles of fun though. However IMHO if you really must go this route an M6 would be even MORE fun - and probably better value. It's just a huge Caterham on track really! In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.
Not quite yet endowed enough fiscally to throw an M6 the track In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.ASBO said:
Pugsey said:
As has already been said tyres, susp and brakes will consume ££££££££££££££s! You will have oodles of fun though. However IMHO if you really must go this route an M6 would be even MORE fun - and probably better value. It's just a huge Caterham on track really! In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.
Not quite yet endowed enough fiscally to throw an M6 the track In the long run though, although you say you're not bothered about the last nano second we're all a wee bit competitive aren't we and you may eventually get fed up with getting stuffed by smaller lighter less powerful cars.A pal of mine runs an E34 track car - has over 300k on the clock yet still shifts with the best of them. It did have a recent suspension kit from Steve Guglielmi, and does run through pads at a fairly high rate but other than that it's a stunning track car that surprises many people.
The E34 and E39 are heavy cars and even with the interiors stripped back still weigh in excess of 1400KGS. However with a decent set of brakes on both cars, some subtle suspension tweeks and some decent and not overly expensive modifications both cars will surprise on track. If you have some cash to spend a great way to enjoy yourself.
derestrictor said:
It is not a track car.
To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
You silly sasauge, that made me snigger...To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
derestrictor said:
It is not a track car.
To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
...which is quite the bizarrest quote as I do know a Mr Jardine and he indeed used to go shark swimming off the coast of the Cape... (and he still has both legs)To expose it so with anything approaching regularity would be to ensure a fiscal reality not dissimilar to that experienced by dipping your lower leg into South Afrikaan waters off The Cape during feeding time at the Carcharodon Carcharias Theme Park whilst proclaiming thus, "Don't worry, Mr Jardine, I eat man eaters for breakfast and Hardy Kruger's a puff."
Agree though, the E39 is not a track car - too heavy and will cost a fortune in consumables..
NS24 said:
A pal of mine runs an E34 track car - has over 300k on the clock yet still shifts with the best of them. It did have a recent suspension kit from Steve Guglielmi, and does run through pads at a fairly high rate but other than that it's a stunning track car that surprises many people.
Steve is a really top bloke, but I think he'd say get an Elise for track stuff. That's what he races now anyway, albeit an 1.8t 20v Audi engined one. Anything that weighs a lot is going to eat consumables on track and struggle in the corners too.
Jez
Of course you can track an e34 M5 - I've done about 30 days in mine.
You've just got to be prepared for how much it's going to cost to maintain the car with all that extra punishment.
My bills for the 6 years or so that I did it are not a nice thing to read - i.e. 1 set of tyres for every other day (had track day wheels and tyres thank deity), set of pads every third event (£140/set), set of discs every 10th event (£200/disc), suspension rubbers every 10,000 miles, suspension twice in 6 years (£3,000 a time), plus 120 miles @ 6-8mpg per event (i.e. £85 a tank).
I'd estimate I was spending £1000 per event on the cost of the track day, plus maintenance, fuel, tyres.
If I was to do it again, I'd get an e28 528/535/m5 instead as they're a lot lighter and are simpler to repair (if you can find the parts).
Some more piccies:
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Elvington3/E...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Elvington4/E...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Silverstone/...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Prestwold1/P...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Prestwold2/P...
You've just got to be prepared for how much it's going to cost to maintain the car with all that extra punishment.
My bills for the 6 years or so that I did it are not a nice thing to read - i.e. 1 set of tyres for every other day (had track day wheels and tyres thank deity), set of pads every third event (£140/set), set of discs every 10th event (£200/disc), suspension rubbers every 10,000 miles, suspension twice in 6 years (£3,000 a time), plus 120 miles @ 6-8mpg per event (i.e. £85 a tank).
I'd estimate I was spending £1000 per event on the cost of the track day, plus maintenance, fuel, tyres.
If I was to do it again, I'd get an e28 528/535/m5 instead as they're a lot lighter and are simpler to repair (if you can find the parts).
Some more piccies:
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Elvington3/E...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Elvington4/E...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Silverstone/...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Prestwold1/P...
http://web.newsguy.com/scouse/Gallery/Prestwold2/P...
Edited by mmm-five on Wednesday 28th November 15:25
ASBO said:
Right I'm in a pickle.
You're as bad as me chap!! I reckon you're just going to have to get yourself a two car fleet!My own M5 shaped itch is getting worse.
I've conviced a buddy to take me for a blast in his when I'm back. I just don't know if it would be entertaining enough that I'd actualy want to use it over the Caterham on occasions when I don't need the space / weather protection????
hmmmm, decisions, decisions
Edited by 7SS on Wednesday 28th November 16:45
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