Tyres and Z3M Roadster as Track Car

[TheMonster]

Hello,

Currently track an E36 M3 which i like alot.

couple of problems -
1. it eats tyres
2. the missus wants a convertible

so looking for feedback on a couple of points -
1. can anyone recommend a good set of hardy road legal track day tyres. i like minimum effort so i want to be able to drive there and home and not have to change wheels at the track
2. what would a z3m roadster be like as a track car? any chance of it being like an e36 m3 but less harsh on tyres?

cheers

monster

[MarJay]

TheMonster said:

Hello,

Currently track an E36 M3 which i like alot.

couple of problems -
1. it eats tyres
2. the missus wants a convertible

so looking for feedback on a couple of points -
1. can anyone recommend a good set of hardy road legal track day tyres. i like minimum effort so i want to be able to drive there and home and not have to change wheels at the track
2. what would a z3m roadster be like as a track car? any chance of it being like an e36 m3 but less harsh on tyres?

cheers

monster

From what I understand, the Z3 is nothing but an E36 with the E30 rear suspension. Its basically a compact with a different body. This means I would expect it to be harsher on tyres than an E36 M3. I assume the Z3M is no exception.

The E36 handles better than the Z3, this is pretty common knowledge. And its also written in my Haynes "You and your" "BMW 3 series" book. So if I'm wrong, blame the Haynes book of lies.

Last trackday I did in my Subaru was on Kumho Exta sports, so I assume you don't need super sticky track tyres to have fun. Personally I'd go for a sporty all round tyre like a Goodyear Eagle rather than something like a Toyo R888 which can't be used if the temp outside drops below ten degrees or something.

[Dr Imran T]

Well I used to have a E36 albeit a diesel and thought it handled well. Again, I agree with the other chaps comments. I believe the E36 coupe/saloon is better than the Z3M...

I would havea also thought any car arond 1500Kgs would be heavy on tyre wear. Perhaps try some different tyres and see which one gives the best mileage.

[sniff diesel]

Loose some weight from the M3 and get some part worn slicks for £20 a corner.

[boxsey]

Ignore the Mrs and reduce the problem to one?

[Chris71]

I must admit I always wonder about this when people leap to recommend full size saloons like the E36 as track day cars instead of Caterfields or hot hatches...

If low costs are a priority, why not look into a sports car?

[mmm-five]

Chris71 said:

I must admit I always wonder about this when people leap to recommend full size saloons like the E36 as track day cars instead of Caterfields or hot hatches...

If low costs are a priority, why not look into a sports car?

Maybe the OP needs something practical as well as sporty and doesn't have the option of having a different car for every occasion?

Normally when you have something that's cheap to track it tends to be useless for shopping, school runs, family holidays, pig farming, etc.

[jon-]

TheMonster said:

1. can anyone recommend a good set of hardy road legal track day tyres. i like minimum effort so i want to be able to drive there and home and not have to change wheels at the track

Hard compound Kumho V70a hold up fairly well, just don't expect them to be great on the road when cold / wet.