I need another track car, M3.

[Peter DLM]

So I felt that I need another track car that isn't as hardcore, terrifying, or specialised as my Caterham to use.

I found this M3 on eBay, has AP big brake kit already, just needs a nice set of coilovers.

It's a DCT, has 117k miles but you really can't tell, has been well serviced and cared for. It has an exhaust mod that makes it sound somewhat epic but also not too loud at the same time. I'm going to take it to Bedford for noise tests to make sure it's quiet enough. I'd die if I get black-flagged in this car. It's mapped and also has the gearbox map from the GTS.

 

[gunning]

As an all round car on the track the m3 is hard to beat for the money. Sticking it on coilovers is a good plan! My first modification is always coilovers to a track car.

Post a pic when you've got it on coilovers

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Looks great Pete, I owned the four door version for about a month, really good car, very underrated in my opinion.

I also liked the fact it upset the Mfree fan boiis by having a V8 in it.

 

[Peter DLM]

And on my drive. Rained all afternoon so it's dirty as hell already.

 

[Peter DLM]

So, when blagging your way onto the afternoon session at Bedford to try out your new toy for the first time, make sure you remember that you've turned off all the driver aids and pay attention when exiting a slow bumpy hairpin, don't have a conversation about brakes.

Amusing moment at the end.

https://youtu.be/3Fqc25WWBLI

 

[st13phil]

Amusing moment at the end.

And it had been going so well

 

[Peter DLM]

It had been lol, I'm so mad with myself. Totally not paying attention and just mashed the throttle thinking the car would sort itself out. A valuable lesson, I was also shocked how I didn't feel it coming, but I think I'm used to the Caterham where it's an extension of me, the M3 feeling like a boat by comparison.

 

[AMGeed]

That looks a nice track to run around. An old aerodrome?

 

[Peter DLM]

That looks a nice track to run around. An old aerodrome?

It is indeed, Bedford Aerodrome/Autodrome. Has several configurations, the GT circuit being 4.2 miles and an interesting mix of couriers and straights, one being quite long.

The good thing is that all the hard things to hit are mostly far away so you can get away with being a cabbage. Not too dear either, and only 30 mins or so from my house.

 

[Peter DLM]

Brake!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Love it Pete, how did you find the M3 round the track (besides your bit of drifting!)

 

[Peter DLM]

Love it Pete, how did you find the M3 round the track (besides your bit of drifting!)

It's not too bad actually, maybe a little faster than I expected, but standard suspension isn't good enough for what I want. You can see how much it's diving under braking in the pic above and I wasn't even braking that hard really.

It has an AP BBK in the front so the brakes are really good. The rear tyres are at the end of their life anyway, I have a set of 4 x 18x10" wheels and sticky yoko AD08R tyres to go on. 265/35 on all 4 corners, understeer begone!

Best bit is the sound

 

[DuncS3]

Very nice - I have an e46 M3 that is my track car - buckets, cage, Intrax coilovers, AP brakes, carbon airbox etc etc - can become quite an expensive hobby!

 

[Peter DLM]

Very nice - I have an e46 M3 that is my track car - buckets, cage, Intrax coilovers, AP brakes, carbon airbox etc etc - can become quite an expensive hobby!

I know, I've seen your posts on Cutters. I'm trying to track down a good value set of Intrax coilovers. They seem to be the big daddy choice for M3s, especially with Black Titan and ARC.

AP Brakes are such an utter win, they're equivalent to Porsche brakes, ie amazing.:bannana:

Just spent £2k on Apex wheels in 10J square size and AD08r tyres. Took the rear seats out last weekend.

Just need the coilovers, seats, bushes, cage now.

 

[DuncS3]

Intrax are fantastic - I use Martin - aka trackm3 for all my bits - great customer service.

 

[Peter DLM]

Wheels on. Apex ARC-8 18x10" on each corner wearing 265/35/18 Yoko AD08r.

Still pontificating on coilovers.

 

[Peter DLM]

Intrax are fantastic - I use Martin - aka trackm3 for all my bits - great customer service.

Do you have the ARC option? I'm wondering if it's totally necessary?

The Schirmer E92 M3s use Nitron R3 and one just did a 6:59 lap of the ring

 

[gunning]

Wheels on. Apex ARC-8 18x10" on each corner wearing 265/35/18 Yoko AD08r. Still pontificating on coilovers. http://s1011.photobucket.com/user/p...1514967C-9AAE-46D6-B79B-1F6707D90E6D.jpg.html

Coilovers are a must in terms of track performance. Plus i could fit my head in your wheel gap.

 

[Peter DLM]

Coilovers are a must in terms of track performance. Plus i could fit my head in your wheel gap.

Indeed, it's just which ones to opt for really, and what spec. I'm well aware of how high it is right now, there's no need to remind me

 

[gazz]

I've got Nitrons with special spring rates by Spires on my E46. They work very well on track for me. Not really suitable for the road though.