[ngewe]

guys is the 335i meant for the track? assuming after installing oil coolers.
without an LSD would there be problems of fish tail etc?

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by ngewe

guys is the 335i meant for the track? assuming after installing oil coolers.
without an LSD would there be problems of fish tail etc?

No street car is "meant" for the track. Can you track the 335i..yes, it works fine. It would be better if it had a limited slip differential. My 335i came with a factory installed oil cooler. I have had some high oil temps on track..but I am an instructor..so I dont exactly drive slowly. The average person would be fine with the stock brakes, sport suspension, stock oil coolers. The run flat tires that we get here in the US arent very good on track. The car pushes (understeers) to much for me in total stock form...that was easily fixed with an aftermarket coilover suspension and going to a non-staggered set up on the wheels/tires.

[uberschnell]

There are some guys here S4to335, Leftcoastmen, Hedgemony, who track a lot and seem to have wired the best 335 config for track use, and seem to like their cars.

For the casual tracker like me it's also perfect.

[dArNeLLi]

how would the 335i do w/o an oil cooler at the track? i'm worried since my car was built in october 06 and doin a day at thunder hill in june, temps are probably upwards of the 90s to 100

[e92phreak]

Originally Posted by dArNeLLi

how would the 335i do w/o an oil cooler at the track? i'm worried since my car was built in october 06 and doin a day at thunder hill in june, temps are probably upwards of the 90s to 100

Probably won't do too well... Just watch your temp as it approaches 270+. Rest your car after 20 min and bring a fan to cool your front down when you into the garage.

[S4to335]

At least get an OEM oil cooler retrofitted to your car....you might even have a case to have BMW pay for the job.

[gloster]

+1 to S4to335. No street car is meant for the track, i.e. competition and/or no compromise performance. But many street cars, including all 3 series are a ton of fun to take on the track with or without mods.

[Bama335]

I track mine bone stock, and it's a blast - if you're a beginner like me, you can run stock and the car is still way more capable than the driver.

After some seat time, you can mod for increased performance as your skill set improves.

Start with dedicated track wheels/tires, then maybe track pads. Then move to the brakes, coil overs, LSD, etc.

Once you're consistant with the slow in, fast out (while being smooth), maybe look for more HP - My last instructor told me I'd probably improve more quickly with a slower car - a slower car forces better lines in the corners to maintain speed (S4, you agree with that diagnosis?).

[Hegemony]

Originally Posted by Bama335

My last instructor told me I'd probably improve more quickly with a slower car - a slower car forces better lines in the corners to maintain speed (S4, you agree with that diagnosis?).

Heh, I know instructors who have traded down from miata's to Spec E30's for just this reason. The general adage is, "If you can drive fast in a slow car, then it should be no problem to drive fast in a fast car." I think it's true, but I dislike guys who push this philosophy on every driver they come across. It's a great way (maybe even the best way) to learn how to drive, but it's not the only way.

Do what makes you happy and you can afford. Be courteous on track. Get out of the way of cars that are faster than you, and always try to learn something each trip out. If you're doing all that and someone still says you're doing it "wrong" then they're just being an ass.

The car does fine stock for beginner to low intermediate drivers. I wouldn't worry about pads until you start feeling brake fade. Same is true for any mod. I wouldn't add it until you've actually felt the need for it in the feedback you're getting from the car.

Speculating on the best config for your driving style is a wallet-emptying proposition.

[leftcoastman]

I would tend to agree with your instructor.

One of the organizations that I run in constantly has beginner drivers with modded cars. As they progress - they learn bad habits due to the high limits of their cars.

Without fail, you'll see guys in Z06s and GT3s on race rubber, the works...getting passed by a guy in a stock 335i on runflats. I "downgraded" my car during the learning process. I'd like to think that's what makes me a non-bad driver now.

Notice I didn't say "good", lol.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by Bama335

I track mine bone stock, and it's a blast - if you're a beginner like me, you can run stock and the car is still way more capable than the driver.

After some seat time, you can mod for increased performance as your skill set improves.

Start with dedicated track wheels/tires, then maybe track pads. Then move to the brakes, coil overs, LSD, etc.

Once you're consistant with the slow in, fast out (while being smooth), maybe look for more HP - My last instructor told me I'd probably improve more quickly with a slower car - a slower car forces better lines in the corners to maintain speed (S4, you agree with that diagnosis?).

Yep..why do you think I had an E30 325i race car...and then a spec miata for 5 years. Momentum cars are ideal for learning.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by leftcoastman

I would tend to agree with your instructor.

One of the organizations that I run in constantly has beginner drivers with modded cars. As they progress - they learn bad habits due to the high limits of their cars.

Without fail, you'll see guys in Z06s and GT3s on race rubber, the works...getting passed by a guy in a stock 335i on runflats. I "downgraded" my car during the learning process. I'd like to think that's what makes me a non-bad driver now.

Notice I didn't say "good", lol.

there is always a better skilled driver out there...always. Racing at Laguna Seca in my Spec Miata...with 62 cars in the field...was awesome..the different lines people took thru places was tremendous to watch and learn from. Like "I didnt know you could go way out there and still make it thru the corner at that speed" Hmphf.

[Bama335]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Yep..why do you think I had an E30 325i race car...and then a spec miata for 5 years. Momentum cars are ideal for learning.

Good thought - Since I don't see this track habit as a passing fad, I've already started lobbying for the dedicated "track car" with the missus - she's not opposed at this point, so perhaps I see an E36 325, or maybe even an E36 M3 in my future.

In the meantime, I'll stick with the stock 335, and keep working - I honestly can't say I'm even close to a "not-so-bad" driver at this point - much more work to be done

To the OP: sign up, check your ego at the track gate, then head out and see what she'll do

[dArNeLLi]

Originally Posted by S4to335

At least get an OEM oil cooler retrofitted to your car....you might even have a case to have BMW pay for the job.

is it that risky for me to go out there w/o the oil cooler? temps should be in the 90s-100s on that weekend at thunderhill, its my first time and i just want to get a feel of what the track feels like

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Yep..why do you think I had an E30 325i race car...and then a spec miata for 5 years. Momentum cars are ideal for learning.

I thought all cars were momentum cars.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by dArNeLLi

is it that risky for me to go out there w/o the oil cooler? temps should be in the 90s-100s on that weekend at thunderhill, its my first time and i just want to get a feel of what the track feels like

I have been at Thunderhill probably close to 60 days..it gets real hot there. Being a beginner I think you will be ok...but for me...I would probably overheat WITH an oil cooler. Just watch your oil temps..if they get to 285...slow down..or come in an drive around the paddock a bunch.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

I thought all cars were momentum cars.

Youve obviously not driven a miata on a track then.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Youve obviously not driven a miata on a track then.

I will report back to you when I get a chance to drive said miata on a track.

I have gotten a few rides in some miatas though.

Does a LS1 miata count as a momentum car?

[S4to335]

What is an LS1 miata? monster miata?

When you have to get off throttle quickly to avoid something while going up a hill into the corkscrew at Laguna...and then you get back on throttle and go "WTF, dont I have ANY power going up this hill?" THAT is when you know what a momentum car is.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by S4to335

What is an LS1 miata? monster miata?

When you have to get off throttle quickly to avoid something while going up a hill into the corkscrew at Laguna...and then you get back on throttle and go "WTF, dont I have ANY power going up this hill?" THAT is when you know what a momentum car is.

So, what's a car that goes backwards on the hill when you let off the throttle?

[Das M]

i can't wait to go to the track in june.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

So, what's a car that goes backwards on the hill when you let off the throttle?

My electric golf cart..of course..silly.