Bimmerpost
3
/
4 Series
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) General G20 Sedan / G22 Coupe / G26 Gran Coupe Discussions Have you taken your M340i to the track?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-23-2020, 02:32 PM   #23
bmwdrive
Lieutenant
461
Rep
526
Posts

Drives: X5
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Is there a good reason to pay so much extra for an M3 for track use? It seems like you all are doing just fine with the M340i. I've been to the track exactly once in my life with my old 335i and I would like to start going more. But obviously I'm a newbie and I'm not going to track more than once or twice a year at a maximum. Btw, my '07 335i did overheat and go into limp mode. That wasn't the greatest. For me it was a blast and way more than I could handle. So I'm kind of thinking the M340i would be a better street car and plenty of track/autocross car for me.
Appreciate 0
      11-23-2020, 04:55 PM   #24
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by danf72 View Post
Is there a good reason to pay so much extra for an M3 for track use? It seems like you all are doing just fine with the M340i. I've been to the track exactly once in my life with my old 335i and I would like to start going more. But obviously I'm a newbie and I'm not going to track more than once or twice a year at a maximum. Btw, my '07 335i did overheat and go into limp mode. That wasn't the greatest. For me it was a blast and way more than I could handle. So I'm kind of thinking the M340i would be a better street car and plenty of track/autocross car for me.
Yes, with proper tires, pads, and some instruction you can hang with the big boys in an M3/4. You have to remember that an M3/4 is basically a 3/4 series modified by BMW M to be more track worthy. It's lighter, has better cooling, has more power, and upgraded components to handle the abuses of track use. The fact that you went into limp mode in your 335i is not surprising-it's a street car. My M3 has never overheated on the track (knocking on wood), even in triple digit temps after 50+ 2.5mi laps.

Regarding the M340i, it will certainly do fine on the track if you go once and awhile. But if you go twice a month like me, a M car offers a package that you can't get in an M Performance car. Now, if you want to strip down your M340i and build a track car then by all means, it will perform better than a stock M3/4, but overall you are starting with a better package with an M car.
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 1
stein_325i25051.00
      11-23-2020, 06:50 PM   #25
bmwdrive
Lieutenant
461
Rep
526
Posts

Drives: X5
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the reply. I'm definitely not going to go to the track more than a couple of times per year. I'm thinking with the extra cooling package on the M340i I should be OK to go have fun and not break down.

Is there any benefit to the M3/4 on the street? The only advantage I can come up with is if I go with the manual transmission on the G80. Other than that, the M340i will be plenty fast to send me to jail. I should add that I test drove the M2C and I can see an advantage on the street. It's really nimble and stupid fun. It's just tough with a family. I'm not sure an M3 would be fun in the same way.

Last edited by bmwdrive; 11-23-2020 at 07:18 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-24-2020, 12:20 PM   #26
jlapicki
Captain
jlapicki's Avatar
United_States
612
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Baltimore MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by imported_Mike View Post
I took mine to the track, with stock tires lol.

No issues at all, it was over 100F and all the corvettes/older BMWs were overheating, mine was solid

One thing to note is that if you are trying to run lower tire pressures the DSC won't stay OFF... so just try to deflate to your hot temps after a few warm up laps
Do you have the ZTK package?...how were the stock brake pads?
__________________
2022 M440i Convertible - San Remo Green / Cognac
2021 Mazda 6 Signature - Machine Grey / Parchment
2020 M340i - Mineral White / Black - SOLD
2017 M2 - Alpine White / Black - SOLD
2001 e39 M5 - Titanium / Caramel - A "Keeper"
Appreciate 0
      11-24-2020, 03:19 PM   #27
gofast182
Captain
615
Rep
766
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

I have two track experiences with the car. First was at the performance center when I took delivery. What an incredible experience that was. Second is I took my car on track for one session at the ///MPact event at Pocono (I'm an instructor with NASA, the M340i is my daily not my track car, and I spent most of the time in student's cars). The all-season run flats were a bit of a disaster not only in corners but the brakes could easily overpower them. However, pulling onto the straight I could 100% keep up with a new Camaro SS. Give this thing some sticky (and wider) tires and it would be a hoot on track.
__________________
2020 M340i xDrive, Portimao Blue
2019 X5 xDrive 40i, Mineral White
2006 S2000, Berlina Black (Track car)
Appreciate 1
seccsc239.00
      11-25-2020, 01:57 PM   #28
imported_nick
Private First Class
80
Rep
159
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jul 2007

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jlapicki View Post
Do you have the ZTK package?...how were the stock brake pads?
I don't have ZTK. They were just fine! I would do 4-6 laps at Big Willow and had no brake issues, definitely tire issues on the stock PS4 ZPs.

My pace is not that fast at 1:44 though
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2021, 07:27 AM   #29
jlapicki
Captain
jlapicki's Avatar
United_States
612
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Baltimore MD

iTrader: (0)

Heading to Summit Point in 2 weeks and finally confirmed that my Hawk track pads from the M2 do not fit the m340.....anybody know if any track pads are available?
__________________
2022 M440i Convertible - San Remo Green / Cognac
2021 Mazda 6 Signature - Machine Grey / Parchment
2020 M340i - Mineral White / Black - SOLD
2017 M2 - Alpine White / Black - SOLD
2001 e39 M5 - Titanium / Caramel - A "Keeper"
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2021, 08:55 AM   #30
///Mobbin
Colonel
///Mobbin's Avatar
1475
Rep
2,672
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Houston

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jlapicki View Post
Heading to Summit Point in 2 weeks and finally confirmed that my Hawk track pads from the M2 do not fit the m340.....anybody know if any track pads are available?
Counterspace Garage sells brake pads for the new Supra. I'm pretty sure the calipers and pad shapes are the same as our cars, might give them a call.
__________________
2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio | 2.9L | Trofeo White Tri-Coat | 8-spd
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2021, 09:11 AM   #31
Jay performance
Registered
China
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: G20 325
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: China

iTrader: (0)

brake duct will be needed, and better brake pads.
we suffered transmission over heat when doing some drift around some corners in track...
Appreciate 0
      04-18-2021, 12:43 PM   #32
Blubaron79
Brigadier General
Blubaron79's Avatar
United_States
1431
Rep
4,722
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

I'm taking mine next week for the first time. I'm excited to see what it can do over my F30 340i.

I'm expecting it to handle much better with the LSD, and just better overall dynamics the G20 has.

I tracked my old F30 more than a half dozen times with no limp mode or heat soak stock. I did also have the Track Handling Package.
__________________
Current: 2021 M340i xDrive

Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
Appreciate 0
      05-06-2021, 07:24 PM   #33
Brotherhef
Private First Class
Brotherhef's Avatar
United_States
43
Rep
155
Posts

Drives: 2014 335i
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Tulsa

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Blubaron79 View Post
I'm taking mine next week for the first time. I'm excited to see what it can do over my F30 340i.

I'm expecting it to handle much better with the LSD, and just better overall dynamics the G20 has.

I tracked my old F30 more than a half dozen times with no limp mode or heat soak stock. I did also have the Track Handling Package.
So....what were your thoughts? Any issues compared to your old f30?
Appreciate 0
      05-07-2021, 07:38 AM   #34
jlapicki
Captain
jlapicki's Avatar
United_States
612
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Baltimore MD

iTrader: (0)

See my track report here........

https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=27548913
__________________
2022 M440i Convertible - San Remo Green / Cognac
2021 Mazda 6 Signature - Machine Grey / Parchment
2020 M340i - Mineral White / Black - SOLD
2017 M2 - Alpine White / Black - SOLD
2001 e39 M5 - Titanium / Caramel - A "Keeper"
Appreciate 1
      05-07-2021, 07:55 AM   #35
Shinel
Private
141
Rep
89
Posts

Drives: 335xi
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

NYST last year. All stock stock tires stock brakes felt good.
Appreciate 0
      05-07-2021, 10:26 AM   #36
Blubaron79
Brigadier General
Blubaron79's Avatar
United_States
1431
Rep
4,722
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive
Join Date: May 2009
Location: PA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brotherhef View Post
So....what were your thoughts? Any issues compared to your old f30?
Handled a lot better. The LSD definitely helped too compared to my old F30. Sometimes I felt that the Sport+ setting was too aggressive and it was not down shifting enough on the straights. If I could do it again, I would mess around with Sport Individual.

I was tracking the car in auto because Pitt Race is tricky, and I was trying to improve my lines. I did not want to think about what gear I needed to be in.

The brakes held up amazingly, and bit harder than my F30. I did have to get a fluid flush the next day, as post track the brakes felt spongy. I probably boiled some fluid as this fixed the issue.

Not sure if I will track her again this year. Maybe 1 more time? I tracked my F30 2-3 times a year with no wear, but I fear I push the car too hard sometimes at the track as it is my daily also.

Fun stuff: In the advanced class a guy had a stock car, and it blew it up on the first lap. Also watched a 2000 Honda Civic Si Hatchback blow up in front of me and spew oil all over my windsheild.
__________________
Current: 2021 M340i xDrive

Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
Appreciate 0
      05-07-2021, 03:53 PM   #37
tarrant64
Private First Class
116
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: M340i
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

I’ll be taking mine this Sunday, and if all goes well an additional track day the following month. Just had the fluid swapped out for Motul 660, kept the stock pads on. I’ve also got a set of the Michelin PS4S on so should have enough grip to be fun.

Weather’s not looking great at the moment though, 50-60s and rain forecast but I’m in the Midwest, so you really can’t judge it until day of. If anything, I’ve never done a track day in the rain so it’ll be good slide/traction practice at the limits if it does.
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2021, 09:21 PM   #38
tarrant64
Private First Class
116
Rep
122
Posts

Drives: M340i
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Midwest

iTrader: (0)

So track day went well. With stock pads/rotors and Motul 660 swapped in for the track day, it held together all day, no issues. Ran laps off and on, 10-15min at a time from 8AM to 4PM all yesterday. It was a cooler day (started in 40s, got up to 55-60 - wet until midday), so managed to not have to deal with any heatsoak. Grip was a challenge but improved later in the day.

Topped it out at 131mph (speed limited unfortunately), but it ended up being OK because it was at my absolute braking point with the stock pads I had on. The stock pads just don't have enough bite to truly be "competitive", but as is for track days they are more than adequate.

Car needs wider tires - I'm on stock width (8") front/rear with xDrive and 225 tires. Really needs 245 - not sure if going even wider with a staggered setup will make much of a difference - likely. The front with 225 had plenty of grip, never pushed - but the REAR just couldn't hold on. Maybe with a warmer day it'll have the grip.

Power was consistent, smooth - fastest lap times I've been able to set - car charges on every straight and hard.

I'm happy overall.
Appreciate 1
///Mobbin1474.50
      05-11-2021, 08:41 PM   #39
oz555
Captain
oz555's Avatar
671
Rep
734
Posts

Drives: M340i x-drive
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2021 BMW M340iX  [9.00]
Yes. Too heavy for the track. Powerful engine, excellent gearbox but too much kilos and not adequate brakes for track use.
Appreciate 0
      05-14-2021, 05:47 AM   #40
Talisman77
First Lieutenant
Talisman77's Avatar
United Kingdom
151
Rep
336
Posts

Drives: '69 BMW M340i xDrive (G20)
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Curious to know from those tracking if they're ZTK with larger brakes + cooling or not too.
Appreciate 0
      05-14-2021, 06:48 AM   #41
jlapicki
Captain
jlapicki's Avatar
United_States
612
Rep
777
Posts

Drives: 2020 M340i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Baltimore MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Talisman77 View Post
Curious to know from those tracking if they're ZTK with larger brakes + cooling or not too.
My car has the bigger brakes and cooling package and I had no issues at all with 25 minute sessions all day but Jefferson at Summit Point is a small technical track, 1.9 miles and 14 turns, so not a high speed track where brakes may be challenged...only hit 115-120 on main straight where I would usually get to 140 mph on back straight at Watkins Glen...
__________________
2022 M440i Convertible - San Remo Green / Cognac
2021 Mazda 6 Signature - Machine Grey / Parchment
2020 M340i - Mineral White / Black - SOLD
2017 M2 - Alpine White / Black - SOLD
2001 e39 M5 - Titanium / Caramel - A "Keeper"
Appreciate 1
      05-17-2021, 09:15 AM   #42
RLL RACER
Second Lieutenant
92
Rep
212
Posts

Drives: BMWM8TurnerM6(2)M3's(1)Bavaria
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

Took my loaded G20 330i x drive with perf tires to Road America and went up against my friends G20 M340 x drive perf tires. I blew him away on all levels of track performance and lap times On the straights i beat him as well. He is a semi pro driver and i am as well. BMW sure covers up the Torque and HP on certain models. Glad i went with the loaded 330i. Sport mode in adaptive mode a must have!! Now were headed to Portimao!
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2021, 10:16 AM   #43
jmg
Lieutenant General
jmg's Avatar
18493
Rep
14,085
Posts

Drives: G82 M4C X-Drive
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G82 M4C X-Drive  [9.83]
2018 F80 M3 CS  [9.83]
2019 i3 BEV  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by RLL RACER View Post
Took my loaded G20 330i x drive with perf tires to Road America and went up against my friends G20 M340 x drive perf tires. I blew him away on all levels of track performance and lap times On the straights i beat him as well. He is a semi pro driver and i am as well. BMW sure covers up the Torque and HP on certain models. Glad i went with the loaded 330i. Sport mode in adaptive mode a must have!! Now were headed to Portimao!
That's very surprising! How much lighter is the 330i? What tires were you both on? All stock I assume?
__________________

2022 G82///M4 Competition X-Drive - KW-HAS, EBC Bluestuff, Millway Race Camber Plates, Cup2 Connect*, PSI High Flow Midpipe, Lightweight Front Lip, M Perf Flow Through Wing
Previous • 2018 F80 ///M3 CS • 2016 F80 ///M3
IG: Raging_G82
Appreciate 0
      05-17-2021, 10:56 AM   #44
TruthOne
Major
TruthOne's Avatar
1081
Rep
1,086
Posts

Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Oakland, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by RLL RACER View Post
Took my loaded G20 330i x drive with perf tires to Road America and went up against my friends G20 M340 x drive perf tires. I blew him away on all levels of track performance and lap times On the straights i beat him as well. He is a semi pro driver and i am as well. BMW sure covers up the Torque and HP on certain models. Glad i went with the loaded 330i. Sport mode in adaptive mode a must have!! Now were headed to Portimao!
Interesting but not too surprising. Track driving isn't all about HP. It's why everybody there has GT3's .
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:32 AM.




g20
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST