07-04-2019, 05:41 PM | #1 |
First Lieutenant
417
Rep 381
Posts |
Taking my M340i to the track - Questions and concerns
Hey everybody, just wanted to get some opinions.
I'm planning on taking my M340i for a weekend down to a local racetrack. I know the vehicle has been reviewed many times on the track, but my question is, what precautions should I take? Will the engine be okay being pushed for a day of tracking? What about the stock brakes and brake fluid? Can they handle the heat? Last thing I want to do is lose braking on the track. Feedback would be appreciated. I'm not planning on tracking it often, but I just want to experience the car on the track at least once. |
07-05-2019, 06:02 AM | #2 |
First Lieutenant
203
Rep 318
Posts |
Check your tire pressure before, warm them up before pushing the car. Indeed, the brake fluid can be your weakest link in the whole setup. When your pedal starts to feel soggy, time for a break.
|
Appreciate
2
serg128272.00 Weiner0123416.50 |
07-05-2019, 08:10 AM | #3 |
Major
893
Rep 1,075
Posts |
Brake pads and brake fluid is a must if you are going to track it.
If you are just trying it in a beginner group for the first time - you miht get away with stock pads. But i would still watch it and come in as soon as you feel fading. M340 is heavy so i would look for Hawk dct 70 track pad front and rear. And motul 600 brake fluid. Ask delaer to replace it since it is tricky to replace rear pads with parking brake ( need to follow procedure to retrackt pistons) When changing brake fluid they need to cycle some abs valves to make sure they bleed it properly. I assume you have non run flat tires on car like michelin ps 4s. They will survive couple of track days but eventually you would need track tires. |
Appreciate
2
Weiner0123416.50 aquamaster7.50 |
07-05-2019, 10:42 AM | #4 |
Colonel
2589
Rep 2,433
Posts
Drives: 2021 M2C
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Claremont, CA
|
If it was me, I would do an oil change to get the starter oil out.
|
Appreciate
1
Weiner0123416.50 |
07-05-2019, 11:12 AM | #5 | |
First Lieutenant
417
Rep 381
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2019, 11:13 AM | #6 |
First Lieutenant
417
Rep 381
Posts |
Yup good point!! I was planning on doing it very soon anyways!! Might even be on the safe side and do one after the track day to, considering how the engine would have a heavy load on it for a good amount of time..
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2019, 11:22 AM | #7 |
Major General
4969
Rep 6,234
Posts
Drives: 2018 340i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Chicago, Edgewater (via Texas & Tennessee)
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [9.38]
2020 BMW M340i xDrive [10.00] 2018 BMW 340i M Sport [8.00] 2006 BMW 330i Sport [4.50] 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [7.25] 2000 BMW 328i [6.00] |
Make sure you have insurance that covers you on the track. Many, if not most, specifically exclude damage incurred while on a track.
__________________
www.bmwcca.org member #388003 - Use me as a referral & you could win a one day ///M Driving School!! ___________________________________________ |
Appreciate
1
Weiner0123416.50 |
07-05-2019, 11:26 AM | #8 |
Private First Class
60
Rep 147
Posts |
Also...find out what items are checked at inspection at ur local track e.g. most tracks will test ur brake fluid to make sure it is fresh.
|
Appreciate
1
Weiner0123416.50 |
07-05-2019, 07:13 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1429
Rep 1,522
Posts |
I have the impression you're planning to have fun for a few hours of hard driving spread over a track day, resulting in a couple of dozen hot laps. When this is the case, of course the car and its components are up to it! No worries at all! The fade on the brakes is progressive with rising temperature. Everything will restore to normal behaviour after cool down.
When guarantee is void because of track use, don't accept. Are they actually saying that an M performance vehicle is not allowed to come on a track! A BMW representative trying to intimidate me with such a BS argument is in for a sucker punch. |
Appreciate
1
Weiner0123416.50 |
07-05-2019, 11:18 PM | #10 | |
First Lieutenant
417
Rep 381
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-06-2019, 11:38 AM | #11 |
2006 TIME Person Of The Year
9720
Rep 6,445
Posts |
You absolutely can bring your completely stock M340 on track without issue. Just keep your braking points generous so you don't overheat your brakes. Like someone else mentioned, brake fade is progressive, so you'll get ample warning when you're reaching the limits.
If you're going to get ambitious I would at least swap the brake fluid for something track worthy. You can do this yourself. I find ZERO benefit from the dealer opening the solenoids in the ABS/TCS system. I achieve a much firmer pedal than the dealer by doing the following: Flush and bleed all four corners; then go for a short ride and trigger traction control (and Active Cruise Control braking if you have ACC); then bleed (only, flush not required) again one more time. Also- My dealer told me they won't do a brake fluid swap with anything but oem fluid. Upgrading pads is a further step. This can get pricey, but often the side benefit is less brake dust than BMW's pads.
__________________
|
Appreciate
1
Weiner0123416.50 |
07-08-2019, 04:27 PM | #12 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
1429
Rep 1,522
Posts |
Quote:
When you track it to learn to read the vehicle dynamics in over and understeer during mass transfers between front and rear axles, that's perfect normal usage for such a vehicle. It's made for... and some! The first press drives where on Partimao circuit. Look at the youtube clips, that are perfect acceptable conditions. You can have a whole day long fun like this without having to worry. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-08-2019, 09:07 PM | #13 |
Major General
5251
Rep 5,874
Posts |
I wouldn't do it. If you're really driving at speed and in a run group that is moving, you'll beat the sh!t out of your car. I used to track but decided it's just too hard on my DD.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-09-2019, 08:35 PM | #14 |
Captain
687
Rep 911
Posts |
Your M3?
__________________
Current: 2020 M340i
Previous: 2016 M4 Sakhir Orange Not too distant future: ///M3 or ///M5 (ED) |
Appreciate
0
|
07-09-2019, 09:18 PM | #15 |
Major General
5251
Rep 5,874
Posts |
Yes. Even an M car isn't really ready for track duty without a number of mods although the newer gen is better than the older gens in that regard.
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|