[Roki49]

thx for the tip with tyres underpressure, they were hot af, and melting. It was like driving on grease. Next time definitely have to go with some Pilot Sport.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by Roki49

What an amazing experience. Definitely come back next year.....

Amazing shot! Bucket list item to rent a ring taxi and drive on the ring for at least 2-3 laps.

[Darren Lewis]

Took my car to the track for the first time this past weekend. It was the BMW CCA Buckeye Chapter HPDE at Mid-Ohio. I had a blast, met some great folks, and learned a ton! Looking forward to participating in more of these in the future.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by Darren Lewis

Took my car to the track for the first time this past weekend. It was the BMW CCA Buckeye Chapter HPDE at Mid-Ohio. I had a blast, met some great folks, and learned a ton! Looking forward to participating in more of these in the future.

Congrats on your first track day and welcome to the party
Any modifications you plan on doing now that you’ve experience being on track?

[Darren Lewis]

Originally Posted by peelerec

Congrats on your first track day and welcome to the party
Any modifications you plan on doing now that you’ve experience being on track?

I do, buy an M3!

Jokes aside, I do find myself in a bit of a dilemma. This is my daily, and I want to take care of it, especially for resale value. But I had an absolute blast at the track and want to go back at some point. I am just not sure I can justify putting all of the money into mods I want that would solely be for track purposes.

Apex wheels/summer tires - I wanted wheels and PS4S tires anyways, so this is an easy one that I can do regardless that should help (had 791M wheels and PSAS4 this past weekend)

Sway bars - This might be my number 1 want, but based on what I have seen/read about the install process, probably not going to happen

Dinan Monoball Upgrade - On the fence here, since it is a daily, not sure I want to sacrifice too much NVH, but not sure how much of a difference it actually makes in that department. (should have done this when I had my springs installed )

Track Pads/Upgraded fluid - I know, I know, I should have had it done this time, but will certainly have pads/fluid the next time I go. My thought was that this was my first time and didn't figure I would be pushing it to the absolute limit. The brakes were fine, but on the back straight, going downhill, slowing down from 130+ to take a hard right turn, some track pads would have inspired a bit more confidence I think, lol

Let me know what I am missing!

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by Darren Lewis

I do, buy an M3!

Jokes aside, I do find myself in a bit of a dilemma. This is my daily, and I want to take care of it, especially for resale value. But I had an absolute blast at the track and want to go back at some point. I am just not sure I can justify putting all of the money into mods I want that would solely be for track purposes.

Apex wheels/summer tires - I wanted wheels and PS4S tires anyways, so this is an easy one that I can do regardless that should help (had 791M wheels and PSAS4 this past weekend)

Sway bars - This might be my number 1 want, but based on what I have seen/read about the install process, probably not going to happen

Dinan Monoball Upgrade - On the fence here, since it is a daily, not sure I want to sacrifice too much NVH, but not sure how much of a difference it actually makes in that department. (should have done this when I had my springs installed )

Track Pads/Upgraded fluid - I know, I know, I should have had it done this time, but will certainly have pads/fluid the next time I go. My thought was that this was my first time and didn't figure I would be pushing it to the absolute limit. The brakes were fine, but on the back straight, going downhill, slowing down from 130+ to take a hard right turn, some track pads would have inspired a bit more confidence I think, lol

Let me know what I am missing!

I was in a similar dilemma as well and ultimately decided to compromise daily comfort for more track oriented performance. I’m also ok taking a hit should I decide to sell the car in the future.

Upgraded tires and wheels I believe are a must for handling + comfort. Apex are great. PS4S with star are wonderful for year round use, as long as you don’t get snow.

Sway bars were extremely beneficial. My shop ultimately ended up charging me 5 hours of labor, and not 12 like others have been quoted. My shop is a dedicated racing shop and so they truly know our vehicles inside out. I’d recommend finding a true enthusiasts shop.

Dinan monoballs in my opinion are a must, but is subjective in terms of how much NVH one may want to compromise. I have no regrets.

I’d also recommend SS brake lines. No downsides at all using year round.

The most important question, when is the next track day?!

[Darren Lewis]

Originally Posted by peelerec

I was in a similar dilemma as well and ultimately decided to compromise daily comfort for more track oriented performance. I’m also ok taking a hit should I decide to sell the car in the future.

Upgraded tires and wheels I believe are a must for handling + comfort. Apex are great. PS4S with star are wonderful for year round use, as long as you don’t get snow.

Sway bars were extremely beneficial. My shop ultimately ended up charging me 5 hours of labor, and not 12 like others have been quoted. My shop is a dedicated racing shop and so they truly know our vehicles inside out. I’d recommend finding a true enthusiasts shop.

Dinan monoballs in my opinion are a must, but is subjective in terms of how much NVH one may want to compromise. I have no regrets.

I’d also recommend SS brake lines. No downsides at all using year round.

The most important question, when is the next track day?!

Great feedback, I appreciate it!

Its funny, I was already considering APEX wheels, but that had to be the most popular wheel I saw guys with at the track, the ones I got to talk to had nothing but great things to say about them.

I am in Columbus, OH, and unfortunately I cannot find any dedicated race shops that work on our cars around here. Mostly domestic shops. Cincinnati has a couple, one of which was recommended by Kern417 (great B58 content on YouTube, btw) who is also in that area. If I decide to do the sway bars, I will have to take a trip down there for sure. Can you share your feedback from the sway bar install? Did it affect comfort at all, or just tighten up the car when cornering?

I would love to drive someones car who has done the monoballs, just to see the difference. I plan on attending our local chapters BMW CCA Driving Tour in the fall that is near me, hoping I can find someone who has them.

No immediate plans to go back to the track right now, I really need to decide what path I plan on taking with this car. Historically I was interested in making more power, but now I think my money may be better off invested in handling.

[peelerec]

Originally Posted by Darren Lewis

Great feedback, I appreciate it!

Its funny, I was already considering APEX wheels, but that had to be the most popular wheel I saw guys with at the track, the ones I got to talk to had nothing but great things to say about them.

I am in Columbus, OH, and unfortunately I cannot find any dedicated race shops that work on our cars around here. Mostly domestic shops. Cincinnati has a couple, one of which was recommended by Kern417 (great B58 content on YouTube, btw) who is also in that area. If I decide to do the sway bars, I will have to take a trip down there for sure. Can you share your feedback from the sway bar install? Did it affect comfort at all, or just tighten up the car when cornering?
Kern’s channel is great, I agree. He has a great video on post sway bar installation and the positive difference it made for him at the track. I choose the non adjustable H&R sway bars. Tightening up the car during cornering was immediately noticed.

I would love to drive someones car who has done the monoballs, just to see the difference. I plan on attending our local chapters BMW CCA Driving Tour in the fall that is near me, hoping I can find someone who has them.
Good luck. Unfortunately most aren’t willing to do this modification, but imo it really does not compromise too much comfort.

No immediate plans to go back to the track right now, I really need to decide what path I plan on taking with this car. Historically I was interested in making more power, but now I think my money may be better off invested in handling.
I agree with handling > power. For day to day and for most tracks, our stock power is plenty…. But taking a turn faster and hitting the apex at a faster pace is much more fun than simply more power, imo.

See above in bold.