[bartman32]

I always figure to fix the loose nut behind the wheel before I do anything to the car. Once I get to its limits I MIGHT think about doing something else. But for those novices out there getting R-compounds could be a very dangerous proposition. If you put them on and you go past the limit you are only going faster and now you have no control too. I'm sure YOU know what you are doing but for those that don't its probably best to try tracking the car stock get an understanding of what it can do and what YOU can do before you start moding it.

I plan on taking mine to the track so I'll find out.

[bartman32]

335Toopless -
What group are you taking it out with. I don't think BMWCCA would allow any converts out there regardless if you have the "hard top" unless you had a full roll bar. Can that roof take the full weight of the car in the VERY unlikely event that it should turn over?

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by bartman32

335Toopless -
What group are you taking it out with. I don't think BMWCCA would allow any converts out there regardless if you have the "hard top" unless you had a full roll bar. Can that roof take the full weight of the car in the VERY unlikely event that it should turn over?

You should check but the rule with most clubs is to have the convertible top up while driving.....

I like your attitude about fixing the nut behind the wheel first

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by T Bone

You should check but the rule with most clubs is to have the convertible top up while driving.....

I like your attitude about fixing the nut behind the wheel first

Correction...most groups dont let convertibles to run anymore unless they pass the broomstick rule on a bonafide roll bar/cage.

[SC5-Charles]

I think the simple answer to the question is, "how good is the driver?"

For the average driver, the 335i coupe or sedan is more than enough car. This means, the brakes are good enough, there is enough power, there is enough traction, etc.

However when you're talking about having an experienced driver behind the wheel, then many cars that we think of as 'fast' cars, aren't really that fast around the track. A fast car on the track comes out of the corners fast, has enough traction to lay down good power, hopefully has good acceleration, has excellent braking power and resiliency in braking (read: does not fade).

One of the most track-ready cars out of the box is the Elise, but it's a fish out of water on the streets on a daily basis. So much of what we take for granted in our luxury cars is sacrificed for lap times. There's no power-steering, some don't have air-conditioning, none of them have much sound deadening material, the suspension is stiff as &@$#.

But then again, how often do you go to the track?

So the perspective of the question itself is very important. How your frame the question is often more important than the answer itself.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by S4to335

Correction...most groups dont let convertibles to run anymore unless they pass the broomstick rule on a bonafide roll bar/cage.

Really, a crappy roll bar is going to do more harm than good..... BMW CCA Driver's ed doesn't allow Cabs anymore without a roll bar?

[SROC3]

Originally Posted by bartman32

I always figure to fix the loose nut behind the wheel before I do anything to the car. Once I get to its limits I MIGHT think about doing something else. But for those novices out there getting R-compounds could be a very dangerous proposition. If you put them on and you go past the limit you are only going faster and now you have no control too. I'm sure YOU know what you are doing but for those that don't its probably best to try tracking the car stock get an understanding of what it can do and what YOU can do before you start moding it.

+1 right you are

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by T Bone

Really, a crappy roll bar is going to do more harm than good..... BMW CCA Driver's ed doesn't allow Cabs anymore without a roll bar?

I had heard that...I saw the ugliest Z3 with a HUGE roll bar in it...stuck way up...it was safe ..but it looked ridiculous.

[minichamp03]

Guys, guys, guys and Gals..........

The brakes are fine on the 335. You do not need to do anything with the car. If there is a challenge at all, it is the run flats. Get them hot and there is not much grip. But, if you do not overdrive the car, they are ....well.....ok

I have put a boat load of track miles on my 335i...yes it is a stick, but I ain't gonna get into that

If you over-drive ANY car, you'll smoke the brakes!! Be smooth with the car and brake early....remember slow in- fast out, Thresh-hold braking will not, I repeat not, make you any faster, exit speed is key. If you are waiting for the very last moment to use up all the brake pedal pressure that you have available to you, your exit speed will also suffer.......you can't get on the gas when your foot is breaking off the brake pedal....duh...

[bmargolis]

Originally Posted by S4to335

I had heard that...I saw the ugliest Z3 with a HUGE roll bar in it...stuck way up...it was safe ..but it looked ridiculous.

It's actually called a "swingset" for obvious reasons. Works great in a Z3!

[plus150]

A 335i will do just fine on the track especially if it's your first time, be smooth as your instructors will tell you and be prepared to use up your tires and brakes. Leave your ego at home as lesser cars with more experienced track drivers will likely blow your doors off. If you go with an attitude to learn and have fun you will be anxious to do it again and again.

"Life begins at 150"

[BayernMuenchen]

Pretty sure Bartman and I both got a ride in this car. Being that the driver was an ace I would certainly say the 335i is a good track car. The only mods to this car was a full roll cage, brake pads (stock disks), exhaust, springs and tires. Many of us have done almost all that all ready.



Made me realize that the car is still TONS faster than I am.

[bartman32]

Completely agree. That car has the stock engine and it was FAST!!!! He was doing 100 where I was 80! Made me think about R-compounds...

[rsjames]

Originally Posted by BayernMuenchen

Pretty sure Bartman and I both got a ride in this car. Being that the driver was an ace I would certainly say the 335i is a good track car. The only mods to this car was a full roll cage, brake pads (stock disks), exhaust, springs and tires. Many of us have done almost all that all ready.



Made me realize that the car is still TONS faster than I am.

Probably stock springs, but proper shocks (per the rules). The rules also allow for reprogrammed ECUs or chips, but it must fit inside the stock box.

One of the Brechts has requested alternate springs be allowed for the 335, but no luck so far.

Richard

[TRZ06]

According to BMW, the 335I is supposed to have a feature that keeps the brakes from fading? NO?

Something about increasing pressure or boost on the master cylinder when it notices fade.

[bartman32]

That is true. Didn't feel any brakefade when I was out there. Solid ride the entire time!

[davig]

Car relatively new so I didn't run it hard. Add at least 5 lbs to the RFTs. As has been mentioned, they are not very grippy for having a 140 rating. I noticed a bit of brake fade after 8 laps-each with 2 hard stops. M3 drivers complain about it as well. I worried about understeer with the staggered set up but it wasn't an issue if I ran the fronts at 2 lbs less than the rears. On the whole, a very balanced car and I'm eager for the day when I can flog it much harder.

[leftcoastman]

I thought the way to resolve understeer is to put MORE pressure in the fronts?

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by leftcoastman

I thought the way to resolve understeer is to put MORE pressure in the fronts?

No, opposite, more gives a nice crown on the tire and smaller contact patch. Less air is not ideal either but if you are going to start playing with air pressure for more grip, dropping pressure is where you normally start

[davig]

Originally Posted by leftcoastman

I thought the way to resolve understeer is to put MORE pressure in the fronts?

The normal pressure recommendation is 3-4 lbs less in the fronts. Add 6lbs to the front tires and 4 to the rears to start, mark the tire edges with white shoe polish and go from there. Temp was high 60s and this seemed optimal for me.

[Bosplya]

Originally Posted by S4to335

I had heard that...I saw the ugliest Z3 with a HUGE roll bar in it...stuck way up...it was safe ..but it looked ridiculous.

Yeah, hardtops are a much better choice.

Btw ultrasport Steve, this is "Spidee" from Audizine. One of your B7 A4 track junkies. I knew I'd find you in a track oriented thread.

I'm on this thread to see how the e90 335i does on track as well. My current 05' audi a4 was recently sandwiched in an accident. I should be getting the car back in a few weeks and trading it in for a taste of the "dark side".

Now that we know some of you are going on track with them, what are your approximate time laps on Laguna Seca and Thunderhill?