[bbob]

Hey guys, I know this may seem like a stupid obvious question but here's my situation: I've never driven on a track before and I'm interested to do so this winter break. My current DD in Berkeley is a e90 lci 328i and its an automatic. I also share a e92 6MT M3 with my dad back in LA, but I only go back once a month on weekends, so I never have alot of time to practice my manual skills. So in short, I'm not really proficient with 6MT (but I can drive it perfectly fine on the street).

328i mods:
no sport/msport package.
performance exhaust
235/35/19 fronts, 265/30/19 rears in Pilot super sport tires

M3:
competition ZCP package
otherwise, stock.

So what do you guys recommend? Take the 328i or M3? or maybe should i wait until I'm better with manual before I take the M3 out (which may be in a few years...)?

I'm planning on going to Buttonwillow on 12/18. Anybody else going that day?
http://speedventures.com/events/eventdetail.aspx?id=399

Thanks,
Anthony

[3002 tii]

Can't go wrong with either. Truth is during your first time on the track, you won't even have to worry about using your gears or doing any advanced driving techniques (heeltoe, trailbraking, etc). You'll most likely end up using 4th gear the whole time. What you will be focusing on is learning the line, entry speed, braking etc.

As long as you don't drive like an idiot, take the M3. I only say that in case you hit a tire wall but highly doubt that'll happen with an instructor.

And the mods list are moot, I've seen people take Tercels on the track. Point being a stock car is more than you can handle initially. Only thing I'd consider doing is maybe a brake flush with some high temp fluid (ATE or Motul) and ensuring you have enough meat on your tires/pads/rotors.

[turb0mik3]

If you don't get too aggressive, use the M3. Learn your lines by going around the course at 50%. You will become a better driver by slowly learning a course and then getting on it.

[DieselDiner]

This is an echo of the above posts - drive what you are comfortable in, and focus on learning the line, braking points, etc.. You'll have more fun learning the track in a car in which you are comfortable.

[ngng]

Take the 6 speed, and leave it in one or two gears. You will have a ton of other things on your mind if this is your first time out. As you get more comfortable, you can mix in shifting.

[mike-y]

I would just take your 328 for the first time, since it's the car you are most comfortable in. There is a lot to learn out on the track, and if you have to worry about shifting (which you aren't good at), it's just going to take away from the experience. You won't be much faster in an M3 if it's your first time anyway.

Or, see if you can get your dad to meet you there in his car and drive both of them.

[jbass524]

You should take the 325 and let me take the M3. I'm just sayin'

[mid-corner fun]

lol, what do you need TWO M3s for? :-)

To the OP, go out there with whatever car you feel comfortable, the power of the car doesn't matter in the first few sessions. But I'd make sure my MT skills were "ok" before I took that car to the track.

[bbob]

thanks for all the replies. I definitely feel more comfortable with the 328, as it is my DD and since its my first time driving on the track, it might be a bit too much to deal with learning the driving line while working all 3 pedals in the m3. In the future, i'll still have many more opportunities to track the m3, so it's not like it this is the last chance. so, i guess ill take 328 this time around. thanks again for all the advice!

[JoosyJoos]

You'll probably be faster in the auto 328i in all honesty. You'll be able to focus on the line more and hit your marks. You'll likely learn more and be more alert of the corner workers etc. in a car you are more familiar with also.