What to check and prepare for my 1st track experience?

uweric5985 · 12-06-2012, 09:23 AM

I'm going to track my E90 next week. First time for me to use my own car on track. I'm excited but I think it's good to know what to check and prepare for it.

I know my car does not have huge horse power, but I just want a nice experience on track so I really want to get prepare for it.

Info of my ride: (for mods please see my Signature)
E90 LCI 2.5L 323i AT with 18,000miles
Front brake calipers, discs and brake pads are near brand new
Rear brake is stock, pads are good
Engine Oil was changed around 1,000miles ago
Transmission oil never been changed
Engine coolant never been inspected
Tires are old but still in good shape
KW v2 are in softest setting

what else do I need to check?

raceyBMW · 12-07-2012, 01:51 PM

Definitely recommended to change your brake fluid and bleed before you go if you haven't done so in the last year.

daveishi · 12-07-2012, 02:43 PM

definitely check all your fluid levels and tire pressure, generally run ~34-36 psi cold but that will vary greatly depending on numerous factors. take a torque wrench and lug socket if you have one and check your lugs before each session (~95 will do it), if you don't have one either buy one or you will likely be able to borrow one. don't forget your helmet, if you're not renting.

question: are your coils on softest for street comfort? I assume so, for the track you will definitely see an improvement in handling if you firm them up.

overall have fun and be safe your first time out, don't go too crazy, remember you want to drive your car home at the end of the day. first track day is always a great experience, you won't forget it.

the organization running the track day will have inspection forms for you, likely available online esp if it is a self-tech event, PM me if you want me to send you one for advance prep

good luck!

12-06-2012, 09:23 AM	#1
uweric5985 Private First Class 32 Rep 133 Posts Drives: BMW E90 LCI 323i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Macau, China iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 323i [9.50]	What to check and prepare for my 1st track experience? I'm going to track my E90 next week. First time for me to use my own car on track. I'm excited but I think it's good to know what to check and prepare for it. I know my car does not have huge horse power, but I just want a nice experience on track so I really want to get prepare for it. Info of my ride: (for mods please see my Signature) E90 LCI 2.5L 323i AT with 18,000miles Front brake calipers, discs and brake pads are near brand new Rear brake is stock, pads are good Engine Oil was changed around 1,000miles ago Transmission oil never been changed Engine coolant never been inspected Tires are old but still in good shape KW v2 are in softest setting what else do I need to check? __________________ Performance: K&N High Flow Air Filter \| AA Tune Stage 2 \| SuperSprint Quad Exhaust Handling: KW V2 \| AP Racing 5200 4 Pots Front Calipers with 330mm J-Hook Drilled Disc \| Matt Black 19" Advan RZ-DF Cosmetic: Gloss Black Roof \| Gloss Black Front Grilles \| M3 Style Trunk Spoiler \| Performance Front \| M-Tech Rear Bumper \| M-Tech Steering Wheel
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-07-2012, 01:51 PM	#2
raceyBMW king of the hills 92 Rep 2,915 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 w/ESS55, 2001 540i/6 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Arvada, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2001 BMW 540i/6 [8.17] 1994 530i [9.00] 2007 335i Coupe [8.37]	Definitely recommended to change your brake fluid and bleed before you go if you haven't done so in the last year.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2012, 02:43 PM	#3
daveishi Lieutenant 243 Rep 578 Posts Drives: M4 GTS, G05 X5 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (8)	definitely check all your fluid levels and tire pressure, generally run ~34-36 psi cold but that will vary greatly depending on numerous factors. take a torque wrench and lug socket if you have one and check your lugs before each session (~95 will do it), if you don't have one either buy one or you will likely be able to borrow one. don't forget your helmet, if you're not renting. question: are your coils on softest for street comfort? I assume so, for the track you will definitely see an improvement in handling if you firm them up. overall have fun and be safe your first time out, don't go too crazy, remember you want to drive your car home at the end of the day. first track day is always a great experience, you won't forget it. the organization running the track day will have inspection forms for you, likely available online esp if it is a self-tech event, PM me if you want me to send you one for advance prep good luck!
	Appreciate 0 Quote