N52 problems at the track?

Taskmaster · 12-01-2013, 04:22 PM

Thinking about doing a HPDE/Autocross in the car soon - (and it will be my first time doing a DE) anything to look out for on the car? I hear they, like the N54, can run hot and overheat. True

TheeGovernor · 12-01-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Thinking about doing a HPDE/Autocross in the car soon - (and it will be my first time doing a DE) anything to look out for on the car? I hear they, like the N54, can run hot and overheat. True

You should have no worries for auto crossing. As for HPDE, I don't know your skill level or experience, but an experienced driver could overheat the N52. This isnt a specific problem with bmws, all modern sports cars are undercooled from the factory. Most likely you will be fine

3002 tii · 12-02-2013, 08:41 AM

I've done 35 days with my N52 and never once had cooling issues. If you're up with maintenance you shouldn't have issues. I just did my t-belt and water pump at 65k (preventive maint) and did coolant flush in between at 30k. If anything I would say the N52 is way more robust than the N54.

TSM330i · 12-02-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

I've done 35 days with my N52 and never once had cooling issues. If you're up with maintenance you shouldn't have issues. I just did my t-belt and water pump at 65k (preventive maint) and did coolant flush in between at 30k. If anything I would say the N52 is way more robust than the N54.

+1
I've never had an overheating issue on my N52. I have had heatsoak on occasion when pushing really hard in very hot weather. I just backed off a couple laps and it came around again no problem.

With this being your first DE, you're not going to have ANY issues at all if you're up to date on your maintenance.

Main thing you should be concerned with is brake pads. You could go through a new set of OEM brake pads in one weekend.

StealYourFace · 12-02-2013, 08:32 PM

Autocross should be a non issue for any car, other than the front tires taking some abuse.

I just have 5 track days on my 330i, but it's got some miles, 135k. Very sold cars, these and they age quite well. My instructor last time I was out at the Glen was genuinely impressed how well sorted out my car was, and he had a track prepped e36 M3. But to your question it was hot that day and my car seemed to lose a bit of power 15 min into the session, esp uphill. Turned out, I had a loose exhaust pipe that was vibrating causing false knock making the car pull timing. That night when I got to the hotel, I jacked the car up, fixed what I needed to, and the next day, still real warm out the car ran like a cat running through a fire with it's tail catching.

Mavus · 12-02-2013, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Thinking about doing a HPDE/Autocross in the car soon - (and it will be my first time doing a DE) anything to look out for on the car? I hear they, like the N54, can run hot and overheat. True

If it is hot outside, I see you are in Florida, find a spot in the shade and open your hood after the session is over. It will help cool the engine for the next session.

Be very careful with tire pressures. I don't like pressures above 39/40. Start with 32-33 cold and go from there. Check your pressures right after the session.

Also, get a good torque wrench if you don't have one and check your wheels when they are cold. Do not torque wheels hot!

I never had issues with cooling. Try to avoid revs above 6500 and you'll be fine.

One last thing to consider, you may want to bring spare brake pads just in case.

Have fun!

Taskmaster · 12-16-2013, 05:57 PM

Brake pad recommendations? I'm going to be a DE noob, so I want to do it right the first time. Any special tools needed to change the pads? I don't mind a messy/noisy pad if it can dual duty.

M3 Esq · 12-16-2013, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Brake pad recommendations? I'm going to be a DE noob, so I want to do it right the first time. Any special tools needed to change the pads? I don't mind a messy/noisy pad if it can dual duty.

I wouldn't worry about brake pads on your first DE. The OEM pads will be just fine. Just listen to your instructor and have fun!

3002 tii · 12-18-2013, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Brake pad recommendations? I'm going to be a DE noob, so I want to do it right the first time. Any special tools needed to change the pads? I don't mind a messy/noisy pad if it can dual duty.

First time probably not necessary but I would do a brake flush and ensure you have enough meat on rotors and pads

will.c · 12-19-2013, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Brake pad recommendations? I'm going to be a DE noob, so I want to do it right the first time. Any special tools needed to change the pads? I don't mind a messy/noisy pad if it can dual duty.

1) flush brake fluid

2) Performance Friction PFC 01 pads (or whatever its new replacement model is now). I fried my oem pads on my first or second DE. Generally beginners over-brake. These are straight-up track pads, yet I daily-drove with them fine.

3) also get this:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-disc-...a=00947365000P

4) dont forget to pump your brakes when you're done

12-01-2013, 04:22 PM	#1
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	N52 problems at the track? Thinking about doing a HPDE/Autocross in the car soon - (and it will be my first time doing a DE) anything to look out for on the car? I hear they, like the N54, can run hot and overheat. True
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12-02-2013, 08:41 AM	#3
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2289 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	I've done 35 days with my N52 and never once had cooling issues. If you're up with maintenance you shouldn't have issues. I just did my t-belt and water pump at 65k (preventive maint) and did coolant flush in between at 30k. If anything I would say the N52 is way more robust than the N54. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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12-02-2013, 08:32 PM	#5
StealYourFace Lieutenant Colonel 261 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: F30 328i M 6mt, E36 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Shakedown Street, Buffalo NY iTrader: (1)	Autocross should be a non issue for any car, other than the front tires taking some abuse. I just have 5 track days on my 330i, but it's got some miles, 135k. Very sold cars, these and they age quite well. My instructor last time I was out at the Glen was genuinely impressed how well sorted out my car was, and he had a track prepped e36 M3. But to your question it was hot that day and my car seemed to lose a bit of power 15 min into the session, esp uphill. Turned out, I had a loose exhaust pipe that was vibrating causing false knock making the car pull timing. That night when I got to the hotel, I jacked the car up, fixed what I needed to, and the next day, still real warm out the car ran like a cat running through a fire with it's tail catching. __________________
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12-16-2013, 05:57 PM	#7
Taskmaster Banned 2465 Rep 9,004 Posts Drives: M235i 6MT / E92 328 Msport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (6)	Brake pad recommendations? I'm going to be a DE noob, so I want to do it right the first time. Any special tools needed to change the pads? I don't mind a messy/noisy pad if it can dual duty.
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