[razormy]

Can anyone recommend a specific wheel + Wheel size + Tire for track use with a minimal budget in mind. I am trying to get my feet wet and would like to get into tracking but it seems money is adding up very fast.

Thanks.

[specialque]

I've always had good luck with SSR comps and V700s. I think that may be overkill for your level...

Kosei K1's are a great track wheel. As for rubber I would try to get RT615's or KDWs, and don't go any larger than a 18 wheel.

As for tire size it really has a lot to do with your driving skill and car setup. I think with this car, and I don't know for sure, it's going to have a tendancy to understeer. A correction would be increase tire width in the front to improve turn-in and correct understeer.

EDIT: I just popped on Tirerack...

Here is my ideal setup for a novice to intermediate:

Wheels:
18x8F / 18x9R OZ ultraleggera $325each
Tires:
Front: 235/35ZR18 BFG KDW's $198 each
Rear: 255/40ZR18 BFG KDM's $167 Each

Around $2200 shipped.

[razormy]

Originally Posted by specialque

... RT615's or KDWs

What brand tires are these?

Thanks.

[razormy]

Is there an advantage to going with 17? wheels?

[specialque]

Originally Posted by razormy

What brand tires are these?

Thanks.

Go with BFG KDWs

[specialque]

Originally Posted by razormy

Is there an advantage to going with 17? wheels?

I think 17" wheels would be ok if you were going to run R-compound because of the extra stiff sidewall. Running street tires on 17's be too soft. IMO

[Walked U]

Stock tires with 275's in the rear for the win.

[specialque]

Originally Posted by Walked U

Stock tires with 275's in the rear for the win.

Why would this be the win? It's just going to cause more understeer...

[RichP]

Originally Posted by Walked U

Stock tires with 275's in the rear for the win.

Maybe for him Track=Drag Strip? or Track= Car show? FTW!!!!one!!!11!

***

Back on topic, I second what specialque says, but if you REALLY want to go cheap, grab yourself a set of E46 M3 18" wheels. They arent the lightest wheels, but they are very strong, and there always sets for sale on E46fanatics. You could pick up a decent, trackable set of 18" M3 wheels for 250-300 dollars total. Slap on those tires specialque recommended and have fun!

[razormy]

Originally Posted by RichP

Maybe for him Track=Drag Strip? or Track= Car show? FTW!!!!one!!!11!

Sorry, did not specify.

I will be taking the drivers education club racing course.

[RichP]

Originally Posted by razormy

Sorry, did not specify.

I will be taking the drivers education club racing course.

Haha, I was being sarcastic! I assumed you meant something with some turns involved!

You are going to have a very good time, and a whole new appreciation for your car.

[clubspec330i]

I would just take a stock car..learn how to drive a stock car fast will be much more fun than driving a modified car fast.

About two years ago, I took couple of friends to Street of Willow for a track day. I was driving my M3 ZCP with Ground Control and race tire in the advance group. Another friend has M3 SMG with TEIN, sticky tire, and engine mod. He was telling the other guy with E46 325i step to go faster. Mind you, 325i was total stock with 17" dunlop in the sport pack. So, I jump in the 325i with the friend in the passenger seat and chased down the M3 and lapped it.

I would take your stock car out there couple of times first beyond buying track wheel. When you get serious, than spend 2k on the setup. Otherwise, you will be spending money twice, once now and another better setup when you want more from it.

Good luck and be safe...

[razormy]

Originally Posted by clubspec330i

I would just take a stock car..learn how to drive a stock car fast will be much more fun than driving a modified car fast.

About two years ago, I took couple of friends to Street of Willow for a track day. I was driving my M3 ZCP with Ground Control and race tire in the advance group. Another friend has M3 SMG with TEIN, sticky tire, and engine mod. He was telling the other guy with E46 325i step to go faster. Mind you, 325i was total stock with 17" dunlop in the sport pack. So, I jump in the 325i with the friend in the passenger seat and chased down the M3 and lapped it.

I would take your stock car out there couple of times first beyond buying track wheel. When you get serious, than spend 2k on the setup. Otherwise, you will be spending money twice, once now and another better setup when you want more from it.

Good luck and be safe...

Good advice.

Thank you, I will do just that.

[Park2670]

Originally Posted by razormy

Good advice.

Thank you, I will do just that.

This is great advice. Learn how to drive your car while its stock, then mod parts of the car as you please. I just had my first track experience monday, and used cheap tires that I could trash and the car completely stock. After I use these tires a few more times I will go for some TOYO RA1s.

[kevbh]

I know the fad is to go bigger, but would 16" wheels make sense? I'm thinking that all things considered equal, the wheels and the tires would both be lighter in that size vs. 17" or 18", which I believe would be the most important thing. Also, I'm guessing that both the wheels and tires would be less expensive. Since the base model comes with 16" wheels, I figure they should clear the brakes.

The only downside I can think of is less "cool" factor, but I'm focusing on performance and function in this application. Any thoughts?

[larryn]

Originally Posted by kevbh

I know the fad is to go bigger, but would 16" wheels make sense? I'm thinking that all things considered equal, the wheels and the tires would both be lighter in that size vs. 17" or 18", which I believe would be the most important thing. Also, I'm guessing that both the wheels and tires would be less expensive. Since the base model comes with 16" wheels, I figure they should clear the brakes.

The only downside I can think of is less "cool" factor, but I'm focusing on performance and function in this application. Any thoughts?

If you want cheap performance and fun, and have a hot setup, you have more choices at the 17" size. I would highly recommend this setup:

Kosei K1s in (5x120) 17x8.5 ($199ea)
Falken Azenis ST615 255/40/17 ($127ea)

This setup was being run by 90% of the e36 m3's at national SCCA events a year ago. There are a few more choices now, but they cost more (LTW5 + Neova AD07). The above setup gets rid of the stagger, doesn't require fender rolling, and is DAYUM sticky. Plus, you can drive them on the road.

[razormy]

I have a 335 and looking for that exact setup but wondering on offsets and clearances.

Do you know if this setup fits the E92 and if it clears the brakes using 17's

[larryn]

Originally Posted by razormy

I have a 335 and looking for that exact setup but wondering on offsets and clearances.

Do you know if this setup fits the E92 and if it clears the brakes using 17's

Your car has the exact same size brakes as mine, and that was my setup from last year. They fit fine. I did use a spacer in back, but you really don't need to. I just did it to get the tires out to the fender in back. There was plenty of room without it between the suspension and the tires/wheel either way.

[razormy]

What offset front and rear?

Thank...great info.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by razormy

What offset front and rear?

Thank...great info.

ET40. It's the only 17" size they make, and it's specifically to cater to BMWs. At 16.8lbs each, you can't go wrong compared to the ~30lb stock wheels, not to mention those heavy runflats. You'll notice a large gain in throttle response and steering feel.

[razormy]

And you're sure they will clear the stock 13.X size rotors?

I want to order these tomorrow and am just double checking.

[larryn]

Originally Posted by razormy

And you're sure they will clear the stock 13.X size rotors?

I want to order these tomorrow and am just double checking.

LOL! Yes. The stock wheels for your car without the sport package are 17" as well...