[Ado]

I took the 335 out to the local track today, my first time on a track and I must say it was an awesome experience.

While there I ended up meeting a pretty cool guy with a 06 M Coupe. Love that ride .

What really surprised the both of us is when we hit the straightaway I pulled on him by a bit all through to the end of 3rd then we had to shut down as the track straightaway wasn't that long.

Anyone out there race an M Coupe with a stock 335?

Map of the track:

[visor]

Awesome!

How did you find the handling without a limited slip diff? Assuming that you had turned off DTC/DSC...

[Ado]

I normally drive with DTC/DSC off while street driving but believe it or not I wasn't even thinking about turning it off on the track. Too scared to turn it off

[533ogetnom]

you went around the track with DSC on?... i can see DTC, but dsc? it wont let you get anywhere near the limit...

[bobnaz]

Originally Posted by 533ogetnom

you went around the track with DSC on?... i can see DTC, but dsc? it wont let you get anywhere near the limit...

+1

[Ado]

Anywhere near the limit of what? It ran just fine.

[T Bone]

Originally Posted by Ado

I took the 335 out to the local track today, my first time on a track and I must say it was an awesome experience.

What really surprised the both of us is when we hit the straightaway I pulled on him by a bit all through to the end of 3rd then we had to shut down as the track straightaway wasn't that long.

Anyone out there race an M Coupe with a stock 335?

Glad to see people driving their cars as the maker intended

How good was the other driver? Was he experienced?

It is likely you had a better exit for the straight than he did.... 2-3 km / h difference at the exit before the straight is multiplied big time down the straight.

[Ado]

He was very experienced. He actually out drove me later at the curves so i let him pass.

the race we had was after the curve grande so we were pretty much at equal speeds after getting onto the straight. We were both pretty surprised.

[ward]

don't let the guys hassle you about DSC DTC... on track

if you're new and learning, take it slow and gradually get faster

if you just turn all the aids off and try to drive at 100% you're asking for trouble.

although saying that, why on earth would you drive on the street with it off, then leave it on at the track?

congrads on getting out there though, track driving is so damn fun!

[hotrod182]

On a slower autocross course, the dsc can hinder your times quite a bit, however, on high speed tracks, where you are going over 100mph before hitting the corners, it isn't that much of an intrusion, considering the extra safety it affords you. In high speed situations, some people will even turn in better lap times with it on, because they don't have to spend so much time "catching it" when they go over the edge losing it.

[PSI Power]

The key is you had a great time on the track in your own BMW.
Very addictive sport.

My only commet about DTC and maybe DSC is be careful when taking high speed corners. In going through a high speed corner or any corner where you are near the limits of adhesion and grip, you need to keep the power on to keep the car stable and steady. DTC/DSC can sometimes cut the power out from under you and/or even apply the brakes while traveling through the corner. This can cause your car to become very squirrelly and unnerving. I have personally experienced and have seen it may times. Once you start pushing the car a little harder, you should turn off these caution measures and control the throttle and braking yourself. That way, if you do lift or apply brakes, you know that you did it and you should know how the cars going to react so you can be ready for it.

My $.02 worth.

Have Fun.

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by Ado

I took the 335 out to the local track today, my first time on a track and I must say it was an awesome experience.

While there I ended up meeting a pretty cool guy with a 06 M Coupe. Love that ride .

What really surprised the both of us is when we hit the straightaway I pulled on him by a bit all through to the end of 3rd then we had to shut down as the track straightaway wasn't that long.

Anyone out there race an M Coupe with a stock 335?

Map of the track:

dont fool your self, a stock 335i will loose to a M coupe. There was a Video feed even on it by some NY guys starting both on second gear

[Ado]

Yeah I've seen that video too. This is actually my 2nd race against the M Coupe. The first one can't really count as we didn't launch at the same time and I took him.

I'm sure that if we lined up and hit it I would loose.

[leftcoastman]

How long is that front straight?

[panzer948]

Just curious how you got on the track in the first place. Was it part of a driving school or what? I hope to take my new 335i to the track soon one day too, just trying to figure out all my options.

[PSI Power]

You can join BMW CCA. They have High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE)session at numerous tracks.
You can also join the Audi Club. I am a Audi Club member, I use to own an Audi, and the local Audi Chapter here has HPDE sessions at least three times a year.
Also check out whatever road race course is near you, a lot of them have one day session where you ride with an instructor. You will need to borrow a helmet.

Virginia International Raceway is a very nice track in Southern VA. Not sure what is around you though.

Check out BMWCCA's website, their should be a section on HPDEs.

Originally Posted by panzer948

Just curious how you got on the track in the first place. Was it part of a driving school or what? I hope to take my new 335i to the track soon one day too, just trying to figure out all my options.

[panzer948]

Hi thanks for the response. You basically told me what I needed to hear (and confirm). I just joined BMW CCA last month for that very reason. So it looks like sticking with them is my best course of action, versus going to one on my on. The only thing that sucks is there next driving school in right after July 4th at VIA, but it sold out the day it was posted. There next one is not till Sept. That's a long wait.

[PSI Power]

Ah Yes. VIR is a very popular and great track. It considered to be like the country club of road race courses. Not surprised that I filled up so fast.

You can also try these guys: http://www.carguysinc.com/#
People seem to like using them. They do have more aggressive instructors but they charge a little more. Not sure what the BMWCCA charges for two days at VIR.

You should also check out the Mazda and Corvette car clubs. A lot of times they book a track but do not fill it up. So they will sell openings to anyone and you do not have to join the car club.

If you have never been to the track, stick with the BMW CCA. The instructors should be friendlier and not drive you to the edge. Also a lot of BMW people around to give you advise and help if you need any.

Either way, go out to the track. It is so much fun and addictive.
Make sure you keep the shiny side up though!

Originally Posted by panzer948

Hi thanks for the response. You basically told me what I needed to hear (and confirm). I just joined BMW CCA last month for that very reason. So it looks like sticking with them is my best course of action, versus going to one on my on. The only thing that sucks is there next driving school in right after July 4th at VIA, but it sold out the day it was posted. There next one is not till Sept. That's a long wait.

[panzer948]

Thanks for the info. I checked out Car Guys. Some good options there. Do you have links for Mazda and Corvette clubs? I will search later tonight when I get out of work.

Would love to do something this summer, then do the BMW CCA in Sept. at VIR.