E46 M3 track toy

[Gedge]

Thanks Maff, will give that a go.

[Gedge]

Been a while since I posted here! Is anyone still alive?

I took the M3 to Silverstone GP track in November which was probably the most fun ive ever had on track. This is despite running on stock suspension due to my Nitrons being fully rebuilt and refreshed by Nitron.

Here is a video of the day. Hots up around 9 minutes where im playing with a friend in a ex Exige race car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A28lY6BEKW4

Glad to say the understeer issue is all but gone. We achieved this by softening the front ARB and fitting an uprated rear one. This has balance the car lovely, its a real joy to drive now and very fast.

Got the Nitrons back on after the track day. Very impressed by them so far. Only tested on the road but silent compared to how they were (knocking at the rear) and actually really compliant on the road.

This is how she is currently sitting:



Although I am really happy with the car I have been toying with the idea of changing to something else. I do like trying different cars out. I have been thinking about a R32 GTR but have never even been in one before, let alone driven one so would need to experience one first before making any rash decisions! Also there is a bit of an age difference but deep down I have always been and always will be a Jap man. Will see how I feel after getting the M3 back out on track next year!

[Gedge]

If anyone has owned both an M3 and R32 GTR would be interesting to hear your opinion on how they compare (or don't!)

[Stuart]

Owned the track 36, and driven plenty of 46s, owned 1.5 32s
Standard cars
Similar running costs, 32 will be marginally slower, really hard to find straight ones for less than 10k unless imported by you/Logan. GTR brakes are shit, gearbox and engine are superb and the suspension plus grip are amazing. 4x4 with no understeer
Tuned cars
GTR plus 1k for second hand exhaust, boost control and remap put you into 380bhp territory and, in my experience, bye bye M3. You'll then need to spend another grand on brakes

Allow 20% more for costs and you'll be going much quicker in theory with no real drop in reliability
I went faster in my 36 but mine was track only so 280hp and 1100kgs with semi slicks; apples and oranges really to a 460hp 1500kg 32

[Gedge]

Ok thanks Stuart, that's really helpful.

Its not that I am unhappy with the M3. It is a fantastically capable car on the road and on track. I just really miss a turbo! I did look at charging the M, but for 5-6 grand I think I would rather put it into something jap instead. Ive already done the 200sx and RX7 route. The 200 was a great car but would need a help of a lot of work to get it anywhere near the M dynamically. The RX7 was amazing and I still miss it but the reliability was shocking. Ive always loved the R32 and R34 but obviously 34 is well out of reach now!

Will do some more research and try and get a drive in one and go from there!

[Gedge]

This looks absolutely stunning - http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... an/4862262

Unfortunately sold though

[Stuart]

If and when you're ready, why not go down the personal import route? I've monitored most of the 'top' importers stock and prices over the years and they certainly don't give anything away! I'm looking at something (non-performance) from Japan at the moment and have found Logan (posts as Blacky on here) so helpful. If I do buy from Japan it will definitely be through him as his standards are high, prices are fair and he's personally a true petrolhead so he really understands what folks like us demand

[Monster]

More than happy to take you out in my R32 chap, will be back on track in March so just come along and jump in and see what you think.

Mind you, the prices, like those linked too above, are startign to make me wish I hadn't thrown most of mine in the bin

[Monster]

happy to talk you through the essential mods for a bullet proof track car too (just don't look at mine) in fairness, it's been good as gold