E9x M3 TRACK FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions on tracking the E9X M3 and links to threads which contain answers:

Which r-compound tires are you using?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278244

Which track pads are you using?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=314466

Are you using MDM on the track? Is it too instrusive?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289303

What camber settings are best for track use?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258968

Why is there splashed power steering fluid in the engine bay after track driving?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=278495

Should I purchase HPDE insurance?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286902

Should I use 18" or 19" rims on the track?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304078

How often should an oil change be performed if I track my car?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6403712#post6403712

Which lap timer system are you using?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=328947

Which helmet are you using?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336075

How do I replace the brake pads?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246116

How do I flush the brake fluid?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316236

How do I change the oil?
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185785

Please post in this thread if you have any suggestions to improve/expand the FAQ. Please do not start a discussion on any of the FAQ topics in this thread (they will be deleted/moved). Thanks.

Very nice. Thanks much.

Not M3-specific, but here's a link to an auto racing glossary I made several years ago (and forgot about): http://users.zoominternet.net/~tworx7s/Auto%20Racing%20Glossary.html

Not sure how the question marks got in there, but I promise to update it.

This PDF might be usefull for track newbs so they'll have an idea what to expect at most HPDE.

Brake fluid perhaps?

Very nice guide, haven't started with the track yet, but I'm gonna!

Thanks for putting this together. This is a nice resource.

Any write-ups/advice on how to protect your vehicle? Blue painters tape, etc...

visualvaccine wrote

Any write-ups/advice on how to protect your vehicle? Blue painters tape, etc...

If you are worried about the paint...don't take it on the track. Just wait until someone drops a tire in the dirt in front of you.

bigjae1976 wrote  

visualvaccine wrote

Any write-ups/advice on how to protect your vehicle? Blue painters tape, etc...

If you are worried about the paint...don't take it on the track. Just wait until someone drops a tire in the dirt in front of you.

+1000000! This man speaks the truth!

bigjae1976 wrote

If you are worried about the paint...don't take it on the track. Just wait until someone drops a tire in the dirt in front of you.

And who doesn't like a textured windshield?

radiantm3 wrote

And who doesn't like a textured windshield?

I love it...it looks all glittery in the evening. Or at least that's what I tell myself.

I did try to keep my paint nice on my 330. You'll be constantly taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, and waxing.

Then you'll be at the body shop painting your bumpers, rockers, mirrors, and hood.

Oh...but I'll put the clear bra on it. Then it will be track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra.

Then you'll be at the body shop painting your bumpers, rockers, mirrors, and hood.

Maybe you should try the frozen paint option at the track. It already looks pock marked from the factory.

How about a fuel mixture/race gas line item?

What is the average cost of tracking per season grouped by skill level...
Breakdown of cost

Eg: Beginner
x$
Brake fluid

Average

xx$
Brake fluid
Track pads

Advanced

xxx$

bigjae1976 wrote

I love it...it looks all glittery in the evening. Or at least that's what I tell myself.

I did try to keep my paint nice on my 330. You'll be constantly taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, waxing, taping, polishing, claying, touching up, and waxing.

Then you'll be at the body shop painting your bumpers, rockers, mirrors, and hood.

Oh...but I'll put the clear bra on it. Then it will be track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra, track, shop, $500, new clear bra.

Then you'll be at the body shop painting your bumpers, rockers, mirrors, and hood.

There is a guy on here that just tapes his car up with blue painters tape before he goes out. Only cost a few $ and removes pretty easy without hurting the paint. Sure your windshied will still look like a disco ball, but its not $500 per track day.

HerbNRacer wrote

There is a guy on here that just tapes his car up with blue painters tape before he goes out. Only cost a few $ and removes pretty easy without hurting the paint. Sure your windshied will still look like a disco ball, but its not $500 per track day.

I do the same. It also help people identify you.

"Do you have the blue tape?"

"Yeah, thats me!"

"oh."

Guy on Rennlist made this video - very good for new to track people.

ThunderMoose wrote

Guy on Rennlist made this video - very good for new to track people.

Nice find...but lol @ the 2 bottles of water. I drink about 10 of those a day.

Its a PIA...but I'm going to start bringing a canopy. Heartland Park is a sea of blacktop and it gets f'ing hot!

Would be great to have some threads on aero too: which splitter are people using for track? Does a diffuser actually help?

Excellent thread!