[Max Well]

With BMW’s ‘Breaking-in Period’ completed (3,100 miles/5000 km), I was able to formally evaluate our X3MC’s acceleration at a(n) NHRA-sanctioned Drag Strip under different engine and transmission settings. Having never been to Gainesville Raceway, home of the annual NHRA ‘Gatornationals’, I was able to make a trip 2 weeks ago to get a feel for the layout. Track Altitude is 167 feet. http://www.gainesvilleraceway.com/ap...2884&zoneid=69

Our X3MC is bone stock and does not have the moon roof or spare. It is ~75 lbs. lighter than IND’s X3MC. They provided the first formal X3MC ¼ mile run 26 Jul 2019 at Great Lakes Dragaway - 11.831 sec @ 116.30 mph, DA +2,388 ft, full tank with 100 Octane [ https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1638826 ]. My goal was to capture as many runs as time allowed, specifically comparing normal driving (using only right foot for accelerator and brake) stoplight starts for Eff/D1, Sport/D2, Sport+/D3, and then launch control runs for the remainder. Turned out to be a beautiful day but southerly winds pushed the temps to the mid-70s.

I started off with some regular stop-light runs (using just one foot on the brake then moving it to the accelerator) in Eff, then Sport, then Sport+, then moved on to LC launches. Definitely takes some coordination to find the best time to begin boosting for the LC (using the 5/10ths Full Tree). I tried to hold for the full 3 sec, but even having burnished the brakes 3 weeks ago I had trouble holding it on Run#10 (Rnd 76) where I red-lighted with -0.174. It felt like a good run but the time slip showed I was still holding on to the brakes after the green light came on for Lane1, so the 0-60’ suffered big time. Honestly, I’m not sure I ever got a full LC launch on any of them.

Although I’ll post the data over on the ¼ mile reference thread [ https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444613 ], a few points I wanted to mention. I was surprised to see the run in Eff/Comfort/D1 outperformed the two runs I did in Sport. These were the same lanes, only 45 min apart, and if anything the DA was higher for the Eff/D1 run. I don’t know how to explain that, but maybe if those who have Dragy could try a few runs in each to see if they get similar results? I should’ve done more in Eff to confirm, but I didn’t analyze while at the track as we were running so much I didn’t have time to review until I got home. Since I used the same procedure, taking right foot off the brake and then using right foot to full throttle, I doubt that method is contributing. And I need to work on building max boost on LC before releasing – that’s work for next time.

Quickest E/T was 11.909 sec @ 116.58 mph in Round 82, but it only had the fastest 0-60 foot time, being beaten in Rounds 176 and 241 in the other distance intervals. Fastest speed was 12.168 sec @ 117.55 mph in Round 241 – not bad for a vehicle this size, ~3/4 tank fuel, and normal pump station Shell 93 Octane.

A great time, and I’ll definitely be heading back some day, hopefully with less fuel in the tank and a cooler day with lower DA’s.

[ando]

This looks like an awesome trip. Great write up, pics and data. Theses X3 Ms are very quick!

[MrItaly]

Looks like a great day with your M

[Aaaaaaaaa]

MPG?

[clickclickboom]

definitely has more in it...those 60ft times are slow

[MrItaly]

Originally Posted by clickclickboom

definitely has more in it...those 60ft times are slow

SuperSprint Downpipe with metallic catalitic converter on Friday and a remap with K&N filter on the 3rd. Dyno results to follow......

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ando

This looks like an awesome trip. Great write up, pics and data. Theses X3 Ms are very quick!

Thanks, ando - was an amazing time and I'll definitely be back. For $25 an incredibly fun day, and the straight hard-pulling of this X3MC for that quarter mile is addicting!

I think it surprises a lot of people who aren't familiar with performance SAVs in general. One of the more serious hobbyists who was great to talk with was a bit surprised to see my helmet in the right seat at the beginning, indicating I probably wouldn't need that. I mentioned I read that Track rules state 'a helmet is required for any vehicle faster than 14.00 sec in the 1/4 mile', and he nodded that he knew. When I mentioned that a sub-12 time at 116 mph has already been posted online for this model his look was priceless! An approving and excited look, but surprised all the same. He came up later to my window as I was in the staging lanes indicating he watched the 11.909 run and was impressed with the performance it has, 'wouldn't have known looking at it'.

Originally Posted by clickclickboom

definitely has more in it...those 60ft times are slow

No doubt. I'd be happy with the 1.897 or less consistently. Although I say I wasn't worried about the R/T, the one time I did try counting fully to 3 for max boost pressure I edged over the line for a red as I couldn't hold the brakes.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by MrItaly

SuperSprint Downpipe with metallic catalitic converter on Friday and a remap with K&N filter on the 3rd. Dyno results to follow......

While you're still over there with access to high speed roads, do you have a Dragy to test the differences on the road? Dyno results are helpful but nothing beats real world testing. Looking forward to your thoughts on the mods when installed.

[sayemthree]

Nice

No spare. I was told I can’t order the x3mc without a spare?

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

Nice

No spare. I was told I can’t order the x3mc without a spare?

You can on the X3MC, and also you don't have to get the moon roof either.

For the spare removal, just order the Mobility Kit 2VC and it automatically deletes the Space-Saver Spare 300

And 2 ways to delete the moon roof from your order: 1) ordering the Executive Package ZPX (which includes the moon roof as one of it's features) and then ordering the M Driver's Package 7ME which removes the speed limiter by increasing top speed capability to 177mph and automatically deletes the moon roof, or 2) ordering the items you want in the Exec package a la carte and just not choosing the moon roof.

I did option 1 (as I think onfireX5 did as well), and I believe -JLT- ordered a la carte if I'm not mistaken.

If you order option 1 the M Driver's package costs $2,500 but you get the $1,200 credit off of the Executive package, so you end up paying just $1,300 difference.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Max Well

You can on the X3MC, and also you don't have to get the moon roof either.

For the spare removal, just order the Mobility Kit 2VC and it automatically deletes the Space-Saver Spare 300

And 2 ways to delete the moon roof from your order: 1) ordering the Executive Package ZPX (which includes the moon roof as one of it's features) and then ordering the M Driver's Package 7ME which removes the speed limiter by increasing top speed capability to 177mph and automatically deletes the moon roof, or 2) ordering the items you want in the Exec package a la carte and just not choosing the moon roof.

I did option 1 (as I think onfireX5 did as well), and I believe -JLT- ordered a la carte if I'm not mistaken.

If you order option 1 the M Driver's package costs $2,500 but you get the $1,200 credit off of the Executive package, so you end up paying just $1,300 difference.

I did the option 1, too.

[IND-Distribution]

Great runs and thank you for the data! The X3M is powerful for sure.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by IND-Distribution

Great runs and thank you for the data! The X3M is powerful for sure.

Thanks, IND, and appreciate your first run data back in July! A Photographer at the track took this one so thought I'd share. Will definitely be going back for another round - was a lot of fun and enjoyed meeting such a great group of Enthusiasts.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Thanks, IND, and appreciate your first run data back in July! A Photographer at the track took this one so thought I'd share. Will definitely be going back for another round - was a lot of fun and enjoyed meeting such a great group of Enthusiasts.

That's a great looking photo, makes the car look mean.

I will have to get mine to the track now that you have some data.

[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by Max Well

You can on the X3MC, and also you don't have to get the moon roof either.

For the spare removal, just order the Mobility Kit 2VC and it automatically deletes the Space-Saver Spare 300

And 2 ways to delete the moon roof from your order: 1) ordering the Executive Package ZPX (which includes the moon roof as one of it's features) and then ordering the M Driver's Package 7ME which removes the speed limiter by increasing top speed capability to 177mph and automatically deletes the moon roof, or 2) ordering the items you want in the Exec package a la carte and just not choosing the moon roof.

I did option 1 (as I think onfireX5 did as well), and I believe -JLT- ordered a la carte if I'm not mistaken.

If you order option 1 the M Driver's package costs $2,500 but you get the $1,200 credit off of the Executive package, so you end up paying just $1,300 difference.

Thx. I have ordered a non moonroof car, option 2. But with the spare. The spare takes up a lot of room but it’s a good option. We were once stranded in our 2015 x3 with a shedded run flat tire

Do u think are non MR cars will be rare and sought after or a resale night mare

[gblansten]

Comfort suspension is probably advantageous because it allows the car to squat on its rear tires where the RWD biased AWD can get a better launch.

[seattlespeights]

I have to post on something I think so I can share my pictures or videos lol. Looking forward to sharing

[sayemthree]

Originally Posted by seattlespeights

I have to post on something I think so I can share my pictures or videos lol. Looking forward to sharing

Start ur own post. Something interesting

[x3mcomp]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forwarding to seeing more posts like this. Love the photo of the car, looks mean!

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

That's a great looking photo, makes the car look mean. I will have to get mine to the track now that you have some data.

Will be interested in seeing your data – can’t recall what mods you’ve done and your tire sizes?

Originally Posted by gblansten

Comfort suspension is probably advantageous because it allows the car to squat on its rear tires where the RWD biased AWD can get a better launch.

Hadn’t thought about that, gblansten, but it might be a contributing factor as well. I hesitate to make too much of two Sport runs c/w just one Efficient run, but the difference was clearly there. Maybe others with a Dragy can compare. Since most Drivers at a Strip are trying for their fastest times it’s rare to find non-LC slips posted, which was why I wanted to get some data on them.

I was surprised by the lack of traction I felt on the LC launches, though. Not sure if many have used belt sanders in woodworking, but that was the sensation I felt off the line every time using LC – like the tires weren’t grabbing and I was sanding them down. I’m attaching an image of the tires showing the gravel literally imbedded into the rubber. The left was earlier in the day, the right was after 10 runs. The right one even shows the lateral grooves appear frayed. The rears looked the same (if not worse).

While in the staging lanes waiting for the track to be cleared from a blown engine, I discussed this with a long-time Hellcat Driver running with slicks. He mentioned that he was also having traction issues using LC and had just discussed this with another Hellcat owner. He said the other recommended trying without LC so DSC was still on, but to use one foot on the brake while raising RPM before launch to raise boost.

I think this traction issue probably played a role on Saturday – just not sure to what extent. If true, then I doubt 100 Octane or less fuel to decrease weight would have improved my 0-60’ times, but those changes should improve the other intervals. Next time I’d like to try some modified non-LC runs in regular Sport+/D3 as the Hellcat Driver mentioned and compare same day to LC. I had to leave early so didn’t have a chance to follow-up with him as to how it worked out when he tried it.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Will be interested in seeing your data – can’t recall what mods you’ve done and your tire sizes?


.

I am bone stock besides lowering it.

I just purchased new tires last week but same size as stock. I went with my favorite tire which is the PS4S. I was shocked that I got almost 10,000 miles out of the stock P-Zeros. I am used to changing tires about every 7,000 miles.

Front: 265/40ZR-21 MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4S

Rear: 295/35ZR-21 MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4S

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

I am bone stock besides lowering it.

I just purchased new tires last week but same size as stock. I went with my favorite tire which is the PS4S. I was shocked that I got almost 10,000 miles out of the stock P-Zeros. I am used to changing tires about every 7,000 miles.

Front: 265/40ZR-21 MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4S

Rear: 295/35ZR-21 MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4S

Good to know. I also have the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but Front: 255/40 ZR 21 and Rear: 265/40 ZR 21.

Suspect your traction (0-60 foot) should be better based on the tires alone?

With your background in Drag Racing, can you comment on my experience with the tires I (and the Hellcat Driver) described earlier using LC? Even if I get the LC timing down to full boost at launch, I'm still not sure I'm going to be able to put all of it down in the 0-60 foot interval, at least based on my experience Saturday. Not sure if a modified DSC-on launch would grab better?