[djhartm69]

I'm an BMW certified instructor & my regular track car (2018 Z06 Z07) is having some work done on it.

I've signed-up to instruct for a BMW event at my home track (VIR) later this month and figured I'd take the X3 MC out.

I can only run in the D class with the X3 per my local BMW chapter rules, which is fine, as I'm not looking to set a PB.

I think the X3 will be a lot of fun on VIR full.

Other than switching to SRF brake fluid, any other suggestions such as tire pressures?

It's too bad the Comp doesn't have a PDR setup like the Z06 but I guess I could mount my GoPro.

[pluckydks]

I drove it on the Nordschleife when it was stock and on winter wheels/tires, but I wouldn't consider that tracking.

[djhartm69]

^That must have been incredible.

One of the guys that used to tune my Corvettes opened a track taxi/exotic rental/B&B just outside Nordschleife.

That would be a once in a lifetime experience to drive it.

I wonder if he'd give me a discount.

[r33_RGSport]

Did it.
Going again on the 25th.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by djhartm69

I'm an BMW certified instructor & my regular track car (2018 Z06 Z07) is having some work done on it.

I've signed-up to instruct for a BMW event at my home track (VIR) later this month and figured I'd take the X3 MC out.

I can only run in the D class with the X3 per my local BMW chapter rules, which is fine, as I'm not looking to set a PB.

I think the X3 will be a lot of fun on VIR full.

Other than switching to SRF brake fluid, any other suggestions such as tire pressures?

It's too bad the Comp doesn't have a PDR setup like the Z06 but I guess I could mount my GoPro.

I thought it was C and D for BMW CCA. I'm up to B group with my M2C at VIR and CMP. I do want to do at least a 1 day event with the X3M and would prefer C group at least....

[suby01]

Originally Posted by djhartm69

I'm an BMW certified instructor & my regular track car (2018 Z06 Z07) is having some work done on it.

I've signed-up to instruct for a BMW event at my home track (VIR) later this month and figured I'd take the X3 MC out.

I can only run in the D class with the X3 per my local BMW chapter rules, which is fine, as I'm not looking to set a PB.

I think the X3 will be a lot of fun on VIR full.

Other than switching to SRF brake fluid, any other suggestions such as tire pressures?

It's too bad the Comp doesn't have a PDR setup like the Z06 but I guess I could mount my GoPro.

You need to add a Lime Rock Park sticker to that window

[LimeRock]

Originally Posted by suby01

You need to add a Lime Rock Park sticker to that window

x2!

[djhartm69]

I emailed the CI's for Tarheel BMW & they said only D.

Maybe the regional clubs can modify BMW CCA rules?

[djhartm69]

Originally Posted by suby01

You need to add a Lime Rock Park sticker to that window

I'm originally from CA, so I spent a lot of time at Sears Point/Sonoma, Laguna, Willow, Buttonwillow, Thunderhill, & Firebird.

Since moving to Raleigh, I probably have >1,000 laps at VIR, don't really like Dominion or CMP.

Watkins, Road Atlanta, & Roebling are on my bucket list.

Lime Rock looks cool from a recent article I read in Motor Trend (I think).

I had a Type-R last year for fun.

Randy took me out for a session in it.

[tarmactrr]

I'd assume you'd need pads too. The stock pads seem fairly easy to get to fade if you beat on them for a bit even on the street.

Don't think other than pads and fluid you'd need anything. It would be pretty potent even on the OEM michelin's.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Randy is an awesome man...

[djhartm69]

Not too many brake pad choices available for track.

EBC said they were willing to send me a set of their yellow compound for the M760i to trial fit.

I found an obscure brand on the RG site called iSweep...

[j080808]

Switched to SRF beforehand and the stock pads/brakes were amazing, no fade and very little wear. This was at my home track Autobahn Country Club (full course), which I consider a "fast" circuit.

X3MC performed excellent, however I chewed through my Continentals in 5 sessions. Previous track days in different cars forced me to lower my starting temps, in hindsight, I would start at much higher (i.e. factory cold <100mph) temps next time and adjust accordingly. My numbers only rose to factory cold after the session. My race mechanic agreed I was underinflated, so the blame is completely on me, I should have paid better attention.

Got a lot of kudos (and strange looks) via paddock visits from much better drivers and cars, I was the only SUV there.

[tarmactrr]

Originally Posted by djhartm69

Not too many brake pad choices available for track.

EBC said they were willing to send me a set of their yellow compound for the M760i to trial fit.

I found an obscure brand on the RG site called iSweep...

I had a set of EBC yellow's fail on me on a track day on my Z06. Switched over to carbotechs and never looked back.

That said you're right can't find anything on good pads for the x3m yet. Also bummed they put the 6 piston fronts on the new M3 but the x3m got the smaller 4 piston with a very small surface area pad considering the size of the rotor.

[djhartm69]

Originally Posted by j080808

Switched to SRF beforehand and the stock pads/brakes were amazing, no fade and very little wear. This was at my home track Autobahn Country Club (full course), which I consider a "fast" circuit.

X3MC performed excellent, however I chewed through my Continentals in 5 sessions. Previous track days in different cars forced me to lower my starting temps, in hindsight, I would start at much higher (i.e. factory cold <100mph) temps next time and adjust accordingly. My numbers only rose to factory cold after the session. My race mechanic agreed I was underinflated, so the blame is completely on me, I should have paid better attention.

Got a lot of kudos (and strange looks) via paddock visits from much better drivers and cars, I was the only SUV there.

Thanks for the info. Given your experience, what pressure would you start with cold, and what targets hot?

At VIR, I can get into the 160's and 150's on the back & front straight in my Z06, I'm guessing 140's and 130's in the X3 MC (maybe).

I love the Carbotech's and used the XP12 & 10 setup on my Z6 before witching to the APR's al around. Have never used EBC brakes on a car, but as mentioned, not a lot of choices out there.

[j080808]

Originally Posted by djhartm69

Thanks for the info. Given your experience, what pressure would you start with cold, and what targets hot?

At VIR, I can get into the 160's and 150's on the back & front straight in my Z06, I'm guessing 140's and 130's in the X3 MC (maybe).

I love the Carbotech's and used the XP12 & 10 setup on my Z6 before witching to the APR's al around. Have never used EBC brakes on a car, but as mentioned, not a lot of choices out there.

Well, generally I log my data during and/or after...this time I didn't so I dont remember just how low I went cold. I ran on a Monday during the riots so I worked between sessions and I had a 4+ hour drive afterwards and the protesters had closed the highway down near my home. So, I had other things on my mind when I pulled into the garage. I did mange to find these screenshots, they (minus the last) were taken on the cool down lap or entering the pits. Ambient temps were in the high 70's with a mix of clouds during the day.

And I should clarify, I cooked my front tires, but I didnt really care because it gave me an excuse to switch to Michelins. IDK if a few PSI would have made any difference and I wasnt keeping time because I was focused on learning the vehicle first and foremost. My main concern going into that day was actually the brakes and they actually exceeded my expectations by a far margin, which for an OEM pad was very impressive. I popped out the pads shortly after and the wear was minimal, the replacements I had planned on having to potentially install, are still on the shelf.

The rest of my season was a wash so these are the only data points I have, wish I could be of more help.

[djhartm69]

Thanks for the info.

In my experience, the Conti's have a softer sidewall than the Michelins, so they have to be run at higher PSI to control rollover.

I would have had a hard time not getting out and opening fire on these rioters.

[Transfer]

Here is a thread I started in 2020 and did one track day. I was never intending to track my X3MC but was highly impressed.

X3M track day pointers https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1761331