My upgrade: The Track

[Paul W 1138]

Rather than purchase performance upgrades for my 135i, I thought the best route would be saddle time, to really learn what the car can do and to improve my abilities.

I was thinking of the 2 day BMW performance school (for real world applications) vs the M school (more racing).

Thoughts? Any suggestions for other schools are greatly appreciated. I live on the east coast (NY)

All the best,
Paul

[Thaddy]

Probably the most refreshing posts I've read on here in a long time. I think it's a great idea, and I'm considering the same thing next summer.

I also think an E92 M3 front sway bar is a good idea as well

[Thaddy]

Maxnix, I thought you drove your own car at the Performance Driving School? I was hoping to make a nice road trip out of it (although I guess I still can).

[bbbradley]

Driving school is a fantastic idea! I started out with the Boston BMWCCA's Performance Driver's Skills Training, or something like that. I then went on to auto-x 8-10 events per year and have had a great time all along the way. It certainly helps you understand what your car is capable of doing and when you are beyond the limits, all in a safer environment than the street.

My wife did the above events too, and for her having grown up in the south the car control events were perfect to make her feel more comfortable driving in the snow. She got to be a pretty good auto-xer too!

IMO the cars are more capable than the vast majority of drivers who insist they need to modify the suspension, engine, brakes etc... Do the event in your own car, the items you will wear out are tires mainly. Short money to gain familiarity with what you will be driving all the time vs on that one or two day event.

Tighten the nut behind the wheel first!

[Paul W 1138]

Thanks fellas. So, if i partake in the BMW performance school in S.C (i think that's where it is), will they have a comparable 135i to use during the two day course? I wouldn't want to learn to really drive on an X5 or something that isn't similar to my 135i

[Alow]

I agree that the most bang for your buck is upgrades behind the wheel; and I applaud your decision to do so.

The decision between a "normal" high performance driving school and racing school is a good one to think about; but really, even tho the racing school is oriented more towards racing, the skills you learn translate to your every day car with minimal effort. So if you think you'd enjoy that aspect of driving even if just for one day, I'd say seriously consider it. You'll learn just as much if not more.

Thus, I'll throw another school in the mix: Skip barber 3 day racing school. Not only are the instructors top-class, you get to drive a REAL single seater race car! It is a completely different universe. I highly recommend it. Best money I've spent on my driving education.

[wolfson.tyler]

I second the Skip Barber recommendation. Fantastic instructors and a great place to learn. I would go the formula car route, but if you want to stay in something with a windshield they do have all of their schools in MX-5s.

Skip Barber is also testing out a new program at Lime Rock where they will teach you in your own car which could be interesting.

[wacobipe]

I have a 2010 135 and I live in Asheville, NC about an hour from Plant Spartanburg and the BMW Performance Center. I have done Performance Center delivery of my car and a special 1 day M school for local BMWCCA members. Basically it was the one day M school for half price but you shared a car with another driver and you were a passenger for half the track time...in the standard M school classes you are the driver the entire time. It sounds crazy but I think I learned as much or more form being a passenger as I did behind the wheel. Everything happens so fast behind the wheel that you can't analyze and alter your approach while trying to maintain control of the car as well.

The Performance Center pickup is a short version of the car control class. These sessions are based on understanding braking, traction control, and maintaining control of your vehicle under all situations. It is an exceptional experience and I learned a lot but it is focused on teaching you how to be a better, safer driver and more street focused...but you learn a lot of lessons that you can apply to the track.

The M-school cover many of the same lessons but progresses quickly beyond them to high performance driving like you would experience on the track. In the 1 day session there is a session focused on cornering at high speeds, one on an autox course, one on a wet skidpad where you learn to maintain car control without DTC active (basically they teach you to drift) and a wet oval which is similar but a 1-1 match race. Finally there is a high speed track event which includes a 110 MPH straightaway, through a tight corner onto a wet skidpad and back onto a road course track. It is an awesome experience.

In both cases you drive BMW's cars, NYC (Not Your Car) as someone else said before. In the pickup session you drive a car like the one you are picking up. I am not sure what you use in car control class but I think it is 135's and 335's. In M school you split time between M3, M5, and M6 in various events.

In any of these sessions there is a little class time to prep you but most of the day you spend in the car on the track. After a day on the track you are dead tired...totally wired but worn out! The instructors are top notch and in my experience spend most of the day pushing you harder, not keeping you in check!

If you have any questions feel free to ask. I have loved all my time at the Performance Center.

If you do make it for a class be sure to schedule time to drive around the moutains in the region...some of the best driving in the country!

[timhatimay]

Not quite track time, but there are many auto-x events around metro NYC. Some clubs also run events at Giant's Stadium and Englishtown Road Course (NJ). There is free instruction and plenty of seat time. I always have a great time, and I've learned a lot about car control and dynamics in MY car. I would rather flog my actual car than an automatic equivalent.

Also, the events are typically inexpensive. Probably not a replacement for the Performance Center, but a great supplement! Hope to see you next season.

Tim

[Paul W 1138]

Thanks Tim. I'll look up those events in the spring.

Thanks again everyone

[Paul W 1138]

Well, I'm heading to Limerock CT on Monday with NASA (HPDE-1) with my friend Michal Musto as my driving instructor for the day. Wish me luck.

P.S Mike's the guy from Bullrun Season 1 with the 69 Charger. Here's one of the sites he contributes to:

www.ridelust.com

Thanks again everyone for the information!

[Dackelone]

G.L. Paul with the HPDE. Once you get one under your belt you will be hooked!

The BSR guys at Summit Point, WVa offer FATS (Fridays At The Tracks), You use your own car and they are cheap HPDE/school.

Also... years ago I went to Bertil Roo's school at Pocono Raceway. I wonder IF they are still around. I really liked the way they taught HPDE.


Dackel

[Xaeryan]

Darn, I was gonna sign up for that but forgot to until a few days ago when I noticed HPDE 1 is sold out. Otherwise I'd be there too!

[Frampton]

HPDE +1 It was the first mod i did!

dont do the m3 swaybar without more mods, its awesome on the street and it sucks on the track without more work, makes the car push like a 400hp honda civic!

[Paul W 1138]

Originally Posted by Xaeryan

Darn, I was gonna sign up for that but forgot to until a few days ago when I noticed HPDE 1 is sold out. Otherwise I'd be there too!

Did you try and get on the waiting list? Sign up for a hyperdrive and hopefully someone will cancel the HPDE1

[Paul W 1138]

Here you go fellas:

http://www.ridelust.com/the-rambling...ck-day-virgin/

[Frampton]

congrats! nothing better than pushing a car to its limits in a safe environment

[Focusedintntions]

I <3 the track. Can't wait for my next event in 10 days!

[Frampton]

i would say the only thing to be careful of now is... getting more addicted which leads to building a new monthly budget item for tires!

my local track is holding a time attack this weekend, 3 day till my next event!

[Paul W 1138]

I hear that. I want to get some R-comps for track use as i don't want to eat up my conti DWS's.

Also, i'll probably swap out the break fluid and break pads. Then i should be good to go.

[Frampton]

Having a second set of wheels and tires is key if you DD your car for sure

[Xaeryan]

Originally Posted by Paul W 1138

Here you go fellas:

http://www.ridelust.com/the-rambling...ck-day-virgin/

LOL... car penis.