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      07-20-2013, 04:47 PM   #1
Sixle
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Soon to be attending my first track day in my 135i...help!

Hi All,

I will soon be doing a BMW CCA HPDE track day at Road Atlanta on September 7th, but with me having zero track day experience I'm wondering what few modifications for the car would be best?

Right now I have recently ordered Apex EC-7 Wheels which will allow me to run Bridgestone Potenza S-04's in 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear during the event.

I next plan on grabbing a set of blank rotors and Hawk HP Plus pads since I'll be driving there and back and will need a pad that can still work well on the street to get there, I don't plan on using these pads all the time, just for the track itself. Also plan on bleeding the brakes to Motul RBF600

Is there any other necessary upgrade for a novice driver which will make the day easier? I'm really not trying to break the bank prepping and since I'm definitely not going to be thrashing the car at 100% I think I should be safe with what I'm getting. Any other thoughts, recommendations or ideas? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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      07-20-2013, 05:54 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixle View Post
Hi All,

I will soon be doing a BMW CCA HPDE track day at Road Atlanta on September 7th, but with me having zero track day experience I'm wondering what few modifications for the car would be best?
Zero modifications. Learn to drive your car in the form you actually drive your car. Your car's abilities are well above and beyond your own; don't get caught up in the internet hype of those with experience who change tires, brake pads, etc...

As you progress through HPDE, you will get better and then commensurately improve your car to match your ability and need.

Now, most people don't do it that way, but that is my advice as someone who has gone up through the ranks of HPDE and made some car-modding mistakes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixle View Post
Right now I have recently ordered Apex EC-7 Wheels which will allow me to run Bridgestone Potenza S-04's in 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear during the event.
Why did you buy those, not knowing how the car performs on the stock setup near the limit?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixle View Post
I next plan on grabbing a set of blank rotors and Hawk HP Plus pads since I'll be driving there and back and will need a pad that can still work well on the street to get there, I don't plan on using these pads all the time, just for the track itself. Also plan on bleeding the brakes to Motul RBF600
Again, overkill for your first day out.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Sixle View Post
Is there any other necessary upgrade for a novice driver which will make the day easier? I'm really not trying to break the bank prepping and since I'm definitely not going to be thrashing the car at 100% I think I should be safe with what I'm getting. Any other thoughts, recommendations or ideas? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Yes, there is a necessary upgrade, which you're covering by attending the HPDE: the nut behind the wheel!!!!!

Seriously, I don't mean to run down your ideas, and it's your car, so you'll do what you are comfortable with. But it's not a competition, and your car is SUPREMELY able to handle whatever you may throw at it on your first day out.

Go out there, stay calm, listen to your instructor, keep your eyes up, and be smooth. And don't get your ego hurt when less powerful cars pass you.
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      07-20-2013, 06:09 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mb135is View Post
Zero modifications.
+1
The RBF600 may not be a bad idea but at this stage I wouldn't recommend anything including the brake pads. Learn the car as first priority.

Your stock pads will hold up fine. I just got back from Road America which in my view is tougher on brakes than Road Atlanta and have had no issues. I spent 3 hours (2 days) on the track at Grattan followed by 4.5 hours (2 days) at Road America and still have half of my stock pads left (I was amazed actually).

The tire size combo you have chosen should work out well as far as bringing additional balance to the car.
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      07-20-2013, 06:24 PM   #4
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I was looking into taking my car out to the track and this is what BMWCCA, Los Angeles' packet says:

"Vehicle Modifications: Our schools are intended to make you a better driver in your own car in regular traffic. Novice students are strongly encouraged to avoid the use of R compound tires or suspension and engine modifications. Learn to drive with your car as close to stock as possible then start adding modifications."

The only mods I have made are mods I would make no matter what and it sounds like the guys above are basically saying the same thing. Sounds like good advice that I will be taking, I might even put my JB4 in map 4 so I can log but not have the added tune, we'll see but I'd listen to them and enjoy!

Last edited by tapout2taxes; 07-20-2013 at 07:02 PM.. Reason: Grammar
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      07-20-2013, 06:50 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mb135is View Post
Zero modifications. Learn to drive your car in the form you actually drive your car. Your car's abilities are well above and beyond your own
+1. I just did my first HPDE ever this month in my bone stock 135i M-sport.
2 hours on track in 95+ air temp at Summit Point main. Drove there in the morning, drove back home same evening, 50+ miles each way.
First things first, learn the track (which I was slow in doing) and then the speed will come. Car is more capable than it lets on.
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      07-20-2013, 07:06 PM   #6
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Awesome guys. I bought the tires and wheels because i would have anyway just for a different look and because my stock tires were running out of life.

Brakes were actual suggested by an HPDE instructor to me which is why I figured they may be a good idea for a crossover type pad instead of a full race pad.

This particular day im doing is six, 30 minute sessions on the track.

Thanks for all the info guys!

Last edited by Sixle; 07-20-2013 at 07:12 PM..
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      07-20-2013, 08:22 PM   #7
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Shiny side up!!!! Be prepared to get hooked!
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      07-20-2013, 09:32 PM   #8
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stock pads make me concerned. I like that you're getting HP+ pads.

the pad is a very linear pad, no aggressive bite and decent torque.

over cooking OEM pads is common. youd hate to see a day end because you destroyed OEM pads or went off from pad overheating and boiling fluid
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      07-20-2013, 09:39 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kgolf31 View Post
stock pads make me concerned. I like that you're getting HP+ pads.

the pad is a very linear pad, no aggressive bite and decent torque.

over cooking OEM pads is common. youd hate to see a day end because you destroyed OEM pads or went off from pad overheating and boiling fluid
My first track day I cooked through my stock pads on my E36 M3. I had to run to autozone and pick up some no name pads so I could run the 2nd day. Luckily some other BMW guys had the tools so I could swap out the pads. Now I bring an extra set of pads and rotors with me and all the tools necessary just in case. So upgrading pads isn't a bad idea. You don't need full blown track pads though. HP+ should work for you find.
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      07-21-2013, 11:03 PM   #10
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Have to agree. The advice from everyone is coming from the right place, but there is a difference between performance mods (completely unnecessary for a novice) and safety mods.

OEM brake pads are designed for street use. Driving on a track is magnitudes more demanding on brakes, even starting out, so at the very minimum it was a great idea to grab some Hawk HP+s. Brake fluid is a good idea too. The stock fluid would probably be fine, but there's no harm in adding a little extra peace of mind with higher temp fluid. With those one or two upgrades you will be all set for at least your first season of tracking.
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      07-22-2013, 06:05 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot View Post
Have to agree. The advice from everyone is coming from the right place, but there is a difference between performance mods (completely unnecessary for a novice) and safety mods.

OEM brake pads are designed for street use. Driving on a track is magnitudes more demanding on brakes, even starting out, so at the very minimum it was a great idea to grab some Hawk HP+s. Brake fluid is a good idea too. The stock fluid would probably be fine, but there's no harm in adding a little extra peace of mind with higher temp fluid. With those one or two upgrades you will be all set for at least your first season of tracking.
TBH, you've got it backwards...fluid > pads. If you pads get cooked, you might lose a bit of braking performance; and feel, but if you boil your brake fluid to the point of nothingness, your brakes will fail. The brake system is hydraulic, it needs fluid to operate. Just make sure that you have a sufficient amount of brake pad left so you're not metal on metal. For a first-timer, unless they're at a really fast track, they will not run into too much trouble with the factory pads.
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      07-22-2013, 07:24 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract View Post
TBH, you've got it backwards...fluid > pads. If you pads get cooked, you might lose a bit of braking performance; and feel, but if you boil your brake fluid to the point of nothingness, your brakes will fail. The brake system is hydraulic, it needs fluid to operate. Just make sure that you have a sufficient amount of brake pad left so you're not metal on metal. For a first-timer, unless they're at a really fast track, they will not run into too much trouble with the factory pads.
True enough. I'd do both, no question.

Last edited by 02rsxpilot; 07-22-2013 at 08:24 PM..
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      07-22-2013, 09:16 PM   #13
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Personal experience...stock pads & motul 600 and you'll be perfectly fine. And why pay for brake pads when you're still under warranty? See you out there in September.
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      07-24-2013, 01:59 AM   #14
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I have done three days at Brainerd International Raceway now, and all three days were on stock components and settings. The car still out drives me. It's awesome and I love it.
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      07-24-2013, 03:10 PM   #15
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Stock brake pads and Motul RBF 600 have worked fine for me for lapping days so far. I'd also try to dial in as much negative front camber as possible... not so much for the handling benefits but more to preserve the outer shoulders of your front tires.

All other performance-oriented mods, as others have said, are not necessary at this point. For your first few outings, although no one wants to admit it, the limiting factor will be the driver, not the car.

Despite all the complaints you hear about the 1er's shortcomings as a track car, it is still an immensely capable car.
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      07-24-2013, 03:12 PM   #16
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First track day ever?

Most important thing to bring? Humbleness and humility.

Enjoy and have fun!
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      07-24-2013, 10:29 PM   #17
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I just picked up my brand new 2013 135i from the dealer with the m sport package as the only option.

I have only put 30 miles on the car and already can tell its too soft for track work. Definitely needs a stiffer suspension. I am guessing the run flats are the reason for the soft suspension.

Otherwise it seems like a hell of a car.
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      07-25-2013, 10:41 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmw4life27 View Post
I just picked up my brand new 2013 135i from the dealer with the m sport package as the only option.

I have only put 30 miles on the car and already can tell its too soft for track work. Definitely needs a stiffer suspension. I am guessing the run flats are the reason for the soft suspension.

Otherwise it seems like a hell of a car.
Suspension feel is extremely subjective. Especially when the car is new, your previous car's characteristics will play a major role in how you perceive the new one. IE: Coming from a 2,700 lbs. car, the 135i feels like a boat to me, but if I were coming from an SUV or 4,000 lbs. luxury car, it'd feel like a race car.

Good to hear the stock brake pads are holding up for several people. I'm sure this is highly dependent on the track in question but it is true that while they are under the maintenance warranty, who cares if you cook them?
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      07-25-2013, 10:46 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech View Post
First track day ever?

Most important thing to bring? Humbleness and humility.

Enjoy and have fun!



AND try to listen to what your instructors are telling you to do. SOmething that is very hard for a man to do.
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      07-25-2013, 10:47 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot View Post
Good to hear the stock brake pads are holding up for several people. I'm sure this is highly dependent on the DRIVER in question but it is true that while they are under the maintenance warranty, who cares if you cook them?
Fixed that for you.

The faster the driver, the less brakes they use. Stop slowing down for the corners.
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      07-25-2013, 02:27 PM   #21
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Quote:
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Fixed that for you.

The faster the driver, the less brakes they use. Stop slowing down for the corners.
Haha, touché MightyMouse. Very true. My point was, whether you're Bob the fry guy or Lewis Hamilton, one track (let's say Laguna Seca) can be much more demanding on brakes than another (Thunderhill), so if people would be so kind as to share which tracks they were at when their stock brakes held up great, that would be super for those of us evaluating what we do or don't need to do to prepare for our next track days.
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      07-26-2013, 12:48 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot View Post
Haha, touché MightyMouse. Very true. My point was, whether you're Bob the fry guy or Lewis Hamilton, one track (let's say Laguna Seca) can be much more demanding on brakes than another (Thunderhill), so if people would be so kind as to share which tracks they were at when their stock brakes held up great, that would be super for those of us evaluating what we do or don't need to do to prepare for our next track days.
Well you mentioned MRLS. Coming into turn 2 trying to slow down from 130 going downhill is murder on brakes.

Quite the opposite at Sonoma/Sears Point/Infineon for me that track is fast, but it really only has one or two threshold braking points and one of them has a huge run off so if you over cook the turn you just ruin the exit but no harm done.
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