[SD_N55]

I’m thinking about trading my(new to me)2016 msport 535i with my Dad for his 2016 msport 340i. How capable is this car on track with camber plates, coil over etc(min suspension work)? What’s the max tire size that’ll fit? Braking issues? Any oiling or overheating issues with stock equipment? What’s the minimum mods for a more advanced driver? I assume it has an open ediff, how good does that work compared to a real lsd?

Any socal guys with track times that would be appreciated as well, buttonwillow, streets, willow springs chuckwalla etc. I’ve been codriving my Dads track prep’d cayman R the last couple of years(I only get out there once or twice a year) but want an idea of how much slower the cars times will be. I’d keep driving his car but always find myself holding back to avoid messing his car up.

I wanted to buy an ATS-V(budget M4) but we just bought a new house and I have a two year daughter so it wasn’t in the cards financially right now.

Any input would be appreciated. This might be a dumb question and the answer is probably buy a spec boxster,944, Miata or E30(in a few years) and keep the 535.

[zinner]

i would do camber plates to save the front tires.
i run 245 / 40 r18 square you can do larger with some rolling fenders and spacer etc.
the ediff isn’t gonna cut it, i use the bmw m perf lsd bmw part
lots of suspension stuff to pick from ppl like ohlins in the f chassis.
the m sport s2nh brakes are great with pads and fluid
aim solo dl works great
i have a big turbo on my n55 and hpfp so thay helps too. the n55 has oil starvation not sure if the b58 has that as well? single pick up oil pump not the best for a track car.

i have lots of fun with the car but also dont have any cayman experience so maybe ignorance is a blessing for me

[SD_N55]

Thanks Zinner, I’ve decided to keep the 340i. Not sure it will be the dual duty car I wanted or not but tbd. How’s the 245 square set up? any excessive over or under steer? I image with the power(upgraded turbo)ur putting down its more like oversteer

[zinner]

The car is neutrally balanced in my estimation, but a hair towards overseer. I have a few modifications so hard to say changing to square tires shifted that balance. A few of us F30 people really enjoy the car at the track.

I would look over at DVC's thread on wheels he has 275's but it's not a "stock fitment"

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1339087

[kern417]

Works great. Just needs brake pads and tires.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by SD_N55

Thanks Zinner, I’ve decided to keep the 340i. Not sure it will be the dual duty car I wanted or not but tbd. How’s the 245 square set up? any excessive over or under steer? I image with the power(upgraded turbo)ur putting down its more like oversteer

You can have fun in the 340 but I mainly bought it for the engine, the B58. It just fixes so many past sins of the N54/N55, including swapping out the can-explode-any-time-you-least-expect single piece charge pipe with a 2-piece rubber jointed pipe which seems to be much more reliable. Instead of one $400 plastic pipe, you now have two $400 plastic pipes but they seem quite reliable.

But at 3800 lbs, she's no track demon. You won't be slow, but with it's long wheel base and generous weight the Autobahn cruiser requires subtle inputs. For track, I'd go M2/M240i, not exactly lightweights but more nimble than the 340i.