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      09-19-2016, 11:26 AM   #1
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Impressive M2 track performance

This car out of the box is very good on the track. Very impressed!

Swapped to track pads, changed to race brake fluid, and installed a schroth quick fit harness as these are givens for any significant track time for me, that's it. Left the pilot super sports on the stock wheels to get a feel for what the car can do in stock form.

I have driven a lot of different BMW's on track over the years and this M2 is the best car to go from street to track that I have ever driven from BMW. Most of that statement is due to the inherent balance of this car. Usually I am fighting major understeer on most street to track cars, especially with staggered set ups. Not with this car, the balance is so good, I am completely surprised! Oh, and the new limited slip diff is amazing. Compared to the diff in E92 M3, this new one is so much more refined, it feels like it is working for you at all times, instead of the on/off nature of some of the older diffs from BMW. Love it!

This M2 does everything better (other than engine sound, and revving to stratospheric heights, ha,ha) than my previous E92 M3 in stock form. M2 top end is good for a turbo car. Revs freely all the way to redline, and although torque falls off up top, I feel no need to shift early because it just keeps revving! I owned a 2008 135i (n54) and 2011 135i (n55) in the past and this M2 engine is so much better at revving to redline. And of course the suspension differences are night and day.

Although a big fan of the car, not so much a fan of the pilot super sports for track use (fine for street). They limit the cars potential for sure on the track. Heck, I'm thinking I'll just throw some wider re71r's on these stock wheels and call it good once I burn up the pilot super sports, the car is that good!! (And I am somewhat lazy with my track prep these days).

Here is a track video of the M2 with a cheap mic mounted on the bumper:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMpxKficShM

And the only thing the E92 M3 does better, beautiful naturally aspirated V8 sound:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmmtxvy3wzc

Last edited by MINI135i; 09-19-2016 at 03:57 PM..
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      09-20-2016, 09:49 PM   #2
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I am transitioning from a fully prepared C5 Z06 to my new M2....being delivered next month. I got tired of trailers and $$$$ in repairs ( 3 motors) and consumables just for my DE events. I thought I would put on stainless brake lines, Motul, and BMW track pads for my first outing. As for tires, I don't think I will be happy with the PSS so I am looking at staggered options and or 18 square track wheels. What are your thoughts on the pads and a square 18 option. I am also inclined to get the BMW performance coil overs after a few events .....thoughts?
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      09-21-2016, 12:27 AM   #3
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Yeah, with the track experience you have, the PSS will not live up to your performance needs. If you want to stay street tire, it seems the Re71r's are leading the pack these days. I always have had good success with the Hankook RS3 in the street category too, but they are showing their age against the new breed of street tires.

I think the stock wheel with the Re71r mentioned above would be a simple answer. I would definitely go wider tire though. 255/275 works on stock wheels or 265/285 with some possible minor rub up front as noted in other threads. As far as 18 inch wheels, there are some people already running 18x10 square with 275/35/18, however, with the M2 you have to get camber plates to dial in negative camber up front to clear the fenders and of course the correct wheel offsets.

If one is not installing camber plates, then I think the perfect 18 inch square set up will be the Apex Ec-7 18x9.5 et 35 with 265/35/18. Problem is I have not test fitted this set up, I'm just taking an educated guess based on my test fit of 18x10 et25 275/35/18 which did not fit up front due to lack of fender clearance.

Track brake pads/fluid, your choice, your preference. I run Castrol SRF with EBC yellowstuff pads. Again, remember, I am kind of minimalist with my track prep these days (like you I hauled around a trailer and race car years back) so I don't want to change my pads each track day and I still want to drive them on the street without sounding like a BUS. We all know there is no such thing as a true crossover pad, but the yellowstuff allow me to do both street and track with minimal noise. The compromise is the cars with more aggressive race pads are going to brake a little later and a little deeper than me...who cares, I'm willing to give that up for peace and quiet on the street

Stock struts and springs are pretty darn good, I imagine the BMW coilovers would only be better. A little lower never hurts either. I have used the Ohlin road and track coilover set up on other cars and loved them. Sure they are just as good for the M2 also.
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      09-21-2016, 09:18 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MINI135i View Post
Yeah, with the track experience you have, the PSS will not live up to your performance needs. If you want to stay street tire, it seems the Re71r's are leading the pack these days. I always have had good success with the Hankook RS3 in the street category too, but they are showing their age against the new breed of street tires.

I think the stock wheel with the Re71r mentioned above would be a simple answer. I would definitely go wider tire though. 255/275 works on stock wheels or 265/285 with some possible minor rub up front as noted in other threads. As far as 18 inch wheels, there are some people already running 18x10 square with 275/35/18, however, with the M2 you have to get camber plates to dial in negative camber up front to clear the fenders and of course the correct wheel offsets.

If one is not installing camber plates, then I think the perfect 18 inch square set up will be the Apex Ec-7 18x9.5 et 35 with 265/35/18. Problem is I have not test fitted this set up, I'm just taking an educated guess based on my test fit of 18x10 et25 275/35/18 which did not fit up front due to lack of fender clearance.

Track brake pads/fluid, your choice, your preference. I run Castrol SRF with EBC yellowstuff pads. Again, remember, I am kind of minimalist with my track prep these days (like you I hauled around a trailer and race car years back) so I don't want to change my pads each track day and I still want to drive them on the street without sounding like a BUS. We all know there is no such thing as a true crossover pad, but the yellowstuff allow me to do both street and track with minimal noise. The compromise is the cars with more aggressive race pads are going to brake a little later and a little deeper than me...who cares, I'm willing to give that up for peace and quiet on the street

Stock struts and springs are pretty darn good, I imagine the BMW coilovers would only be better. A little lower never hurts either. I have used the Ohlin road and track coilover set up on other cars and loved them. Sure they are just as good for the M2 also.
Crap was hoping my 18X10 with ET25 all around and 285 slicks from my old E90 would fit on the M2

Do you know how much negative camber and wheel offset people used to fit the 18x10 with 275 square tires?

Last edited by CosmosMpower; 09-21-2016 at 09:30 AM..
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      09-21-2016, 11:55 AM   #5
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These guys pretty much paved the way for 18x10 275/35/18 fitment using camber plates, all the offsets, camber settings and fitment info are graciously in the thread: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1282984

I could only imagine 285's square would be more difficult.

Last edited by MINI135i; 09-21-2016 at 12:01 PM..
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      09-21-2016, 05:50 PM   #6
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OP, thanks for sharing your impressions on the car.

Many magazines and reviews put this car in a great spot as a daily driver and weekend racer. It is great when someone who is not a full pro gives their honest feedback on how the car behaves on the track.

I picked up mine recently and definitely want to get into road racing again. I sold my track oriented toy a while ago and want something I can take to the track with minimal track prep. Was thinking the same way, do some events fully stock and maybe go with a suspension upgrade and a track wheel/tire combo.

I have used the RS3 before and think its a great tire for dual purpose. Have you considered the BFG Rival?
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      09-21-2016, 10:24 PM   #7
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You will need camber plates if you are fast, RE71 outside shoulders are almost corded in one event (double duty though, sharing a car). Inside tread is literally like brand new.
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      09-22-2016, 08:12 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paradoxical3
You will need camber plates if you are fast, RE71 outside shoulders are almost corded in one event (double duty though, sharing a car). Inside tread is literally like brand new.

This is EXACTLY what the 1M will do.
Like you said ... Camber plates.. STAT..
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      09-22-2016, 08:16 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EL BAN
OP, thanks for sharing your impressions on the car.

Many magazines and reviews put this car in a great spot as a daily driver and weekend racer. It is great when someone who is not a full pro gives their honest feedback on how the car behaves on the track.

I picked up mine recently and definitely want to get into road racing again. I sold my track oriented toy a while ago and want something I can take to the track with minimal track prep. Was thinking the same way, do some events fully stock and maybe go with a suspension upgrade and a track wheel/tire combo.

I have used the RS3 before and think its a great tire for dual purpose. Have you considered the BFG Rival?
The RS-3 is and was a great dual purpose street and track tire. It has incredible turn in and really feels a lot like a track tire.

While I haven't used the BFG rival.. If you like the shape of BFG tires ( i do- the square shoulders of a 285 section BFG R1 tire fit a lot better under my wheel arches than say - a Michelin product in 265 or 275 ) then go with them, however the default hot street tire right now is the Bridgestone RE71 which has the same characteristics as the haNKOOK Rs-3 but faster.
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      09-23-2016, 08:50 AM   #10
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How difficult/time consuming is it to swap the pads out? I might do like 2-3 track sessions per year and was thinking about just swapping to track pads before heading to the track and swapping back after.
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      09-23-2016, 11:25 AM   #11
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To tell you the truth, it is actually pretty easy. M2, M3, M4 brakes have finally gone to the "pull two pins" method, then slide in new brake pads, just like Porsche brakes. No more removing the caliper to get to the pads. Great set up overall!
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      09-23-2016, 12:12 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
The RS-3 is and was a great dual purpose street and track tire. It has incredible turn in and really feels a lot like a track tire.

While I haven't used the BFG rival.. If you like the shape of BFG tires ( i do- the square shoulders of a 285 section BFG R1 tire fit a lot better under my wheel arches than say - a Michelin product in 265 or 275 ) then go with them, however the default hot street tire right now is the Bridgestone RE71 which has the same characteristics as the haNKOOK Rs-3 but faster.
Thanks for the feedback!
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      09-24-2016, 11:41 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MINI135i View Post
schroth quick fit harness
which particular flavor of harness did you go with? i am not that familiar with the BMW line and the Schroth site doesn't specifically show one for the M2 or any of the F-Series vehicles.

thanks for the write up as well!!
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      09-26-2016, 07:10 PM   #14
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There definitely is some crossover fitment wise with the Schroth harnesses.

For example, I have had direct experience with the Schroth quick fit pro from a R56 Mini fitting the e92 M3 and the M2 also.

I have read that others who have the e82/e92 version haved used it in the M235i and M2 also. Personal choice in the end, but these seem to be the facts.

Last edited by MINI135i; 09-27-2016 at 07:44 AM..
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      09-26-2016, 07:59 PM   #15
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The 1M harness fits perfectly in the M2.
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      09-27-2016, 07:19 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paradoxical3
The 1M harness fits perfectly in the M2.
Because they are very nearly the same car.

Same front seats.
Rear seats and fold downs are very similar
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      09-27-2016, 08:24 PM   #17
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I took my Schroth quick-fits straight from my 135is and dropped them in with zero alteration. Zero. The mounts which are meant to be bent once to fit into position required zero readjustment.
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      09-29-2016, 07:10 PM   #18
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great info, thanks guys!
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      11-26-2016, 08:07 PM   #19
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Running the square set up now, TRMotorsport C4, 18x9.5 with 265/35/18 Re71r. Car is stock, other than brakes and fluid. Can't say enough good about this set up! For those who might have missed the corresponding thread: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...7#post20904047
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      12-01-2016, 04:58 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MINI135i
Running the square set up now, TRMotorsport C4, 18x9.5 with 265/35/18 Re71r. Car is stock, other than brakes and fluid. Can't say enough good about this set up! For those who might have missed the corresponding thread: http://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...7#post20904047
And to think that I swapped my order for volk te37s to Advan rs2s. What did I do. Oh well. Beautiful and built for purpose.
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      12-03-2016, 09:25 PM   #21
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Mini135: how did the tires wear? I'm a little nervous they'll be too soft for the big track?!

Last edited by MRufo; 12-03-2016 at 09:37 PM..
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      12-03-2016, 10:43 PM   #22
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To which big track are you referring?

Wear is "as expected" for a super high performance tire, they will be fine, enjoy the track day. The lack of extra negative camber in stock form does put extra strain on the edges of the tire, but again, this is normal for a stock car. Keep an eye on them and if you are putting in serious track session time over a few days, rotate them if needed: I often find different tracks punish specific sides of the car, whether it be the right side or left. Take note and adjust with rotation.
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