Hi guys,

Long story short, I have been under some pressure to sell my roadster. I currently have a '01 Porsche Boxster, which I track around 4 times a year.

I love my car, but we need a 4 seater (or something I can convince my wife is a 4 seater). I looked around and it seems the new M3 Coupe is one of my best choices.

I am wondering how much of the sporty feel I would be sacrificing on the track. I am sure the driving dynamics will be very different compared to a Boxster ( a much lighter and less powerful car, with a mid-engine).

Has anyone tracked the new M3 yet? Any previous experience with a Porsche and what the differences are?

Is the M3 'trackable' from the factory or are there any mods necessary?

All the best,
Gus

 

get a 997.....
oh i am sorry, wrong forum I am in....

 

I think you will be fine tracking the E92 M3, especially since it is only a few days per year.

I have not tracked the E92, but I have tracked bone stock E36 M3, E39 540/6 speed, and E46 M3 on the track.....and I see no reason the E92 wouldn't be just fine on the track. I have also tracked E30, E36 and E46 M3's with mods, and they do help, but nothing that you will 'need' to head to the track.

Out the door the E92 will be fine. I have read reviews that suggesting that you might want to upgrade the brake pads, especially if you plan on driving hard or long sessions. That is about it unless you are serious track junkie. But from what it sounds like...for doing 4-6 track days a year and a DD with 4 seats, I think the car is a perfect fit.

If it makes you feel any better...the stock E92 M3 did 8 min 5 seconds on the nurburgring....where as the Boxter S turned 8:32.

SoCal

 

it's a good car for occasional track use. it will feel heavy compared to your boxster, but it will be faster. like SoCal said, only thing you might wanna do is upgrade pads.

 

Search youtube for 'fifth gear m3' where they do extensive tests with it.

It was found to be a very good track car, even better than the C63 AMG.

 

I've seen some videos before, and let me tell you, it's pretty impressive

 

From all the reviews, outa the box it is very good. Brake upgrade is recommended

 

No reason to think the new M3 is not up to the challenges of the track. The ///M breed has a history.
I would improve the brakes, only issue.

Ranger

 

Hi guys,

The consensus seems to be that the car is good for track use, but a brake upgrade is needed.

When we say brake upgrade, are we talking about rotors, calipers and pads (the whole deal) or just a pad replacement will do it? Will an upgrade void the car's warranty?

Thanks for all the help.
All the best,

Gus

 

Just pads, the rotors on the car are huge.

It will not void the warranty. Now, if you take the car in complaining about your brakes and they see you have race pads installed, they're not going to replace them for you. Your best bet is to get a set of dedicated track pads (if you're tracking a lot) and swap between those and the street pads before/after sessions.

 

Just pads and you will be fine.

You might even be OK with the stock pads depending on how hard you are driving the car. I was OK with the stock pads on my 540/6 speed the first couple of driving events.

SoCal

 

I have an 08 M3....and I can tell you first hand the car is the bill of goods that they represent...I have had it at Limerock and at Thunderbolt.
It will be at Pocono and Watkins Glen this month and next.
The car is tossable...VERY tossable...while it is certainly heavier....someone forgot to the car...steering is NOT light like some nay sayers claim...it is softer(easier to turn)but it is point and shoot especially with the power button/EDC pushed and increased speeds.
as far as upgrades to track....I respectfully disagree with those member who said change the pads....what I did was change the fluid and the brakes were more than ample for the day....FYI a guy in a new Z06 cooked his stock brakes by 12 noon and we were in the same run group..he following me or me him...
Where the M3 lacks is believe it or not are the tires!!...I had the stock 18's replaced w/BBS CH 18x8.5f and 18x10 rear and the Michelins were screaming like little girls...get R compunds for the track.
I also went with a set of H&R springs which flattened out the car a bit in the turns...
Listen it is no Boxster....will def. feel bigger....but once you get the hang of her...I am willing to bet you will be quicker in this car than the Boxster..because the power to weight in the M3 is deceiving.
Enjoy
S

 

i can't wait to pass my first E92 M3 in my E46 M3.

 

Now I understand you may have some track experience, but that is incredibly bad advice for a track-n00b. R-compounds should be left off the car until you have experience with regular street tires.

 

Did the OP state he was a novice track driver???...or was the thread merely a question about how the M3 responded on the track???
I did not tell him change this change that....I answered his question based on my experience with my car. I had my car on the track bone stock and made corrections to the car based on my driving style/ability.
I would not suggest any modifications to anyones car who has never been on a track before.
Regards
S