19.06.2008
I feel bad. The M3 is meant to be a nice, usable and exciting everyday road car – but I can’t stop taking it on the track. In fact I seem more drawn towards trackdays with this car than any other I’ve ever run. Perhaps it’s because the M3 is so capable that you can only enjoy its maximum potential on the road for fleeting moments, perhaps it’s because its V8 sounds like some sort of wild race engine when it’s zinging up towards 8000rpm. Or maybe it’s just because I’ve got the willpower of a puppy and love sliding the thing around like an idiot. Whatever, the trend shows no sign of drying-up.
So my last track excursion was at the Nürburgring – and the M3 was literally stunning (brakes aside). But then it should be pretty good on a track that formed a large part of its development. Maybe a few more chinks would appear on a shorter, wider, smoother circuit, I thought. So when RMA suggested that I come and see how one of their ‘Paddock Club’ days worked I jumped at the opportunity, pointing it towards Donington knowing I was about to spend rather a lot of money on fuel.
The ‘Paddock Club’ is for serious trackday addicts. You pay a yearly fee and then just turn up at any RMA event and get out on track. And there are several trackdays just for members, which means no need to book, no briefing (the regulars know the rules inside out and driving standards are high) and loads of track time. It’s a great concept providing you’ve got time and flexibility. The only drawback is that you leave desperate to own a GT3 RS…
Anyway, the M3 was predictably excellent. It certainly felt heavier and softer around Donington than the ‘Ring (and I was having to nurse the already abused brakes), but it retained its incredible balance and raw speed. An E46 M3 CSL (remapped and dyno’d at 380bhp) couldn’t live with it along the back straight (although on fully adjustable suspension and Michelin Cup tyres it killed the saloon in the corners), and even the GT3 RS’ didn’t seem that much faster. I love following 911s on track – mainly because it makes a nonsense of those who say the engine is ‘in the wrong place’ – and at Donington they were clearly gaining time on the M3 in the middle of a corner. Where I’d be dialling-in a correction and losing traction the well driven 911s were just hooked-up and gone. However with the new Michelin Cup tyres that are now standard on the M3 Coupe, I reckon it wouldn’t be too far off the pace. You can have a look at how it coped on the video.
It seems to be standing-up well to the abuse. The engine has used just a litre of oil in 5000-miles and there’s not a squeak or rattle anywhere. Driving the C63 AMG recently reminded me how well this thing is built – maybe a smidge behind Audi standards, but better than just about anything else. The fuel consumption seems to be improving slightly, but it’s still hovering at just over 21mpg. Overall I can’t really think of any negative points. Sorry. If we can solve the braking issue (we’ll try different pads/fluids next), I’ll be 100-percent happy. Oh actually there is one problem – the DAB radio is useless. More crucial insights soon.
Go to www.rma-limited.com for more details about the Paddock Club and RMA trackdays
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32 Comments
Satnav
June 19, 2008Jethro – Just watched the video of the M3 around Donnington and it reminded me of a “Hotlap” of of the circuit you took me on in a Mini Cooper, albeit a tad faster, when you had recently joined *v@ magazine. I’ll ask you the same question as I did at the time.
How do you apply for the best job on the Planet?
Satnav
June 19, 2008Jethro – Just watched the video of the M3 around Donnington and it reminded me of a “Hotlap” of of the circuit you took me on in a Mini Cooper, albeit a tad faster, when you had recently joined *v@ magazine. I’ll ask you the same question as I did at the time.
How do you apply for the best job on the Planet?
gangajas
June 19, 2008So the C63 has squeaks and rattles?
gangajas
June 19, 2008So the C63 has squeaks and rattles?
.tribeca
June 19, 2008Well I think the video that’s been posted proves that you do indeed enjoy dabbling in some slide-related-action.
Nice video, loved watching the green RS…so nice!
.tribeca
June 20, 2008Well I think the video that’s been posted proves that you do indeed enjoy dabbling in some slide-related-action.
Nice video, loved watching the green RS…so nice!
Jethro Bovingdon
June 20, 2008The C63 doesn’t rattle – but the plastics are much cheaper than those in the M3, and used more extensively than the leather-lined Beemer.
How did I get the job at evo? Well it involved a large envelope full of cash – Zondas don’t grow on trees y’know! So please send me a similar package and I’ll consider your CV… If you send enough for a GT3 RS I’d say your position is assured!
Jethro Bovingdon
June 20, 2008The C63 doesn’t rattle – but the plastics are much cheaper than those in the M3, and used more extensively than the leather-lined Beemer.
How did I get the job at evo? Well it involved a large envelope full of cash – Zondas don’t grow on trees y’know! So please send me a similar package and I’ll consider your CV… If you send enough for a GT3 RS I’d say your position is assured!
Glenn Mc
June 20, 2008LOL, that was me in the Green RS, and if i’d have known i was being filmed, i think i’d of tried harder !!!!
My excuses were that i had a heavy passenger and my lines were pretty awful.
Great driving though Jethro, good to meet you, do you have any rear tyres left now ??
G.
Glenn Mc
June 20, 2008LOL, that was me in the Green RS, and if i’d have known i was being filmed, i think i’d of tried harder !!!!
My excuses were that i had a heavy passenger and my lines were pretty awful.
Great driving though Jethro, good to meet you, do you have any rear tyres left now ??
G.
Jonathan
June 20, 2008I’m going to pick up my new used E46 M3 with my friend who has bought a new M3 saloon. We’re heading for Matlock, Buxton then Macclesfield via the Cat n Fiddle. Be interesting to see how we get on. Enjoyed your report Jethro.
Jonathan
June 20, 2008I’m going to pick up my new used E46 M3 with my friend who has bought a new M3 saloon. We’re heading for Matlock, Buxton then Macclesfield via the Cat n Fiddle. Be interesting to see how we get on. Enjoyed your report Jethro.
Jethro Bovingdon
June 22, 2008The RS looked to be going pretty well! You drove it almost like you had a spare one at home should the worst happen…
The Michelin PS2′s still look remarkably good. They seem to stand up to a bit of abuse very well despite feeling pretty soft (ie giving very good grip) on the road. The treadblocks just seem to have a very strong construction, so they don’t all melt together and then fall apart like a lot of normal rubber does when taken on track. I’m going to get some of the OE-fit Cups next – will be interesting to see how they stack-up.
Jethro Bovingdon
June 22, 2008The RS looked to be going pretty well! You drove it almost like you had a spare one at home should the worst happen…
The Michelin PS2′s still look remarkably good. They seem to stand up to a bit of abuse very well despite feeling pretty soft (ie giving very good grip) on the road. The treadblocks just seem to have a very strong construction, so they don’t all melt together and then fall apart like a lot of normal rubber does when taken on track. I’m going to get some of the OE-fit Cups next – will be interesting to see how they stack-up.
Rich
June 23, 2008Pagid have just atarted doing pads for the new m3 – I assume the saloon has the same brakes.
I have also heard that AP have their kit sorted now too.
Rich
June 23, 2008Pagid have just atarted doing pads for the new m3 – I assume the saloon has the same brakes.
I have also heard that AP have their kit sorted now too.
JamesW
June 24, 2008Hi Jethro – so how does the Saloon compare to the Coupe you used to run? I find the Coupe pretty easy to live with and was a sucker for the C/F roof having come from a CSL!
I’ll also be interested to hear your views on the Cup+ tyres. My Coupe came on them, but I suspect I’ll swap to PS2′s when the time comes mainly for longevity.
PS – I never did get around to sending you the footage from our final Academy race at Brands!!!
JamesW
June 24, 2008Hi Jethro – so how does the Saloon compare to the Coupe you used to run? I find the Coupe pretty easy to live with and was a sucker for the C/F roof having come from a CSL!
I’ll also be interested to hear your views on the Cup+ tyres. My Coupe came on them, but I suspect I’ll swap to PS2′s when the time comes mainly for longevity.
PS – I never did get around to sending you the footage from our final Academy race at Brands!!!
Jethro Bovingdon
June 25, 2008There’s not a great deal to choose between the two. I reckon the Coupe’s just a bit sharper, a bit more composed on a ragged road and has the edge in body control -but the saloon has a nicer ride and is still remarkably agile for such a heavy car. And I’m glad I don’t have to wait for that bloody electric seat-belt assist every time I get in the car!
I’d love to see the Brands footage. Chuck it on a disc if you get time.
Jethro Bovingdon
June 25, 2008There’s not a great deal to choose between the two. I reckon the Coupe’s just a bit sharper, a bit more composed on a ragged road and has the edge in body control -but the saloon has a nicer ride and is still remarkably agile for such a heavy car. And I’m glad I don’t have to wait for that bloody electric seat-belt assist every time I get in the car!
I’d love to see the Brands footage. Chuck it on a disc if you get time.
JamesW
June 25, 2008So what’s the theory on the improved ride? From the pics I see your saloon is on 19″ wheels and I presume your Coupe was not on Cup +s’…
JamesW
June 25, 2008So what’s the theory on the improved ride? From the pics I see your saloon is on 19″ wheels and I presume your Coupe was not on Cup +s’…
Jethro Bovingdon
June 26, 2008BMW are very vague about the changes made for the saloon, but the EDC is ‘retuned’ – so it’s obviously a conscious decision to make the four-door a bit more cosseting. Not sure if the harder damper settings are also different – I’ll see what I can find out.
Jethro Bovingdon
June 26, 2008BMW are very vague about the changes made for the saloon, but the EDC is ‘retuned’ – so it’s obviously a conscious decision to make the four-door a bit more cosseting. Not sure if the harder damper settings are also different – I’ll see what I can find out.
JamesW
June 26, 2008Interesting. It would be good to know if it was hardware or software that was changed. If its software, then there is a chance they can be altered by the aftermarket brigade.
As things stand I only tend to use the first two settings. I’d quite like to make the current middle setting the hardest and be able to add an even softer setting.
The ultimate would be an EDC screen within iDrive allowing you to map a much broader range of settings to the three physical EDC buttons.
Obviously that isn’t on the cards, so my best options are an after market retune, or swapping from Cup+’s to PS2′s.
The final (and cheapest) option would be to play with tyre pressures. I used to run my CSL at 30 psi all round to minimise my dental expenditure!
JamesW
June 26, 2008Interesting. It would be good to know if it was hardware or software that was changed. If its software, then there is a chance they can be altered by the aftermarket brigade.
As things stand I only tend to use the first two settings. I’d quite like to make the current middle setting the hardest and be able to add an even softer setting.
The ultimate would be an EDC screen within iDrive allowing you to map a much broader range of settings to the three physical EDC buttons.
Obviously that isn’t on the cards, so my best options are an after market retune, or swapping from Cup+’s to PS2′s.
The final (and cheapest) option would be to play with tyre pressures. I used to run my CSL at 30 psi all round to minimise my dental expenditure!
Gavin Petken
June 26, 2008I have to agree with Jethro – the PS2s are excellent. I hammer the CSL around Donnington, Brands, and Bedford. The latter circuit being pretty bad on the rubber as you’re mostly sideways. I much prefer the PS2s over the Cups. Much more progressive and last much much longer. On brakes, I have the AP big brake kit on the CSL and even they go mushy after a while (disks at 550C!). G
Gavin Petken
June 26, 2008I have to agree with Jethro – the PS2s are excellent. I hammer the CSL around Donnington, Brands, and Bedford. The latter circuit being pretty bad on the rubber as you’re mostly sideways. I much prefer the PS2s over the Cups. Much more progressive and last much much longer. On brakes, I have the AP big brake kit on the CSL and even they go mushy after a while (disks at 550C!). G
CyberBilly
June 27, 2008Until the main site is launched I didn’t know where to post this but have you seen today’s news that the Corvette ZR1 did a 7.26 lap of the ring………
CyberBilly
June 27, 2008Until the main site is launched I didn’t know where to post this but have you seen today’s news that the Corvette ZR1 did a 7.26 lap of the ring………
CyberBilly
June 27, 2008http://blog.gmnext.com/?p=194
CyberBilly
June 27, 2008http://blog.gmnext.com/?p=194