[uberschnell]

I plan on going to the track a couple of times a year. All of it will be HPDE events. How badly will I be tearing up my tires? Should I consider getting a set of track wheels/tires as a necessity or more of a luxury if I have the extra money?

[S4to335]

I ate off the front tires in two days of my first track event in the 335i. I personally cannot use this option...it is just too darn expensive to buy a new set of front tires after 4 track days...at $280 each for the RFT...it would get nasty quickly. However, let me state that it is not advisable for people not use to tracking cars to immediately go to R compounds. Why? Well, street tires telegraph to you..normally with squealing..that they are losing grip..and you usually push thru turns more and more as they get hot. So you can catch yourself before really getting in trouble...BUT, R compounds usually grip like hell while they heat up..but then evenually you hit the envelope and whoosh...you lost grip..probably back in the back..and you are in a nice 360 degree spin. It is much better for a beginner on track to learn to drive on street tires...then when they have some decent skills to move up to an R compound tire. Some driving events wont let beginners drive on R compounds at all.

For me however, I want to keep costs down..and by being able to rotate from front to rear..with R compounds..I can increase the longevity of my tires..and maybe save a buck or two for my next set. BTW, I have spent a ton of money on track tires before...my comments are based on wasting a lot of money by using street compounds while on track..and pushing it.

[bartman32]

+1 S4to335! We finally agree on something.

I'd say go out to your first event and see how you like it. Then if you do get a second set of rims/tires. You don't need to get a matching set. Mine in fact are the same size all around so I can switch front to back. Of course they are directional so I can't switch side to side. Then you can also have them remounted so you wear the inside and outside of the tires. If you have good instructors you won't be wearing your tires out so quickly because you'll learn its better to brake before the turns and slow down so you can speed out of them rather than plow all the way through and have to wait to get on the gas!

Good Luck at the track! What events are you going to?

[S4to335]

I thought we had agreed before...once.. =

[leftcoastman]

Would camber plates result in longer lasting front tires - and possibly less understeer?

[sblument]

I just bought a new set and will be trying them out at autox this weekend and HPDE (my 4th, prob. in intermediate group) next month.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by leftcoastman

Would camber plates result in longer lasting front tires - and possibly less understeer?

camber plates..allowing up to 3 or more degrees of negative camber up front will definitely help on track...however you do NOT want this for street. You will ruin the inside edge of each front tire very quickly with an aggressive front camber setting. If you do get camber plates up front..I wouldnt set them at more than about negative 1.7 or so degrees for track and street mixed use....and more than that will exponentially destroy your front tires.

[Dascamel]

So for a 335i sedan, would this setup be ok for the track?

Kosei K1 Racing Silver Painted 17x8.5 ($165 each on tire rack) Lightweight: 16.8 lbs.
With four 225/45-17 Kumho Ecsta SPT ($89 )
Or a little larger four 245/40ZR17 Kumho Ecsta MX($129)?
Will the larger help handling/traction any? Any thoughts on this for 335i sedan would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

[sblument]

That's exactly what I got!! I haven't tracked them yet but did autox them yesterday--likey so far

[Dascamel]

Any real differences to expect between the 330i and the 335i with regards to those tire sizes.

Yeah, I got the idea from your post in the other forum, just wondering if it adapts well to my car for a good set of cheap track tires.

-Just read your other replies

[sblument]

no difference 330i-335i.

[tomppa]

Originally Posted by Magna3

I plan on going to the track a couple of times a year. All of it will be HPDE events. How badly will I be tearing up my tires? Should I consider getting a set of track wheels/tires as a necessity or more of a luxury if I have the extra money?

My first few laps with street tires on track and all the sharp edges on pattern are gone = maximum grip on rain is lost
Maybe you could buy cheap set of used runflats not to worry about tires? Grip is not the best but better so, if you don't have much track experience.

[uberschnell]

Thanks for the input guys. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound. I'm going ahead with a set of track wheels since I plan on doing my high speed driving on a track, and learning how to the right way.

I'm planning on going with NASA and doing the big three, Laguna, Infineon, then finally, Thunderhill. Going to start with HPDE 1 and work my way up.

Wife is on board, now that she has her X5. Plan on making weekends out of it.

Look forward to seeing some of you out there.

[OhhaiAlex]

The 2 front tires tend to lose alot more tread.

Buy separate tires for daily driving and tracking

[larryn]

If you do go with those Koseis, don't get 225 or 235's. Get 255's all around. There is plenty of room, and the extra few dollars (minimal) is well worth it.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by Magna3

Thanks for the input guys. Well, in for a penny, in for a pound. I'm going ahead with a set of track wheels since I plan on doing my high speed driving on a track, and learning how to the right way.

I'm planning on going with NASA and doing the big three, Laguna, Infineon, then finally, Thunderhill. Going to start with HPDE 1 and work my way up.

Wife is on board, now that she has her X5. Plan on making weekends out of it.

Look forward to seeing some of you out there.

I would try to do Thunderhill first..easier track to learn on...and can more readily accept mistakes without damaging the car. Of those three...Sears has the most potential for damage...(walls mostly). I have a number of days at Thunderhill...probably 50+..(sorry..lost count long time ago)..it is where I first learned.

[S4to335]

Originally Posted by lni

If you do go with those Koseis, don't get 225 or 235's. Get 255's all around. There is plenty of room, and the extra few dollars (minimal) is well worth it.

255s R compounds all around?...I would love to see that fit and not rub up front...remember, R compound tires are wider in tread than their non-R compound counterparts.