Anyone read the CD test drive of the M3 on the fest?

[stuka]

Somethign about 3500 pounder causing tires to be greasy after a few laps.

They were posting OK 0 to 60 numbers, but I would hate to smell that clutch. I am still not convinced that it is faster than the RS4.

Speaking of RS4, saw a yellow one yesterday, it didn't look half bad.

[lemming]

the problem is that the 335i for most intents and purposes is still handing the RS4 its own fat ass right back to it.

the m3 is just the 335i amped up even more. same torque, more horseys, more bulletproof drivetrain. wider tires.

[Pinecone]

Well a fast car, espcially one with some wieght, will make street tires greasy in a few laps.

I had hte same problem with my E46, if I got out near the front and got a couple of clean laps, street tires would get greasy.

[John V]

Well a fast car, espcially one with some wieght, will make street tires greasy in a few laps.

I had hte same problem with my E46, if I got out near the front and got a couple of clean laps, street tires would get greasy.

225s stock on the front of a big heavy car... what a joke.

The much lighter E36 M3 had 235s all around. :lol:

[lemming]

not to be a smartass, but don't all cars on street tires get greasy after a few laps?

that's been my experience.

but i guess that's where width helps.

[John V]

Depends on the street tires.

Lots of them are great on the track. Some of them are designed to get up to temperature quickly (Falken Azenis comes to mind) and so they don't work so well at the track - they overheat.

BMW puts tires that are way too narrow on their cars (in the interest of steering feel) so they overheat.

[lemming]

Depends on the street tires.

Lots of them are great on the track. Some of them are designed to get up to temperature quickly (Falken Azenis comes to mind) and so they don't work so well at the track - they overheat.

BMW puts tires that are way too narrow on their cars (in the interest of steering feel) so they overheat.

i thought about this and my own experiences.

you're exactly right.

that is what my own limited track experience tells me. my BMWs have always gotten pretty greasy quickly into the session and it's hateful because i had to contend with an understeery pig slopping around on greasy tires.

but the Eagle F1s that were/are used on the C5z06 were absolutely brilliant for the entire day (non runcraps, too, i guess helps).

the main thing has been treadwidth, is what i'm thinking?

[John V]

A C5 Z06 has, what, 275's up front and 315's in the rear? And weighs 3100lbs? And has a proper suspension?

An E46 M3 has 225's up front with crappy geometry and 255's in the rear, plus those tires are carrying 3400lbs. So... they overheat. "Duh."

[nate]

Link to review?

[lemming]

A C5 Z06 has, what, 275's up front and 315's in the rear? And weighs 3100lbs? And has a proper suspension?

An E46 M3 has 225's up front with crappy geometry and 255's in the rear, plus those tires are carrying 3400lbs. So... they overheat. "Duh."

yeah, but i found the PS1s on the e36m3 and the M coupe to suck out loud, also, after about 5 laps.

[hfh330i]

Link to review?

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/13419/first-drive-2008-bmw-m3.html

she sounds pretty damn good:

http://www.caranddriver.com/carvideos/?bcpid=627028702&bclid=686997774&bctid=1111621669

[Nick M3]

Depends on the street tires.

Lots of them are great on the track. Some of them are designed to get up to temperature quickly (Falken Azenis comes to mind) and so they don't work so well at the track - they overheat.

BMW puts tires that are way too narrow on their cars (in the interest of steering feel) so they overheat.
Azeni were a lot better on track than Pilots, IMHO.

[FT@SGP]

Azeni were a lot better on track than Pilots, IMHO.
I have the opposite experience. Last season I used 615s (245f/275r) and they only lasted ~20 mins into a session, then grip fell dramatically. This season I am using PS2s (255f/295r); even though ultimate grip is slightly less, they are very consistent throughout 30 min sessions. The Bridgestone 050As are similar, I though they had nearly the grip of the Azenis but neve got greasy during sessions.