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Re: Hey, track master (Jim in OR) (archive)
[ Follow Ups ] [ 3-series (E46) Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]
Posted by Jim in Oregon (OR) on August 13, 2000 at 20:47:18:

In Reply to: Hey, track master (Jim in OR) posted by Steve in MD on August 13, 2000 at 19:57:52:

I'm still waiting for my dealer to get in a 330i that hasn't been sold yet so I can evaluate this steering lightness. In fact, I'm heading over tonight to look around and see what's in. I only stop by the dealership about 3 times/week (but who's obsessive compulsive?).

I have found on the track that even with the sports package, I can induce excessive body roll and really upset the balance of the car. It usually happens when I don't get lined up correctly for the next turn and have to make a quick steering correction.

If you want to really be fast on the track, you really need racing tires and an even better suspension than the sports package. For me, what I have is enough.

Overall, the steering feel is critical on the track. You need to be able to feel the road and what the car is doing. It's tough to explain, but you need the car to "talk" to you on the track. The steering on the 328i sport is great for that...I only wish I were as good as the car!

BTW, I just got your e-mail but I was almost finished with this. Time to get off my soapbox. An evaluation will be forthcoming.


Have you compared the steering between your 328i (say with the track wheels/tires) and a 330i with sport? As the only guy I know of on this board with track time, I'm sure your opinion will count a lot.

My 330i with sports and Pilots is a helluva car but the steering is a whole 'nother matter. If BMW doesn't come up with a fix, I may go as far as swap in an early E46 rack as I understand that is the only difference. Naturally before I do that, I need to confirm struts and control arms are same. Ditto alignment specs. Maybe just more caster via a camber plate would help a bit.

If you already answered similar questions, my aplolgies, just point me to which week in the archive.

Thanks, Steve (another boomer with tricky knees and back but a never-dying need for speed)




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