Re: too quick to spend money...(read!) (archive)

I agree with your comments about learning to drive. I learned to drive on the track with an 86 325e and it helped!
HOWEVER, I do not agree about the comments of the brakes. Frankly, I don't believe the stock brakes, even with racing pads, are good enough. Brakes are something that you want the most you can have (until the ability to modulate and balance them becomes an issue). Having been on the track with and driven Porsche's, the M3 brakes just dont compare, and in my mind they should be comparable for a car of this type. If I wasn't a college student, I would invest the money for some Big Reds (porsche twin turbo brakes and a brake balancer. Without a doubt.

Also, you should keep in mind that not everyone in this forum uses their M3's for the street. Some use it solely for track, and some (like me) use it for both street and track. So while the 10.5 lb flywheel wont help on the street, it sure does make a difference when one is going down a straight. Also, a large amount of the aftermarket parts for the M3, are actually either factory BMW Motorsport parts (such as the evo airbox), or modeled after racing parts.

Just some thoughts.

Quentin

Many of you guys are so quick to want to throw money into this mod or that mod.
You really should think more about what you are trying to change before you waste any more dollars.
Big brakes look cool, but 90% of you will never outdrive the stock brakes.
Engine mods...sure more horsepower gives you bragging rights, but why do more than a chip and exhaust?
different cams or airboxes and other "bolt on" mods will only benefit if they are all designed to work together and extensively tested to be optimized.

Learn to drive the car to it's maximum as it is and then learn what you would like to improve before you just decide on changing things. These cars were really well thought out when they were designed, so messing up the equilibrium is easy, but improving them and keeping the equilibrium is not as easy.

Just my 2 cents after spending many years and $$$ on an old porsche which ended up being worth less after messing with it. Sure i had fun and i learned what not to do.

so spend wisely, you may actually smile when the bills come in, knowing you got your money's worth.

Follow Ups:

"rpm" is on another rant, but... JamesM 13:01 11/27/2000 (3)
- Well stated James Steve 01:03 11/28/2000 (0)
- Re: "rpm" is on another rant, but... Quentin 13:53 11/27/2000 (1)
  - Forgot to mention... JamesM 15:42 11/27/2000 (0)

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