Re: Ahhh... an area where I can lend some advice. (archive)

*skip to the blue print for flat out tire smoking techniques*
More times than not I can't help with specific car problems because I drive an '87 325iS. However, I can definitely give you all the definitive advice on performing a tire-smoking burnout. I learned myself when my new set of tires came in and I decided to truly use my old set (read: trash them 20 minutes prior to getting new set put on).
Rick is getting warm with his last post. Here's the deal: to launch for optimum acceleration you want 10% wheelspin to provide maximum traction. Yep, if you don't spin a little when timing yourself 0-60 then you can go faster. However, to perform a long, loud, SMOKING burnout you need to keep the car from moving forward so easily.
To do this, I recommend the following (engine speeds vary between my car and the feel of your newer models):

Don't do it in traffic, what I'm explaining is how I ruined my last set of tires in 20 minutes and it's not a socially acceptable process.
Turn off traction control. Rev the engine and let the clutch out. Don't "dump" the clutch - it's very bad - just let it out aggressively. Make sure to bury your gas foot into the floorboard as you let out the clutch. The next part has two variations. You can either "heel/toe" with the brake so you give it gas while limiting forward movement, or you can quickly stab the brakes with your LEFT foot and keep on the gas with the right. Personally, and maybe it's not proper (like ANY of this is!), I use my left foot - it is more comfortable.
It'll take a whole lot of brake to keep the car from moving forward because those rears really wanna GO but keep your foot down and you'll get the hang of it.
Have a friend take pictures because this is not something you should do often, if ever.

Glad to lend some experience,
Steve
'87 325iS in need of an engine (don't ask - the burnouts didn't do it) ((I only did them once and got it out of my 16 year old system))

: I was thinking that maybe for the photos they use in the magazine they use a different technique. I remember that lot of 1/4 mile racer use a front brack locking thingy to lock their front brakes. My friends brother has this switch that he just flips on his mustang and it just locks his front brakes for him and he just does the burnout.
: So maybe what we need to do is heel toe sort of. Hold the brake down with the heel and push down on the throttle with the toe :)

: just guessing

: Rick Kim

: : Ok, it's become an obsession. Ever since Robert on the Z3 board claimed that he can smoke his M-Roadsters rear tires at will, I've had to try this.

: : Yes, it's juvenile, but just once I'd like to achieve a nice smoky burn-out. Problem is, my '00 M-Coupe won't oblige. Without torturing the clutch too often (with traction off, of course) I've tried dumping the clutch, slipping the clutch at 4,500 and 6,00. Nothing. The tires squeal, then hook up.

: : I've seen the magazine covers. I know it can be done.

: : Ulrich

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