[k-m2-j442]

So everyone...I'm in HPDE 1, I've taken my previous supra out a few times and now have the M2. I want to get better as a driver and honestly I think the M2/Supra were compensating my lack of experience on track with really good TC/etc...
I have the opportunity to buy a E46 330Ci (auto) for ~2k. The car is a little rough on the outside but engine sounds strong and it'll need tires/brakes/fluids before its track ready/pass inspection (don't have anything that can tow a car).

Would you do this to take to HPDE/Track days for a season or 3 to progress in driving skill before really trying to unleash the M2 or just send it? The potential to manual swap it this winter, never done it but plenty of local knowledge to help me. I'm not a complete novice as far as working on the cars but this would be the biggest project i've done.

Just trying to get some impressions on what to do. I'd rather "earn" driving the M2 on track vs just getting it out there without being able to appreciate what I have if that makes sense.

[Lappy]

My personal advice if you doubt your skill or think you have too much car, start autoxing to learn car control. I have NEVER seen an autox person be slow at the track but most track guys are not very good autoxers.

Autox will not only teach you car control but it will also teach you to process and adapt much quicker as every course is different.

Don't take this the wrong way as I know everyone starts somewhere but hpd1 is a waste of time unless your truly have zero experience with driving on the limit.

[Biglife]

How old are you? Get into karting - maybe a KA100 - you'll learn a lot quicker and get more seat time for a fraction of the price.

[k-m2-j442]

Originally Posted by Biglife

How old are you? Get into karting - maybe a KA100 - you'll learn a lot quicker and get more seat time for a fraction of the price.

later 30s. I'd be open for some karting, I was just wondering about the 330ci since it was an option presented to me. That being said I have NO idea how to get into karting.

[k-m2-j442]

Originally Posted by Lappy

Don't take this the wrong way as I know everyone starts somewhere but hpd1 is a waste of time unless your truly have zero experience with driving on the limit.

I've also though of doing more Autox which would be fun. That being said the track seems very different to autox in that you have to anticipate braking zones coming from 130+ mph (which you would never see in autox). I understand that autox has many many more low speed corners and weight transfers than track but I found HPDE1 very helpful with the instructor helping me with turn in speed and braking zones, getting the most out of the car.

[Lappy]

Originally Posted by k-m2-j442

I've also though of doing more Autox which would be fun. That being said the track seems very different to autox in that you have to anticipate braking zones coming from 130+ mph (which you would never see in autox). I understand that autox has many many more low speed corners and weight transfers than track but I found HPDE1 very helpful with the instructor helping me with turn in speed and braking zones, getting the most out of the car.

Do whatever works I guess. There are no straights in autox, it is constant weight transfer, positioning and control of the car. Braking from 130mph isn't something that will teach you much outside of where to brake for that specific corner. I see that you are in the Philly area, they happen to have a very good program with a lot of talented drivers, I say give it at a shot. I will link two videos to compare the level of inputs and focus required in each.

The below video is on tires that have servered their purpose lol

[BackOnBlack]

I enjoy autox and HPDE. The best part of autox is you get to compete against others, which I find to be a lot of fun, although I never win. The part that is a turn off during an autox event is you get 5-6 runs, each about 40-60 secs, and you have to work for about 1.5 hours standing rain/shine/cold/wind/snow picking up cones and you spend 4-6 hours of your day.

In HPDE, I spend an entire weekend, socialize with others, have fun talking cars and driving, get to drive without speed limits for nearly 1.5 hours each day, and they have happy hours

https://www.nccbmwcca.org/2022/02/12/31925-2/

and

https://www.formerinstants.com/Album...PDE-March-2024

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by BackOnBlack

I enjoy autox and HPDE. The best part of autox is you get to compete against others, which I find to be a lot of fun, although I never win. The part that is a turn off during an autox event is you get 5-6 runs, each about 40-60 secs, and you have to work for about 1.5 hours standing rain/shine/cold/wind/snow picking up cones and you spend 4-6 hours of your day.

In HPDE, I spend an entire weekend, socialize with others, have fun talking cars and driving, get to drive without speed limits for nearly 1.5 hours each day, and they have happy hours

https://www.nccbmwcca.org/2022/02/12/31925-2/

and

https://www.formerinstants.com/Album...PDE-March-2024

This. You just don't get enough seat time for an entire day.