[GA_G87]

Hi! New to the list and M2 ownership! I have a new 2023 M2 6-speed manual that is bone stock that I plan on tracking next month. I have a couple of questions about track prep and hoping someone can help.

1. Brake Fluid: I usually run Castrol React SRF Racing (DOT 4) brake fluid for my track cars. Is this ok for our M2s? If so, how much fluid will I need bring to my BMW dealer for a flush? 2 liters? More?

2. Alignment (standard and track): I would like to know what the standard alignment is for a G87 in stock trim (I have stock suspension with the OE 19/20 wheels on the OE PS4S 275/285 tires). I found a post by “M2siast” (thank you!) that shows the OE alignment specs (see screen shot attached). Can someone confirm that the “Target Data” column is correct for a G87 BMW M2 for regular street alignment? More importantly, if I want to go to a moderately aggressive alignment for the track, is there a general consensus for a track alignment? If so, could someone please share those data with me, so I could give them to my alignment specialist at a local speed shop?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jim 😊

[aerobod]

The two main things I would do for M2 track prep (besides the normal brake fluid change) is increase front camber and put at least Extreme performance tyres and preferably R-comps on, I wouldn't expect the PS4S or any other Max performance tyre to last very well under hard track use (from my experience with other cars).

3 degrees or so of front camber would require camber plates, though. The rear camber could be increased a bit to 2.5 degrees or so (should be able to do this with the stock eccentric bolts), I normally like to keep the rear camber about 0.5 to 1 degree less than the front on a RWD car. Toe slightly toe-out on the front if you are OK with a bit of twitchiness will make the car better at turning in. I actually run a bit of rear toe-out on my Caterham, but this has to be done very carefully and on a car-by-car basis, as it could lead to instability and potentially dangerous handling.

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by aerobod

increase front camber and put at least Extreme performance tyres and preferably R-comps...increased a bit to 2.5 degrees or so (should be able to do this with the stock eccentric bolts).

Thanks, AEROBOD! My standard track car is a 2023 Camaro ZL1 with the 1LE track package, for which I have an aggressive alignment and run R compound tires. I just want to try out my M2 on the track with just the PS4S tires. If I like the car on track, I will probably get a second set of wheels with dedicated track tires.

Regarding alignment, are the figures in the screen shot the actual OE stock alignment settings? I'd like to have an OE alignment base line to work from, so my alignment guy and I can decide on a setting for my initial track event. Thx!

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by GA_G87

Thanks, AEROBOD! My standard track car is a 2023 Camaro ZL1 with the 1LE track package, for which I have an aggressive alignment and run R compound tires. I just want to try out my M2 on the track with just the PS4S tires. If I like the car on track, I will probably get a second set of wheels with dedicated track tires.

Regarding alignment, are the figures in the screen shot the actual OE stock alignment settings? I'd like to have an OE alignment base line to work from, so my alignment guy and I can decide on a setting for my initial track event. Thx!

The "Target Data" is the stock alignment. Unless you are already aware, for some reason BMW uses minutes for fractional degrees as opposed to decimal degrees, so for example -1°50' is actually -1.83° and 0°30' is 0.50°.

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by aerobod

The "Target Data" is the stock alignment. Unless you are already aware, for some reason BMW uses minutes for fractional degrees as opposed to decimal degrees, so for example -1°50' is actually -1.83° and 0°30' is 0.50°.

Thanks again. Would neg camber of 3.0 front/2.5 rear be a reasonable target for my first track event? Sounds like I might not be able to get that, however, without camber plates, right? Any further advice?

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by GA_G87

Thanks again. Would neg camber of 3.0 front/2.5 rear be a reasonable target for my first track event? Sounds like I might not be able to get that, however, without camber plates, right? Any further advice?

That would be a good target, but definitely needs camber plates to achieve that on the front. Front toe to parallel (0.00°) or even toe-out 0.05° (0°03') may be worthwhile.

The only other thing is to ensure 140Nm torque on the wheel bolts and a recheck a few times during the event. I'm not sure the optimum pressure on the M2 for track use of the PS4Ss, perhaps chalk the tread to get the tyre roll to the optimum?

I'm envious you can do track events at this time of the year, our season doesn't start until the end of April. Hope you have a great time!

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by aerobod

That would be a good target, but definitely needs camber plates to achieve that on the front. Front toe to parallel (0.00°) or even toe-out 0.05° (0°03') may be worthwhile.

The only other thing is to ensure 140Nm torque on the wheel bolts and a recheck a few times during the event. I'm not sure the optimum pressure on the M2 for track use of the PS4Ss, perhaps chalk the tread to get the tyre roll to the optimum?

I'm envious you can do track events at this time of the year, our season doesn't start until the end of April. Hope you have a great time!

My experience on the F30 chassis was that for PS4S tires (max performance summer tires), you don't want to go over 38-40psi by the time you finish your session. I started around 27-30psi depending on the ambient temperatures and how hard I want to push for that session.

For the extreme summer performance tires like the Goodyear F1 Eagle SuperCar 3 tires, I would not want to exceed 36-37psi by the time I finished my session. I started around 24-27psi depending on the ambient temperatures and how hard I want to push for that session.

[baron95]

The #1 thing the car needs is more front camber, but that is not adjustable in the OEM suspension, so your dealer can't do anything about it.

I too am coming from a SS 1LE to the M2.

My suggestion is for you to drive your M2 stock - no changes whatsoever, not even fluid, target 36 hot for the tires. And see how you like it and what it needs.

You will HAVE to manage the front tires. If you are experienced on track and can avoid the understeer scrubbing of your outside front tire, you will have a lot of fun stock.

If you tend to overcook the outside shoulders of your front tires, then you will cord and chunk them in short order. (and ever -3.0 of camber won't stop that)

Net/Net - drive the car and have fun. Don't worry so much about changes to track, until you have some first hand experience.

[Tag]

GA_G87, some useful info in the attached. Also, Jackie Ding of PhD Racing has some track prep videos for the G87 that you may want to check out. He also removed the brake duct cover on his G87 to improve brake cooling. They are mentioned in the attached, recommending they are removed to improve cooling.

[Hit_Apex]

Originally Posted by baron95

The #1 thing the car needs is more front camber, but that is not adjustable in the OEM suspension, so your dealer can't do anything about it.

I too am coming from a SS 1LE to the M2.

My suggestion is for you to drive your M2 stock - no changes whatsoever, not even fluid, target 36 hot for the tires. And see how you like it and what it needs.

You will HAVE to manage the front tires. If you are experienced on track and can avoid the understeer scrubbing of your outside front tire, you will have a lot of fun stock.

If you tend to overcook the outside shoulders of your front tires, then you will cord and chunk them in short order. (and ever -3.0 of camber won't stop that)

Net/Net - drive the car and have fun. Don't worry so much about changes to track, until you have some first hand experience.

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by aerobod

That would be a good target, but definitely needs camber plates to achieve that on the front. Front toe to parallel (0.00°) or even toe-out 0.05° (0°03') may be worthwhile.

The only other thing is to ensure 140Nm torque on the wheel bolts and a recheck a few times during the event. I'm not sure the optimum pressure on the M2 for track use of the PS4Ss, perhaps chalk the tread to get the tyre roll to the optimum?

I'm envious you can do track events at this time of the year, our season doesn't start until the end of April. Hope you have a great time!

Thanks again. Good reminder always about wheel torque. I ran PS4S on my 2017 Acura NSX with satisfaction with target hots of about 35 psi +/- a couple of psi. I live in Georgia and will do Road Atlanta later February.

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by Polo08816

My experience on the F30 chassis was that for PS4S tires (max performance summer tires), you don't want to go over 38-40psi by the time you finish your session. I started around 27-30psi depending on the ambient temperatures and how hard I want to push for that session.

For the extreme summer performance tires like the Goodyear F1 Eagle SuperCar 3 tires, I would not want to exceed 36-37psi by the time I finished my session. I started around 24-27psi depending on the ambient temperatures and how hard I want to push for that session.

Thanks. I have run PS4S on my 2017 NSX with target hots of 34-35 psi with good results. I run Goodyear F1 Eagle Supercar 3R tires on my Camaro ZL1 1LE with a little lower target hots as per the Camaro track guide, which says 32-35 hot. The 3Rs are great tires when hot but diabolical when cold. Thx again!

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by baron95

The #1 thing the car needs is more front camber, but that is not adjustable in the OEM suspension, so your dealer can't do anything about it.

I too am coming from a SS 1LE to the M2.

My suggestion is for you to drive your M2 stock - no changes whatsoever, not even fluid, target 36 hot for the tires. And see how you like it and what it needs.

You will HAVE to manage the front tires. If you are experienced on track and can avoid the understeer scrubbing of your outside front tire, you will have a lot of fun stock.

If you tend to overcook the outside shoulders of your front tires, then you will cord and chunk them in short order. (and ever -3.0 of camber won't stop that)

Net/Net - drive the car and have fun. Don't worry so much about changes to track, until you have some first hand experience.

Thanks for the info. You mean there is no minimal camber adjustment available on the stock suspension? Seems odd, but I believe you.

I agree to just drive it basically stock and get the feel of it. Maybe I'll bring both my G87 and my 2023 Camaro ZL1 1LE to my first track event at Road Atlanta later February and switch between them. The ZL1 is my primary track car, but it seemed a shame not to try the M2 on track. Yes, Jackie Ding is a great source. If I really like the M2 on track, I can move to camber plates to get better track alignment and maybe go to the 305 square wheel/tire combo Jackie uses with great success. Getting excited to get it on track! Thx again!

[GA_G87]

Originally Posted by Tag

GA_G87, some useful info in the attached. Also, Jackie Ding of PhD Racing has some track prep videos for the G87 that you may want to check out. He also removed the brake duct cover on his G87 to improve brake cooling. They are mentioned in the attached, recommending they are removed to improve cooling.

Yes, Jackie Ding videos are a great source. His laps at Barber with an almost stock M2 are amazing, given I drive there along with Road Atlanta. I will indeed remove the front brake duct covers as many G87 drivers have pointed out. Thanks for you help!

[WhiteRqbbit]

Do we need the dealer to do the fluid change on the brakes? I know its brake by wire, but I assumed it was the same process as any other car? Getting ready to prep myself.

[ZPD]

Originally Posted by WhiteRqbbit

Do we need the dealer to do the fluid change on the brakes? I know its brake by wire, but I assumed it was the same process as any other car? Getting ready to prep myself.

I changed my fluid using a motive power bleeder with no issues.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[baron95]

Originally Posted by GA_G87

Thanks for the info. You mean there is no minimal camber adjustment available on the stock suspension? Seems odd, but I believe you.

Welcome to the world of BMW’s very basic front suspension. Zero camber adjustment. (The rear is a modern multilink like the Camaro with camber adjustment). It’s hard to believe, I know. You will certainly miss the 1LE suspension on track.

Having said that, BMW gives you almost -2 camber in front stock. You can make it work if you manage the front tires.

Just have some fun stock. It’s a track day not a race. Go from there.

[kyrix1st]

There are not many ~200TW options for the stock 19/20 sizes. That being said, I have a set of AD09s in F:285/35/19 R:285/30/20 en route.

I'd just throw in a bucket seat in your case and get the car's baseline first.

[WhiteRqbbit]

Originally Posted by ZPD

I changed my fluid using a motive power bleeder with no issues.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ok, great, I have the same tool - it makes life so much easier.

[fcman]

GA_G87 who are you running with? I want to get my G87 out soon. Planning on hitting AMP a few times and possibly Road Atlanta

[DeadlyDrop]

Same here!! planning to attend HPDE this Feb, just curious does stock pad hold up okay? they say it will be 4 sessions 20 min each.

[GT3M2]

Originally Posted by DeadlyDrop

Same here!! planning to attend HPDE this Feb, just curious does stock pad hold up okay? they say it will be 4 sessions 20 min each.

Pad wear/fade will be determined by the driver and the track.

Stock pads I could have ran on at road atlanta all weekend in the rain, but once it dried up after about 4-5 quicker laps they started to lose a lot of bite.

Fluid is the bare minimum, when the pads start to fade its gradual and slow, not like boiling the fluid, once that's gone the brakes are gone. That being said the M2 has a HUGE brake fluid resevoir so I have feeling even on OEM fluid the system can probably process quite a bit of heat.

-GT3M2