Hey everybody

sparky1978 · newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2016 Posts: 17 Location: Paisley

All new to this. Used to have the hobby of football, but the knees and hips gave up last year at the relatively early age of 37. So,, here i am, in the world of motorsport.

So in July of last year, i got myself an e46 BMW from 1999. Since then i have transformed her from an ordinary saloon into a track car. Being a beginner, it has been an epic experience, which i have totally enjoyed.

25th October 2015 saw me have my first outing in the BMW, with stock suspension, relatively basic tyres, and no experience. I managed a 1 minute 10 second lap, which i was a bit underwhelmed with, as the Clios and Scoobies managed far less.

Since then, i have invested in a roll hoop with sidebars, lowered her by 60mm, tore a shedload more weight out of her, and concentrated on making her stick to the road a bit better. Unfortunately, ive ran out of time to install a different diff to give better accelaration, so the stock diff will have another runout.

Still, im up at Knockhill on 6th March for my second outing and cant wait. Loving it. 😀😀😀
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Auld '99 BMW e46.

sparky1978 · newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2016 Posts: 17 Location: Paisley

My wee car. 😊

https://m.facebook.com/Sparkys-Chariot-1640993589482326/?ref=bookmarks
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Auld '99 BMW e46.

AK

70s isnt too bad for a heavy E46 on standard everything Smile

What engine?
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Impreza Race Car, 1200kg, 480bhp - SLS/SMRC
Mini Race Car x3 - SMRC, SMRC, SLS
911 - 1981 Air Cooled 3.0
500 - 1969 Fiat 500 L
X5 40d M Sport
Mini Cooper Park Lane
MB Sprinter Camper
Track Scotland

sparky1978 · newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2016 Posts: 17 Location: Paisley

Only a 2.5 in her. Pretty much standard. ☺
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Auld '99 BMW e46.

AK

half the fun in starting from standard and feeling the improvements.... and being able to really see where the car needs to improve rather than just fitting XYZ because it looks good Very Happy

I think everyone should start on trackdays with a standard car Smile

My Impreza was kinda standard... The R32 GR was standard (shocking Laughing

)
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Impreza Race Car, 1200kg, 480bhp - SLS/SMRC
Mini Race Car x3 - SMRC, SMRC, SLS
911 - 1981 Air Cooled 3.0
500 - 1969 Fiat 500 L
X5 40d M Sport
Mini Cooper Park Lane
MB Sprinter Camper
Track Scotland

sparky1978 · newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2016 Posts: 17 Location: Paisley

Aye. Agree with that. Started off standard and every time i came into the pits i was writing stuff down that didnt feel right. Knew right away from my first tramp down Duffus that the stock suspension would have to go. By the time i hit the hairpin and the front right wheel lifted, i was cursing it. Lol 😂😂😂
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Auld '99 BMW e46.

MrMischief · newbie Joined: 10 May 2015 Posts: 55

Well done on getting some mods done to your car, hope the lap.times start to come down.

One question though : is that really bus handrails you're using as a rollcage? That could turn really messy if you stick it on its' roof Sad

How does it get past any scrutineering?

sparky1978 · newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2016 Posts: 17 Location: Paisley

It is metal handrail skin with steel tube pressed snuggly inside that. All bolted together. Knew it would be messy with just rails but went for bit of authenticity, seeing as my employers are plastered all over it. 😂😂😂
Never plan to use it for anything other than practice so scrutineering is not something to worry about. ☺
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Auld '99 BMW e46.

Gord

Welcome buddy
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