Autocrossing
Hey all,
I was thinking about getting active with my BMW CCA chapter by starting autocrossing. Does anyone autocross in their E34? Is it worth going out and buying a helmet to do? There was a mini-autocross at the Street Survival course I went to this weekend (which by the way is a great learning experience), and I had a blast, so now I kinda want to try out the real thing.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Big, Big Time Poster
I dont have any good info for you sorry. All I know is that the Porsche guys are the ones to talk to about this stuff, there always autocrossing. I would like to get into this aswell with my E34 but dont know if Its the best car for the job. Im thinking maybe a z3 with the 2.8 with light mods would be an excellent track car. even bettter if its a hard top.
2 Grand Master
An e30 would make a good autocross car i think.
Lowered with blue h&r(?) springs, Bilsteins, tint, 19# design 3 injectors, Dual Magnaflow
southwest WA
Well unfortunately I'm in high school, so for right now the E34 is my one and only. I know it wouldn't be as nimble as an E30 or Z3, but I think it would still be fun to autocross in an E34....right?
2 Grand Master
It would be a lot of fun, I do a fair bit of aggressive rally driving in my e34 and it holds up well.
2 Grand Master
Do you have stock suspension?Originally Posted by we_call_him_doher
Well unfortunately I'm in high school, so for right now the E34 is my one and only
Lowered with blue h&r(?) springs, Bilsteins, tint, 19# design 3 injectors, Dual Magnaflow
southwest WA
Major Contributor
I autocross my car fairly often. Its fun and super addicting. I just went once to see whats it like. Now I AutoX in 2 different clubs))
In reality what will determine your times is you the driver more than the car. In the end your car will limit how fast you can go but it takes a long time to get there. I've seen a pro driver get better times than some impressive cars with a dead stock e34 535.
FS: PBR Deluxe rear brake pads [new]
Thanks guys.
No I have a stock suspension, but the P.O. did replace the shocks and springs with OEM parts, so it is a "new" stock suspension. From what I'm reading it sounds like it will be a good time, so I think I will go ahead and do it. Anyone know of a good place to purchase a helmet cheap in the DFW area?
Grand Master
I have autox my E34 before as well as done a few other events with it. You definitely won't be the fastest guy out there with such a large car, but it doesn't matter, because as everyone else will tell you its about making you a better driver.
As for the helment, I wouldn't worry about rushing out to buy a helmet for your first day - while most people love autox, you don't know if you're going to keep doing it, especially when you find out how much it destroys tires. The local clubs usually have plenty of loaners, and if you feel its something you're going to keep doing, then buy the helmet.
As for purchasing one, I just bought one from kneedraggers.com, a motorcycle website. A bunch of my friends are big into bikes, and suggested I try a few on in a local store to get the right size, then order online. The site I bought it from was the cheapest I could find that particular brand.
One other thing to consider is that while an open face helmet is okay for most autocrosses, to compete in a HPDE or "track day", you usually need a snell2000 or greater helmet. So if you think you may work your way up to track days, get the better helmet to begin with.
93 525i / 01 330Ci / 98 Camry / 91 Volvo 240 / 99 Jeep GC
Major Contributor
Stock suspension is perfectly OK. Although upgraded parts definitely will make the experience more fun. The most important thing is that you have RWD vehicle and it will teach you the proper way to drive on the course.
You can pickup a cheap helmet on Ebay. I am actually using my motorcycle helmet. As long as it has a snell sticker, they are happy.
FS: PBR Deluxe rear brake pads [new]
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