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      05-24-2019, 08:33 PM   #1
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OG M2 Track Observations & Recommendations

So I have an '18 M2 heading my way that goings be dual duty weekender / light track use. Any recommendations or observations on setup or anything particular to this platform?

Not going to be competing with this car but I know me - won't be able to leave it alone so no sense even trying not to. This is what I'm looking at:

Ohlins R&T
GC camber plates
Essex AP Racing BBK front & rear w/Ferodo pads
Short throw shifter - still need to figure out which one
do88 coolers
Schroth QFP

My biggest unknown right now - wheels & tires! Really like being able to run square 18s on my E92 M3 - but I think that will limit this setup too much on rear tire? Especially if I decide to add some power down the line. Staggered doesn't look real friendly either in 18s. So I'm looking at 19s - thinking 9.5/10.5 that would allow for RE71 in 265/35 & 305/35 (will that fit???) as my normal set. And then when the need arises that wheel setup would also allow for some R7's in 265/35 & 295/35. Any thoughts here? And advice on offsets?

Thanks!
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      05-24-2019, 09:10 PM   #2
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I’m putting that 71R setup on my car next week. Will try to get some pics.

The 295/35/19 R7 won’t fit in the rear. Too tall. I ran 265/35 & 295/30.

The new Apex EC-7s have the offsets you want, but they won’t be out until later this year. I’ve been running VMR V710FF 9.5 ET33 with spacer & 10.5 ET45 for a year for staggered setups like this.

Last edited by ZM2; 05-24-2019 at 09:19 PM..
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      05-24-2019, 09:17 PM   #3
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Additional thoughts here: https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1517869
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      05-24-2019, 09:22 PM   #4
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Hey man,

I’ve also got an 18 LCI and modded it for moderate track use (5-10 days a season). I’m also running a tune so had the same considerations re wheel and tire choice.

My setup;

-Active Autowerke track tune, FMIC, turbo-back signature exhaust & charge pipe.
-Apex 9.5inch ET35 square setup wearing 265/35/18 RE71’s (10/12mm FR spacers)
-Ohlins R&T, Vorshlag camber plates (-2.9), PFC08 pads, Motul fluid
-Interior: M Performance shift knob (love this)

Overall, I’m very happy with the grip of the square 18’s - I prefer the better turn in with square setup even though I suspect the car might be slightly quicker with a staggered setup and more rubber in the rear. I could have run square 275’s but many track rats and techs smarter and more experienced than me were adamant it wouldn’t actually translate to more surface contact and grip.

The Ohlins are absolutely epic but I would spec the GC plates if I had the chance again. The metal on metal spherical bearings in the Vorshlags are too loud on the street for my liking (great performance though).

Brakes: if you are fast and experienced you will want the BBK. I will upgrade to them at some point. For now, the upgraded pads and fluid are doing a good enough job.

Re your wheel tire choice I think it mainly comes down to budget and size availability. If you are cool to cop the extra cost of a staggered 19 setup, that’ll look and go great. For me, I like the fact I can rotate my 18s and have a wide choice of tire (including Hankook RS4’s which I intend to try after my RE71’s are cooked).

Good luck. OG M2 on track is a beast, especially if it’s in Mineral Grey
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      05-24-2019, 09:37 PM   #5
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18” square is the budget setup, 19” staggered is the speed setup.

Both are good options, just depends on your goal.
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      05-24-2019, 11:08 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2 View Post
I’m putting that 71R setup on my car next week. Will try to get some pics.

The 295/35/19 R7 won’t fit in the rear. Too tall. I ran 265/35 & 295/30.

The new Apex EC-7s have the offsets you want, but they won’t be out until later this year. I’ve been running VMR V710FF 9.5 ET33 with spacer & 10.5 ET45 for a year for staggered setups like this.
Appreciate the heads up on the 295/35s and the apex offsets. No rubbing with that setup you’ve been running then? I’ll check out that link too, thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcmac View Post
Hey man,

I’ve also got an 18 LCI and modded it for moderate track use (5-10 days a season). I’m also running a tune so had the same considerations re wheel and tire choice.

My setup;

-Active Autowerke track tune, FMIC, turbo-back signature exhaust & charge pipe.
-Apex 9.5inch ET35 square setup wearing 265/35/18 RE71’s (10/12mm FR spacers)
-Ohlins R&T, Vorshlag camber plates (-2.9), PFC08 pads, Motul fluid
-Interior: M Performance shift knob (love this)

Overall, I’m very happy with the grip of the square 18’s - I prefer the better turn in with square setup even though I suspect the car might be slightly quicker with a staggered setup and more rubber in the rear. I could have run square 275’s but many track rats and techs smarter and more experienced than me were adamant it wouldn’t actually translate to more surface contact and grip.

The Ohlins are absolutely epic but I would spec the GC plates if I had the chance again. The metal on metal spherical bearings in the Vorshlags are too loud on the street for my liking (great performance though).

Brakes: if you are fast and experienced you will want the BBK. I will upgrade to them at some point. For now, the upgraded pads and fluid are doing a good enough job.

Re your wheel tire choice I think it mainly comes down to budget and size availability. If you are cool to cop the extra cost of a staggered 19 setup, that’ll look and go great. For me, I like the fact I can rotate my 18s and have a wide choice of tire (including Hankook RS4’s which I intend to try after my RE71’s are cooked).

Good luck. OG M2 on track is a beast, especially if it’s in Mineral Grey
Ha yeah mineral grey would normally have been my go to - but got a little crazy this time and went with the edgy choice - alpine white My E92 is space grey if that counts for anything.

Good to hear on the ohlins. Sound like a solid choice for dual purpose. What spring rates did you go with?

PFC is definitely solid - I’m going straight to the Essex AP Racing kit. Run them on my M3 and they have been fantastic. No fade, consistent great braking, and bonus mass reduction. When you make the move definitely consider them. Definitely worth the price tag.

Going to try to resist adding power for a bit, will see how long that lasts... Car at least has the MPE already so have a little sound to start out with.

Thanks!
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      05-25-2019, 12:21 AM   #7
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265/35/19 rubs upfront until you wear a few mm off the tire and fender liner. Then you’re good to go.

PFC 11s are my fav for the stock brakes. Ferodo has a new DS3.12 pad for the APs that I’ve only heard great things about. Trying those soon.

Agreed with your thoughts—tackle suspension & brakes first, then more power.
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      05-25-2019, 07:25 AM   #8
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Re the Ohlins, I went with stock spring rates.

Will take a look at those AP’s when the time comes! My shop loves stoptechs tho, I might get roped into them
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      05-25-2019, 10:44 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2 View Post
265/35/19 rubs upfront until you wear a few mm off the tire and fender liner. Then you’re good to go.

PFC 11s are my fav for the stock brakes. Ferodo has a new DS3.12 pad for the APs that I’ve only heard great things about. Trying those soon.

Agreed with your thoughts—tackle suspension & brakes first, then more power.
On my M3 my first upgrade was to PFC 11s with the pfc V3 direct drive rotors. Performed great for me as well until it was time to move to the AP kit. 3.12 has caught my eye too. The idea of similar characteristics to the 1.11 but with a little more bite is definitely intriguing. Doing quite a bit of work on the M3 - when it’s back together going to do some 1.11 vs 3.12. Will start with the 1.11s on the M2 since I’m familiar with them.

Really looking forward to this car on the track. Think it’s going to be an absolute riot.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dcmac View Post
Re the Ohlins, I went with stock spring rates.

Will take a look at those AP’s when the time comes! My shop loves stoptechs tho, I might get roped into them
How do you like the stock rates on the street?

A lot of praise out there for the stoptechs too - and your shops comfort level with them is big. For me the Essex AP kits have been flawless - really instill confidence when pushing to find the limits. Huge knowing they are always going to be there.
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      05-25-2019, 10:50 PM   #10
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Wheels ?
In the way of an 18 “ staggered set -up....might take look at the Apec FL-5s (9.5 f / 10.5 r). Offsets are M2 perfect and can fit up to 275 f / 305 r. I currently have RS-4s mounted in 265 f / 285 r....very happy with this set-up ?

Brakes ?
If your serious about the “light track use”..you may want to give the M Sport brakes a chance before upgrading to the APs. They’re really pretty good...with proper fluid and pads.
.

Last edited by M2C AW; 05-26-2019 at 08:33 AM..
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      05-26-2019, 02:53 AM   #11
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I run 265/30 19 and 295/30 19

(not 265/35 19)

This gets a closer diameter ratio front/rear compared to stock sizes too. 1,95% smaller front and 1,29% smaller rear.

With 265/35 19 fronts you get 2.1% larger front with 1,29% smaller rears... maybe not optimal.

https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...=10&offset2=20

https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...=10&offset2=40
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      05-26-2019, 08:58 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M2MGM View Post
Wheels ?
In the way of an 18 “ staggered set -up....might take look at the Apec FL-5s (9.5 f / 10.5 r). Offsets are M2 perfect and can fit up to 275 f / 305 r. I currently have RS-4s mounted in 265 f / 285 r....very happy with this set-up.
Very interesting - 18" would definitely be my preference. Having a couple of solid tire choices is important for me on this set. Want to have the options for a tire that can last a bit & also a stickier setup. Definitely going to look into this some more. Thanks!

Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnusT View Post
I run 265/30 19 and 295/30 19

(not 265/35 19)

This gets a closer diameter ratio front/rear compared to stock sizes too. 1,95% smaller front and 1,29% smaller rear.

With 265/35 19 fronts you get 2.1% larger front with 1,29% smaller rears... maybe not optimal.

https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...=10&offset2=20

https://www.willtheyfit.com/index.ph...=10&offset2=40
Awesome info - thanks!
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      05-26-2019, 09:28 AM   #13
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The tire/wheel size combo you decide to use ends up being dictated by which tires you want to run.

To get the most rubber under the car in my preferred tires (71R, R7), I have to fit 265/35 & 295/305/30/19.

Diameter change differences vs stock do not matter if you’re running with DSC off.
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      05-26-2019, 09:57 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2 View Post
The tire/wheel size combo you decide to use ends up being dictated by which tires you want to run.

To get the most rubber under the car in my preferred tires (71R, R7), I have to fit 265/35 & 295/305/30/19.

Diameter change differences vs stock do not matter if you’re running with DSC off.
Yes that is why I'm trying to figure out the best solution for me to be able to run a sticky tire and a more durable tire on the same set of wheels. This is not my primary track car so trying to get by with only one set of dedicated track wheels. 18s would be my preference too so going to give the setup M2MGM suggested a shot. Yes DSC off.
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      05-26-2019, 10:05 AM   #15
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If you’re going for more than a 265/285 stagger, I think your only options for 18s are the RR, R888R, Cup2, Trofeo R, and R7.

The 71R faster than the non-slick tires above with similar longevity, so that’s why I switched from 18s to 19s.
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      05-26-2019, 11:54 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2 View Post
Diameter change differences vs stock do not matter if you’re running with DSC off.
Agree. But this way I have less contact with the inner fender. And I don't always run DSC fully off, when it rains on track I often stick to traction mode. Then again I really don't know if the electronics are that badly affected at all by a larger difference in diameters.
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      05-26-2019, 04:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZM2 View Post
If you’re going for more than a 265/285 stagger, I think your only options for 18s are the RR, R888R, Cup2, Trofeo R, and R7.

The 71R faster than the non-slick tires above with similar longevity, so that’s why I switched from 18s to 19s.
For just grinding laps at my local track (err that sounds awful, no comments please ) I can live with a 265/285 if its a durable tire. When its driver mod practice like that just want a decent tire with good life - and this will be what the M2 will primarily see when on the track. If I ever feel like I need to be competitive in the HPDE Cup or something then would throw on the R7's & go wider in the rear. Or if I'm really feeling extra frisky then there are always Pirelli slicks out there...

Main goal was just to find a decent catch-all wheel size that can cover from long life through to go fast. Sounds like it's possible and being in 18" is a bonus
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      05-27-2019, 06:17 PM   #18
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I run the BBS E88 18x10 et33 and the Titan7 18x9.5 et35 square set up. Car is lowered with JRZ RS2. Same brakes set up as you have AP Racing. Running 15mm spacers in front. 275s all around NT 01. No rubbing.

Where are you located? My home track is COTA and H2R. If you’re looking for a SSK, check out the CAE kit. It’s a piece of art. I tried them all and this is my favorite.
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      05-27-2019, 10:16 PM   #19
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I run the BBS E88 18x10 et33 and the Titan7 18x9.5 et35 square set up. Car is lowered with JRZ RS2. Same brakes set up as you have AP Racing. Running 15mm spacers in front. 275s all around NT 01. No rubbing.

Where are you located? My home track is COTA and H2R. If you’re looking for a SSK, check out the CAE kit. It’s a piece of art. I tried them all and this is my favorite.
San Antonio also - and a member at Harris hill and get out to cota fairly often too - funny can be such a small world sometimes. All been in my E92 M3 to date - really looking forward to getting out to both in the M2.

Sounds like a heck of a setup you got there. Those JRZs help to smooth out Harris hill a bit? CAE fairly friendly on the street? Been looking at it and that has been my only concern. Since it’s not going to be my daily been thinking that shouldn’t be an issue though?

I like the square 275 NT01s too - good durability and decent grip. Went ahead on the staggered 18” setup. Won’t be perfect wheel sizes but good to know the NT01s are an available option.
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      05-28-2019, 03:59 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MagnusT View Post
I run 265/30 19 and 295/30 19

(not 265/35 19)

This gets a closer diameter ratio front/rear compared to stock sizes too. 1,95% smaller front and 1,29% smaller rear.
Magnus - Are you running yr 265/295 19" tyres on 437m alloys ? Are you running spacers F &/or R and if so what thicknesses ? TIA, BP.
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      05-28-2019, 11:40 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OG Shark View Post
How do you like the stock rates on the street?

A lot of praise out there for the stoptechs too - and your shops comfort level with them is big. For me the Essex AP kits have been flawless - really instill confidence when pushing to find the limits. Huge knowing they are always going to be there.
Been great - you can balance things out with the damper settings, so I really didn't stress much about the spring rates and went with Ohlins' and my shop's recommendations (i.e. stock).

For daily driving I went from 7 clicks all round, to 12, to finally settling on 17 of late. At 17 clicks, for me it's a great blend of better performance than stock, and practically the same comfort level as stock - but with reduced tendency for the rear to chatter around over bumps, rivets, pavement breaks and so on.

I ran 6 clicks on track at the BMW CCA Spring Driving School in CO on Sunday and the car was an absolute weapon... mid-lap the instructor went out of his way to comment on how quickly the car settles in weight transition, he thought it was unreal (so did I )

I would defo not go with softer spring rates (defeats purpose of upgraded track-ready suspension imho) but if you plan to track it a heap (like 15+ days a year) then perhaps stiffer rates could be a good option, just to give you the ability to tie it down even stiffer. My shop guy for example said he'd probably opt for slightly stiffer, but he's a 20-yr driving pro who doesn't daily his M2... For me, I'm at the stiffest I'll get with 6 clicks, but I'm happy with that.
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      05-28-2019, 01:15 PM   #22
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Quote:
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Magnus - Are you running yr 265/295 19" tyres on 437m alloys ? Are you running spacers F &/or R and if so what thicknesses ? TIA, BP.
Yeah, 10 inch rears with 20mm spacer in the front. Stock wheels in the rear. Öhlins R&T.
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