First Time to the Track w/the M5....any advice?

[Blkthght]

I have had the car for exactly a year. I'm very used to it and comfortable with it. And it's time. First track day is tomorrow at Willow Springs raceway in Rosamond, CA. I am a long time forum member, with some experience at a racetrack driving other people's cars, but this is my first time with my own car. Any of you more experience M5 owners have any advice for a beginner? For instance, should I consider a can of octane booster since I'm running a tune and the car will be under heavy load? Anyway, all comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Current Mods:

BMS stage 1 set at +3
xpel clear bra on bumper
KW-HAS suspension
12mm spacers all around
Exhaustmeister valve control
OEM carbon fiber diffuser, rear deck spoiler, and mirror caps
EAS cosmetic package (side markers and side vents)

[apexlocator]

Wow, you are taking this heavy beast to Big Willow? I would just recommend you dont get in trouble around turn 8 and 9....high speed sweeper with turn 8 and late apex at turn 9, and this car can definitely go high speeds, just not corner as well IMO.

My buddy totaled an EVO at turn 8 and I've seen someone carry too much speed into 9 and apex too early and wrecked.

Also, its usually hot out in Rosamond, 100F ambient by noon. So make sure you have enough brake pad left to get home (assuming you're not towing). Set your tires to around 30psi.

And if you can let us know what top speed the M5 can do on the front straight....curious, as I will never take my M5 there.

Oh and have FUN!!

[Blkthght]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Wow, you are taking this heavy beast to Big Willow? I would just recommend you dont get in trouble around turn 8 and 9....high speed sweeper with turn 8 and late apex at turn 9, and this car can definitely go high speeds, just not corner as well IMO.

My buddy totaled an EVO at turn 8 and I've seen someone carry too much speed into 9 and apex too early and wrecked.

Also, its usually hot out in Rosamond, 100F ambient by noon. So make sure you have enough brake pad left to get home (assuming you're not towing). Set your tires to around 30psi.

And if you can let us know what top speed the M5 can do on the front straight....curious, as I will never take my M5 there.

Oh and have FUN!!

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely taking it easy until I'm more experienced with the driving line. I'll probably adjust my tire pressure downward. Right now my fronts are at 36 and rears are at 39. And I better have enough brake pad to get home since I'm not towing lol.

[richard in NC]

I am not familiar with that track but I've done 3 different tracks with my M5. My two items of advice, is one, start with full DSC in the first session. You'll feel it kick in at corner exit but it's a good safety net until you learn #2.
Be smooth. Steering, throttle, and brakes. When smooth, you are faster and more able to apply the power. Then try MDM mode, once comfortable how much you can punch it at times.

[Blkthght]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I am not familiar with that track but I've done 3 different tracks with my M5. My two items of advice, is one, start with full DSC in the first session. You'll feel it kick in at corner exit but it's a good safety net until you learn #2.
Be smooth. Steering, throttle, and brakes. When smooth, you are faster and more able to apply the power. Then try MDM mode, once comfortable how much you can punch it at times.

Excellent advice which I will use. Thank you.

[apexlocator]

Bring foldable chairs/tent. If you run really low on gas (and you will), bring a couple gallon gas can; enough to make it to the outside gas station. Gas inside the track is expensive, even for 91.

Which organizer are you running with?

[Blkthght]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

Bring foldable chairs/tent. If you run really low on gas (and you will), bring a couple gallon gas can; enough to make it to the outside gas station. Gas inside the track is expensive, even for 91.

Which organizer are you running with?

Signed up through speed district. I'll make sure to fill up before the drivers meeting. Thanks

[DrKevM5]

Either get track pads or take an extra stock set to swap there. MDM DESTROYS rear pads on such a large car on a fast track.

[Blkthght]

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

Either get track pads or take an extra stock set to swap there. MDM DESTROYS rear pads on such a large car on a fast track.

In that case I'll keep full dsc on.

[smoorebmw]

don't be surprised when your tires are shot after a few runs Here are a few vids when I took my e60 to Button Willow...

@1:00 (catless headers)

[apexlocator]

Originally Posted by Blkthght

Signed up through speed district. I'll make sure to fill up before the drivers meeting. Thanks

I've ran with speed district, they are a good group.

Yes I always fill up at the local gas station before entering the track. I was referring to starting with a full tank before the first session and running low by the end of the day. The M5 has a relatively small tank considering its size and power IMO. But I've never tracked the M5, so looking forward to your impressions and experience with it on track

[richard in NC]

Here are some laps at Virginia International Raceway.
https://vimeo.com/130859952
My lap timer app was having issues so the speeds shown may not be accurate. I did hit 157 mph on the back straight when not impeded by slower cars.

[ur20v]

Set tyre pressures a few PS lower and monitor - they will heat up and rise.

Run new pads and fresh Dot 4 SRF racing fluid - best way to protect the discs and have the best avaliable brakes on the day.

Start slow, don't hammer the moter i.e short shift and use the torque.

Most of all go a smooth as possibe- you will be quicker and not over stress the brakes, gear box, motor or yourself this way....

Car is very competent, just need to work the weight so not to stress the brakes and tyres to much,

[apexlocator]

smoorebmw, I think you mean Big Willow, not Buttonwillow, according to your vids.

Was your E60 on aftermarket suspension? Your line needs a little work, but hearing that v10 sing was awesome

[boots]

Originally Posted by DrKevM5

Either get track pads or take an extra stock set to swap there. MDM DESTROYS rear pads on such a large car on a fast track.

Very true. I found that out during my 2nd session. Light came on. And pads gone. So I used traction off

[Phatcat]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I am not familiar with that track but I've done 3 different tracks with my M5. My two items of advice, is one, start with full DSC in the first session. You'll feel it kick in at corner exit but it's a good safety net until you learn #2.
Be smooth. Steering, throttle, and brakes. When smooth, you are faster and more able to apply the power. Then try MDM mode, once comfortable how much you can punch it at times.

Yeah I agree, I don't know the skill level of the OP, but better to keep the DSC on first time around.

But BMW's DSC is the most intrusive of all major German brands, my personal experience also Sport Auto did tests to confirm this. in SA's test, M4 with DSC on can add as much as 2 seconds to a Hockeheim lap (where's Porsche has the best system, less than 1 sec. apart).

[smoorebmw]

Originally Posted by apexlocator

smoorebmw, I think you mean Big Willow, not Buttonwillow, according to your vids.

Was your E60 on aftermarket suspension? Your line needs a little work, but hearing that v10 sing was awesome

of course my lines need work, I'm not Ricky Bobby! lol....eibach springs