[JMK007]

The e90 335i has some well-documented issues with overheating and/or limp mode on the track. I think they even referred to it as the "Limp Mode Party" or something. In any event, does anyone have experience with whether the F30 has any tendency to overheat or go into limp mode on track (whether the 328 or 335)? Whatever your experience, good or bad, please give as much detail as possible, including:

1) whether the car is a 328 or 335;
2) climate conditions (e.g. temperature outside, exessive humidity, high altitude...etc.);
3) number of consequentive minutes on track;
4) whether the temp guage moved;
5) perceived heat soak / loss of power over time; and
6) particular track set up for your car including whether there is any software upgrade, aftermarket radiator or intercooler....etc.

[scott@bmwhn]

I just had a track day this past weekend as well as one back in October, conditions were about the same.

2013 328i
80's - mild - sea level
4 x 15-20 minute sessions split my 40 minute cool down in between
didnt pay much attention to the temp gauge
no limp mode
no noticable heat soke
no engine mods

[mocohead]

328i
80's to 90's at sea level
4 20 minute sessions with a couple of hours between groups
no limp mode
no overheating
stock car

[DaaamnGina]

• 2013 335i xDrive M Sport
• Elevation ~5000 ft. High Plains Raceway, Colorado
• Temperature 50-60F, Low humidity
• Sessions - 5 x 15-30 minutes
• Breaks - 20-30 minutes with engine hood open
• Gauge showed around 240F when I looked
• No perceived loss of power
• No limp mode
• Stock setup

[pkim1079]

328i

Multiple track days 4 runs each 20-25 minutes. Anywhere between 60-80 degrees on different days.

1-2 hours in between.

No power loss no limp mode. Oil temp guage didnt even budge. Tires. Different story. Ha.

Bone stock baseline model. Heated seats are nice when tracking. Anyone else try? Lol

[ScarecrowBoat]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

328i

Multiple track days 4 runs each 20-25 minutes. Anywhere between 60-80 degrees on different days.

1-2 hours in between.

No power loss no limp mode. Oil temp guage didnt even budge. Tires. Different story. Ha.

Bone stock baseline model. Heated seats are nice when tracking. Anyone else try? Lol

Sorry to threadjack...but how were the brakes? I'm taking mine out once it clears up.

[JMK007]

There is a thread on this in the tracking section. However, we certainly need more info and experience on the topic of brakes on track.

[pkim1079]

Originally Posted by ScarecrowBoat

Sorry to threadjack...but how were the brakes? I'm taking mine out once it clears up.

Brakes are pretty good but i am not braking at the latest possible moment. At times i will but my focus is on getting the car balanced and set up before turn in.

[The HACK]

An inline 6 is impossible to cool when supercharged or turbo charged. There's no way to get sufficient cooling to the last two cylinder to evacuate heat fast enough. That's why Dinan's tune for the N54 and N55 specifically address this by increasing water pump speed FIRST. During testing they found that even at moderate increase in boost, cylinder 5 and 6 were showing signs of hot-spotting. The problem isn't solvable without significant investment into multiple cooling cores for oil and a MASSIVE radiator. I would be surprised if the new M3 does not come with at least 4 oil coolers and some form of upgraded water pump and radiator, if it does come in a tri-turbo inline 6. And I would be surprised if the 335 does not continue to suffer from limp mode induced by insufficient cooling.

The turbo charged 4, on the other hand...should be far more efficient in that regard.

[mocohead]

Originally Posted by ScarecrowBoat

Sorry to threadjack...but how were the brakes? I'm taking mine out once it clears up.

I have run the stock brakes four times now, both with street tires and with r-comp's. They are not as strong a proper track brakes, but I had no issues with fade or warping. But as a cautionary note - I knew I was on stock pads, so I drove accordingly. I just started braking a bit earlier and more gently than I would if I was actually racing or running track pads with proper cooling.

The f30 328i is really solid on the track. Just take it out and enjoy!

[DarkTrigger]

1) 2013 335i M Sport
2) Mid 90's
3) 20-30
4) Each time Pegged at 250 degF
5) Zero Loss of power (to my amazement since I've had limp mode just driving around town before)
6) MPPK