Pre-Auto-x stuff.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

I ran searches and I can't seem to find some of the older threads that I KNOW exist. Oh well...maybe it's the new server.



In any case, what pressures do you run with stock wheels in your M3 when you auto-x?



I know I have to overinflate some, but how much works. I'd rather not do trial and error with chalk.



Obviously I'll get rid of all the weight I can, but what else?



Should I bring lawn chairs, water...you know.



Feel free to throw anything at me that I might be missing.



I read on bimmerforums that I should put in an extra quart of oil just in case.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

As a side note, if I'm a N00b to auto-xing in general, but I can heel toe brake OK under normal circumstances, should I attemp to go back into first or just leave the car in 2nd?

[m3f_FLi GLi]

Should I bring lawn chairs, water...you know.



I read on bimmerforums that I should put in an extra quart of oil just in case.



Yes, to all of the above. You will have some down time, so might as well make yourself comfortable. If you have a tent or some sort of shade, you might want to bring that along.



I would pack a small tool kit consisting of basic tools, just in case.



A helmet, if the organizer requires it.



A video camera. Maybe you can get someone to tape you so you can analyze later.

[m3f_FLi GLi]

As a side note, if I'm a N00b to auto-xing in general, but I can heel toe brake OK under normal circumstances, should I attemp to go back into first or just leave the car in 2nd?



I have not auto-xed before, but have many friends that have. The general understanding that I have is you will get into second and pretty much stay there, unless there is a 180 degree turn.



I have seen/watched some auto-xes where they had a long enough straight that you could get into 3rd, but those are rare.





HTH,



FLi

[m3f_Max M3]

Do NOT add extra oil.... not for auto-x. Just make sure you are full normal. (check that several days before... not just on race day)



Get to the Auto-x with 1/2 tank of gas.



Always helmet... even though some events have loaners, you should own your own that will fit YOUR head.



99% of the time you will stay in 2nd gear... no matter how good you are at shifting, you always risk upsetting the car.



Tire inflation will depend on the tire. My S03's require different pressures than my Pilot Sports. You need to test after each run to see how they're doing. Use either pyrometer or 3 swipes of white shoe polish on the tires to see how much roll-over you have. To start, try F-37, R-34. My S03's have liked as much as 41 up front!



Bring a foldable chair if you have one... you may not get to use it, but it's a long day...



Bring food and liquid. I always have 2-3 quarts of Gatorade.



Bring an umbrella.... obvious in rain, but it's good for hot sun too!



Bring sun block during hot summer.

[m3f_FLi GLi]

Do NOT add extra oil.... not for auto-x. Just make sure you are full normal. (check that several days before... not just on race day)





I agree with this 100%. In reading Astan's original post, I thought he meant bring along an extra quart in case you burn through some during the autoX.



FLi

[m3f_99DakarM3_146594ecf1]

I think you can add 1/2 quart extra if you start to get the oil starvation issue, but thats just what I've heard so...



I wouldn't downshift into 1st unless you are comfortable & know you arent going to upset the car or break something. I would get a few auto-x's under the belt first & then really begin to look for ways to improve your times.

[m3f_astan100_7ef66fbe89]

Great guys! Thanks for all the input. As far as inflation of tires goes...should I put in a whole crapload in the beginning (like 40 all around) and deflate as necessary or will they have air pumps there?

[m3f_Max M3]

"They" may or may not have pumps, which fall into the "tool" category and you know what they say about borrowing men's tools...



Pump up to 38 and 35 COLD the night before if you can. Otherwise slightly higher if warm and let it out as necessary after your 1st (or more) run(s).

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Max, on a seperate note, how do you characterise the differences between the Michelin Pilot Sports and the S03's in terms of steering response, turn in and directional stability on broken surfaces?