Richard, an awesome video, thanks for putting it up for us!! I've watched it twice this afternoon. I'm a newbie here, but in a bimmer since 1984, and really appreciate what these cars can do! I'm about to order a 550i, was even Irene's idea (though she doesn't know a 550i from a 2002). I had to turn the sound down when watching your video so Irene didn't start asking questions about what was up looking over my shoulder, or else I fear the 550i order would be off the table ==> she'd have me looking at Civics or something!

Thanks again, and Happy (SAFE) New Year!

Cal

 

Thanks for sharing the video, that was great! I am sure the Porsche and Corvette drivers were surprised to see a 5 series BMW in their rear view mirrors, and overtaking them. People expect to see M3s on the track but a big four door E60 is pretty rare on the track!
Great job!

 

Richard, great vid! And great to hear the 550i performed as well!

How many kms/miles did that track day consume yer front brakes? I used up 18,000kms after over 140kms on the track...but it was worth it

Would you mind giving me details of the video cam you had and how it was mounted? I would love to video my M5 around the track

 

Richard, a question I wanted to confirm: you don't have AS on your car, right? Have you tracked a car that does? Just wondering track based observations on the updated AS BMW is supplying these days.
Thanks again, great shots and video,
Cal

 

Richard, at the end of the video, did the instructor tell you to turn off the engine immediately after the laps? If that is the case, I am surprised...I know that at the BMW school they let all the cars run for at least 15-20 minutes after an autocross run.

 

Richard ,the video in full screen was great .................... What a blast !!!

Cheers

 

At the BMW school here (they use M3's) we turned the engine off but left the car in N and hand brake off. So when I took my previous 550i to the track, I did the same..

 

That was some great stuff Richard, only wished we could hear the exhaust note though.....may I suggest a clip-on mic taped to the licence plate.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll see if I can answer the questions.

Hard to tell about brake pad wear. I am sure I killed at least several thousand street miles off them. It was about 175 total miles on track with about 100 total hard braking times from 100+ mph. The nearly complete lack of brake fade was my biggest suprise. Maybe it was the brake fade compensation but the E39 M5 would have a super soft pedal by the end of each day. No issues with the 550i. The instructor was amazed at how much brake it did have from high speed.

I don't have Active Steering. I didn't want it. I only test drove one once and did a slaloom test with it. I'm not sure I'd like the variable steering rate on track or on street. Only one turn at VIR needed super quick steering.

I've not heard about leaving the engine running. Most times it runs enough at slower speeds on the cool down lap and going slow thru the paddock. On hot days with other cars (M5, 650i) I have opened the hood to finish cool down. It never topped 50F at this time at VIR so no over heating worries. I did miss not having a temp guage. It might be a concern in the hot summer.

Correct, I never use the parking brake during events after running on track. That can melt (fuse) its pad on the rotor and cause big problems.

I have a headrest mount for the camera. It is two posts screwed together with slots that go around the head rest posts. I have a tiny Canon ZR90 digital camcorder. It works very well except for the wind noise.

I agree the wind noise kills the beautiful sound of the exhaust and engine when working hard. Especially since the 550i V8 is so quiet.