[jmg]

Looking into purchasing a new 340i M Sport. Right now I am torn between the Coral Red interior that I want, to a Black interior but with the Track Handling Package. I would like to go on the track at least a few times with this car, but I actually plan on getting a WRX beater for the track and dirt track. The question is: is it really worth it? How much better are the brakes and active suspension? What if I plan on lowering the car? How does that effect the active suspension?

[Labeef]

Originally Posted by jmg

Looking into purchasing a new 340i M Sport. Right now I am torn between the Coral Red interior that I want, to a Black interior but with the Track Handling Package. I would like to go on the track at least a few times with this car, but I actually plan on getting a WRX beater for the track and dirt track. The question is: is it really worth it? How much better are the brakes and active suspension? What if I plan on lowering the car? How does that effect the active suspension?

Well, BMW and other manufacturers provide adaptive suspension on as standard on high performance cars. Would I get it, yes. I've read a few post on here where people stated the suspension was to soft and floaty in comfort at high speed and some rave about it. It various person to person just like any other comparison or option. Personally, I've driven an F80 and a 4 series with adaptive and I liked having the car in sport mode where it tightens everything up. In addition, what's cool is on 15+ models, you can stiffen up just the chassis on the F30 and don't have to have the engine and trans all high strung.

As for brakes, you can't have to much brakes.

If you plan on lowering, it definitely reduces your options and makes it harder since you'll need to go with a higher end coilover which plugs into the connector of the adaptive suspension in order not to give faults. Or low cost like springs. Also, Dinan has some software updates that can further stiffen the car

If you have the money, go for it. I don't think you'll have any regrets.

[x986]

I'm a waiter, not a driver, but I have spent a LOT of time studying, and I have talked with a couple of owners. Adaptive is a must, but you don't have to get the Track Pack to get that. Std. brakes are more than adequate for daily use with occasional track use. While the jury is still out on VSS, I wanted it. My car, which is on the North Atlantic, has both the Sport & Track Packs.
Happy hunting!

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by x986

I'm a waiter, not a driver, but I have spent a LOT of time studying, and I have talked with a couple of owners. Adaptive is a must, but you don't have to get the Track Pack to get that. Std. brakes are more than adequate for daily use with occasional track use. While the jury is still out on VSS, I wanted it. My car, which is on the North Atlantic, has both the Sport & Track Packs.
Happy hunting!

I have driven plenty of cars on road courses and it is extremely rare to find a road car with OEM brakes that would inspire me to say there are "more than enough" brakes. My M Sport (blue) brakes with track day pads are still not "more than enough," you know the standard brakes are not there either.

[crono06]

Originally Posted by Labeef

Well, BMW and other manufacturers provide adaptive suspension on as standard on high performance cars. Would I get it, yes. I've read a few post on here where people stated the suspension was to soft and floaty in comfort at high speed and some rave about it. It various person to person just like any other comparison or option. Personally, I've driven an F80 and a 4 series with adaptive and I liked having the car in sport mode where it tightens everything up. In addition, what's cool is on 15+ models, you can stiffen up just the chassis on the F30 and don't have to have the engine and trans all high strung.

As for brakes, you can't have to much brakes.

If you plan on lowering, it definitely reduces your options and makes it harder since you'll need to go with a higher end coilover which plugs into the connector of the adaptive suspension in order not to give faults. Or low cost like springs. Also, Dinan has some software updates that can further stiffen the car

If you have the money, go for it. I don't think you'll have any regrets.

The option to only alter the chassis while keeping the engine/trans in comfort is available on '13 models as well.

[Tomahawk]

Originally Posted by crono06

The option to only alter the chassis while keeping the engine/trans in comfort is available on '13 models as well.

incorrect. only if you have dynamic handling package

[spuntyb]

A stock 340i is fine. Unless you track it regularly, you don't need a track package, brakes or suspension.


Case in point:
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=954033

Enjoy!

[ynguldyn]

ZTR brakes are not significantly better than standard 340i brakes: the front rotor goes from 340mm to 370mm, and the pads use a different material.

Adaptive suspension probably won't be as easy to lower properly as standard suspension. Though if you're buying RWD, sport or adaptive will be lower than standard already - and in my view, that's low enough.

The most important part of the track package, however, is something that no one has mentioned: Michelin PSS tires. They are absolutely, unquestionably, undeniably the best OEM supplied tires you can get today, short of hard core stuff like Z1SS or AD08.

[Outlaw 06]

Based on my experience driving 3-Series BMWs at numerous HPDEs over the past 15+ years, the OE brake rotors, calipers, pads, lines and fluid are very capable for track days. In my opinion, the most important track handling option in these cars is the (RWD) sport suspension combined with max performance summer tires.

[eluded]

Originally Posted by ynguldyn

ZTR brakes are not significantly better than standard 340i brakes: the front rotor goes from 340mm to 370mm, and the pads use a different material.




The most important part of the track package, however, is something that no one has mentioned: Michelin PSS tires. They are absolutely, unquestionably, undeniably the best OEM supplied tires you can get today, short of hard core stuff like Z1SS or AD08.

larger rotors and different material make a big difference.

My car has run flats and is track pack.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by eluded

larger rotors and different material make a big difference.

My car has run flats and is track pack.

Track use demands more aggressive pads than those that come with M Sport brakes anyway. ZTR with run flats is a wasted opportunity.

[Labeef]

Originally Posted by crono06

The option to only alter the chassis while keeping the engine/trans in comfort is available on '13 models as well.

On F30's?

[crono06]

Originally Posted by Labeef

On F30's?

Yeah. I personally have my Sport Mode to be chassis only while using comfort for throttle and transmission. I find this easier to live with during my daily commute.

This was available from the beginning without any coding.

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by jmg

Looking into purchasing a new 340i M Sport. Right now I am torn between the Coral Red interior that I want, to a Black interior but with the Track Handling Package. I would like to go on the track at least a few times with this car, but I actually plan on getting a WRX beater for the track and dirt track. The question is: is it really worth it? How much better are the brakes and active suspension? What if I plan on lowering the car? How does that effect the active suspension?

Standard brakes are awful. Hate them with a passion. The MSport brakes are better than standard. My MSport brakes are adequate for my uses, and I do not track the car. As for adaptive suspension, I am really disappointed with it. Comfort mode is not comfortable at all. It doesn't damper out the potholes and etc. My teeth crash when I ride over the bumps and especially potholes. I really wish the Comfort mode would be more comfortable. Its not wobbly or anything. Simply doesn't float over potholes. In Sport Mode, its great. Suspension is hard and stiff and little body roll. I have 19" wheels with summer Run Flat tires btw (just to disclose some criteria). Would the ride be any different in Comfort Mode with non run flat tires? I don't know. perhaps slightly. Good luck dude.

[dc503]

Originally Posted by BDWonder

Standard brakes are awful. Hate them with a passion. The MSport brakes are better than standard. My MSport brakes are adequate for my uses, and I do not track the car.

I'd be curious to know what makes the standard brakes so awful for just driving on the street. Can you elaborate?

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by dc503

I'd be curious to know what makes the standard brakes so awful for just driving on the street. Can you elaborate?

+1. I have the M Sport Brake Option on my 2014 M Sport but the difference is going to be seen on the track and not on the road.

[MO_23]

Quick story, i have a rwd Msport with the adaptive m suspension, and my buddy has a 328xdrive w/o both. Going around a curvy road one time and i was able to go 55 easily with no issues and felt like a breeze. I looked in my rear view as he's trying to keep up and he was in the other oncoming lane. Obviously other factors come into play, but I've driven lets just say "very spirited" in both cars and the suspension is definitely worth it. You'll be sitting 10mm lower with the m sport as well. I would get the track package if you're into handling and precision. My opinion enjoy the handling at its finest with the package. Good luck

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by MO_23

Quick story, i have a rwd Msport with the adaptive m suspension, and my buddy has a 328xdrive w/o both. Going around a curvy road one time and i was able to go 55 easily with no issues and felt like a breeze. I looked in my rear view as he's trying to keep up and he was in the other oncoming lane. Obviously other factors come into play, but I've driven lets just say "very spirited" in both cars and the suspension is definitely worth it. You'll be sitting 10mm lower with the m sport as well. I would get the track package if you're into handling and precision. My opinion enjoy the handling at its finest with the package. Good luck

If you have summer tires and he has all seasons, that's going to make a far greater difference than suspension.

[jmg]

I went with the Track Handling Package and I'm glad I did! Thanks everyone!

[Labeef]

Originally Posted by crono06

Yeah. I personally have my Sport Mode to be chassis only while using comfort for throttle and transmission. I find this easier to live with during my daily commute.

This was available from the beginning without any coding.

It must be a 335i option because my 320i doesn't have it nor did the 328i loaner I drove.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Labeef

It must be a 335i option because my 320i doesn't have it nor did the 328i loaner I drove.

You can discriminate chassis and throttle on the 340i as well. I believe chassis only works if you have adaptive suspension.

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by dc503

I'd be curious to know what makes the standard brakes so awful for just driving on the street. Can you elaborate?

Sure dude. There is very little feel to them, and the stopping power is weak. You almost have to start to hit the brake pedal way before normal braking, at least in my opinion. At slow speeds, I got really frightened when trying to brake near a car in front. It felt as if the brakes weren't stopping fast enough. It felt just like this progressive, gradual stopping. My Accord has way better brakes. You tap the pedal, and feel the car in control and stopping right away. I noticed same terrible braking on my X3 loaner. It was a brand new X3 I was given, very strange, had like 20 miles on it. Was told no one has driven it. The brakes felt very similar to the stock F30 brakes. No feel, no immediate response, lazy long stretch braking. Just terrible. I thought I was going to get into an accident while driving. Had to resort to driving extremely carefully and keeping great distance between cars.
Since the MSport brakes are thicker and have larger calipers, the stopping power is pretty good. responsive and you can actually feel it.